Cresco 82 Exceptional
Cresco Livability #32 ranked city in Iowa#1,025 ranked city in the USARanks better than 96% of areas

Pros and Cons of Living in Cresco

PROS
  • 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.

CONS
  • 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.

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What's it like Living in Cresco?

Cresco is a small city located in the state of Iowa. The city has a population of 3,751 inhabitants. At 96%, the majority of the Cresco population is White; this is followed by 1% Black and 1% Asian. If you are not a fan of long commutes, you will enjoy living in Cresco. With an average one way commute time of only 20 minutes, getting to and from work is a breeze compared to the national average of 26 minutes.

Living in Cresco can be a fulfilling 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 amenities, crime, cost of living, education, employment, you can easily compare the best places to live in Cresco and also determine if there are any nearby cities that might be a better match for your lifestyle. You can also compare Cresco to Iowa and the national average.

The livability score in Cresco is 83 out of 100 and the city is ranked in the 97th percentile of all cities across America. Based on this score, Cresco would be considered a very livable city! Cresco also ranks in the top 10 percent of all cities, which is no small feat! Based on the scores for each individual category, Cresco has received high marks for crime (A+), education (A) and housing (B). On a less positive note, Cresco does not have favorable grades for the following: amenities (D-). If we take a look at the data, we can find out why.

When contemplating a move, job prospects often top the list of priorities. In Cresco, the outlook for new employment is notably brighter than in many other areas. The low unemployment rate of 1.33% 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.

Parents and families tend to prioritize school test scores when choosing educational institutions. Test score data can be a critical factor in evaluating and comparing schools. In Cresco, the average school test scores are an impressive 71%, well above the national average. This achievement reflects the educational system's dedication to providing students with the essential knowledge and tools for success. It ensures that your children will receive the support and resources needed to excel academically and thrive in their educational pursuits.

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, Cresco has received high marks in the housing category. Based on these calculations, the apartment rental and real estate market appears to be very healthy.

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 Cresco is real estate affordability. Median real estate prices in Cresco come in at $84,900, which is 36.1% lower than the Iowa average. The home price to income ratio compares the median home prices to the median household income. In Cresco, the home price to income ratio is 1.6, which is 33.3% lower than the Iowa average.

Best Places to Live in and Around Cresco

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Compare Cresco, IA Livability

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      Cresco transportation information

      Statistic Cresco Iowa National
      Average one way commute20min19min26min
      Workers who drive to work75.3%80.7%76.4%
      Workers who carpool8.8%8.6%9.3%
      Workers who take public transit1.8%1.1%5.1%
      Workers who bicycle2.0%0.5%0.6%
      Workers who walk6.2%3.5%2.8%
      Working from home5.1%4.5%4.6%
      Source: The Cresco, IA data and statistics displayed above are derived from the United States Census Bureau American Community Survey (ACS).