Charles City 77 Exceptional
Charles City Livability #159 ranked city in Iowa#2,834 ranked city in the USARanks better than 90% of areas
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Pros and Cons of Living in Charles City

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.

  • Ratings Ratings

    Local residents have positive things to say about the proximity of restaurants, grocery stores, parks, public transit, friendliness of neighbors, sense of community and overall safety of the area.

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.

  • Employment Employment

    A low score in the employment category could indicate that this area struggles with high unemployment rates and low household income and income per capita levels.

What's it like Living in Charles City?

Charles City, Iowa is a small city with a population of 7,624 residents. At 89%, the majority of the Charles City population is White; this is followed by 3% Black and 3% Asian. If you prefer shorter commutes, living in Charles City will be a delight. With an average one-way commute time of just 13 minutes, traveling to and from work is notably more convenient than the national average, which stands at 26 minutes.

Without the right tools, relocating to any new town can be very stressful and challenging. Living in Charles City, Iowa could be a great experience for anyone who puts in the effort 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. With useful information like commute, education, housing and other key data points, finding the best places to live in Charles City and in the areas around Charles City is a much easier task.

Using data and statistics Charles City has received a livability score of 76/100. This score is ranked in the 89th percentile when compared to all other cities. Pack your bags! This is a very high score in comparison to other US cities. Living in Charles City could be a great choice! Based on the rankings for each individual category, Charles City has received high marks for cost of living (A+) and housing (A). There is at least one category that you should be aware of in Charles City. The following was graded with a discouraging score: amenities (F) and employment (F).

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 Charles City 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.

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 Charles City is actually affordable. The median home price for Charles City homes is $165,491, which is 31.1% lower than the Iowa average. If we take a closer look at the affordability of homes in Charles City, we’ll see that the home price to income ratio is 3, which is 0% lower than the Iowa average.

Best Places to Live in and Around Charles City

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How Do You Rate The Livability In Charles City?

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      Charles City transportation information

      Statistic Charles City Iowa National
      Average one way commute13min19min26min
      Workers who drive to work72.6%80.7%76.4%
      Workers who carpool14.6%8.6%9.3%
      Workers who take public transit0.1%1.1%5.1%
      Workers who bicycle1.1%0.5%0.6%
      Workers who walk4.5%3.5%2.8%
      Working from home6.6%4.5%4.6%
      Source: The Charles City, 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.