Carlisle 73 Excellent
Carlisle Livability #273 ranked city in Iowa#5,095 ranked city in the USARanks better than 82% of areas
Is This the Right Place for You? Local Insights Report
  • Uncover the key details before you move
  • Use local data to guide a smarter investment
  • Compare neighborhoods side by side
Local Insights Report

Pros and Cons of Living in Carlisle

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.

  • Employment Employment

    The combination of higher than average median home income, income per capita and low unemployment rates results in a score that is well above average in the employment category.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • Health & Safety Health & Safety

    Poor air quality and the inaccessibility of certain health related facilities like hospitals, clinics, doctors and pharmacies could have all contributed to the low score in this category.

What's it like Living in Carlisle?

Located in the state of Iowa, Carlisle is a small-sized city with a population of 4,329 inhabitants. If we take a look at the last Census, the vast majority of the population falls within one racial group (98% White). Given that fact, Carlisle could be considered less diverse than other cities. Long commute times to work can be incredibly frustrating, ranking just behind housework on the list of life's annoyances. If you opt to make Carlisle your home, your one-way commute time will typically last around 24 minutes, a duration that aligns with the national average commute time of 26 minutes.

Whether you’re relocating to a new town to be closer to family, friends or for a new job, living in Carlisle could be a positive experience compared to other cities in Iowa if you know where to look. 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. Finding the best places to live in Carlisle and nearby areas is a much easier task when you can rely on information and data from the livability score, which includes cost of living, education, employment and other important metrics.

With a livability score of 70 out of 100, Carlisle is ranked #7,196 in the United States and #346 in Iowa. Based on the grades for each individual category, Carlisle has been rewarded with high marks for crime (B-), cost of living (A+), education (A), employment (A+) and housing (A+). On a more negative note, Carlisle does not have favorable ranks for the following: amenities (F). If we take a look at the data, we can find out why.

Low rates of violent crime, encompassing offenses such as murder, rape, robbery and assault, contribute significantly to a safer living environment. This reduction in crime minimizes the chances of personal harm, property theft, or violent incidents. Furthermore, low crime rates can have a positive impact on property values and the overall desirability of an area. There were 114 crimes per 100,000 residents, which signifies that Carlisle boasts an impressively low violent crime rate that falls well below the national average.

Parents and families tend to prioritize school test scores when choosing educational institutions. Test score data can be a critical factor in evaluating and comparing schools. In Carlisle, the average school test scores are an impressive 72%, well above the national average. This achievement reflects the educational system's dedication to providing students with the essential knowledge and tools for success. It ensures that your children will receive the support and resources needed to excel academically and thrive in their educational pursuits.

Real estate represents the most substantial investment for homebuyers, constituting their most valuable asset. Renters, on the other hand, typically see their monthly rent as their most significant expense. The Carlisle market earns a high score in the housing category, surpassing the national average in factors like home and rental affordability and appreciation rates. This robust real estate market not only benefits individual homeowners and renters but also spurs vigorous local economic activity and job growth, solidifying its significance in driving the region's prosperity and financial well-being.

Carlisle 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 Carlisle. The median home price for Carlisle homes is $300,641, which is 25.3% higher than the Iowa average. If we take a closer look at the affordability of homes in Carlisle, we’ll see that the home price to income ratio is 2.4, which is 20% lower than the Iowa average.

Best Places to Live in and Around Carlisle

See all the best places to live around Carlisle

How Do You Rate The Livability In Carlisle?

1. Select a livability score between 1-100
0
Awful
25
Poor
50
Average
75
Good
100
Great
2. Select any tags that apply to this area
View results

Compare Carlisle, IA Livability

City Image
    City Default Image
      vs
      Compare Neighborhoods & Addresses Local Insights Report

      Why stop at city-to-city? With Local Insights, you can compare neighborhoods, zip codes, or even exact addresses. Access 300+ hyperlocal data points—from schools and crime to housing and amenities—to see which area is the better fit.

      Local Insights Report

      Carlisle transportation information

      Statistic Carlisle Iowa National
      Average one way commute24min19min26min
      Workers who drive to work81.3%80.7%76.4%
      Workers who carpool7.0%8.6%9.3%
      Workers who take public transit0.0%1.1%5.1%
      Workers who bicycle0.0%0.5%0.6%
      Workers who walk2.0%3.5%2.8%
      Working from home9.7%4.5%4.6%
      Source: The Carlisle, 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.