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.
Grinnell, Iowa is a small-sized city with a population of 9,424 residents. According to the most recent Census, 91% of Grinnell residents are White, 4% Asian and 3% Black. In Grinnell, only 49% of people over the age of fifteen are married. This city could be a good option for singles ready to mingle. If you're not a fan of traffic congestion and long commute times to work, Grinnell is the place to be. Commutes to work here are shorter, with an average one-way commute time taking only 14 minutes, significantly 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 Grinnell, 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 crime, health & safety, employment and other key data points, finding the best places to live in Grinnell and in the areas around Grinnell is a much easier task.
The livability score in Grinnell is 73 out of 100 and the city is ranked in the 82nd percentile of all cities across America. For each of the livability categories, we can establish that Grinnell ranks very well for cost of living (A+), education (A+) and housing (A+). Unfortunately for Grinnell, there are some categories for which it does not score well, this includes: amenities (F), crime (F) and employment (D).
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. Grinnell shines in this regard, earning exemplary ratings for its exceptionally low violent crime rates, standing at 169 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.
Test scores can be a good way to measure a school's academic performance and the proficiency of its students. They can be an important metric in deciding if the local area schools can provide a solid educational system for children. The schools in Grinnell have an average test score of 79%, which is well above the US average.
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, Grinnell has received high marks in the housing category. Based on these calculations, the apartment rental and real estate market appears to be very healthy.
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 Grinnell is real estate affordability. Median real estate prices in Grinnell come in at $275,503, which is 14.8% higher than the Iowa average. The home price to income ratio compares the median home prices to the median household income. In Grinnell, the home price to income ratio is 3.7, which is 23.3% 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 | Grinnell | Iowa | National |
| Average one way commute | 14min | 19min | 26min |
| Workers who drive to work | 62.2% | 80.7% | 76.4% |
| Workers who carpool | 7.4% | 8.6% | 9.3% |
| Workers who take public transit | 0.1% | 1.1% | 5.1% |
| Workers who bicycle | 2.6% | 0.5% | 0.6% |
| Workers who walk | 23.5% | 3.5% | 2.8% |
| Working from home | 3.1% | 4.5% | 4.6% |
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