Burlington 73 Excellent
Burlington Livability #289 ranked city in Iowa#5,377 ranked city in the USARanks better than 81% of areas
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Pros and Cons of Living in Burlington

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.

  • 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.

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 Burlington?

Located in the state of Iowa, Burlington is a mid-sized city with a population of 25,653 residents. If we look at the most recent Census, Burlington 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 Burlington will be a delight. With an average one-way commute time of just 15 minutes, traveling to and from work is notably more convenient than the national average, which stands at 26 minutes.

Are you trying to decide if living in Burlington is the right fit for your lifestyle? To ensure a fulfilling experience before relocating to any new city in Iowa, you will probably want to make sure that you check all of the most important boxes. Several key factors deserve attention. For one, safety is paramount, ensuring that your new area is low in crime is key. Proximity to workplaces or schools minimizes commute times and fosters convenience. Access to essential amenities like parks, grocery stores, food, fitness, shops and healthcare facilities enhances daily life. Efficient public transportation options provide mobility and connectivity. The sense of community creates a welcoming and supportive environment. Lastly, the overall atmosphere, encompassing the vibe, aesthetics, and lifestyle offerings, contributes to a fulfilling living experience. Considering these elements helps identify the ideal neighborhood for your needs and preferences. The best areas in Burlington and in surrounding cities are easier to find when you are able to make informed decisions. Using data from crime, commute, education, you will see a detailed breakdown of the most important information as well as comparisons to the Iowa and national averages.

Burlington has a livability score of 70/100 and is ranked #336 in Iowa and #6,953 in the USA. If we dig a little deeper into each category within the livability score, we see that Burlington has higher than average grades for the following: cost of living (A+) and housing (A+). Burlington does not score well for the following: amenities (F), crime (F) and employment (D). It might be a smart idea to take a closer look at each category to find out why.

Finding affordable real estate and housing in Burlington can be tricky. Having said that, this area might be the place to get the best of both worlds. Based on factors like home/rental affordability and appreciation rates, this area has received an above average score in the housing category. A healthy real estate market can lead to wealth appreciation for property owners, as rising property values can contribute to homeowners' equity, financial stability and the ability to build long-term wealth.

There are many factors that go into deciding if an area is the right fit for your lifestyle. Certain “must haves” like low crime, great schools and nearby amenities are all at the top of most people's lists. But before even considering if those options are attainable, we'll need to know if the real estate in Burlington is actually affordable. Median real estate prices in Burlington come in at $171,486, which is 28.6% lower than the Iowa average. The home price to income ratio compares the median home prices to the median household income. In Burlington, the home price to income ratio is 2.5, which is 16.7% lower than the Iowa average.

Best Places to Live in and Around Burlington

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      Burlington transportation information

      Statistic Burlington Iowa National
      Average one way commute15min19min26min
      Workers who drive to work81.1%80.7%76.4%
      Workers who carpool9.5%8.6%9.3%
      Workers who take public transit0.6%1.1%5.1%
      Workers who bicycle0.1%0.5%0.6%
      Workers who walk3.1%3.5%2.8%
      Working from home2.5%4.5%4.6%
      Source: The Burlington, 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.