Best Nursing Homes in IOWA CITY, IA (2025)

IOWA CITY stands out with 3 five-star nursing homes (50% of facilities)—significantly above the national average of 18.9%. With an average rating of 3.7 stars across 6 facilities, IOWA CITY offers strong options for quality senior care.

IOWA CITY Quick Facts:

•50% five-star rate (165% above the national average)
•33.3% chain-owned facilities (national average: 76%)
•2 nonprofit facilities (33.3% of market)
•100% of facilities have abuse violations
•Average facility size: 72 beds (smaller facilities)

Nursing Home Costs in IOWA CITY

Nursing home costs in the Iowa City area average $295-$325/day ($8,850-$9,750/month) for skilled nursing care (comparable to the Iowa state average), according to the 2024 Genworth Cost of Care Survey. Iowa overall is 7% below the national median. Most facilities accept Medicare for short-term rehabilitation (up to 100 days), private insurance, and Medicaid for eligible residents. Some facilities also participate in Veterans Aid & Attendance programs for qualifying veterans and spouses.

Market Overview

IOWA CITY's nursing homes include 66.7% for-profit, 33.3% nonprofit facilities.

Choosing a Nursing Home in IOWA CITY

Start by touring the 3 five-star facilities in IOWA CITY, which represent the top 50% by CMS quality metrics. Consider the 2 nonprofit facilities—research shows nonprofits earn five-star ratings at twice the rate of for-profits nationwide. Note that 6 facilities (100%) have documented abuse violations—review inspection reports carefully before deciding.

All nursing homes in IOWA CITY are licensed and inspected by the Iowa Department of Inspections and Appeals. Iowa Medicaid covers nursing home care for eligible Iowa residents. For advocacy and complaints, contact the Iowa Long-Term Care Ombudsman at 1-800-532-3213. Iowa law requires nursing homes to maintain minimum staffing ratios, conduct quarterly inspections, and report all incidents to state authorities. Families can file complaints with the Iowa Long-Term Care Ombudsman program, which investigates concerns about quality of care, resident rights, and facility conditions.

All Nursing Homes in IOWA CITY

Filter and sort facilities below. Default ranking uses our composite quality score, which combines CMS ratings, staffing quality, safety records, and compliance history.

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Showing 6 of 6 facilities in IOWA CITY