Monticello 75 Excellent
Monticello Livability #194 ranked city in Iowa#3,615 ranked city in the USARanks better than 87% of areas

Pros and Cons of Living in Monticello

PROS
  • 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.

CONS
  • 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.

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What's it like Living in Monticello?

Located in the state of Iowa, Monticello is a small city with a population of 3,843 inhabitants. The majority of Monticello residents report their race to be White; this is followed by Black and Asian. If you're not a fan of traffic congestion and long commute times to work, Monticello is the place to be. Commutes to work here are shorter, with an average one-way commute time taking only 18 minutes, significantly lower than the national average of 26 minutes.

Are you trying to ascertain if living in Monticello is the right fit for your lifestyle? To ensure a positive 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. Finding the best places to live in Monticello and nearby areas is a much easier task when you can rely on information and data from the livability score, which includes amenities, crime, cost of living, employment, housing and other important metrics.

Monticello has a livability score of 71/100 and is ranked #251 in Iowa and #5,361 in the USA. For each of the livability categories, we see that Monticello ranks very well for cost of living (A+), education (A+) and housing (B). Monticello does not score well for the following: amenities (F). It might be a good idea to take a closer look at each category to find out why.

Unemployment rates can vary significantly among cities, impacting job prospects, wage levels and the overall economic health of an area. In Monticello, the unemployment rate stands at 1.34%, suggesting increased job opportunities and a heightened demand for workers. This scenario can lead to higher wages, as the demand for employees outpaces job availability. Importantly, a low unemployment rate often signifies a robust and flourishing 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 Monticello, the schools boast an impressive average test score of 75%, 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. Monticello 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.

Assuming that Monticello 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 Monticello. Everything else becomes a lot less important if it turns out that home prices in Monticello are simply unattainable. Median real estate prices in Monticello come in at $118,600, which is 10.7% lower than the Iowa average. The home price to income ratio compares the median home prices to the median household income. In Monticello, the home price to income ratio is 2.3, which is 4.2% lower than the Iowa average.

Best Places to Live in and Around Monticello

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Compare Monticello, IA Livability

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      Monticello transportation information

      Statistic Monticello Iowa National
      Average one way commute18min19min26min
      Workers who drive to work79.2%80.7%76.4%
      Workers who carpool10.3%8.6%9.3%
      Workers who take public transit0.0%1.1%5.1%
      Workers who bicycle0.6%0.5%0.6%
      Workers who walk5.8%3.5%2.8%
      Working from home4.1%4.5%4.6%
      Source: The Monticello, IA data and statistics displayed above are derived from the United States Census Bureau American Community Survey (ACS).