Estherville 77 Exceptional
Estherville Livability #174 ranked city in Iowa#3,136 ranked city in the USARanks better than 89% of areas
Is This the Right Place for You? Local Insights Report
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Local Insights Report

Pros and Cons of Living in Estherville

PROS
  • Cost Of Living 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 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 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 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.

CONS
  • Amenities Amenities

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

  • Commute Commute

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

What's it like Living in Estherville?

Estherville is a small-sized city located in the state of Iowa. The city has a population of 5,853 people. If we look at the most recent Census, Estherville is known to have a predominantly White population. The next two most common races are Black and Asian. Not a fan of sitting in traffic during your commute to work? Estherville offers shorter work commutes, with an average one-way commute time taking only 18 minutes, far lower than the national average of 26 minutes.

If you’re considering moving to any new city, it could be a very intimidating task. However, it could also be a positive experience if you are willing to get to know the city before actually living in Estherville, 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. The best areas in Estherville and in surrounding cities are easier to find when you are able to make informed decisions. Using data from amenities, commute, housing, you will see a detailed breakdown of the most important information as well as comparisons to the Iowa and national averages.

Estherville has a livability score of 77/100 and is ranked #149 in Iowa and #2,764 in the USA. This is a fantastic score, as Estherville ranks well in multiple categories! The cherry on top is that Estherville also ranks in the top 10 percent of all cities. There are nine total categories that generate the livability score. Estherville ranks well for crime (A), cost of living (A+) and housing (A+) Estherville does not fare well for the following: amenities (D-). It might be wise to take a closer look at each category to find out why.

Unemployment rates can vary significantly among cities, impacting job prospects, wage levels and the overall economic health of an area. In Estherville, the unemployment rate stands at 2.4%, suggesting increased job opportunities and a heightened demand for workers. This scenario can lead to higher wages, as the demand for employees outpaces job availability. Importantly, a low unemployment rate often signifies a robust and flourishing 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, Estherville has received high marks in the housing category. Based on these calculations, the apartment rental and real estate market appears to be very healthy.

Estherville 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 Estherville. Median real estate prices in Estherville come in at $157,496, which is 34.4% lower than the Iowa average. The home price to income ratio compares the median home prices to the median household income. In Estherville, the home price to income ratio is 2, which is 33.3% lower than the Iowa average.

Best Places to Live in and Around Estherville

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Compare Estherville, IA Livability

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      Estherville transportation information

      Statistic Estherville Iowa National
      Average one way commute18min19min26min
      Workers who drive to work73.2%80.7%76.4%
      Workers who carpool12.6%8.6%9.3%
      Workers who take public transit0.1%1.1%5.1%
      Workers who bicycle0.6%0.5%0.6%
      Workers who walk3.0%3.5%2.8%
      Working from home9.0%4.5%4.6%
      Source: The Estherville, IA data and statistics displayed above are derived from the United States Census Bureau American Community Survey (ACS) and include 2026 modeled data developed using proprietary methodologies.