Cost Of Living
The overall cost of living in this area is much lower than average. This includes everyday goods and services, as well as housing, utilities and health care.
Crime
With a lower than average crime rate per 100,000 people, this area could be considered a very safe place to live. Crime rates are based on both violent and property crimes.
Housing
This area has received high scores in the housing category. This could be due to a positive home affordability ratio, high appreciation rates or elevated home values.
Health & Safety
A high score in the health and safety category is a result of good air quality and the accessibility to health facilities such as hospitals, clinics, doctors, pharmacies and fire stations.
Schools
High test scores, elevated graduation rates as well as the conveniently located elementary and high schools in this area have all contributed to the high score in the schools category.
Amenities
A majority of amenities are not ideally situated within a reasonable walking distance, which may lead residents to rely on a vehicle or public transportation.
Commute
Public transportation is not readily available in this area and the average commute time to work could also be longer than the national average.
Chariton is a small city located in the state of Iowa. The city has a population of 4,127 residents. If we look at the most recent Census, Chariton is known to have a predominantly White population. The next two most common races are Black and Asian. If you prefer shorter commutes, living in Chariton will be a delight. With an average one-way commute time of just 16 minutes, traveling to and from work is notably more convenient than the national average, which stands at 26 minutes.
Whether you’re relocating to a new area to be closer to family, friends or for a new job, living in Chariton could be a positive experience compared to other cities in Iowa if you know where to search. Don't forget to determine what matters most to you in a neighborhood. Consider factors such as safety, proximity to work or school, access to amenities (like parks, fitness facilities, grocery stores, restaurants), public transportation options, community atmosphere and the overall vibe you're looking for. Using the livability score which includes data from categories like amenities, crime, cost of living, health & safety, you can easily compare the best places to live in Chariton and also determine if there are any nearby cities that might be a better match for your lifestyle. You can also compare Chariton to Iowa and the national average.
Chariton, IA receives 78/100 for its livability score; this results in a ranking of #74 in Iowa and #1,888 in the USA. Pack your bags! This is a very high score in comparison to other US cities. Living in Chariton could be a great choice! Chariton has also earned the rare honor of ranking in the top 10 percentile among all cities. If we dig down a little deeper into each category within the livability score, we see that Chariton has higher than average grades for the following: crime (B), education (B+) and housing (A+). There are some categories that Chariton does not rank well for, including: amenities (F). It might be worth taking a closer look to figure out why.
In today's ever-changing economic climate, pursuing a cost-effective lifestyle takes on heightened importance, particularly with the continual increase in prices for everyday necessities. When living in Chariton, residents are privileged to experience a cost of living that stands 21.38% below the national average. This advantageous position has a far-reaching impact, spanning a wide array of expenditures, encompassing not just goods and services, but also housing, groceries, and transportation costs. As a result, this area emerges as a central hub where your financial resources yield greater value, allowing for the maintenance of an economically sustainable lifestyle. This affordability holds exceptional significance in an era characterized by mounting expenses, making Chariton an attractive destination for individuals seeking financial prudence without compromising their quality of life.
When contemplating a move, job prospects often top the list of priorities. In Chariton, the outlook for new employment is notably brighter than in many other areas. The low unemployment rate of 2.09% points to a surge in job opportunities, the potential for higher wages, enhanced workforce productivity and increased economic growth. These favorable conditions bode well for individuals seeking career advancement and financial stability, making this area an appealing destination for those prioritizing professional opportunities and economic prosperity.
Parents and families often rely on school test scores when making decisions about local public schools. Test score data serves as a crucial metric for comparing and assessing various educational institutions. In Chariton, the average school test scores reached an impressive 69%, significantly higher than the national average. This remarkable performance underscores the commitment of the educational system to equip students with the knowledge and resources necessary for success. It allows your children to receive the support and skills that are essential for thriving academically, making Chariton an excellent choice for families seeking a high-quality education.
A robust real estate market serves as a crucial economic indicator, reflecting the local area's strength, stability and the confidence of its residents. Chariton excels in the housing sector, scoring high marks based on factors such as median home and rental prices, appreciation rates and home affordability. These calculations suggest that the apartment rental and real estate market in the region is exceptionally healthy, highlighting the area's economic vitality and attractiveness to potential homebuyers and renters.
Certain items on your wish list like shopping, restaurants, nightlife, parks and proximity to public transportation are all important things to look for. Having said that, perhaps the most important metric to consider when contemplating a move to Chariton is real estate affordability. Median real estate prices in Chariton come in at $81,000, which is 39% lower than the Iowa average. The home price to income ratio compares the median home prices to the median household income. In Chariton, the home price to income ratio is 1.7, which is 29.2% lower than the Iowa average.
| Statistic | Chariton | Iowa | National |
| Average one way commute | 16min | 19min | 26min |
| Workers who drive to work | 87.7% | 80.7% | 76.4% |
| Workers who carpool | 8.0% | 8.6% | 9.3% |
| Workers who take public transit | 0.0% | 1.1% | 5.1% |
| Workers who bicycle | 0.0% | 0.5% | 0.6% |
| Workers who walk | 1.4% | 3.5% | 2.8% |
| Working from home | 2.1% | 4.5% | 4.6% |
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