TV channels & antenna towers in Central City, Iowa

Central City, Iowa has a population of about 1,270. There are 12 licensed TV transmitters within 70 miles: 9 full-power, 2 low-power and 1 translator. Based on each transmitter's power, antenna height and distance, 10 are likely to arrive at fair strength or better, and 8 at good or strong strength.

By distance, 6 transmitters are within 25 miles, 3 between 25 and 45 miles, and 3 farther out. Three of the 4 network stations in range are licensed to Cedar Rapids, so most of the network channels you will find here come from Cedar Rapids's stations.

The strongest network signals here are NBC on channel 7 (KWWL), Fox on channel 2.2 (KGAN), CW on channel 9.3 (KCRG-TV) and ION on channel 48 (KPXR-TV). No ABC affiliate is listed within 70 miles; the nearest one in our data is WQAD-TV in Moline, IL, 85 miles to the southeast. No CBS affiliate is listed within 70 miles; the nearest one in our data is WHBF-TV in Rock Island, IL, 70 miles to the southeast. 5 full-power stations in range have no network listed in our data; these are typically public television, religious, shopping or independent stations.

Point your antenna WNW, at about 302°. The main network towers for Central City sit in that direction, so a single directional antenna can pick them all up.

Three network stations, KCRG-TV, KGAN and KPXR-TV, transmit from the same tower site about 19 miles northwest of Central City (295° WNW). Aim there first: one setting covers all of them.

Of the 4 full-power and Class A network signals that reach Central City at fair strength or better, 75% arrive from the northwest; the rest are spread across one other direction.

All of the main network towers are within their radio horizon as seen from Central City, so signals arrive fairly directly and a well-placed antenna should hold them steadily.

The farthest main network tower for Central City is KWWL (NBC), 21 miles away with a good estimated signal. That is why we suggest an indoor antenna here. If you only watch the closer stations, a smaller antenna may do.

An amplifier only helps here if you run a long cable (over about 50 feet) or split the antenna to several TVs. Otherwise better placement does more. See the amplifier guide.

With 10 stations at fair strength or better, Central City ranks 150th of 285 places in Iowa: fewer than the typical Iowa town (11). Its nearest major network tower is 19 miles away, against a state median of 34 miles.

13% of Iowa's cities and towns get the same recommendation: an indoor antenna. The nearest larger city is Marion, 12 miles away.