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, Iowa is a smaller city with a population of 4,281 people. At 98%, the majority of the Chariton population is White; this is followed by 1% Black and 0% Asian. If you're not a fan of traffic congestion and long commute times to work, Chariton is the place to be. Commutes to work here are shorter, with an average one-way commute time taking only 16 minutes, significantly lower than the national average of 26 minutes.
Living in Chariton can be a great experience for anyone relocating to the city. Having said that, in the state of Iowa, there are many amazing places to live, so choose wisely! When searching for a new neighborhood, several factors play a vital role in determining its suitability. Safety should be a top priority, ensuring a secure environment with low crime rates. Proximity to your workplace or school helps minimize commuting time and allows for a better work-life balance. Availability of essential amenities such as parks, coffee shops, restaurants, grocery stores, and healthcare facilities contributes to convenience and well-being. Access to reliable public transportation options facilitates easy commuting and connectivity. Additionally, considering the sense of community and the overall atmosphere that resonates with your lifestyle and preferences fosters a harmonious living experience. Using the livability score which includes data from categories like crime, health & safety, education, employment, 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.
The livability score in Chariton is 80/100 and the city is ranked in the 94th percentile of all cities across America. Based on this score, Chariton would be considered a very livable city! Chariton also ranks in the top 10 percent of all cities, which is no small feat! If we explore each of the categories on their own, we see that Chariton ranks well for crime (B+), education (A-) and housing (A+). Regrettably for Chariton, there are some categories for which it does not rank well, this includes: amenities (F).
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 20.37% 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 2.2% 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 Chariton have an average test score of 69%, which is well above the US average.
Finding affordable real estate and housing in Chariton 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.
Assuming that Chariton meets all of your requirements like low crime rates, good schools and great local amenities, the next most important item to examine is the affordability of real estate in Chariton. Everything else becomes a lot less important if it turns out that home prices in Chariton are simply unattainable. Median real estate prices in Chariton come in at $147,004, which is 38.8% 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 2, which is 33.3% 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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