Cost Of Living
Taking into account the cost of goods and services like housing, groceries, transportation and utilities, the overall cost of living in this area is well below average.
Housing
High scores in the housing category are a distinguishing feature of this area, possibly driven by a favorable home affordability ratio, higher home values and appreciation rates.
Health & Safety
Good air quality as well as nearby health facilities like hospitals, clinics, nursing homes, fire and police stations all contribute to a higher than average health and safety score.
Schools
The schools category earns a high score due to factors like exceptional test scores, strong education levels and the close proximity of elementary and high schools in this area.
Ratings
Based on recent surveys and polls, locals gave high marks in the walkability to local amenities, safety, public transit, friendliness of neighbors and overall sense of community in the area.
Amenities
The majority of amenities are not ideally located within walking distance. To access these amenities, residents may be required to rely on a vehicle or public transit.
Commute
A low commute score could be due to longer-than-average work commutes and the limited availability of public transportation in this area.
Newton, Iowa is a moderately-sized city with a population of 15,160 people. At 94%, the majority of the Newton population is White; this is followed by 2% Black and 0% Asian. If you prefer shorter commutes, living in Newton will be a delight. With an average one-way commute time of just 20 minutes, traveling to and from work is notably more convenient than the national average, which stands at 26 minutes.
Are you trying to figure out if living in Newton is the right fit for your lifestyle? To ensure a positive experience before relocating 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. To help you find the best places to live in and around Newton, AreaVibes has created a livability score using key metrics like crime, commute, health & safety, employment, housing and more.
Newton, IA receives 76 out of 100 for its livability score; this results in a ranking of #139 in Iowa and #2,679 in the USA. This is a terrific score, as Newton ranks well in multiple categories! Newton also ranks in the top 10 percent of all cities, which is no small feat! If we dig down a little deeper into each category within the livability score, we see that Newton has higher than average scores for the following: education (A) and housing (A+). Newton does not fare well for the following: amenities (F) and employment (D). It might be wise to take a closer look at each category to find out why.
The Newton unemployment rate of 2.63% has continued to decrease over the years and is now well below the national average. The result could lead to reduced poverty and inequality in the area, higher wages and increased economic growth. This is a positive sign in the overall health of the local economy.
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 Newton, the schools boast an impressive average test score of 69%, 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 robust real estate market serves as a crucial economic indicator, reflecting the local area's strength, stability and the confidence of its residents. Newton excels in the housing sector, scoring high marks based on factors such as median home and rental prices, appreciation rates and home affordability. These calculations suggest that the apartment rental and real estate market in the region is exceptionally healthy, highlighting the area's economic vitality and attractiveness to potential homebuyers and renters.
Newton 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 Newton. Median real estate prices in Newton come in at $123,200, which is 7.2% lower than the Iowa average. The home price to income ratio compares the median home prices to the median household income. In Newton, the home price to income ratio is 2.5, which is 4.2% higher than the Iowa average.
| Statistic | Newton | Iowa | National |
| Average one way commute | 20min | 19min | 26min |
| Workers who drive to work | 80.8% | 80.7% | 76.4% |
| Workers who carpool | 8.6% | 8.6% | 9.3% |
| Workers who take public transit | 0.1% | 1.1% | 5.1% |
| Workers who bicycle | 0.2% | 0.5% | 0.6% |
| Workers who walk | 4.0% | 3.5% | 2.8% |
| Working from home | 4.9% | 4.5% | 4.6% |
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