Nursing Homes in Iowa
Overview and quality data
Iowa is served by 390 Medicare-certified nursing homes offering skilled nursing care, rehabilitation services, and long-term residential care for individuals who need ongoing medical attention. These facilities are spread across 249 cities, with Des Moines having the largest concentration at 12 facilities. Other major cities include Cedar Rapids (10) and Dubuque (8).
The average quality rating for nursing homes in Iowa is 3.1 out of 5 stars — above the national average of 3.0. 178 facilities (46%) earned 4 stars or higher, and 99 achieved a perfect 5-star rating.
54% of nursing homes in Iowa are for-profit facilities, while 167 are non-profit. Facilities average 65 certified beds.
Browse by City
249 cities with nursing homes in Iowa
What to Look For
Key factors when choosing a nursing home in Iowa
Overall Star Rating
CMS assigns 1-5 stars based on health inspections, staffing levels, and quality measures. Facilities with 4-5 stars consistently deliver better outcomes.
Staffing Levels
Check RN, LPN, and CNA hours per resident per day. Higher staffing — especially registered nurse hours — correlates strongly with better care quality and fewer adverse events.
Health Inspection Results
Review the most recent inspection for deficiencies, complaints, and violations. Fewer and less severe deficiencies indicate better regulatory compliance and resident safety.
Quality Measures
Look at clinical outcomes: fall rates, pressure ulcer incidence, urinary tract infections, antipsychotic medication use, and rates of emergency department visits.
Resident & Family Experience
Visit in person to observe staff interactions, cleanliness, and resident engagement. Ask about family councils, visiting hours, and how concerns are handled.
Frequently Asked Questions
About nursing homes in Iowa
How many nursing homes are in Iowa?
Iowa has 390 Medicare-certified nursing homes across 249 cities. Des Moines has the most with 12.
Which cities in Iowa have the most nursing homes?
The top cities are Des Moines (12), Cedar Rapids (10), Dubuque (8), Davenport (7), Waterloo (6).
What is the average quality rating in Iowa?
The average CMS rating for nursing homes in Iowa is 3.1 out of 5 stars, above the national average of 3.0. 99 facilities earned a perfect 5-star rating. 46% scored 4 stars or higher.
What should I look for when choosing a nursing home?
Key factors include overall star rating, staffing levels, health inspection results. Visit our individual facility pages for detailed quality data and CMS ratings.
Are all nursing homes listed here Medicare-certified?
Yes. Every facility on OurHealthNetwork is certified by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). Our data comes directly from CMS Nursing Home Compare and is updated regularly.
Does Medicare cover nursing home care?
Medicare covers nursing home services for eligible beneficiaries. Coverage details vary by service type and facility. Check with the specific facility and your Medicare plan for coverage details.
How often is CMS Nursing Home Compare data updated?
CMS typically updates nursing home quality data quarterly. Our database reflects the most recent CMS release, refreshed periodically.
Can I compare nursing homes across cities in Iowa?
Yes. Click any city below to view nursing homes in that area with detailed quality data, star ratings, maps, and facility information.
Find Nursing Homes Near You
Select a city above or search to find nursing homes in Iowa.
Browse All StatesData source: CMS Nursing Home Compare ·