c.1890 Iowa Victorian With Sleeping Porch, Stained Glass and Original Woodwork $65K

121 N 3rd Ave, Villisca, IA 50864  $65,000

• Contact Realtor: Sean Kelly
• Google Map
• Niche

Pros of Living in Villisca, IA

1. Extremely Affordable Cost of Living

• Villisca boasts a cost-of-living index around 70.8, which is roughly 29% lower than the national average and 12% lower than statewide figures. Housing costs are especially low—median home values around $71,800, about 79% less than U.S. averages.

• Rentals follow suit—approximately $800/month for a 2-bedroom, well below national norms.

2. Low Crime & Strong Safety

• Life here is generally quiet and safe. Villisca ranks far below the national average for both violent and property crime.

• CrimeGrade.org offers a nuanced view: violent crime gets an A-, while property crime is higher, earning a D+—overall placing Villisca in the 28th percentile for safety (safer than 28% of U.S. cities).

3. Excellent Walkability & Community Feel

• Despite its small size, Villisca scores an A for walkability. Residents often find life here convenient and relaxed.

• The town fosters a rural-suburban vibe with a small, tight-knit population of just 1,100–1,300 residents.
  

4. Decent Schools & Educational Access

• School ratings are positive: Niche gives schools a C−, overall cost of living an A, jobs an A−, and a B− for weather.

• Nearby school district (Southwest Valley Schools) maintains reasonable student-to-teacher ratios and serves K–8 locally and high school in Corning.

5. Comfortable Commute & Outdoor Accessibility

• Average commute time is about 22 minutes, aligning with small-town expectations.

• Residents enjoy easy access to green spaces and small-town life that promotes local living.

Cons of Living in Villisca, IA

1. Population Decline & Economic Vulnerability

• The community is small, with around 1,132 people as of 2020.

• It’s experiencing slow population decline—about –5.9% over five years, raising concerns about economic vitality and service sustainability.

2. High Poverty Rates & Lower Household Income

• The poverty rate hovers near 24%, significantly above state and national averages.

• Median household income stands at ~$52,600, under both Iowa and U.S. averages. Per capita income is similarly lower.

3. Limited Amenities & Vehicle Dependence

• Most amenities aren’t walkable, so residents rely on cars for groceries, services, and entertainment.

4. Mixed Employment & Economic Conditions

• Employment prospects are average to modest. Niche gives jobs an A−, though income levels lag behind statewide figures.

• Key employment sectors include manufacturing, retail, and education; however, employment declined nearly 9% in one recent year.

5. Cultural Isolation & Limited Diversity

• Villisca is predominantly White (95.7%) with minimal racial or ethnic diversity.

• The social scene tends toward quiet and familiar—some visitors perceive it as “odd” or “declining,” with downtown buildings less vibrant than in the past.