Is “Iowa Nice” Real?
Why Iowans Are Some of
the Nicest People
From an early age, Iowans are taught to be nice and to mind their manners -- not to mention their moms, scoutmasters, and 4-H leaders.
People from other states have noticed how nice Iowans are. Sometimes, they’re baffled by it. Truckers have said that Iowa drivers are much more likely to slow down and make room for them.
We Think We’re Nice, Too
Not only do folks from other states think we’re remarkably nice, but we think so, too. According to a 2021 Des Moines Register poll, 58% of Iowans think the residents of our state are nicer than people from other states. Another sizable group (36%) sees no difference between Iowans and other folks, but only 4% think Iowans are rude.
Poll respondents who consider Iowans especially nice represent every demographic of age, race, income level, and political affiliation. Most urban, suburban, small-town, and rural communities stated that Iowa has more than its share of nice people.
But why?
Country Charm
One explanation for Iowan’s niceness could be the state’s high percentage of rural residents compared to other states, since country folks are generally regarded as the most neighborly.
A recent Pew Research Center poll found that rural residents are more likely to know all or most of their neighbors. What’s more, they’re also more likely to trust their neighbors (such as by providing neighbors with a set of keys to their home).
More than Affordable
Forbes recently included Iowa among its Cheapest States to Live in for 2023. That could help account for Iowans’ niceness.
The study considered each state's cost-of-living index, average salaries, and housing availability.
The Forbes researchers found Iowa housing costs 24% below the national average. And unlike most other states that made the list, Iowa was singled out as relatively prosperous, with a strong economy and a poverty rate lower than the national average.
Low-Pressure Zone
Not only is Iowa listed among the top states for affordability, low crime and quality of life, but our urban areas are more relaxed than those in other states. In 2016, Iowa City was named the "Least-Stressed City in America." Both Des Moines and Cedar Rapids were also recently listed among the country’s most stress-free cities.
A 2022 WalletHub study rated Iowa among the top 20 Happiest States In America. Perhaps a low-stress environment contributes to Iowans’ overall happiness, which in turn makes them nicer? There’s data to back up this idea.
Who Is the
Average Iowan?
According to government statistics, the “average” Iowa resident is a 38-year-old Caucasian female.
She is married with one child, and her annual household income is $65,429. She graduated from high school and probably attended college but did not complete her degree.
She and her family reside in their own home, valued at $193,341. She works in education or healthcare, and her daily commute is about 20 minutes.
Source: U.S. Census
If You’re Happy and You Know It…
Researchers in Great Britain have identified a type of “positive feedback loop” between kindness and happiness. Study participants who engaged in a single kind deed were found to be happier than those who did not.
They were also more likely to perform another act of kindness. In other words, kindness makes us happy, and happiness makes us kind.
At CBSI, We’re Iowa Nice
As “The Collection Agency That Cares,” we at CBSI pride ourselves on being Iowa nice. It’s the embodiment of who we are.
Our fair, compassionate approach to debt collection works -- our recovery rate is double the industry average. We treat our clients and their consumers as we want to be treated: with kindness, respect and empathy.
When you retain CBSI as your collection partner, you’ll receive a higher rate of return on overdue debts, your good name will remain intact, and your customers will be happier for having resolved their financial obligations.
What could be nicer than that?
Sources:
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