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
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
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
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
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.
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
Commuters in this area may experience longer-than-average work commute times due to limited public transportation access.
Monticello, Iowa is a small-sized city with a population of 3,979 residents. At 94%, the majority of the Monticello population is White; this is followed by 1% Black and 0% Asian. If you're not a fan of traffic congestion and long commute times to work, Monticello is the place to be. Commutes to work here are shorter, with an average one-way commute time taking only 18 minutes, significantly lower than the national average of 26 minutes.
Are you trying to figure out if living in Monticello is the right fit for your lifestyle? To ensure a good experience before relocating 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 Monticello, AreaVibes has created a livability score using key metrics like amenities, cost of living, health & safety, housing and more.
Monticello, IA receives 75 out of 100 for its livability score; this results in a ranking of #194 in Iowa and #3,615 in the USA. Based on this score, Monticello would be considered a very livable city! If we probe a little deeper into each category within the livability score, we see that Monticello has higher than average grades for the following: crime (A-), cost of living (A+), education (A+) and housing (A+). There is at least one category that did not score well in Monticello. The following was graded with a less than perfect score: amenities (F).
Ensuring a sense of security is paramount for the majority of residents in any area. Low crime rates exert a positive influence on various aspects, including home prices, rates of home appreciation and the cultivation of positive community dynamics and social cohesion. In the case of Monticello, it boasts a notably low violent crime rate of 0 crimes per 100,000 residents, which significantly outperforms the national average.
Unemployment rates can vary significantly among cities, impacting job prospects, wage levels and the overall economic health of an area. In Monticello, the unemployment rate stands at 1.4%, 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.
Parents and families often rely on school test scores when making decisions about local public schools. Test score data serves as a crucial metric for comparing and assessing various educational institutions. In Monticello, the average school test scores reached an impressive 75%, significantly higher than the national average. This remarkable performance underscores the commitment of the educational system to equip students with the knowledge and resources necessary for success. It allows your children to receive the support and skills that are essential for thriving academically, making Monticello an excellent choice for families seeking a high-quality education.
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, Monticello has received high marks in the housing category. Based on these calculations, the apartment rental and real estate market appears to be very healthy.
Monticello 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 Monticello. Median real estate prices in Monticello come in at $207,863, which is 13.4% lower than the Iowa average. The home price to income ratio compares the median home prices to the median household income. In Monticello, the home price to income ratio is 2.8, which is 6.7% lower 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 | Monticello | Iowa | National |
| Average one way commute | 18min | 19min | 26min |
| Workers who drive to work | 79.2% | 80.7% | 76.4% |
| Workers who carpool | 10.3% | 8.6% | 9.3% |
| Workers who take public transit | 0.0% | 1.1% | 5.1% |
| Workers who bicycle | 0.6% | 0.5% | 0.6% |
| Workers who walk | 5.8% | 3.5% | 2.8% |
| Working from home | 4.1% | 4.5% | 4.6% |
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