We've told you reasons why Council Bluffs - Iowa's Leading Edge - is a wonderful community in which to live, and now here's the proof. Every day, people contact the Council Bluffs Area Chamber of Commerce requesting information about our city.

The following section is an attempt to answer some of the more-frequently-asked questions. You will find facts about our low cost of living, growing populations and seasonal climates.

Also included is information about the government in Council Bluffs and surrounding areas, our economic environment and more.

All these factors combined, make Council Bluffs a great place to live ...

Cost of Living

The cost of living in the Council Bluffs-Omaha metropolitan area is well below the national average.

In the Fourth Quarter 2000 City-to-City Cost-of-Living Comparison, the area was 4.7 percent below the national average, and in housing it was 9.6 percent below the national average.*

*Source: ACCRA Cost of Living Index

Climate

The weather in Council Bluffs will allow you to experience the beauty of the seasons: spring, summer, fall and winter.

The summers are typically warm, and the winters are seasonably cold. Most precipitation occurs March through September in the form of showers and thunderstorms in the evening.

The average winter temperature is 24.8 degrees F while the average summer temperature is 73.8 degrees F.

For the most current weather update, visit the National Weather Service web site at www.nws.noaa.gov.

Geography

Council Bluffs is located in southwest Iowa on the banks of the Missouri River. The city, located in Pottawattamie County, extends from the banks of the river to the scenic Loess Hills.

The elevation of the city is 1,289 feet above sea level. Council Bluffs surrounds a centralized business district.

Interstates 80 and 29 intersect in the southern portion of the city, which is served by two regional shopping areas, Mall of the Bluffs and the Manawa Power Centre.

The city limits of Council Bluffs cover more than 42 square miles.

Population

The population of the city of Council Bluffs is 58,268, a 7 percent increase over 1990, while Pottawattamie County has a population of 87,704, a 6.1 percent increase.

The state of Iowa has a population of 2,862,447. Both Council Bluffs and Pottawattamie County had stronger growth rates than the state of Iowa, which had a 5.4 percent growth rate.

The city is part of a five-county metropolitan area, including Cass, Douglas, Sarpy and Washington counties in Nebraska and Pottawattamie County in Iowa.

The city of Omaha has a population of 390,007. The metro area has a population of 716,998 with more than one million people living within 50 miles of Council Bluffs.

2000 Average Household Size

Council Bluffs 2.5
Metropolitan Area 2.5

2000 Average Home Value
Council Bluffs $78,500

Average Income

The average household income for the city of Council Bluffs is $36,738 and $39,188 for Pottawattamie County.

Average household income is the estimated average amount per household of total income received during the calendar year for all persons residing in a jurisdiction.

Median Age of Adults

The median age of residents living in Council Bluffs is 34.6 years old and within Pottawattamie County is 36.5.

Taxes

Income Taxes: The state of Iowa taxes wages and compensation that are subject to federal withholding and subject to Iowa withholding.

For more information regarding rate of taxation for income, contact the Iowa Department of Revenue and Finance at (800) 367-3388.

Property Tax: Property in Iowa is assessed every year. There are 93 taxing districts in Pottawattamie County. The roll back is state mandated and fluctuates from between 54-59 percent of the assessed value.

In the city of Council Bluffs in the Council Bluffs School District, the tax rate is $37.10 per $1,000 of the roll back value. Homestead tax credits and military exemptions are also available.

For more information regarding other tax districts, contact the county auditor's office at 227 S Sixth St, or please call (712) 328-5700.

Sales Tax: Iowa's sales tax applies to all goods and services (except food and medicine), which are taxed 5 percent. The city of Council Bluffs and Pottawattamie County have a 1 percent local sales tax. Total sales tax is 6 percent.

Government

City: The city of Council Bluffs is operated under a nonpartisan mayor/council form, with the mayor and five council members elected at-large by a popular vote.

To be eligible for election, residents must be 18 years of age and an eligible/qualified voter in the city of Council Bluffs.

The mayor is responsible for the day-to-day operation of the city, and it is the responsibility of the city council to establish city policy and certify the budget.

The council meets the second and fourth Monday of every month at 7 p.m. at City Hall, 209 Pearl St, Second Floor. During December, the council meets once.

For further information, call the city clerk at (712) 328-4616.

Mayor: Thomas P. Hanafan 2006

City Council:

Scott Belt 2006
Emil Pavich 2004
Chad Primmer 2004
David Tobias 2006
Matt Walsh 2004

County: Pottawattamie County is operated under a five-member board of supervisors elected at-large. To be eligible to be elected, a candidate must be 18 years of age and a resident of the county.

The board of supervisors meets every Monday and Wednesday at 9 a.m. at the Pottawattamie County Courthouse, 227 S Sixth St, Second Floor, Board of Supervisors Hearing Room.

Also elected are the county attorney, auditor, recorder, sheriff and treasurer. For further information, call (712) 328-5644.

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