Across Iowa, small towns are reimagining housing possibilities. Whether the challenge involves aging homes, rising rents, or limited options for working families, the Rural Housing Readiness Assessment (RHRA) helps communities chart a course forward.
Offered through Iowa State University Extension and Outreach Community and Economic Development, RHRA gives local leaders a practical framework to assess housing needs, engage residents, and design realistic, actionable plans rooted in local priorities.
Since 2020, more than 60 communities (see map below) have completed the RHRA process. And they’re not just planning — they’re building. Newton is constructing 20 new homes and renovating 200 more. Keokuk secured $1.2 million in grants to revitalize neighborhoods. Grinnell is developing 200 new rental units, backed by $35 million in investment. And in Fairfield, investments in housing near child care and healthcare amenities are transforming underused land into vibrant neighborhoods.
In total, 17 surveyed RHRA communities have already generated over $132 million in housing investments, with another $104 million in the pipeline. The impact stretches across the state—from Creston to Sheldon to Knoxville — bringing new energy and opportunity to Iowa’s rural housing landscape.
RHRA isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution — it’s a flexible framework that helps communities take ownership of their future. From repairing what’s already there to building something entirely new, Iowa towns are using RHRA to meet housing challenges head-on — and make home possible for more Iowans.
Iowa State University Extension and Outreach