From crazy, unpredictable weather to unpredictable deer, here are the nine biggest risks of living in Iowa. But, they say that with great risk comes great reward, and as far as the Hawkeye State is concerned, the risks of living in Iowa are far outweighed by the rewards, making moving to Iowa worth the gamble. So whether you’re moving to Iowa, wondering, “Is Iowa a good place to live?” or simply curious about what people consider to be some bad things about Iowa, read on!

1. Deer will seem to target your car.
State Farm/Flickr
Or maybe they just have really bad timing... either way, these things end up doing a lot of costly damage to cars and even cause harm to motorists. Luckily we Iowans have honed our deer-avoiding skills to minimize accidents.
2. Ticks will feed off of your lifeblood.
Fairfax County/Flickr
These little devils not only leave you with a nasty bite, but they can cause many different illnesses and diseases, such as Lyme Disease.
3. ....And mosquitos will join them.
John Tann/Flickr
If you have skin and you go outside during the summer, you will be attacked by mosquitos. It's just a fact. That's why we Iowans always keep our arsenal loaded with bug spray.
4. Iowa's fifth season: Roadwork Season.
.Chris Lee/Flickr
The days are bright and warm, the birds are singing, and the air is filled with a melody of deafening construction equipment.

Related Stories

Get Off The Freeway And Onto This Scenic Back Road Between Marquette and Guttenberg, Iowa

Get Off The Freeway And Onto This Scenic Back Road Between Marquette and Guttenberg, Iowa

 Explore 366 Acres Of Trails, Waterfront, Flora, and Fauna At Iowa's Otherworldly Lake Keomah State Park

Explore 366 Acres Of Trails, Waterfront, Flora, and Fauna At Iowa's Otherworldly Lake Keomah State Park

 8 Waterfront Retreats In Iowa That Are Perfect For Warm Weather Adventures

8 Waterfront Retreats In Iowa That Are Perfect For Warm Weather Adventures
5. For those who live in rural Iowa, there's a whole different kind of traffic jam: A tractor jam.
Robert Couse-Baker/F;ickr
You're driving along the highway going 60 when all of a sudden, you have to slam on your brakes and slow down to about 30 mph. There is a line of cars in front of you and who should be leading that line? A tractor. You, my friend, just got caught in a tractor jam.
6. During winter, the roads turn into a giant ice skating rink.
Hanna Sörensson/Flickr
Experience driving on these roads can make it a little less stressful, but there will always be that person who underestimates the ice and ends up scaring the crap out of everyone else as they slide all over the road before landing in a ditch.
7. And spring means Tornado Season.
©UCAR/Flickr
Although many of us like to stand outside and watch them, they can be deadly and destructive. Each year, some town gets hit with one of these, and it ends up doing a lot of damage.
8. Summers aren't so bad.... except for the humidity.
GillyFace/Flickr
The heat isn't so bad, but the humidity makes stepping outside like going into a very large, outdoor sauna.
9. When it rains, it floods.
doucett2/Flickr
It seems like almost every year we get floods in Iowa. There was the flooding in Ames in 2010, the flood in Burlington in 2014, and the Iowa Flood in 2008, which hit most of the rivers in eastern Iowa, flooding Cedar Rapids and Iowa City the worst.

So, what do you think? Are the risks of living in Iowa worth it? That was a trick question. Of course, our great state is worth all the risks! What are some other dangerous things in Iowa residents may run into? What would keep you from moving to Iowa? Tell us!

The dangerous things in Iowa don’t end with those mentioned above. There are quite a few more, including these terrifying bugs in Iowa.

OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

More to Explore

Living In Iowa

Daniella DiRienzo | July 28, 2022

What are the best things about living in Iowa?

  • The seasons
  • A thriving arts scene
  • Kind, welcoming people
  • Beautiful natural wonders

 

The risks of living in Iowa are far outweighed by the perks of living in the Hawkeye State. There are so many wonderful things about living in Iowa, including four seasons. The seasons in Iowa are prominent and distinct, giving residents the chance to enjoy beautiful spring weather, colorful fall foliage, warm summers, and cold winters. In addition to the ever-changing weather, those that live in the Hawkeye State get to enjoy a thriving art scene, which includes everything from arts and crafts fairs to art museums and exhibits. The perks of living in Iowa don’t end with the weather and the arts, though. Another huge perk of living in Iowa is the people! That’s right; the Hawkeye State’s residents are among its biggest assets, and that’s because they’re known for being exceptionally friendly and willing to help those in need.

What unique words and phrases do people in Iowa say?

Some unique Iowa words and phrases include:

  • Knee-high by the Fourth of July
  • Squinnies
  • Kybo

 

Many don’t realize it, but Iowans have a language all their own. It’s true; there are certain words and phrases that are unique to the region, such as knee-high by the Fourth of July, which is a popular saying among farmers in the Midwest when referring to the growth of corn crops. Squinnies, which means squirrel, is another common term in Iowa. The unique words and phrases don’t end there, though. Kybo is another term Iowans use regularly. The word might seem foreign, but it just means port-a-potty.

Related Articles