Selected as one of "Iowa's Great Places," and twice named an All-American City by the National Civic League, Sioux City serves as the regional hub for business, employment, industry, retail trade, medical care, educational opportunities, and tourism in the Northwest Iowa, Southeast South Dakota, and Northeast Nebraska regions. More than 165,000 people live in the tri-state area.Residents have access to excellent medical care and top-notch education, with a variety of both public and private schools. High school students' ACT scores consistently rank among the highest in the nation. Those seeking higher education have access to 3 options in the community as well as the University of South Dakota, only 30 miles away. Sioux City offers a wide range of affordable housing with the median purchase price of $99,000 for a single family home and has been named the safest big city in Iowa. Sioux City offers a wide range of community amenities to appeal to diverse interests from theater and the arts to sports and recreation. With its rich river heritage, the energy and creativity exhibited in its commercial and industrial developments, and the work ethic and spirit of its citizens, Sioux City and its neighbors in the region offer an extremely attractive environment in which to work and raise a family.