Waukon 79 Exceptional
Waukon Livability #125 ranked city in Iowa#2,301 ranked city in the USARanks better than 92% of areas
Is This the Right Place for You? Local Insights Report
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Local Insights Report

Pros and Cons of Living in Waukon

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.

  • 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.

  • Schools Schools

    The high score in the schools category can be attributed to outstanding test scores, elevated graduation rates and the convenient placement of elementary and high schools in this area.

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 Waukon?

Waukon, Iowa is a small city with a population of 3,770 residents. If we look at the most recent Census, Waukon is known to have a predominantly White population. The next two most common races are American Indian and Alaskan and Black. If you are not a fan of long commutes, you will enjoy living in Waukon. With an average one way commute time of only 16 minutes, getting to and from work is a breeze compared to the national average of 26 minutes.

Whether you’re relocating to a new area to be closer to family, friends or for a new job, living in Waukon could be a positive experience compared to other cities in Iowa if you know where to search. 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 amenities, crime, cost of living, health & safety, employment, you can easily compare the best places to live in Waukon and also determine if there are any nearby cities that might be a better match for your lifestyle. You can also compare Waukon to Iowa and the national average.

Waukon, IA receives 77 out of 100 for its livability score; this results in a ranking of #140 in Iowa and #2,600 in the USA. Compared to the United States average, Waukon ranks among some of the best places to live in the country! Waukon 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 Waukon has higher than average grades for the following: crime (A+), cost of living (A+), education (A) and housing (A+). On a more negative note, Waukon does not have favorable scores for the following: amenities (F). If we take a look at the data, we can find out why.

Low violent crime rates (murder, rape, robbery, assault) provide a safer environment for residents, reducing the risk of personal harm, property theft or violence. Low crime can also lead to increased property values and desirability. With 27 crimes per 100,000 residents, Waukon has a violent crime rate that is far 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 Waukon, the schools boast an impressive average test score of 76%, 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, Waukon has received high marks in the housing category. Based on these calculations, the apartment rental and real estate market appears to be very healthy.

Waukon 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 Waukon. Median real estate prices in Waukon come in at $210,885, which is 12.1% lower than the Iowa average. The home price to income ratio compares the median home prices to the median household income. In Waukon, the home price to income ratio is 2.9, which is 3.3% lower than the Iowa average.

Best Places to Live in and Around Waukon

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Compare Waukon, IA Livability

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      Waukon transportation information

      Statistic Waukon Iowa National
      Average one way commute16min19min26min
      Workers who drive to work84.4%80.7%76.4%
      Workers who carpool6.6%8.6%9.3%
      Workers who take public transit0.0%1.1%5.1%
      Workers who bicycle0.0%0.5%0.6%
      Workers who walk3.9%3.5%2.8%
      Working from home5.1%4.5%4.6%
      Source: The Waukon, 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.