Cost Of Living
Residents in this area benefit from an affordable cost of living. This includes goods and services, transportation, housing, utilities, groceries and healthcare.
Crime
This area is characterized by a crime rate, per 100,000 individuals, that falls well below the national average, indicating its potential as a very safe place to live.
Housing
The housing category in this area boasts higher than average scores, likely influenced by a positive home affordability ratio, robust appreciation rates or elevated home values.
Health & Safety
Earning a high health and safety score depends on factors such as good air quality and the availability of essential health facilities like hospitals, clinics, doctors, and fire stations.
Ratings
Local residents have positive feedback regarding the convenience of amenities, parks, public transit, the friendliness of neighbors, the strong sense of community, and the overall safety of the area.
Amenities
It appears that many amenities may not be conveniently situated within walking distance, potentially necessitating the use of a vehicle or public transit.
Commute
Commuters in this area may experience longer-than-average work commute times due to limited public transportation access.
Jefferson, Iowa is a smaller city with a population of 4,121 residents. At 95%, the majority of the Jefferson population is White; this is followed by 1% Black and 0% Asian.
Without the right tools, moving to any new area can be very stressful and challenging. Living in Jefferson, Iowa could be a positive experience for anyone who puts in the effort to do the research required. When searching for a new neighborhood, several key items should be considered. Safety is paramount, ensuring a secure environment for you and your family. Proximity to workplaces or schools reduces commuting time and enhances convenience. Access to amenities like parks, grocery stores and healthcare facilities contributes to a comfortable lifestyle. Reliable public transportation options promote easy mobility. A strong sense of community fosters social connections and a welcoming atmosphere. Finding the best places to live in Jefferson and nearby areas is a much easier task when you can rely on information and data from the livability score, which includes amenities, commute, health & safety, employment and other important metrics.
Jefferson has a livability score of 77/100 and is ranked #114 in Iowa and #2,419 in the USA. Clearly, Jefferson is doing something right, as this score ranks well above the average of most cities. The cherry on top is that Jefferson also ranks in the top 10 percent of all cities. Based on the scores for each individual category, Jefferson has been rewarded with high marks for crime (B), cost of living (A+), education (B-) and housing (B). Unfortunately for Jefferson, there are some categories for which it does not rank well, this includes: amenities (F).
When contemplating a move, job prospects often top the list of priorities. In Jefferson, the outlook for new employment is notably brighter than in many other areas. The low unemployment rate of 1.37% points to a surge in job opportunities, the potential for higher wages, enhanced workforce productivity and increased economic growth. These favorable conditions bode well for individuals seeking career advancement and financial stability, making this area an appealing destination for those prioritizing professional opportunities and economic prosperity.
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 Jefferson 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.
There are many factors that go into deciding if an area is the right fit for your lifestyle. Certain “must haves” like low crime, great schools and nearby amenities are all at the top of most people's lists. But before even considering if those options are attainable, we'll need to know if the real estate in Jefferson is actually affordable. The median home price for Jefferson homes is $89,400, which is 32.7% lower than the Iowa average. If we take a closer look at the affordability of homes in Jefferson, we’ll see that the home price to income ratio is 2, which is 16.7% lower than the Iowa average.
| Statistic | Jefferson | Iowa | National |
| Average one way commute | 22min | 19min | 26min |
| Workers who drive to work | 80.2% | 80.7% | 76.4% |
| Workers who carpool | 6.3% | 8.6% | 9.3% |
| Workers who take public transit | 0.0% | 1.1% | 5.1% |
| Workers who bicycle | 0.7% | 0.5% | 0.6% |
| Workers who walk | 7.5% | 3.5% | 2.8% |
| Working from home | 5.2% | 4.5% | 4.6% |
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