Glenwood 81 Exceptional
Glenwood Livability #54 ranked city in Iowa#1,246 ranked city in the USARanks better than 95% of areas
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Pros and Cons of Living in Glenwood

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.

  • Employment Employment

    This area excels in the employment category with a score well above average, primarily due to the higher median home income, per capita income and low unemployment rates.

  • 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 Glenwood?

Glenwood is a small city located in the state of Iowa. The city has a population of 5,514 inhabitants. If we look at the most recent Census, Glenwood 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? Glenwood offers shorter work commutes, with an average one-way commute time taking only 19 minutes, far lower than the national average of 26 minutes.

If you’re considering relocating to any new city, it could be a very daunting task. However, it could also be a good experience if you are willing to get to know the area before actually living in Glenwood, 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 Glenwood and in surrounding cities are easier to find when you are able to make informed decisions. Using data from amenities, crime, cost of living, education, housing, you will see a detailed breakdown of the most important information as well as comparisons to the Iowa and national averages.

Using data and statistics Glenwood has received a livability score of 79 out of 100. This score is ranked in the 93rd percentile when compared to all other cities. Based on this score, Glenwood would be considered a very livable city! Glenwood also ranks in the top 10 percent of all cities, which is no small feat! If we probe a little deeper into each category within the livability score, we see that Glenwood has higher than average grades for the following: crime (B-), cost of living (A+), education (A-), employment (B+) and housing (A+). There is at least one category that does not have great scores in Glenwood. The following was graded with a less than perfect score: amenities (F).

Low violent crime rates (murder, rape, robbery, assault) provide a safer environment for residents, reducing the risk of personal harm, property theft or violence. Low crime can also lead to increased property values and desirability. With 57 crimes per 100,000 residents, Glenwood has a violent crime rate that is far below the national average.

Unemployment rates can vary significantly among cities, impacting job prospects, wage levels and the overall economic health of an area. In Glenwood, the unemployment rate stands at 2.7%, 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.

Test scores serve as a vital gauge of a school's academic prowess and the proficiency of its students. They play a pivotal role in assessing whether local schools can deliver a robust educational foundation for children. In Glenwood, the schools boast an impressive average test score of 77%, significantly higher than the national average. This outstanding academic achievement not only reflects the excellence of the local educational system, but also indicates the potential for students to thrive academically, making it an attractive destination for families seeking a high-quality education for their children.

A robust real estate market serves as a crucial economic indicator, reflecting the local area's strength, stability and the confidence of its residents. Glenwood 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.

Being close to public transit, grocery stores, parks and other conveniences are all important when weighing your options for a new home in Glenwood. 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 Glenwood are affordable. The median home price for Glenwood homes is $278,020, which is 15.8% higher than the Iowa average. If we take a closer look at the affordability of homes in Glenwood, we’ll see that the home price to income ratio is 2.9, which is 3.3% lower than the Iowa average.

Best Places to Live in and Around Glenwood

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      Glenwood transportation information

      Statistic Glenwood Iowa National
      Average one way commute19min19min26min
      Workers who drive to work79.4%80.7%76.4%
      Workers who carpool4.8%8.6%9.3%
      Workers who take public transit2.1%1.1%5.1%
      Workers who bicycle0.0%0.5%0.6%
      Workers who walk4.9%3.5%2.8%
      Working from home7.5%4.5%4.6%
      Source: The Glenwood, 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.