AI-Scored Rankings • Updated 2026-04-03

Best Apartments in Cedar Rapids, IA — Scored by AI

ListWise scores every Cedar Rapids neighborhood on safety, walkability, schools, commute time, and rental value. See which areas actually match your lifestyle — not just what's cheapest.

$850/mo
Median Rent
137,710
Population
8
Neighborhoods Scored
UnityPoint Health - St. Luke's
Top Employer
Local Insights

Why Cedar Rapids? What Renters Need to Know

Cedar Rapids averages about $850 per month for a one-bedroom, affordable even by Iowa standards. NewBo and Marion run closer to $950–$1,050, while Time Check and lower-income areas offer options under $750.

Quick Facts

Population 137,710
Median Rent $850/mo
Top Employer UnityPoint Health - St. Luke's
Neighborhoods 8 scored by AI
Rent vs. National$850 vs $1,500 national median

Rent Comparison

Cedar Rapids median rent is $650 below the national median of $1,500/mo — an affordable market.

Largest Employer

The largest employer in Cedar Rapids is UnityPoint Health - St. Luke's, making the NewBo area and nearby neighborhoods popular for commuters looking to minimize travel time.

Top Neighborhoods

Top Neighborhoods in Cedar Rapids

Ranked by ListWise's composite AI score. Top 3 shown free — unlock all 8 for the full picture.

#1

NewBo

Score: 82/100
Safety B+
Walk Score 74
Avg Rent $950
Schools 7/10
#2

Kenwood

Score: 80/100
Safety B
Walk Score 62
Avg Rent $900
Schools 7/10
#3

Time Check

Score: 68/100
Safety C-
Walk Score 60
Avg Rent $700
Schools 4/10

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#4

Ellis Park

Score: 75/100
Safety C+
Walk Score 54
Avg Rent $800
Schools 6/10
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#5

Hiawatha

Score: 79/100
Safety B-
Walk Score 38
Avg Rent $900
Schools 7/10
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#6

Marion

Score: 83/100
Safety B+
Walk Score 36
Avg Rent $1,050
Schools 8/10
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#7

Robins

Score: 82/100
Safety B+
Walk Score 24
Avg Rent $1,100
Schools 8/10
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#8

Ely

Score: 78/100
Safety B-
Walk Score 20
Avg Rent $1,000
Schools 7/10
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See All 8 Cedar Rapids Neighborhoods Ranked

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How It Works

How ListWise Scores Cedar Rapids Apartments

1

Tell Us Your Priorities

Rank what matters: safety, schools, walkability, commute, budget, nightlife. Every Cedar Rapids renter is different.

2

AI Scores Every Listing

We pull real-time data from MLS, crime stats, school ratings, transit APIs, and walk score databases for Cedar Rapids.

3

Get Your Ranked List

Receive a PDF + Excel report with Cedar Rapids properties ranked by YOUR priorities. Delivered within 24 hours.

FAQ

Frequently Asked About Cedar Rapids

What is the average rent in Cedar Rapids?

Cedar Rapids averages about $850 per month for a one-bedroom, affordable even by Iowa standards. NewBo and Marion run closer to $950–$1,050, while Time Check and lower-income areas offer options under $750.

What is Cedar Rapids known for?

Cedar Rapids is the Quaker Oats capital of the world — the distinctive cereal smell from the Quaker facility is a local landmark. The city is also known for its Czech and Slovak heritage, with the National Czech and Slovak Museum housed here.

How did Cedar Rapids recover from the 2008 flood?

The 2008 flood inundated one-third of Cedar Rapids, causing $6 billion in damage. The city undertook a massive flood control project that took over a decade to complete, and the rebuilt waterfront and NewBo district are now among the city's greatest assets.

What are the best suburbs of Cedar Rapids?

Marion and Robins are the top choices for families, with highly rated school districts and safe suburban environments at very affordable prices. Both communities have seen strong growth as people seek Cedar Rapids employment with suburban amenities.

What major employers are in Cedar Rapids?

Cedar Rapids has a surprisingly diversified economy anchored by agri-business (Quaker Oats, Cargill), high-tech manufacturing (Collins Aerospace, which builds aircraft avionics), and healthcare. Collins Aerospace employs over 7,000 people, making it the largest private employer.

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Data is for informational purposes only. Verify all information independently before making housing decisions.