Cherokee 80 Exceptional
Cherokee Livability #83 ranked city in Iowa#1,698 ranked city in the USARanks better than 94% of areas
Is This the Right Place for You? Local Insights Report
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Local Insights Report

Pros and Cons of Living in Cherokee

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.

  • 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.

What's it like Living in Cherokee?

Cherokee, Iowa is a small city with a population of 5,026 inhabitants. If we take a look at the last Census, the vast majority of the population falls within one racial group (92% White). Given that fact, Cherokee could be considered less diverse than other cities. If you prefer shorter commutes, living in Cherokee will be a delight. With an average one-way commute time of just 16 minutes, traveling to and from work is notably more convenient than the national average, which stands at 26 minutes.

Whether you’re moving to a new area to be closer to family, friends or for a new job, living in Cherokee could be a positive experience compared to other cities in Iowa if you know where to search. 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. With useful information like crime, cost of living, commute, education, employment and other key data points, finding the best places to live in Cherokee and in the areas around Cherokee is a much easier task.

With a livability score of 79/100, Cherokee is ranked #1,972 in the United States and #92 in Iowa. Pack your bags! This is a very high score in comparison to other US cities. Living in Cherokee could be a great choice! Cherokee also ranks in the top 10 percent of all cities, which is no small feat! If we dig down a little deeper into each category within the livability score, we see that Cherokee has higher than average rankings for the following: crime (B-), education (B-) and housing (A+). There are some categories that Cherokee does not rank well for, including: amenities (F). It might be worth taking a closer look to figure out why.

Unemployment rates can vary significantly among cities, impacting job prospects, wage levels and the overall economic health of an area. In Cherokee, the unemployment rate stands at 2%, suggesting increased job opportunities and a heightened demand for workers. This scenario can lead to higher wages, as the demand for employees outpaces job availability. Importantly, a low unemployment rate often signifies a robust and flourishing local economy.

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 Cherokee have an average test score of 66%, which is well above the US average.

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 Cherokee 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.

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 Cherokee is actually affordable. Median real estate prices in Cherokee come in at $174,179, which is 27.4% lower than the Iowa average. The home price to income ratio compares the median home prices to the median household income. In Cherokee, the home price to income ratio is 2.6, which is 13.3% lower than the Iowa average.

Best Places to Live in and Around Cherokee

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Compare Cherokee, IA Livability

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      Cherokee transportation information

      Statistic Cherokee Iowa National
      Average one way commute16min19min26min
      Workers who drive to work80.7%80.7%76.4%
      Workers who carpool10.7%8.6%9.3%
      Workers who take public transit0.0%1.1%5.1%
      Workers who bicycle0.0%0.5%0.6%
      Workers who walk3.0%3.5%2.8%
      Working from home5.6%4.5%4.6%
      Source: The Cherokee, 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.