Solon 84 Exceptional
Solon Livability #27 ranked city in Iowa#788 ranked city in the USARanks better than 97% of areas
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Pros and Cons of Living in Solon

PROS
  • Cost Of Living Cost Of Living

    Everyday cost of living expenses like goods and services, housing, groceries, transportation, health care and utilities are far below the national average.

  • Crime Crime

    This area boasts a crime rate that is far below the national average, making it a very safe place to live. These crime statistics encompass both property and violent offenses.

  • Employment Employment

    With higher than average median household income, income per capita and lower unemployment rates, this area scores extremely well in the employment category.

  • Housing Housing

    Impressive scores in the housing category characterize this area, potentially attributed to the availability of affordable housing, strong appreciation rates and high home values.

  • Health & Safety Health & Safety

    Accessible health facilities like hospitals, doctors offices, clinics and nursing homes as well as good air quality are all factors that have led to a high score in this category.

CONS
  • Amenities Amenities

    The majority of amenities will be difficult to reach within a short walk, often requiring residents to use a vehicle or public transportation for access.

  • Commute Commute

    Low commute scores could be due to limited access to public transit in this area, as well as longer-than-average work commute times for residents.

What's it like Living in Solon?

Located in the state of Iowa, Solon is a small city with a population of 2,747 people. According to the most recent Census, 99% of Solon residents are White, 1% Black and 0% Asian. If you prefer shorter commutes, living in Solon will be a delight. With an average one-way commute time of just 20 minutes, traveling to and from work is notably more convenient than the national average, which stands at 26 minutes.

Whether you’re moving to a new town to be closer to family, friends or for a new job, living in Solon 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. Using the livability score which includes data from categories like crime, commute, health & safety, you can easily compare the best places to live in Solon and also determine if there are any nearby cities that might be a better match for your lifestyle. You can also compare Solon to Iowa and the national average.

With a livability score of 83/100, Solon is ranked #879 in the United States and #28 in Iowa. Clearly, Solon is doing something right, as this score ranks well above the average of most cities. This city is also ranked in the top 10 percentile of all cities across the USA. If we dig a little deeper into each category within the livability score, we see that Solon has higher than average grades for the following: crime (A+), cost of living (B), employment (A+) and housing (A+). There are some categories that Solon scores poorly for, including: amenities (F). It might be worth taking a closer look to find out why.

The unemployment rate in Solon has consistently declined over the years and currently stands well below the national average at 1.2%. This downward trend holds the potential to reduce poverty and inequality within the region, promote higher wage levels and stimulate greater economic growth. Such positive indicators signal the overall robust health of the local economy, offering a promising outlook for its residents and fostering an environment of financial well-being and prosperity.

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 Solon, the schools boast an impressive average test score of 86%, 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 Solon 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 Solon. 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 Solon are affordable. The median home price for Solon homes is $464,010, which is 93.3% higher than the Iowa average. If we take a closer look at the affordability of homes in Solon, we’ll see that the home price to income ratio is 3.7, which is 23.3% higher than the Iowa average.

Best Places to Live in and Around Solon

See all the best places to live around Solon

How Do You Rate The Livability In Solon?

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Compare Solon, IA Livability

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      Solon transportation information

      Statistic Solon Iowa National
      Average one way commute20min19min26min
      Workers who drive to work77.5%80.7%76.4%
      Workers who carpool10.0%8.6%9.3%
      Workers who take public transit0.0%1.1%5.1%
      Workers who bicycle2.0%0.5%0.6%
      Workers who walk2.6%3.5%2.8%
      Working from home7.4%4.5%4.6%
      Source: The Solon, 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.