13 Reasons Why People In Iowa Should Be Proud Of Their State

The next time someone makes fun of Iowa, just show them this list. We are some of the smartest people in the country, we have some of the lowest crime rates, and we supply the country with power, food, and fuel, but you don't see us bragging about it. Why? Because we're from Iowa, and we have better manners than that. So, here are 13 reasons to be proud of our totally great, completely underrated state.

1. Iowa has the highest literacy rate in the nation

At 99%, Iowa has the highest literacy rate in the country, and according to TIME Magazine, reading makes us smarter and nicer. We guess it's no coincidence that we Iowans are known for being so nice.

2. Iowa has the highest graduation rate

At 90%, Iowa has the highest graduation rate. Iowa also consistently ranks top in the nation for SAT and ACT test scores.

3. Iowa is home to one of the six literary cities of the world

Iowa City is one of UNESCO's six Cities of Literature in the world, alongside Edinburgh, UK and Dublin, Ireland.

4. Iowa is the sixth safest state to live in

With a low overall crime rate and second lowest murder rate, Iowa is the sixth safest place to live, according to Movoto.com.

5. Iowa ranks first in the nation in corn and soybean production

These plants go to create many products American people use every day, like fuel, corn syrup, cereal, and more. Did you know that even your toothpaste is made from corn?

6. Iowa produces the second most wind energy in the nation

Iowa's wind energy helps generate enough electricity to power several hundred thousand homes each year.

7. Iowa produces twice as much ethanol as any other state

25% of the country’s supply of ethanol comes from Iowa. Studies show that without ethanol, Americans would pay 20 to 40 cents more per gallon of gasoline

8. Iowa has affordable housing

According to Trulia.com, the average listing price for a single-family home in Iowa is $174,101, higher only than the average listing price in Ohio.

9. Iowa is a cheap place to live

Iowa's cost of living is significantly lower than the national average, about 12 percent lower overall.

10. Iowa is one of the best places to live for young people

Money-rates.com, a banking and money management website, ranked Iowa the fifth best state for young people.

11. Ames is one of the 10 best places to live in the country

Ames, home of Iowa State University, was ranked by CNNMoney.com as the #9 best place to live in 2010.

12. Davenport/Bettendorf was named the most affordable metropolitan area

With a growing employment rate, the area was named the most affordable metropolitan area by Forbes in 2010.

13. Iowa is the second best place to retire

Hawaii is the number one place to retire, know what the second best is? Nope, not Florida, but Iowa. The state is the second-best place to retire, according to MoneyRates.com.

If you show this list to the next person who makes fun of Iowa, we guarantee that they won't be laughing long. What are some more reasons to be proud of Iowa? Share your thoughts in the comments section below!