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.
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.
Ratings
Local residents have positive things to say about the proximity of restaurants, grocery stores, parks, public transit, friendliness of neighbors, sense of community and overall safety of the area.
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.
Crime
This area is reporting high crime rates per 100,000 people and could signify that it is a dangerous place to live. Crime rates include both violent and property crimes.
Located in the state of Iowa, Clear Lake is a smaller city with a population of 7,594 residents. According to the most recent Census, 94% of Clear Lake residents are White, 3% Asian and 0% Black. The Clear Lake population appears to be aging at a faster rate than normal. The median age is currently 53, which is on the high side when compared to most other cities. If you are not a fan of long commutes, you will enjoy living in Clear Lake. With an average one way commute time of only 19 minutes, getting to and from work is a breeze compared to the national average of 26 minutes.
Without the right tools, moving to any new area can be very stressful and challenging. Living in Clear Lake, Iowa could be a great experience for anyone who puts in the time 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 Clear Lake and nearby areas is a much easier task when you can rely on information and data from the livability score, which includes cost of living, commute, health & safety, employment and other important metrics.
Using data and statistics Clear Lake has received a livability score of 82/100. This score is ranked in the 96th percentile when compared to all other cities. Pack your bags! This is a very high score in comparison to other US cities. Living in Clear Lake could be a great choice! This city is also ranked in the top 10 percentile of all cities across the USA. If we dig down a little deeper into each category within the livability score, we see that Clear Lake has higher than average scores for the following: cost of living (A+), education (A), employment (B) and housing (A+). Clear Lake 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.
When contemplating a move, job prospects often top the list of priorities. In Clear Lake, the outlook for new employment is notably brighter than in many other areas. The low unemployment rate of 1.77% 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.
Parents and families tend to prioritize school test scores when choosing educational institutions. Test score data can be a critical factor in evaluating and comparing schools. In Clear Lake, the average school test scores are an impressive 73%, well above the national average. This achievement reflects the educational system's dedication to providing students with the essential knowledge and tools for success. It ensures that your children will receive the support and resources needed to excel academically and thrive in their educational pursuits.
A robust real estate market serves as a crucial economic indicator, reflecting the local area's strength, stability and the confidence of its residents. Clear Lake 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.
Clear Lake 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 Clear Lake. The median home price for Clear Lake homes is $178,000, which is 34% higher than the Iowa average. If we take a closer look at the affordability of homes in Clear Lake, we’ll see that the home price to income ratio is 2.9, which is 20.8% higher than the Iowa average.
| Statistic | Clear Lake | Iowa | National |
| Average one way commute | 19min | 19min | 26min |
| Workers who drive to work | 82.8% | 80.7% | 76.4% |
| Workers who carpool | 5.6% | 8.6% | 9.3% |
| Workers who take public transit | 0.8% | 1.1% | 5.1% |
| Workers who bicycle | 1.6% | 0.5% | 0.6% |
| Workers who walk | 2.3% | 3.5% | 2.8% |
| Working from home | 5.4% | 4.5% | 4.6% |
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