Humboldt 83 Exceptional
Humboldt Livability #37 ranked city in Iowa#943 ranked city in the USARanks better than 96% of areas
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Pros and Cons of Living in Humboldt

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.

  • Schools 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 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 Humboldt?

Humboldt, Iowa is a small city with a population of 4,694 inhabitants. If we look at the most recent Census, Humboldt is known to have a predominantly White population. The next two most common races are Asian and Black. If you prefer shorter commutes, living in Humboldt will be a delight. With an average one-way commute time of just 14 minutes, traveling to and from work is notably more convenient than the national average, which stands at 26 minutes.

Whether you’re relocating to a new city to be closer to family, friends or for a new job, living in Humboldt could be a positive experience compared to other cities in Iowa if you know where to look. Don't forget to determine what matters most to you in a neighborhood. Consider factors such as safety, proximity to work or school, access to amenities (like parks, fitness facilities, grocery stores, restaurants), public transportation options, community atmosphere and the overall vibe you're looking for. With useful information like amenities, commute, employment and other key data points, finding the best places to live in Humboldt and in the areas around Humboldt is a much easier task.

The livability score in Humboldt is 81/100 and the city is ranked in the 95th percentile of all cities across America. This is a fantastic score, as Humboldt ranks well in multiple categories! Humboldt has also earned the rare honor of ranking in the top 10 percentile among all cities. For each of the livability categories, we see that Humboldt ranks very well for crime (A-), cost of living (A+), education (A+) and housing (A+). Humboldt 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.

Unemployment rates can vary significantly among cities, impacting job prospects, wage levels and the overall economic health of an area. In Humboldt, the unemployment rate stands at 2%, 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.

Standardized school test scores offer a valuable benchmark for assessing the quality of educational programs, instructional methods, and curriculum effectiveness. Recognizing that Humboldt 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 Humboldt 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. Humboldt 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 Humboldt. 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 Humboldt are affordable. Median real estate prices in Humboldt come in at $226,626, which is 5.6% lower than the Iowa average. The home price to income ratio compares the median home prices to the median household income. In Humboldt, the home price to income ratio is 2.7, which is 10% lower than the Iowa average.

Best Places to Live in and Around Humboldt

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      Humboldt transportation information

      Statistic Humboldt Iowa National
      Average one way commute14min19min26min
      Workers who drive to work79.6%80.7%76.4%
      Workers who carpool11.0%8.6%9.3%
      Workers who take public transit0.0%1.1%5.1%
      Workers who bicycle0.0%0.5%0.6%
      Workers who walk2.3%3.5%2.8%
      Working from home7.1%4.5%4.6%
      Source: The Humboldt, 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.