Carroll 79 Exceptional
Carroll Livability #80 ranked city in Iowa#1,863 ranked city in the USARanks better than 93% of areas

Pros and Cons of Living in Carroll

PROS
  • 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.

CONS
  • 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.

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What's it like Living in Carroll?

Carroll, Iowa is a small-sized city with a population of 9,823 inhabitants. According to the most recent Census, 95% of Carroll residents are White, 1% Black and 1% American Indian and Alaskan. If you're not a fan of traffic congestion and long commute times to work, Carroll is the place to be. Commutes to work here are shorter, with an average one-way commute time taking only 10 minutes, significantly lower than the national average of 26 minutes.

Are you trying to decide if living in Carroll is the right fit for your lifestyle? To ensure a good 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 Carroll and in surrounding cities are easier to find when you are able to make informed decisions. Using data from crime, health & safety, education, employment, you will see a detailed breakdown of the most important information as well as comparisons to the Iowa and national averages.

With a livability score of 79/100, Carroll is ranked #1,602 in the United States and #59 in Iowa. Based on this score, Carroll would be considered a very livable city! Carroll has also earned the rare honor of ranking in the top 10 percentile among all cities. If we dig a little deeper into each category within the livability score, we see that Carroll has higher than average grades for the following: crime (A+), cost of living (A+), education (A-) and housing (B+).

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 108 crimes per 100,000 residents, which signifies that Carroll boasts an impressively low violent crime rate that falls well below the national average.

When contemplating a move, job prospects often top the list of priorities. In Carroll, the outlook for new employment is notably brighter than in many other areas. The low unemployment rate of 1.62% 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.

Test scores can be a good way to measure a school's academic performance and the proficiency of its students. They can be an important metric in deciding if the local area schools can provide a solid educational system for children. The schools in Carroll have an average test score of 73%, which is well above the US average.

For home buyers, real estate will be the largest purchase they will ever make and it will also be their most valuable asset. For renters, the monthly rent paid on their Carroll apartments will most likely be their largest expense. Based on tangible metrics like home and rental affordability and appreciation rates, housing in this area has received a score that is well above the average of every other US city. A thriving real estate market can also generate strong local economic activity and job creation.

Carroll 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 Carroll. The median home price for Carroll homes is $146,300, which is 10.2% higher than the Iowa average. If we take a closer look at the affordability of homes in Carroll, we’ll see that the home price to income ratio is 3, which is 25% higher than the Iowa average.

Best Places to Live in and Around Carroll

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How Do You Rate The Livability In Carroll?

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Compare Carroll, IA Livability

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      Carroll transportation information

      Statistic Carroll Iowa National
      Average one way commute10min19min26min
      Workers who drive to work83.3%80.7%76.4%
      Workers who carpool7.6%8.6%9.3%
      Workers who take public transit0.0%1.1%5.1%
      Workers who bicycle0.9%0.5%0.6%
      Workers who walk2.5%3.5%2.8%
      Working from home5.2%4.5%4.6%
      Source: The Carroll, IA data and statistics displayed above are derived from the United States Census Bureau American Community Survey (ACS).