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.
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.
Decorah is a small city located in the state of Iowa. The city has a population of 7,825 inhabitants. At 95%, the majority of the Decorah population is White; this is followed by 2% Asian and 1% Black. With an average age of 33 years old, Decorah could be a great place to live for young adults as this age is well below the national average. In Decorah, only 46% of people over the age of fifteen are married. This city could be a good option for singles ready to mingle. If you prefer shorter commutes, living in Decorah will be a delight. With an average one-way commute time of just 13 minutes, traveling to and from work is notably more convenient than the national average, which stands at 26 minutes.
If you’re considering moving to any new city, it could be a very discouraging task. However, it could also be a good experience if you are willing to get to know the town 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. To help you find the best places to live in and around Decorah, AreaVibes has created a livability score using key metrics like health & safety, employment, housing and more.
Decorah, IA receives 85/100 for its livability score; this results in a ranking of #9 in Iowa and #364 in the USA. Clearly, Decorah is doing something right, as this score ranks well above the average of most cities. Decorah also ranks in the top 10 percent of all cities, which is no small feat! For each of the livability categories, we see that Decorah ranks very well for crime (A+), cost of living (A+), education (A+) and housing (A+). There is at least one category that did not score well in Decorah. The following was graded with a disappointing score: amenities (F).
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. Decorah shines in this regard, earning exemplary ratings for its exceptionally low violent crime rates, standing at 119 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.
Unemployment rates can range pretty dramatically from one city to another. Knowing that Decorah has an unemployment rate of 2.3% could mean increased job opportunities with a higher demand for workers. It could also lead to higher wages, as the demand for workers exceeds the availability of jobs. Most importantly, it could be a sign of a healthy and thriving 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 Decorah, the average school test scores reached an impressive 81%, 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 Decorah an excellent choice for families seeking a high-quality education.
Real estate represents the most substantial investment for homebuyers, constituting their most valuable asset. Renters, on the other hand, typically see their monthly rent as their most significant expense. The Decorah market earns a high score in the housing category, surpassing the national average in factors like home and rental affordability and appreciation rates. This robust real estate market not only benefits individual homeowners and renters but also spurs vigorous local economic activity and job growth, solidifying its significance in driving the region's prosperity and financial well-being.
Being close to public transit, grocery stores, parks and other conveniences are all important when weighing your options for a new home in Decorah. Before you determine if any of these amenities are available in the area, you will also want to know if the real estate prices in Decorah are affordable. Median real estate prices in Decorah come in at $344,701, which is 43.6% higher than the Iowa average. The home price to income ratio compares the median home prices to the median household income. In Decorah, the home price to income ratio is 4.2, which is 40% 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 | Decorah | Iowa | National |
| Average one way commute | 13min | 19min | 26min |
| Workers who drive to work | 53.0% | 80.7% | 76.4% |
| Workers who carpool | 5.7% | 8.6% | 9.3% |
| Workers who take public transit | 0.3% | 1.1% | 5.1% |
| Workers who bicycle | 1.3% | 0.5% | 0.6% |
| Workers who walk | 31.1% | 3.5% | 2.8% |
| Working from home | 7.8% | 4.5% | 4.6% |
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