An estimated 386,774 people in Iowa live with migraine.

Based on U.S. Census ACS 2023 population data and Burch et al. (2021) migraine-specific prevalence rates.

Census ACS 2023 · Burch et al. (2021) · CC BY 4.0

Patient Population by Care Level

How many patients need each level of care.

17,625
need specialist or headache program care
Complexity Levels 1–2*
65,527
need neurology-level care
Complexity Levels 3–4*
303,635
appropriate for primary care
Complexity Level 5*

* Care level estimates are based on a proposed patient complexity framework offered as a basis for clinical and policy discussion. See methodology →

By Congressional District

4 congressional districts in Iowa

DistrictTotal patientsSpecialist care*Neurology care*Primary care*
IA-0398,2414,47716,64577,119
IA-0197,1734,42416,46976,285
IA-0296,3714,39716,32975,654
IA-0494,9894,32716,08474,577

* Care level estimates are based on a proposed patient complexity framework offered as a basis for clinical and policy discussion. See methodology →

Headache Centers & Programs

1 headache center or program in Iowa

Headache Programs — Level 2

University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics — Neurology

Iowa City, IA

10 providers · 0 UCNS-certified

uihc.org/neurology

Provider counts reflect headache program providers only — not all neurologists at the same address. UCNS certification verified against the United Council for Neurologic Subspecialties diplomate directory.

More Data Coming

Building a complete picture.

Coming September 2026

Payer Policy Data

What insurers in Iowa require before authorizing CGRP-targeting therapies — step therapy requirements, formulary placements, and Gold Card law status.

Coming Fall 2026

Prescribing Gap Analysis

How many primary care physicians actively treating migraine patients in Iowa have never prescribed a CGRP-targeting therapy — by metro area and congressional district.

Doty A. Iowa Headache Disorder Population Estimates. The Headache Vault; 2026. headachevault.com/research/states/iowa Licensed CC BY 4.0.
✓ CC BY 4.0
← All states