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.
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.
Kalona, Iowa is a small-sized city with a population of 2,528 residents. The majority of Kalona residents report their race to be White; this is followed by Black and Asian. If you are not a fan of long commutes, you will enjoy living in Kalona. 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.
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 town before actually living in Kalona, 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 Kalona 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, employment and other important metrics.
Using data and statistics Kalona has received a livability score of 76 out of 100. This score is ranked in the 91st percentile when compared to all other cities. Clearly, Kalona is doing something right, as this score ranks well above the average of most cities. This city is also ranked in the top 10 percentile of all cities across the USA. For each of the livability categories, we know that Kalona ranks very well for crime (A+), cost of living (A), education (B), employment (B) and housing (B+). There are some categories that Kalona scores poorly for, including: amenities (F). It might be worth taking a closer look to find out why.
The unemployment rate in Kalona has consistently declined over the years and currently stands well below the national average at 0.4%. 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.
Standardized school test scores offer a valuable benchmark for assessing the quality of educational programs, instructional methods, and curriculum effectiveness. Recognizing that Kalona 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 69%, 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 Kalona an appealing choice for those prioritizing their children's educational prospects.
Finding affordable real estate and housing in Kalona can be tricky. Having said that, this area might be the place to get the best of both worlds. Based on factors like home/rental affordability and appreciation rates, this area has received an above average score in the housing category. A healthy real estate market can lead to wealth appreciation for property owners, as rising property values can contribute to homeowners' equity, financial stability and the ability to build long-term wealth.
Assuming that Kalona meets all of your requirements like low crime rates, good schools and great local amenities, the next most important item to examine is the affordability of real estate in Kalona. Everything else becomes a lot less important if it turns out that home prices in Kalona are simply unattainable. Median real estate prices in Kalona come in at $159,400, which is 20% higher than the Iowa average. The home price to income ratio compares the median home prices to the median household income. In Kalona, the home price to income ratio is 2.7, which is 12.5% higher than the Iowa average.
| Statistic | Kalona | Iowa | National |
| Average one way commute | 19min | 19min | 26min |
| Workers who drive to work | 77.8% | 80.7% | 76.4% |
| Workers who carpool | 5.8% | 8.6% | 9.3% |
| Workers who take public transit | 0.9% | 1.1% | 5.1% |
| Workers who bicycle | 0.5% | 0.5% | 0.6% |
| Workers who walk | 8.7% | 3.5% | 2.8% |
| Working from home | 5.5% | 4.5% | 4.6% |
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