Algona 79 Exceptional
Algona Livability #112 ranked city in Iowa#2,072 ranked city in the USARanks better than 92% of areas
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Pros and Cons of Living in Algona

PROS
  • Cost Of Living 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 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 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 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 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.

CONS
  • Amenities 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 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.

What's it like Living in Algona?

Located in the state of Iowa, Algona is a small-sized city with a population of 5,549 people. If we look at the most recent Census, Algona is known to have a predominantly White population. The next two most common races are Black and Asian. Not a fan of sitting in traffic during your commute to work? Algona offers shorter work commutes, with an average one-way commute time taking only 10 minutes, far lower than the national average of 26 minutes.

Without the right tools, relocating to any new town can be very stressful and challenging. Living in Algona, Iowa could be a good experience for anyone who puts in the time to do the research required. When searching for a new neighborhood, several key items should be considered. Safety is paramount, ensuring a secure environment for you and your family. Proximity to workplaces or schools reduces commuting time and enhances convenience. Access to amenities like parks, grocery stores and healthcare facilities contributes to a comfortable lifestyle. Reliable public transportation options promote easy mobility. A strong sense of community fosters social connections and a welcoming atmosphere. Using the livability score which includes data from categories like amenities, crime, health & safety, you can easily compare the best places to live in Algona and also determine if there are any nearby cities that might be a better match for your lifestyle. You can also compare Algona to Iowa and the national average.

The livability score in Algona is 76/100 and the city is ranked in the 90th percentile of all cities across America. Clearly, Algona is doing something right, as this score ranks well above the average of most cities. Another exciting tidbit, is that Algona ranks better than 90% of all US cities! Based on the scores for each individual category, Algona has been rewarded with high marks for crime (B+), cost of living (A+), education (A+) and housing (A+). Algona does not score well for the following: amenities (F). It might be a smart idea to take a closer look at each category to find out why.

Crime rates play a pivotal role in the decision-making process for anyone considering a move, as they directly influence the overall sense of safety, security and quality of life in a given location. Algona shines in this regard, earning exemplary ratings for its exceptionally low violent crime rates, standing at 94 crimes per 100,000 residents. These rates are notably below the national average, underscoring the community's commitment to safety and contributing to an enhanced quality of life.

Standardized school test scores offer a valuable benchmark for assessing the quality of educational programs, instructional methods, and curriculum effectiveness. Recognizing that Algona schools excel in test scores is a crucial consideration when determining the suitability of this area for residence. The local schools boast an impressive average test score of 77%, significantly higher than the national average. This stellar academic performance not only attests to the excellence of the educational system but also underscores the area's commitment to providing a high-quality education, making Algona an appealing choice for those prioritizing their children's educational prospects.

A robust real estate market serves as a crucial economic indicator, reflecting the local area's strength, stability and the confidence of its residents. Algona 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.

Algona real estate prices and overall affordability will play a huge role in determining if the area is the right fit for you. Of course there are probably some other items on your “wish list”, but even before they are considered, let’s take a look at the home prices and affordability in Algona. Median real estate prices in Algona come in at $241,399, which is 0.6% higher than the Iowa average. The home price to income ratio compares the median home prices to the median household income. In Algona, the home price to income ratio is 3.3, which is 10% higher than the Iowa average.

Best Places to Live in and Around Algona

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      Algona transportation information

      Statistic Algona Iowa National
      Average one way commute10min19min26min
      Workers who drive to work79.6%80.7%76.4%
      Workers who carpool9.9%8.6%9.3%
      Workers who take public transit0.1%1.1%5.1%
      Workers who bicycle0.3%0.5%0.6%
      Workers who walk3.4%3.5%2.8%
      Working from home4.0%4.5%4.6%
      Source: The Algona, IA data and statistics displayed above are derived from the United States Census Bureau American Community Survey (ACS) and include 2026 modeled data developed using proprietary methodologies.