Milford 84 Exceptional
Milford Livability #17 ranked city in Iowa#628 ranked city in the USARanks better than 97% of areas

Pros and Cons of Living in Milford

PROS
  • 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.

  • Schools

    A high score in the schools category could be the result of elements like top-notch test scores, high education levels and the convenient location of elementary and high schools in this area.

CONS
  • 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.

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What's it like Living in Milford?

Milford, Iowa is a smaller city with a population of 3,015 people. If we look at the most recent Census, Milford is known to have a predominantly White population. The next two most common races are Black and Asian. If you're not a fan of traffic congestion and long commute times to work, Milford is the place to be. Commutes to work here are shorter, with an average one-way commute time taking only 18 minutes, significantly lower than the national average of 26 minutes.

If you’re considering relocating to any new city, it could be a very intimidating task. However, it could also be a good experience if you are willing to get to know the city before actually living in Milford, Iowa. When searching for a new neighborhood, several key items should be considered. Safety is of utmost importance, ensuring a secure environment with low crime. Proximity to your workplace or school helps reduce commuting time and offers convenience. Access to amenities such as parks, grocery stores, and healthcare facilities enhances your daily life. Public transportation options contribute to easy mobility. A sense of community fosters a supportive and engaging environment. Lastly, the overall atmosphere should align with your desired lifestyle, ensuring a fulfilling living experience. Considering these items will guide you towards finding the perfect neighborhood that fits all your needs. Finding the best places to live in Milford and nearby areas is a much easier task when you can rely on information and data from the livability score, which includes amenities, health & safety, education, employment, housing and other important metrics.

Milford has a livability score of 82 out of 100 and is ranked #23 in Iowa and #763 in the USA. Clearly, Milford is doing something right, as this score ranks well above the average of most cities. Milford has also earned the rare honor of ranking in the top 10 percentile among all cities. There are nine total categories that create the livability score. Milford ranks well for crime (A+), cost of living (A+), education (A-), employment (B-) and housing (B+) Milford does not rank well for the following: amenities (D-). It might be a good idea to take a closer look at each category to find out why.

The unemployment rate in Milford has consistently declined over the years and currently stands well below the national average at 0.76%. 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 Milford, the schools boast an impressive average test score of 70%, 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.

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 Milford 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.

Milford 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 Milford. Median real estate prices in Milford come in at $138,900, which is 4.6% higher than the Iowa average. The home price to income ratio compares the median home prices to the median household income. In Milford, the home price to income ratio is 2.6, which is 8.3% higher than the Iowa average.

Best Places to Live in and Around Milford

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Compare Milford, IA Livability

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      Milford transportation information

      Statistic Milford Iowa National
      Average one way commute18min19min26min
      Workers who drive to work81.1%80.7%76.4%
      Workers who carpool10.9%8.6%9.3%
      Workers who take public transit0.5%1.1%5.1%
      Workers who bicycle0.6%0.5%0.6%
      Workers who walk0.3%3.5%2.8%
      Working from home3.5%4.5%4.6%
      Source: The Milford, IA data and statistics displayed above are derived from the United States Census Bureau American Community Survey (ACS).