Crime
Crime per 100,000 people is significantly lower than the national average, making it a safe place to live. These crime statistics include both violent and property crimes.
Employment
Higher than average median household income, income per capita and lower unemployment rates are seen in this area. The result is a high score in the employment category.
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.
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.
Polk City, Iowa is a small-sized city with a population of 4,797 residents. If we take a look at the last Census, the vast majority of the population falls within one racial group (98% White). Given that fact, Polk City could be considered less diverse than other cities. Polk City has a high percentage of people who are married with children when compared to the rest of the country. In total, more than 72% of the population is classified as married and 56% have kids. Long travel times to work can be one of the most frustrating things in the world - right behind housework! If you decide that living in Polk City is the right fit for you, your one way commute time will average 26 minutes, which is about average when compared to the national commute time of 26 minutes.
Living in Polk City can be a great experience for anyone relocating to the area. Having said that, in the state of Iowa, there are many incredible places to live, so choose wisely! When searching for a new neighborhood, several factors play a vital role in determining its suitability. Safety should be a top priority, ensuring a secure environment with low crime rates. Proximity to your workplace or school helps minimize commuting time and allows for a better work-life balance. Availability of essential amenities such as parks, coffee shops, restaurants, grocery stores, and healthcare facilities contributes to convenience and well-being. Access to reliable public transportation options facilitates easy commuting and connectivity. Additionally, considering the sense of community and the overall atmosphere that resonates with your lifestyle and preferences fosters a harmonious living experience. Using the livability score which includes data from categories like amenities, health & safety, education, you can easily compare the best places to live in Polk City and also determine if there are any nearby cities that might be a better match for your lifestyle. You can also compare Polk City to Iowa and the national average.
Using data and statistics Polk City has received a livability score of 80/100. This score is ranked in the 95th percentile when compared to all other cities. This is a great score, as Polk City ranks well in multiple categories! Another exciting tidbit, is that Polk City ranks better than 90% of all US cities! For each of the livability categories, we see that Polk City ranks very well for crime (A+), cost of living (B), education (A+) and employment (A+). The bad news for Polk City, there are some categories for which it does not score well, this includes: amenities (F).
Low rates of violent crime, encompassing offenses such as murder, rape, robbery and assault, contribute significantly to a safer living environment. This reduction in crime minimizes the chances of personal harm, property theft, or violent incidents. Furthermore, low crime rates can have a positive impact on property values and the overall desirability of an area. There were 68 crimes per 100,000 residents, which signifies that Polk City boasts an impressively low violent crime rate that falls well below the national average.
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 Polk City, the schools boast an impressive average test score of 85%, 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, Polk City has received high marks in the housing category. Based on these calculations, the apartment rental and real estate market appears to be very healthy.
Polk City 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 Polk City. Median real estate prices in Polk City come in at $302,100, which is 127.5% higher than the Iowa average. The home price to income ratio compares the median home prices to the median household income. In Polk City, the home price to income ratio is 2.4, which is 0% lower than the Iowa average.
| Statistic | Polk City | Iowa | National |
| Average one way commute | 26min | 19min | 26min |
| Workers who drive to work | 95.4% | 80.7% | 76.4% |
| Workers who carpool | 0.9% | 8.6% | 9.3% |
| Workers who take public transit | 0.0% | 1.1% | 5.1% |
| Workers who bicycle | 0.0% | 0.5% | 0.6% |
| Workers who walk | 0.0% | 3.5% | 2.8% |
| Working from home | 3.8% | 4.5% | 4.6% |
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