
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Creston, Iowa is a small-sized city with a population of 8,021 residents. The majority of Creston residents report their race to be White; this is followed by Asian and Black. If you are not a fan of long commutes, you will enjoy living in Creston. With an average one way commute time of only 13 minutes, getting to and from work is a breeze compared to the national average of 26 minutes.
Living in Creston can be a fulfilling experience for anyone moving to the town. 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. With useful information like amenities, crime, health & safety, employment and other key data points, finding the best places to live in Creston and in the areas around Creston is a much easier task.
Using data and statistics Creston has received a livability score of 80/100. This score is ranked in the 95th percentile when compared to all other cities. Based on this score, Creston would be considered a very livable city! The cherry on top is that Creston also ranks in the top 10 percent of all cities. Based on the grades for each individual category, Creston has been rewarded with high marks for education (B+) and housing (A+). There is at least one category that does not have great scores in Creston. The following was graded with a discouraging score: amenities (F).
The Creston unemployment rate of 1.5% 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.
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, Creston has received high marks in the housing category. Based on these calculations, the apartment rental and real estate market appears to be very healthy.
Creston real estate prices and overall affordability will play a huge role in determining if the area is the right fit for you. Of course there are probably some other items on your “wish list”, but even before they are considered, let’s take a look at the home prices and affordability in Creston. The median home price for Creston homes is $181,985, which is 24.2% lower than the Iowa average. If we take a closer look at the affordability of homes in Creston, we’ll see that the home price to income ratio is 2.8, which is 6.7% lower 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 | Creston | Iowa | National |
| Average one way commute | 13min | 19min | 26min |
| Workers who drive to work | 79.0% | 80.7% | 76.4% |
| Workers who carpool | 8.9% | 8.6% | 9.3% |
| Workers who take public transit | 0.5% | 1.1% | 5.1% |
| Workers who bicycle | 0.6% | 0.5% | 0.6% |
| Workers who walk | 8.7% | 3.5% | 2.8% |
| Working from home | 2.3% | 4.5% | 4.6% |