Is Clive Safe, Pros and cons of living in Clive

Clive, Iowa, situated within the Des Moines metropolitan area, offers a blend of suburban tranquility and convenient access to urban amenities. This community, known for its Greenbelt Park and trail system, has grown significantly since its incorporation in 1956, evolving into a primarily residential suburb. Clive serves as a central hub for western Des Moines suburbs, strategically located along major transportation corridors. This positioning makes it an attractive option for those seeking a balance between a peaceful home environment and proximity to employment centers and city life.

The city’s development has been closely tied to its role as a suburb, with businesses primarily concentrated along key routes like Hickman Road and University Avenue. Clive is part of the West Des Moines School District, ensuring educational continuity for many of its younger residents. The city’s name origin is uncertain, though it’s believed to be named after Robert Clive, and its history includes roots as a coal mining town and a railroad shipping point.

Is it Safe to Live in Clive?

Clive’s overall crime rate is lower than the national average, presenting a relatively safe environment for its residents. The chance of becoming a victim of either violent or property crime is approximately 1 in 74 (NeighborhoodScout). While this figure indicates a higher crime rate than many smaller Iowa towns, it is comparable to communities of similar size across the nation. This suggests that while vigilance is always advised, Clive does not stand out as a statistically high-crime area when population size is considered.

Examining specific crime categories reveals a more nuanced picture. Violent crime in Clive occurs at a rate higher than in many communities of all population sizes across America, with a chance of becoming a victim of violent crime being 1 in 488 (NeighborhoodScout). However, property crime rates in Clive are also reported as being above the national average, with a chance of victimization at 11 per one thousand population (NeighborhoodScout). Despite these statistics, other sources indicate that Clive’s overall crime rates are lower than the national average, with violent crime being 41.8% lower and property crime 33.8% lower than the national average (AreaVibes). The murder rate in Clive is exceptionally low, with zero reported homicides in the most recently reported crime year (AreaVibes), and a rate of 0.0129 per 1,000 residents (CrimeGrade.org).

Housing Costs and Market Trends

The housing market in Clive presents a mix of opportunities and considerations for potential buyers and renters. The median sale price of a home in Clive was approximately $366,000 in March 2026 (Redfin). This median price has seen a slight decrease of 2.0% compared to the previous year, though homes are selling slightly slower, taking an average of 76 days on the market compared to 65 days last year (Redfin).

For renters, the situation is more varied. As of April 2026, the median rent for all bedroom counts and property types in Clive was $1,485, which is 24% lower than the national average (Zumper). However, other reports indicate an average rent of $892 per month, which is 46% lower than the national average (Apartments.com). Studio apartments average around $820, one-bedroom units are about $892, and two-bedroom apartments can cost approximately $1,076 per month (Apartments.com). Housing expenses in Clive are about 10% higher than the national average (Payscale), but utility prices are 21% lower (Payscale).

Job Market and Economic Landscape

Clive’s economy is bolstered by a diverse range of employers, contributing to its status as a significant economic hub within the Des Moines metropolitan area. Major employers in the greater Des Moines region include The Iowa Clinic, P.C., with approximately 1,100 employees, and Dee Zee, Inc., employing around 1,054 individuals (Iowa Workforce Development). Other significant companies in the vicinity include CDS Global (1,050 employees) and Farm Bureau Financial Services (900 employees) (Iowa Workforce Development).

The average annual salary in Clive is approximately $47,581, with most salaries ranging between $32,012 and $60,246 (ZipRecruiter). However, other sources suggest a higher median household income of $124,202 in 2021 (Neilsberg), and an average annual household income of $159,336 in 2024 (Point2Homes). These figures suggest a robust income potential for residents. The unemployment rate in Iowa has seen slight fluctuations, with the state’s unemployment rate decreasing slightly to 3.3% in March (Iowa Workforce Development).

Climate and Environment

Clive experiences a climate characterized by distinct seasons, with warm, humid summers and cold, snowy winters. The temperature typically ranges from 16°F to 86°F throughout the year, rarely dipping below -3°F or exceeding 95°F (Livability.com). Summers are warm, humid, and wet, with July being the hottest month, averaging a high of 86°F and a low of 67°F (WeatherSpark). Winters are freezing, snowy, and windy, with January being the coldest month, averaging a low of 17°F and a high of 32°F (WeatherSpark).

The average annual rainfall in Clive is approximately 36 inches, with average annual snowfall around 35 inches (Livability.com). The city is known for its Greenbelt Park and trail system, which offers residents ample opportunities for outdoor recreation and enjoyment of the natural environment. The cloud cover experiences seasonal variation, with clearer skies more common in August and cloudier conditions prevalent from October through June (WeatherSpark).

Education and Demographics

Clive is part of the West Des Moines Community School District, with Clive Learning Academy serving as a prominent elementary school within the district (Niche). This school is recognized for its Project-Based Learning approach and commitment to student growth (Niche). Other schools in the broader area, such as Waukee Senior High School, also receive positive ratings (Niche).

The population of Clive was approximately 18,601 as of the 2020 Census (Wikipedia). The median age is around 38.9 years, with a balanced gender distribution of 49.4% male and 50.6% female (Wikipedia). Demographically, the population is predominantly White, at 83.46% (Neilsberg), with Hispanic or Latino residents making up a significant portion, around 12.8% (Census Dots). The city is considered more diverse than Iowa overall, with a diversity index that suggests a good probability of encountering individuals from different racial and ethnic groups (Census Dots).