Cost Of Living
Taking into account the cost of goods and services like housing, groceries, transportation and utilities, the overall cost of living in this area is well below average.
Crime
Crime per 100,000 people is significantly lower than the national average, making it a safe place to live. These crime statistics include both violent and property crimes.
Employment
Higher than average median household income, income per capita and lower unemployment rates are seen in this area. The result is a high score in the employment category.
Housing
High scores in the housing category are a distinguishing feature of this area, possibly driven by a favorable home affordability ratio, higher home values and appreciation rates.
Schools
The schools category earns a high score due to factors like exceptional test scores, strong education levels and the close proximity of elementary and high schools in this area.
Amenities
The majority of amenities are not ideally located within walking distance. To access these amenities, residents may be required to rely on a vehicle or public transit.
Commute
A low commute score could be due to longer-than-average work commutes and the limited availability of public transportation in this area.
Health & Safety
The low score in this category could be due to challenges related to air quality and the limited accessibility of health-related facilities like hospitals, nursing homes, doctors and pharmacies.
Norwalk is a medium-sized city located in the state of Iowa. The city has a population of 11,804 inhabitants. The majority of Norwalk residents report their race to be White; this is followed by Black and Asian. The average American spends about 26 minutes on their one way commute to work each day. Lower travel times can increase overall happiness and allow for more time to be spent with family and friends. While living in Norwalk, your commute times will be about average, with a one way commute time of 23 minutes.
Whether you’re moving to a new town to be closer to family, friends or for a new job, living in Norwalk 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. To help you find the best places to live in and around Norwalk, AreaVibes has created a livability score using key metrics like amenities, cost of living, health & safety, education, housing and more.
With a livability score of 76 out of 100, Norwalk is ranked #2,874 in the United States and #159 in Iowa. This is a phenomenal score, as Norwalk ranks well in multiple categories! The cherry on top is that Norwalk also ranks in the top 10 percent of all cities. Based on the scores for each individual category, Norwalk has been rewarded with high marks for crime (A+), cost of living (A+), education (A+), employment (A+) and housing (A+). There is at least one category that you should be aware of in Norwalk. The following was graded with a concerning 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 Norwalk, it boasts a notably low violent crime rate of 109 crimes per 100,000 residents, which significantly outperforms the national average.
Parents and families tend to prioritize school test scores when choosing educational institutions. Test score data can be a critical factor in evaluating and comparing schools. In Norwalk, the average school test scores are an impressive 81%, well above the national average. This achievement reflects the educational system's dedication to providing students with the essential knowledge and tools for success. It ensures that your children will receive the support and resources needed to excel academically and thrive in their educational pursuits.
Real estate represents the most substantial investment for homebuyers, constituting their most valuable asset. Renters, on the other hand, typically see their monthly rent as their most significant expense. The Norwalk market earns a high score in the housing category, surpassing the national average in factors like home and rental affordability and appreciation rates. This robust real estate market not only benefits individual homeowners and renters but also spurs vigorous local economic activity and job growth, solidifying its significance in driving the region's prosperity and financial well-being.
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 Norwalk is real estate affordability. The median home price for Norwalk homes is $372,951, which is 55.4% higher than the Iowa average. If we take a closer look at the affordability of homes in Norwalk, we’ll see that the home price to income ratio is 3, which is 0% 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 | Norwalk | Iowa | National |
| Average one way commute | 23min | 19min | 26min |
| Workers who drive to work | 88.3% | 80.7% | 76.4% |
| Workers who carpool | 3.3% | 8.6% | 9.3% |
| Workers who take public transit | 0.0% | 1.1% | 5.1% |
| Workers who bicycle | 0.1% | 0.5% | 0.6% |
| Workers who walk | 0.3% | 3.5% | 2.8% |
| Working from home | 7.7% | 4.5% | 4.6% |
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