Clarion 76 Exceptional
Clarion Livability #165 ranked city in Iowa#2,955 ranked city in the USARanks better than 89% of areas

Pros and Cons of Living in Clarion

PROS
  • Cost Of Living

    The overall cost of living in this area is much lower than average. This includes everyday goods and services, as well as housing, utilities and health care.

  • Crime

    With a lower than average crime rate per 100,000 people, this area could be considered a very safe place to live. Crime rates are based on both violent and property crimes.

  • Housing

    This area has received high scores in the housing category. This could be due to a positive home affordability ratio, high appreciation rates or elevated home values.

  • Health & Safety

    A high score in the health and safety category is a result of good air quality and the accessibility to health facilities such as hospitals, clinics, doctors, pharmacies and fire stations.

  • Schools

    High test scores, elevated graduation rates as well as the conveniently located elementary and high schools in this area have all contributed to the high score in the schools category.

CONS
  • Amenities

    A majority of amenities are not ideally situated within a reasonable walking distance, which may lead residents to rely on a vehicle or public transportation.

  • Commute

    Public transportation is not readily available in this area and the average commute time to work could also be longer than the national average.

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What's it like Living in Clarion?

Located in the state of Iowa, Clarion is a small city with a population of 2,726 inhabitants. If we take a look at the last Census, the vast majority of the population falls within one racial group (84% White). Given that fact, Clarion could be considered less diverse than other cities. Additionally, more than a quarter of the population of Clarion are of Hispanic or Latino origin, and 20% of the population also speak Spanish. If you prefer shorter commutes, living in Clarion will be a delight. With an average one-way commute time of just 13 minutes, traveling to and from work is notably more convenient than the national average, which stands at 26 minutes.

Are you trying to ascertain if living in Clarion is the right fit for your lifestyle? To ensure a fulfilling experience before moving 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. With useful information like amenities, education, housing and other key data points, finding the best places to live in Clarion and in the areas around Clarion is a much easier task.

With a livability score of 75/100, Clarion is ranked #3,049 in the United States and #155 in Iowa. Based on this score, Clarion would be considered a very livable city! For each of the livability categories, we can establish that Clarion ranks very well for crime (A+), education (A-) and housing (B+). There is at least one category that did not score well in Clarion. The following was graded with a concerning score: amenities (F) and employment (D-).

Unemployment rates can range pretty dramatically from one city to another. Knowing that Clarion has an unemployment rate of 1.82% could mean increased job opportunities with a higher demand for workers. It could also lead to higher wages, as the demand for workers exceeds the availability of jobs. Most importantly, it could be a sign of a healthy and thriving local economy.

Standardized school test scores offer a valuable benchmark for assessing the quality of educational programs, instructional methods, and curriculum effectiveness. Recognizing that Clarion schools excel in test scores is a crucial consideration when determining the suitability of this area for residence. The local schools boast an impressive average test score of 73%, significantly higher than the national average. This stellar academic performance not only attests to the excellence of the educational system but also underscores the area's commitment to providing a high-quality education, making Clarion an appealing choice for those prioritizing their children's educational prospects.

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, Clarion has received high marks in the housing category. Based on these calculations, the apartment rental and real estate market appears to be very healthy.

Certain items on your wish list like shopping, restaurants, nightlife, parks and proximity to public transportation are all important things to look for. Having said that, perhaps the most important metric to consider when contemplating a move to Clarion is real estate affordability. The median home price for Clarion homes is $77,800, which is 41.4% lower than the Iowa average. If we take a closer look at the affordability of homes in Clarion, we’ll see that the home price to income ratio is 2, which is 16.7% lower than the Iowa average.

Best Places to Live in and Around Clarion

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Compare Clarion, IA Livability

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      Clarion transportation information

      Statistic Clarion Iowa National
      Average one way commute13min19min26min
      Workers who drive to work82.9%80.7%76.4%
      Workers who carpool8.2%8.6%9.3%
      Workers who take public transit0.0%1.1%5.1%
      Workers who bicycle0.6%0.5%0.6%
      Workers who walk2.6%3.5%2.8%
      Working from home5.6%4.5%4.6%
      Source: The Clarion, IA data and statistics displayed above are derived from the United States Census Bureau American Community Survey (ACS).