Cost Of Living
The cost of living in this region is notably lower than the national average, encompassing everyday goods, housing, utilities, transportation and health care expenses.
Housing
High scores in the housing category are attributed to this area, possibly pointing to a favorable home affordability ratio, robust appreciation rates or elevated home values.
Health & Safety
Achieving a high health and safety score relies on factors including great air quality and convenient access to vital health facilities such as hospitals, doctors, clinics and police stations.
Schools
The schools category boasts a high score thanks to factors like excellent test scores, impressive graduation rates and the convenient placement of elementary and high schools in this area.
Ratings
Locals express favorable opinions about the proximity of everyday local amenities, parks, public transit, neighborly atmosphere, strong sense of community and the general safety of the area.
Amenities
A large portion of amenities are not ideally situated within walking distance, potentially requiring residents to utilize a vehicle or public transportation.
Commute
Access to public transportation in this particular area may be limited, which can result in longer-than-average commute times to reach workplaces.
Crime
This area exhibits elevated crime rates per 100,000 residents, which may suggest it's a potentially unsafe place to reside. These rates encompass both property and violent crimes.
Located in the state of Iowa, Grinnell is a small city with a population of 9,069 people. If we take a look at the last Census, the vast majority of the population falls within one racial group (91% White). Given that fact, Grinnell could be considered less diverse than other cities. In Grinnell, only 49% of people over the age of fifteen are married. This city could be a good option for singles ready to mingle. If you are not a fan of long commutes, you will enjoy living in Grinnell. With an average one way commute time of only 14 minutes, getting to and from work is a breeze compared to the national average of 26 minutes.
Whether you’re moving to a new town to be closer to family, friends or for a new job, living in Grinnell 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. With useful information like cost of living, health & safety, housing and other key data points, finding the best places to live in Grinnell and in the areas around Grinnell is a much easier task.
The livability score in Grinnell is 73 out of 100 and the city is ranked in the 86th percentile of all cities across America. Based on the scores for each individual category, Grinnell has received high marks for cost of living (A+), education (A+) and housing (B+). Regrettably for Grinnell, there are some categories for which it does not score well, this includes: amenities (F), crime (D) and employment (D-).
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 Grinnell, the schools boast an impressive average test score of 79%, 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, Grinnell has received high marks in the housing category. Based on these calculations, the apartment rental and real estate market appears to be very healthy.
Being close to public transit, grocery stores, parks and other conveniences are all important when weighing your options for a new home in Grinnell. 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 Grinnell are affordable. The median home price for Grinnell homes is $150,700, which is 13.5% higher than the Iowa average. If we take a closer look at the affordability of homes in Grinnell, we’ll see that the home price to income ratio is 3, which is 25% higher than the Iowa average.
| Statistic | Grinnell | Iowa | National |
| Average one way commute | 14min | 19min | 26min |
| Workers who drive to work | 62.2% | 80.7% | 76.4% |
| Workers who carpool | 7.4% | 8.6% | 9.3% |
| Workers who take public transit | 0.1% | 1.1% | 5.1% |
| Workers who bicycle | 2.6% | 0.5% | 0.6% |
| Workers who walk | 23.5% | 3.5% | 2.8% |
| Working from home | 3.1% | 4.5% | 4.6% |
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