Sioux City Relocation Deep Dive: 2026 Data Report

Sioux City: The Data Profile (2026)

Sioux City presents a distinct economic profile for the 2026 remote worker. With a population of 85,172, it operates as a smaller metropolitan hub where the median income of $62,350 sits 16.4% below the national median of $74,580. However, this income gap is aggressively offset by a Cost of Living Index (COLI) heavily weighted toward affordability—specifically in housing, which rests at an index of 82.0.

The educational attainment rate is a critical variable here; only 18.9% of residents hold a bachelor's degree or higher, significantly lower than the US average of 33.1%. This suggests a labor market driven more by manufacturing, healthcare, and logistics than by the tech or finance sectors typical of high-education hubs.

Statistical Target Demographic: The data points to a specific target: Hybrid/Remote Professionals and Manufacturing/Logistics Managers. These individuals leverage national-level salaries or stable local management incomes to maximize purchasing power in a low-cost environment.

Cost of Living Analysis

The primary economic advantage of Sioux City is the 18.0% discount on housing compared to the national average. While groceries (90.8) and transportation (91.2) offer moderate savings, the electricity rate of 13.4 cents/kWh (vs. 16.0 cents nationally) provides tangible relief for climate-controlled home offices.

Table 1: Cost of Living Breakdown (Monthly Budgets)

Disposable Income Analysis:
A single earner making the median income of $62,350 takes home approximately $4,050 monthly (after taxes). With a total budget of $2,310, the disposable income is $1,740, or 43% of net pay. This is significantly higher than the national average savings rate, allowing for aggressive investment or debt repayment despite the lower gross salary.

Housing Market Deep Dive

The housing index of 82.0 is the city's strongest financial asset. Buying a home is statistically advantageous due to the 18.0% market discount. The price-per-square-foot allows for larger living spaces, which is a premium asset in the post-remote work era where home office space is non-negotiable.

Table 2: Housing Market Data (Buying vs Renting Analysis)

Buy vs. Rent Verdict:
Relative to the national curve, buying is the superior financial move. The median home price of $195,000 creates a mortgage payment that is often comparable to rent. With a 18.0% discount on the asset value, equity accumulation occurs faster relative to income than in high-cost areas.

Economic & Job Market Outlook

RTO Impact & Commute:
Sioux City is not a high-density RTO (Return to Office) pressure cooker. The average commute time remains low, typically under 20 minutes. However, the 18.9% college education rate implies that high-paying remote corporate roles are less common; the economy is anchored by Tyson Foods, JBS, and regional healthcare systems.

Unemployment Analysis:
The unemployment rate stands at 3.5%, which is better than the national average of 4.0%. This indicates a tight labor market for local service and manufacturing roles, providing job security for residents, though wage growth may be capped by the regional economic structure.

Quality of Life Audit

While the economic data is favorable, the health metrics present a cautionary tale. The Health Score of 77.1/100 is rated "Good," but it is underpinned by elevated risk factors.

Table 3: Quality of Life Metrics

Safety Analysis:
Sioux City reports 302 violent crimes per 100k people (vs. 380 US avg) and 1,679 property crimes per 100k (vs. 2,000 US avg). Both categories sit in the "Average" percentile, suggesting a standard safety profile for a mid-sized American city.

Air Quality & Weather:
The Air Quality Index (AQI) of 40 is excellent, placing it well below the US average of 53. The PM2.5 levels are negligible. Currently, the weather is 21.0°F with a high of 33°F, typical for the region's continental climate.

Schools:
With lower educational attainment (18.9%), the school district performance varies. Prospective residents should research specific districts, as funding and outcomes can fluctuate more in smaller cities than in national averages.

The Verdict

Pros:

• Housing Value: A 42.6% discount on median home prices compared to the US.
• Low Unemployment: A tight job market at 3.5%.
• Air Quality: Excellent AQI of 40.
• Utilities: Electricity costs 13.4 cents/kWh, saving hundreds annually.

Cons:

• Income Ceiling: Median income is $62,350, 16.4% below the national average.
• Health Risks: Obesity (39.7%) and Diabetes (12.2%) rates are significantly higher than average.
• Education Gap: Lower percentage of college graduates may limit networking opportunities for white-collar professionals.

Final Recommendation:
Sioux City is a high-value relocation target for 2026 if your income is decoupled from the local median. For remote workers earning $80,000+ or for families in the manufacturing/healthcare sectors, the purchasing power is exceptional. However, the high obesity and diabetes rates require a proactive approach to personal health maintenance.

FAQs

1. What salary is needed for a comfortable life in Sioux City?
For a single professional, a salary of $62,350 (the median) allows for a 43% savings rate due to low costs. However, to live in newer housing and maximize savings, a salary of $75,000 is ideal.

2. How does the value compare to other Midwest cities?
Sioux City offers a deeper housing discount (42.6% below US average) than cities like Des Moines or Omaha, though it has a slightly lower median income.

3. Is Sioux City safe?
Yes, statistically. Violent crime is 302/100k (vs 380 US avg) and property crime is 1,679/100k (vs 2,000 US avg). It aligns with national averages.

4. When is the best time to move for housing deals?
The market is stable. However, moving in late autumn (October-November) often yields lower rental rates as the college semester ends and winter weather deters buyers, potentially lowering the median price point temporarily.