Iowa Concrete Prices, Codes & Climate

Ready-mix cost range

$125–$165per cubic yard

Frost depth reference

58″reference only

ACI 318 exposure classes

F3 · C2 · S0

Air entrainment

required for exterior flatwork

How much does concrete cost in Iowa?

Ready-mix in Iowa runs roughly $125 to $165 per cubic yard. That is an estimated band, not a quote — published US price sources disagree with each other by nearly two to one. How we source price figures.

What does the Iowa climate require?

Severe freeze-thaw with well over a hundred cycles a year and heavy road salt make F3 mixes essential, and ACI 306 cold-weather concreting runs from November into March.

Under ACI 318, Iowa falls in exposure classes F3, C2, S0. Air entrainment is required for exterior flatwork. Air entrainment is required for classes F1, F2 and F3.

How deep is the frost line in Iowa?

Compiled reference tables put Iowa at about 58 inches. That figure is orientation only. The footing depth you actually have to build to is determined by your local building department — IRC R403.1.4 requires footings to extend below the locally determined frost line, and there is no national number.

Soil concerns

Deep prairie loam and glacial till provide good bearing across most of the state, but the western loess hills are collapse-prone when saturated and need controlled drainage away from slabs.

Seismic

Very low seismicity statewide. No special seismic detailing is required for residential flatwork.

Contractor licensing

We do not publish a licensing determination for Iowa without a dated primary source. We do not publish a state licensing determination without a dated primary source. Check the state board directly. Check the official source.

Cities

• Des Moines
• Cedar Rapids
• Davenport
• Sioux City
• Iowa City
• Ames