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
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.
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.
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.
Located in the state of Iowa, Clear Lake is a small-sized city with a population of 7,775 residents. At 94%, the majority of the Clear Lake population is White; this is followed by 3% Asian and 0% Black. In Clear Lake, there seems to be a shift in population towards an older age group. The average age of the population is now 53, which is significantly higher than the nation’s average. If you prefer shorter commutes, living in Clear Lake will be a delight. With an average one-way commute time of just 19 minutes, traveling to and from work is notably more convenient than the national average, which stands at 26 minutes.
Whether you’re relocating to a new town to be closer to family, friends or for a new job, living in Clear Lake 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. Finding the best places to live in Clear Lake and nearby areas is a much easier task when you can rely on information and data from the livability score, which includes crime, health & safety, education, housing and other important metrics.
Clear Lake, IA receives 80/100 for its livability score; this results in a ranking of #53 in Iowa and #1,452 in the USA. Based on this score, Clear Lake would be considered a very livable city! Clear Lake also ranks in the top 10 percent of all cities, which is no small feat! Based on the scores for each individual category, Clear Lake has been rewarded with high marks for cost of living (A+), education (A+), employment (B) and housing (A+). There is at least one category that did not score well in Clear Lake. The following was graded with a concerning score: amenities (D-) and crime (F).
The Clear Lake 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.
Test scores serve as a vital gauge of a school's academic prowess and the proficiency of its students. They play a pivotal role in assessing whether local schools can deliver a robust educational foundation for children. In Clear Lake, the schools boast an impressive average test score of 73%, significantly higher than the national average. This outstanding academic achievement not only reflects the excellence of the local educational system, but also indicates the potential for students to thrive academically, making it an attractive destination for families seeking a high-quality education for their children.
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 Clear Lake 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.
Certain items on your wish list like shopping, restaurants, nightlife, parks and proximity to public transportation are all important things to look for. Having said that, perhaps the most important metric to consider when contemplating a move to Clear Lake is real estate affordability. Median real estate prices in Clear Lake come in at $324,932, which is 35.4% higher than the Iowa average. The home price to income ratio compares the median home prices to the median household income. In Clear Lake, the home price to income ratio is 3.6, which is 20% higher than the Iowa average.
Why stop at city-to-city? With Local Insights, you can compare neighborhoods, zip codes, or even exact addresses. Access 300+ hyperlocal data points—from schools and crime to housing and amenities—to see which area is the better fit.
| Statistic | Clear Lake | Iowa | National |
| Average one way commute | 19min | 19min | 26min |
| Workers who drive to work | 82.8% | 80.7% | 76.4% |
| Workers who carpool | 5.6% | 8.6% | 9.3% |
| Workers who take public transit | 0.8% | 1.1% | 5.1% |
| Workers who bicycle | 1.6% | 0.5% | 0.6% |
| Workers who walk | 2.3% | 3.5% | 2.8% |
| Working from home | 5.4% | 4.5% | 4.6% |
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