Clarion 76 Exceptional
Clarion Livability #191 ranked city in Iowa#3,341 ranked city in the USARanks better than 88% of areas
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Pros and Cons of Living in Clarion

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.

  • 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.

What's it like Living in Clarion?

Clarion is a small-sized city located in the state of Iowa. The city has a population of 2,788 inhabitants. According to the most recent Census, 84% of Clarion residents are White, 0% Black and 0% Asian. Additionally, more than a quarter of the population of Clarion are of Hispanic or Latino origin, and 20% of the population also speak Spanish. Not a fan of sitting in traffic during your commute to work? Clarion offers shorter work commutes, with an average one-way commute time taking only 13 minutes, far lower than the national average of 26 minutes.

Without the right tools, moving to any new area can be very stressful and challenging. Living in Clarion, Iowa could be a good experience for anyone who puts in the time 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 crime, commute, employment and other key data points, finding the best places to live in Clarion and in the areas around Clarion is a much easier task.

Clarion has a livability score of 76/100 and is ranked #165 in Iowa and #2,955 in the USA. Pack your bags! This is a very high score in comparison to other US cities. Living in Clarion could be a great choice! There are nine total categories that generate the livability score. Clarion scores well for crime (A+), cost of living (A+), education (B+) and housing (A+) There are some categories that Clarion ranks poorly for, including: amenities (F) and employment (D). It might be worth taking a closer look to determine why.

Crime rates play a pivotal role in the decision-making process for anyone considering a move, as they directly influence the overall sense of safety, security and quality of life in a given location. Clarion shines in this regard, earning exemplary ratings for its exceptionally low violent crime rates, standing at 183 crimes per 100,000 residents. These rates are notably below the national average, underscoring the community's commitment to safety and contributing to an enhanced quality of life.

The Clarion unemployment rate of 1.9% has continued to decrease over the years and is now well below the national average. The result could lead to reduced poverty and inequality in the area, higher wages and increased economic growth. This is a positive sign in the overall health of the local economy.

Parents and families often rely on school test scores when making decisions about local public schools. Test score data serves as a crucial metric for comparing and assessing various educational institutions. In Clarion, the average school test scores reached an impressive 73%, significantly higher than the national average. This remarkable performance underscores the commitment of the educational system to equip students with the knowledge and resources necessary for success. It allows your children to receive the support and skills that are essential for thriving academically, making Clarion an excellent choice for families seeking a high-quality education.

A healthy real estate market serves as a key economic indicator. It could signify overall local economic strength, stability and reflects consumer confidence in the area. Based on multiple factors including: median home and rental prices, appreciation rates and home affordability, Clarion has received high marks in the housing category. Based on these calculations, the apartment rental and real estate market appears to be very healthy.

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 Clarion is actually affordable. Median real estate prices in Clarion come in at $140,587, which is 41.4% lower than the Iowa average. The home price to income ratio compares the median home prices to the median household income. In Clarion, the home price to income ratio is 2.4, which is 20% lower than the Iowa average.

Best Places to Live in and Around Clarion

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      Clarion transportation information

      Statistic Clarion Iowa National
      Average one way commute13min19min26min
      Workers who drive to work82.9%80.7%76.4%
      Workers who carpool8.2%8.6%9.3%
      Workers who take public transit0.0%1.1%5.1%
      Workers who bicycle0.6%0.5%0.6%
      Workers who walk2.6%3.5%2.8%
      Working from home5.6%4.5%4.6%
      Source: The Clarion, 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.