Milford 84 Exceptional
Milford Livability #26 ranked city in Iowa#739 ranked city in the USARanks better than 97% of areas
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Pros and Cons of Living in Milford

PROS
  • 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.

  • Crime Crime

    This area is characterized by a crime rate, per 100,000 individuals, that falls well below the national average, indicating its potential as a very safe place to live.

  • 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.

  • Schools Schools

    A high score in the schools category could be the result of elements like top-notch test scores, high education levels and the convenient location of elementary and high schools in this area.

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.

  • Commute Commute

    Commuters in this area may experience longer-than-average work commute times due to limited public transportation access.

What's it like Living in Milford?

Located in the state of Iowa, Milford is a small city with a population of 3,086 residents. If we take a look at the last Census, the vast majority of the population falls within one racial group (97% White). Given that fact, Milford could be considered less diverse than other cities. If you prefer shorter commutes, living in Milford will be a delight. With an average one-way commute time of just 18 minutes, traveling to and from work is notably more convenient than the national average, which stands at 26 minutes.

Are you trying to figure out if living in Milford is the right fit for your lifestyle? To ensure a positive experience before moving to any new city in Iowa, you will probably want to make sure that you check all of the most important boxes. Several key factors deserve attention. For one, safety is paramount, ensuring that your new area is low in crime is key. Proximity to workplaces or schools minimizes commute times and fosters convenience. Access to essential amenities like parks, grocery stores, food, fitness, shops and healthcare facilities enhances daily life. Efficient public transportation options provide mobility and connectivity. The sense of community creates a welcoming and supportive environment. Lastly, the overall atmosphere, encompassing the vibe, aesthetics, and lifestyle offerings, contributes to a fulfilling living experience. Considering these elements helps identify the ideal neighborhood for your needs and preferences. To help you find the best places to live in and around Milford, AreaVibes has created a livability score using key metrics like amenities, cost of living, health & safety, education and more.

The livability score in Milford is 84/100 and the city is ranked in the 97th percentile of all cities across America. Pack your bags! This is a very high score in comparison to other US cities. Living in Milford could be a great choice! Milford has also earned the rare honor of ranking in the top 10 percentile among all cities. If we dig down a little deeper into each category within the livability score, we see that Milford has higher than average scores for the following: crime (A+), cost of living (A+), education (A-), employment (B-) and housing (A+). There are some categories that Milford ranks poorly for, including: amenities (D-). It might be worth taking a closer look to figure out why.

Unemployment rates can range pretty dramatically from one city to another. Knowing that Milford has an unemployment rate of 1.8% could mean increased job opportunities with a higher demand for workers. It could also lead to higher wages, as the demand for workers exceeds the availability of jobs. Most importantly, it could be a sign of a healthy and thriving 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 Milford, the schools boast an impressive average test score of 70%, 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 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, Milford has received high marks in the housing category. Based on these calculations, the apartment rental and real estate market appears to be very healthy.

Milford 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 Milford. Median real estate prices in Milford come in at $244,536, which is 1.9% higher than the Iowa average. The home price to income ratio compares the median home prices to the median household income. In Milford, the home price to income ratio is 3.1, which is 3.3% higher than the Iowa average.

Best Places to Live in and Around Milford

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Compare Milford, IA Livability

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      Milford transportation information

      Statistic Milford Iowa National
      Average one way commute18min19min26min
      Workers who drive to work81.1%80.7%76.4%
      Workers who carpool10.9%8.6%9.3%
      Workers who take public transit0.5%1.1%5.1%
      Workers who bicycle0.6%0.5%0.6%
      Workers who walk0.3%3.5%2.8%
      Working from home3.5%4.5%4.6%
      Source: The Milford, 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.