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.
Health & Safety
Good air quality as well as nearby health facilities like hospitals, clinics, nursing homes, fire and police stations all contribute to a higher than average health and safety score.
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.
Located in the state of Iowa, Polk City is a small city with a population of 4,940 residents. The majority of Polk City residents report their race to be White; this is followed by Black and Asian. Polk City is known to be family friendly as more than 72% of the population has already tied the knot. It might also be worth noting that 56% of residents also have children under the age of 18. On a daily basis, the typical American spends approximately 26 minutes on their one-way work commute. Reduced travel times not only contributes to increased overall happiness, but also affords more opportunities to cherish moments with family and friends. If you're living in Polk City, your commute time will align closely with the national average, spanning a one-way duration of approximately 26 minutes.
Living in Polk City can be a good experience for anyone relocating to the city. Having said that, in the state of Iowa, there are many desirable places to live, so choose wisely! When searching for a new neighborhood, several factors play a vital role in determining its suitability. Safety should be a top priority, ensuring a secure environment with low crime rates. Proximity to your workplace or school helps minimize commuting time and allows for a better work-life balance. Availability of essential amenities such as parks, coffee shops, restaurants, grocery stores, and healthcare facilities contributes to convenience and well-being. Access to reliable public transportation options facilitates easy commuting and connectivity. Additionally, considering the sense of community and the overall atmosphere that resonates with your lifestyle and preferences fosters a harmonious living experience. The best areas in Polk City and in surrounding cities are easier to find when you are able to make informed decisions. Using data from amenities, crime, health & safety, education, you will see a detailed breakdown of the most important information as well as comparisons to the Iowa and national averages.
Using data and statistics Polk City has received a livability score of 79 out of 100. This score is ranked in the 93rd percentile when compared to all other cities. Pack your bags! This is a very high score in comparison to other US cities. Living in Polk City could be a great choice! Another exciting tidbit, is that Polk City ranks better than 90% of all US cities! If we examine each of the categories on their own, we see that Polk City ranks well for crime (A+), cost of living (B-) and education (A+). There are some categories that Polk City does not rank well for, including: amenities (F). It might be worth taking a closer look to figure out why.
Low rates of violent crime, encompassing offenses such as murder, rape, robbery and assault, contribute significantly to a safer living environment. This reduction in crime minimizes the chances of personal harm, property theft, or violent incidents. Furthermore, low crime rates can have a positive impact on property values and the overall desirability of an area. There were 31 crimes per 100,000 residents, which signifies that Polk City boasts an impressively low violent crime rate that falls well below the national average.
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 Polk City, the schools boast an impressive average test score of 85%, 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.
Finding affordable real estate and housing in Polk City can be tricky. Having said that, this area might be the place to get the best of both worlds. Based on factors like home/rental affordability and appreciation rates, this area has received an above average score in the housing category. A healthy real estate market can lead to wealth appreciation for property owners, as rising property values can contribute to homeowners' equity, financial stability and the ability to build long-term wealth.
Being close to public transit, grocery stores, parks and other conveniences are all important when weighing your options for a new home in Polk City. 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 Polk City are affordable. Median real estate prices in Polk City come in at $554,516, which is 131% higher than the Iowa average. The home price to income ratio compares the median home prices to the median household income. In Polk City, the home price to income ratio is 2.9, which is 3.3% lower than the Iowa average.
| Statistic | Polk City | Iowa | National |
| Average one way commute | 26min | 19min | 26min |
| Workers who drive to work | 95.4% | 80.7% | 76.4% |
| Workers who carpool | 0.9% | 8.6% | 9.3% |
| Workers who take public transit | 0.0% | 1.1% | 5.1% |
| Workers who bicycle | 0.0% | 0.5% | 0.6% |
| Workers who walk | 0.0% | 3.5% | 2.8% |
| Working from home | 3.8% | 4.5% | 4.6% |
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