Marshalltown 78 Exceptional
Marshalltown Livability #133 ranked city in Iowa#2,369 ranked city in the USARanks better than 91% of areas
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Pros and Cons of Living in Marshalltown

PROS
  • Commute Commute

    High scores in the commute category could indicate that this area offers short commute times to work and readily available public transportation options.

  • Cost Of Living Cost Of Living

    Residents in this area benefit from an affordable cost of living. This includes goods and services, transportation, housing, utilities, groceries and healthcare.

  • Housing Housing

    The housing category in this area boasts higher than average scores, likely influenced by a positive home affordability ratio, robust appreciation rates or elevated home values.

  • Health & Safety Health & Safety

    Earning a high health and safety score depends on factors such as good air quality and the availability of essential health facilities like hospitals, clinics, doctors, and fire stations.

CONS
  • Amenities Amenities

    It appears that many amenities may not be conveniently situated within walking distance, potentially necessitating the use of a vehicle or public transit.

  • Ratings Ratings

    Polls and surveys done by AreaVibes among area residents did not yield positive feedback when it came to the walkability of amenities, safety, nearby parks and the overall sense of community.

What's it like Living in Marshalltown?

Located in the state of Iowa, Marshalltown is a moderately-sized city with a population of 27,894 people. According to the most recent Census, 80% of Marshalltown residents are White, 5% Asian and 2% Black. Additionally, more than a quarter of the population of Marshalltown are of Hispanic or Latino origin, and 25% of the population also speak Spanish. If you are not a fan of long commutes, you will enjoy living in Marshalltown. With an average one way commute time of only 17 minutes, getting to and from work is a breeze compared to the national average of 26 minutes.

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

With a livability score of 75/100, Marshalltown is ranked #3,666 in the United States and #196 in Iowa. Based on this score, Marshalltown would be considered a very livable city! There are nine total categories that create the livability score. Marshalltown scores well for cost of living (A+) and housing (A) Unfortunately for Marshalltown, there are some categories for which it does not score well, this includes: amenities (F) and crime (F).

A robust real estate market serves as a crucial economic indicator, reflecting the local area's strength, stability and the confidence of its residents. Marshalltown 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 Marshalltown. 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 Marshalltown are affordable. The median home price for Marshalltown homes is $170,660, which is 28.9% lower than the Iowa average. If we take a closer look at the affordability of homes in Marshalltown, we’ll see that the home price to income ratio is 2.1, which is 30% lower than the Iowa average.

Best Places to Live in and Around Marshalltown

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How Do You Rate The Livability In Marshalltown?

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Compare Marshalltown, IA Livability

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      Marshalltown transportation information

      Statistic Marshalltown Iowa National
      Average one way commute17min19min26min
      Workers who drive to work76.3%80.7%76.4%
      Workers who carpool15.8%8.6%9.3%
      Workers who take public transit0.1%1.1%5.1%
      Workers who bicycle0.3%0.5%0.6%
      Workers who walk2.1%3.5%2.8%
      Working from home4.6%4.5%4.6%
      Source: The Marshalltown, 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.