c.1953 3 Bedroom 2 Bath Iowa MCM Home on 0.71 Acre $40K

201 E Garfield St, Laurens, IA 50554    $40,000

• Contact Realtor: Collin Lind
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• Niche

Pros of Living in Laurens, IA

1. Low Cost of Living

   • AreaVibes reports that Laurens’ cost of living is about 7% below the Iowa average.

   • Citytistics also highlights “Cost of Living” as a major pro.

   • According to Niche, the median home value is very affordable (~$71,000).

2. Strong Education Score

   • Citytistics gives Laurens a high education rating.

   • The community is small, which can mean more close-knit schools and good student-teacher relationships.

3. Relatively Low Crime

   • According to AreaVibes, crime rates in Laurens are significantly lower than the Iowa average.

   • On the other hand, CrimeGrade.org gives a more nuanced breakdown:

     • Violent crime grade: D

     • Property crime grade: C+

     • Cost of property crime is ~$175 per household (projected).

   • Robbery is less common: CrimeGrade gives it a B- and estimates ~$27 per household in cost.

   • NeighborhoodScout describes the overall crime in Laurens as very low compared to many U.S. places.

4. Historic & Small-Town Charm

   • Laurens has historical roots: there’s a Carnegie library (now the county historical museum) built in 1910.

   • According to Laurens’ official community site, the town is called “The Busiest Little Town in Iowa,” with several industries and a tight community vibe.

   • The Pocahontas County Historical Society is active, which contributes to civic pride and a sense of heritage.

5. Stable or Blue-Collar Economy

   • NeighborhoodScout notes many residents are in blue-collar jobs (manufacturing, production), which can be good for stability.

   • The town’s official site mentions “major manufacturing and large employers” in the area.

   • With a small population, many people may benefit from lower competition for local jobs.

6. Quiet, Peaceful Lifestyle

   • Given the population size (about 1,200–1,300), Laurens is quite small.

   • NeighborhoodScout highlights it as very quiet, with few renters or college students, and a low population density.

   • For someone wanting a slower pace, a tight community, and less noise, this is a big plus.

Cons of Living in Laurens, IA

1. Population Decline / Small Size

   • Citytistics notes that the population has declined over recent years.

   • A small, shrinking population can mean fewer economic opportunities, less “buzz,” and challenges sustaining local businesses and services.

2. Limited Amenities & Public Transit

   • According to AreaVibes, many amenities are not within walking distance.

   • Public transportation appears very limited or non-existent, so owning a car is likely necessary.

   • For someone used to lots of shops, restaurants, or entertainment, it could feel a bit rural or under-served.

3. Real Estate Speculation Risk

   • According to a Homestratosphere report, Laurens has seen massive speculative investor activity, driving housing demand — which could price out long-term local residents.

   • While the median price remains low compared to many places, rapid speculation can make future housing less predictable for locals.

4. Lower Income Levels

   • AreaVibes gives the median household income for Laurens as $44,474, which is lower than the Iowa average.

   • NeighborhoodScout reports per capita income around $32,070, which is modest.This could limit disposable income for some residents, or make economic mobility more challenging.

5. Educational Attainment

   • According to NeighborhoodScout, only 14.3% of adults in Laurens have a bachelor’s degree or higher.

   • If you prioritize a highly educated population or strong local higher education opportunities, this might be a drawback.

6. Crime Complexity

   • While some crime metrics are good, others are mixed: violent crime is graded “D” by CrimeGrade.

   • The cost of crime (though lower than many places) is still non-zero and should be part of consideration.

   • Depending on where in the town you live, risk may vary (CrimeGrade notes differences by neighborhood).

7. Less Diversity

   • Laurens is not very racially or ethnically diverse. According to earlier census data, a large majority of residents are White.

   • For people who value more diverse cultural or demographic environments, this could feel limiting.

8. Aging Population / Demographic Risk

   • The median age is fairly high (per AreaVibes: ~48.6 years).

   • An older population can mean shrinking school enrollment or fewer young families, potentially making revitalization harder long-term.