Centerville 72 Excellent
Centerville Livability #277 ranked city in Iowa#5,599 ranked city in the USARanks better than 80% of areas

Pros and Cons of Living in Centerville

PROS
  • Cost Of Living

    The overall cost of living in this area is much lower than average. This includes everyday goods and services, as well as housing, utilities and health care.

  • Housing

    This area has received high scores in the housing category. This could be due to a positive home affordability ratio, high appreciation rates or elevated home values.

  • Health & Safety

    A high score in the health and safety category is a result of good air quality and the accessibility to health facilities such as hospitals, clinics, doctors, pharmacies and fire stations.

  • Schools

    High test scores, elevated graduation rates as well as the conveniently located elementary and high schools in this area have all contributed to the high score in the schools category.

CONS
  • Amenities

    A majority of amenities are not ideally situated within a reasonable walking distance, which may lead residents to rely on a vehicle or public transportation.

  • Commute

    Public transportation is not readily available in this area and the average commute time to work could also be longer than the national average.

  • Employment

    A low score in the employment category could indicate that this area struggles with high unemployment rates and low household income and income per capita levels.

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What's it like Living in Centerville?

Centerville is a small city located in the state of Iowa. The city has a population of 5,433 people. If we look at the most recent Census, Centerville is known to have a predominantly White population. The next two most common races are Black and Asian. Based on an average age of 48, Centerville appears to be well-suited for seniors or retirees as the average age is well above the national average. If you are not a fan of long commutes, you will enjoy living in Centerville. 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.

Are you trying to ascertain if living in Centerville is the right fit for your lifestyle? To ensure a good experience before moving 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. With useful information like amenities, crime, commute, employment, housing and other key data points, finding the best places to live in Centerville and in the areas around Centerville is a much easier task.

The livability score in Centerville is 71 out of 100 and the city is ranked in the 80th percentile of all cities across America. If we dig a little deeper into each category within the livability score, we see that Centerville has higher than average grades for the following: crime (B), education (A-) and housing (B+). On a less positive note, Centerville does not have favorable ranks for the following: amenities (F) and employment (F). If we take a look at the data, we can find out why.

In today's ever-changing economic climate, pursuing a cost-effective lifestyle takes on heightened importance, particularly with the continual increase in prices for everyday necessities. When living in Centerville, residents are privileged to experience a cost of living that stands 22.54% below the national average. This advantageous position has a far-reaching impact, spanning a wide array of expenditures, encompassing not just goods and services, but also housing, groceries, and transportation costs. As a result, this area emerges as a central hub where your financial resources yield greater value, allowing for the maintenance of an economically sustainable lifestyle. This affordability holds exceptional significance in an era characterized by mounting expenses, making Centerville an attractive destination for individuals seeking financial prudence without compromising their quality of life.

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 Centerville, the average school test scores reached an impressive 70%, 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 Centerville an excellent choice for families seeking a high-quality education.

For home buyers, real estate will be the largest purchase they will ever make and it will also be their most valuable asset. For renters, the monthly rent paid on their Centerville apartments will most likely be their largest expense. Based on tangible metrics like home and rental affordability and appreciation rates, housing in this area has received a score that is well above the average of every other US city. A thriving real estate market can also generate strong local economic activity and job creation.

Centerville 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 Centerville. Median real estate prices in Centerville come in at $73,000, which is 45% lower than the Iowa average. The home price to income ratio compares the median home prices to the median household income. In Centerville, the home price to income ratio is 2.2, which is 8.3% lower than the Iowa average.

Best Places to Live in and Around Centerville

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Compare Centerville, IA Livability

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      Centerville transportation information

      Statistic Centerville Iowa National
      Average one way commute16min19min26min
      Workers who drive to work83.0%80.7%76.4%
      Workers who carpool9.0%8.6%9.3%
      Workers who take public transit0.0%1.1%5.1%
      Workers who bicycle0.8%0.5%0.6%
      Workers who walk4.0%3.5%2.8%
      Working from home3.2%4.5%4.6%
      Source: The Centerville, IA data and statistics displayed above are derived from the United States Census Bureau American Community Survey (ACS).