Decorah 85 Exceptional
Decorah Livability #9 ranked city in Iowa#364 ranked city in the USARanks better than 98% of areas

Pros and Cons of Living in Decorah

PROS
  • Cost Of Living

    The cost of living in this region is notably lower than the national average, encompassing everyday goods, housing, utilities, transportation and health care expenses.

  • Crime

    The crime rate is far lower than the national average per 100,000 residents. As such, it should be considered a very safe place to live when compared to other areas.

  • Housing

    High scores in the housing category are attributed to this area, possibly pointing to a favorable home affordability ratio, robust appreciation rates or elevated home values.

  • Health & Safety

    Achieving a high health and safety score relies on factors including great air quality and convenient access to vital health facilities such as hospitals, doctors, clinics and police stations.

  • Schools

    The schools category boasts a high score thanks to factors like excellent test scores, impressive graduation rates and the convenient placement of elementary and high schools in this area.

CONS
  • Amenities

    A large portion of amenities are not ideally situated within walking distance, potentially requiring residents to utilize a vehicle or public transportation.

  • Commute

    Access to public transportation in this particular area may be limited, which can result in longer-than-average commute times to reach workplaces.

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What's it like Living in Decorah?

Decorah, Iowa is a smaller city with a population of 7,615 people. If we take a look at the last Census, the vast majority of the population falls within one racial group (95% White). Given that fact, Decorah could be considered less diverse than other cities. Decorah could be a great place for young adults and students as the average age of 33 years old is below the nation’s average. Decorah is not known to have a high population (over 15 years old) of married people. At only 46% married, this city falls well below the national average. If you're not a fan of traffic congestion and long commute times to work, Decorah is the place to be. Commutes to work here are shorter, with an average one-way commute time taking only 13 minutes, significantly lower than the national average of 26 minutes.

If you’re considering relocating to any new city, it could be a very discouraging task. However, it could also be a great experience if you are willing to get to know the city before actually living in Decorah, Iowa. When searching for a new neighborhood, several key items should be considered. Safety is of utmost importance, ensuring a secure environment with low crime. Proximity to your workplace or school helps reduce commuting time and offers convenience. Access to amenities such as parks, grocery stores, and healthcare facilities enhances your daily life. Public transportation options contribute to easy mobility. A sense of community fosters a supportive and engaging environment. Lastly, the overall atmosphere should align with your desired lifestyle, ensuring a fulfilling living experience. Considering these items will guide you towards finding the perfect neighborhood that fits all your needs. With useful information like amenities, crime, health & safety, employment and other key data points, finding the best places to live in Decorah and in the areas around Decorah is a much easier task.

Using data and statistics Decorah has received a livability score of 84/100. This score is ranked in the 98th percentile when compared to all other cities. Compared to the United States average, Decorah ranks among some of the best places to live in the country! Another exciting tidbit, is that Decorah ranks better than 90% of all US cities! If we probe a little deeper into each category within the livability score, we see that Decorah has higher than average rankings for the following: crime (A+), cost of living (A+) and housing (A). Decorah does not rank well for the following: amenities (F). It might be a good idea to take a closer look at each category to find out why.

Feeling a sense of safety in the area that you live in is a must for most people. Low crime rates can have a positive impact on things like home prices, home appreciation rates and can help foster positive community dynamics and social cohesion. Decorah has a violent crime rate of 155 crimes per 100,000 residents which is far lower than the national average.

The Decorah unemployment rate of 2.18% 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.

Standardized school test scores offer a valuable benchmark for assessing the quality of educational programs, instructional methods, and curriculum effectiveness. Recognizing that Decorah schools excel in test scores is a crucial consideration when determining the suitability of this area for residence. The local schools boast an impressive average test score of 81%, significantly higher than the national average. This stellar academic performance not only attests to the excellence of the educational system but also underscores the area's commitment to providing a high-quality education, making Decorah an appealing choice for those prioritizing their children's educational prospects.

A robust real estate market serves as a crucial economic indicator, reflecting the local area's strength, stability and the confidence of its residents. Decorah excels in the housing sector, scoring high marks based on factors such as median home and rental prices, appreciation rates and home affordability. These calculations suggest that the apartment rental and real estate market in the region is exceptionally healthy, highlighting the area's economic vitality and attractiveness to potential homebuyers and renters.

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 Decorah is real estate affordability. The median home price for Decorah homes is $192,700, which is 45.1% higher than the Iowa average. If we take a closer look at the affordability of homes in Decorah, we’ll see that the home price to income ratio is 3.5, which is 45.8% higher than the Iowa average.

Best Places to Live in and Around Decorah

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Compare Decorah, IA Livability

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      Decorah transportation information

      Statistic Decorah Iowa National
      Average one way commute13min19min26min
      Workers who drive to work53.0%80.7%76.4%
      Workers who carpool5.7%8.6%9.3%
      Workers who take public transit0.3%1.1%5.1%
      Workers who bicycle1.3%0.5%0.6%
      Workers who walk31.1%3.5%2.8%
      Working from home7.8%4.5%4.6%
      Source: The Decorah, IA data and statistics displayed above are derived from the United States Census Bureau American Community Survey (ACS).