c.1920 Two Bedroom Iowa Handyman Special $59,900

107 S 5th St, Marshalltown, IA 50158   $59,900

Pros of Living in Marshalltown, IA

1. Affordable Cost of Living & Housing

• Marshalltown’s cost of living is around 26% lower than the U.S. average and slightly below Iowa’s average.

• The median home price is roughly $128,600—significantly more affordable than the national average.

• Niche gives it an A– for Cost of Living, with median home value around $117,100 and median rent about $864/month.

2. Diverse & Inclusive Community

• One of Iowa’s most diverse towns, over 30% of residents identify as Hispanic or Latino, with additional Burmese immigrant communities enriching the culture

• Niche awards the city an A for Diversity, reflecting its inclusivity and cultural variety.

3. Excellent Regional Location

• Centrally located in the state, Marshalltown lies less than an hour’s drive from Des Moines (about 53 miles) and around 73 miles from Cedar Rapids.

• Supported by good road connectivity—U.S. Route 30, Iowa Highways 14 and 330 all provide solid access.

4. Outdoor Recreation & Community Events

• With 24 parks, almost 9 miles of recreational trails, an aquatic center, skate park, disc golf, and golf courses, outdoor options are abundant.

• Agritourism highlights include Grimes Farm’s trails and nature programs and Appleberry Farm’s seasonal activities like pumpkin patches and apple picking.

• Community events—like the Central Iowa Fair, Oktemberfest, Harvest Market, and Holiday Stroll—add seasonal vibrancy.

5. Strong Employers & Educational Opportunities

• Key employers include JBS USA, Emerson-Fisher Controls, Lennox Industries, the Iowa Veterans Home, and UnityPoint Health—providing stability across healthcare, manufacturing, and public services.

• The local school district serves over 5,000 students with a student–teacher ratio of about 14:1.

• Marshalltown High School and Community College provide strong educational and extracurricular programs.

6. Livability & Commute

• Residents enjoy short commute times—around 17.4 minutes on average.

• AreaVibes ranks Marshalltown high for livability within Iowa

• Infrastructure includes local bus transit, though most residents drive.

Cons of Living in Marshalltown, IA

1. Higher Crime Rates

• Niche gives a C– for Crime & Safety.

• AreaVibes indicates Marshalltown’s crime rate is about 7% higher than national averages, translating into a 1-in-41 chance of victimization.

• Recent data shows increases in property crimes (~10%) and personal crimes (~31%) from 2020 to 2023.

2. Mixed School Performance

• Schools receive a C or C+ rating on Niche, with limited test score performance.

• Graduation rates (~76%) are below Iowa’s average, though test scores sit around 58%, slightly above the U.S. average.

3. Limited Amenities & Urban Vibrancy

• AreaVibes flags the city with an F for Amenities, highlighting lack of walkable retail, entertainment, or dense urban infrastructure in many areas.

• Some local reviews mention periods of boredom and lack of things to do.

4. Vulnerability to Severe Weather

• The downtown was heavily damaged by an EF3 tornado in 2018, impacting civic buildings and landmarks.

• Marshalltown also suffered during the 2020 Midwest derecho, compounding recovery efforts.

5. Economic & Job Diversity Limits

• While major employers are present, the economy is concentrated in a limited range of sectors—manufacturing, healthcare, education—possibly limiting varied career options.

• Niche gives a B for Jobs, reflecting moderate opportunity.

6. Mixed Resident Sentiment

• Some current and former residents describe mixed experiences—ranging from feeling unwelcome or rundown to appreciating community beautification efforts.