Is Iona Safe, Pros and cons of living in Iona
Iona, Idaho, offers a blend of small-town charm and access to natural beauty, making it an appealing place for those seeking a quieter lifestyle. Nestled in Bonneville County, this community provides a distinct rural feel while being within reasonable driving distance of larger urban centers like Idaho Falls. Its location offers opportunities for outdoor recreation and a sense of close-knit community, attracting families and individuals looking for a change of pace.
The demographic makeup of Iona is predominantly White, with a smaller percentage of Hispanic and multiracial residents (as reported by Census Dots). The median age is relatively young, suggesting a community with a mix of families and working professionals. As of the latest data, the population is approximately 2,984, with projections indicating continued growth (as reported by Census Dots and Data USA).
Is it Safe to Live in Iona?
Iona is considered a very safe place to live, with crime rates significantly below the national average. The overall crime rate is approximately 12.99 per 1,000 residents, which is substantially lower than national figures (as reported by CrimeGrade.org). This safety is reflected in its high percentile ranking for safety, indicating that it is safer than a large majority of U.S. cities.
Violent crime rates in Iona are also notably low, with the rate being 1.542 per 1,000 residents (as reported by CrimeGrade.org). The chance of being a victim of violent crime varies by neighborhood, but overall, the community is considered secure. Property crime rates are also considerably lower than the national average, contributing to the overall sense of security for residents (as reported by AreaVibes).
Cost of Living in Iona
The cost of living in Iona is generally lower than the national average, making it an attractive option for those looking to manage expenses. Housing costs, in particular, are significantly below the national median, offering more affordable opportunities for homeownership or renting (as reported by Payscale). Utilities also tend to be less expensive, further contributing to the lower overall cost of living.
While housing and utilities are more affordable, transportation costs in Iona are slightly higher than the national average. Groceries are priced slightly lower than the national average, and healthcare costs are marginally higher. Overall, the lower expenses in key areas like housing make Iona a financially accessible place to reside (as reported by Payscale).
Housing Costs
Housing expenses in Iona are considerably lower than the national average, with a notable difference in both home prices and rental rates. The median home price in Iona was recently reported around $422,000, though other sources indicate figures closer to $469,000 for homes for sale (as reported by Redfin and Realtor.com). Renting a home in Iona is also an option, with median rent prices around $942.56 per month (as reported by Payscale) or an average rent of $1,495 across all property types (as reported by Zillow).
The median home value in Iona is approximately $437,513, with an effective property tax rate of 0.40%, which is lower than the national median (as reported by Ownwell). This makes homeownership a more attainable goal for many residents, with property taxes being a smaller portion of the overall housing cost compared to national averages.
Job Market and Economy
The average annual salary in Iona is approximately $44,049, which translates to about $21.18 per hour (as reported by ZipRecruiter). This figure provides a general benchmark for the local earning potential, though salaries can vary significantly based on industry, experience, and specific job roles. The unemployment rate in Iona is notably low, at 0.9%, which is well below the national average (as reported by U.S. Census Bureau estimates).
Major employers in the broader Idaho region include healthcare systems, retail giants, and technology companies, though specific major employers within Iona itself are not extensively detailed in available data. Companies like CT Transportation and J.W. Electric are listed as businesses operating in Iona (as reported by Indeed.com). The low unemployment rate suggests a stable job market with opportunities for those seeking employment.
Employment and Income
The employment participation rate in Iona is higher than the national average, indicating a robust workforce (as reported by U.S. Census Bureau estimates). The median household income in Iona was reported as $84,914 in 2024 (as reported by Census Dots), which is higher than the state and national averages. This higher income level, combined with a lower cost of living, can contribute to a good quality of life for residents.
Despite the generally positive economic indicators, a portion of families in Iona live below the poverty line, with approximately 13.0% of families facing poverty (as reported by Census Dots). This highlights that while the overall economic picture is favorable, individual circumstances can vary.
Climate and Environment
Iona experiences a climate characterized by warm, dry summers and cold, snowy winters. Temperatures typically range from a low of 14°F in winter to a high of 87°F in summer, with extremes rarely falling below -4°F or exceeding 93°F (as reported by myPerfectWeather).
The area receives an average annual precipitation of about 13 inches, with May being the wettest month and January being the driest. Snowfall is common in winter, with an average of 44 inches annually, primarily occurring from December to February (as reported by myPerfectWeather). The region enjoys a significant amount of clear skies, especially during the summer months.
Temperature and Precipitation
Summer in Iona, from June to September, brings pleasant warmth with average daily high temperatures above 75°F. July is the hottest month, with highs around 85°F and lows in the low 50s. Winter, from November to February, is cold, with average daily highs below 40°F. January is the coldest month, with average lows around 14°F and highs near 29°F (as reported by myPerfectWeather).
Rainfall is distributed throughout the year, with May seeing the most precipitation at around 1.5 inches. January receives the least rainfall, averaging about 0.5 inches. Snowfall is a significant factor in winter, with January typically experiencing the most snow, while summer months see very little to no precipitation in the form of snow (as reported by myPerfectWeather).
Education in Iona
Iona is served by the Bonneville Joint School District, which is rated as having a 3-star rating from SchoolDigger. Iona Elementary School, which serves grades PK-6, generally performs better than the district and state averages on standardized tests, with higher proficiency rates in English Language Arts (as reported by SchoolDigger). The school has a large student body and a student-teacher ratio that is higher than some nearby schools.
While academic performance is generally strong, Iona Elementary has experienced relatively high chronic absenteeism rates, which is an area for potential improvement. Compared to other schools, Iona Elementary has a lower percentage of students qualifying for free or reduced-price lunch, suggesting a relatively higher socioeconomic status among its student population (as reported by SchoolDigger).
School Performance
Iona Elementary School ranks among the top elementary schools in Idaho, outperforming 56.1% of other elementary schools in the state (as reported by SchoolDigger). Math proficiency at the school is around 46%, and reading proficiency is at 55% (as reported by Homes.com). These figures indicate a solid foundation in core academic subjects for students attending the school.
The student-teacher ratio at Iona Elementary is approximately 24:1, which is higher than the state average (as reported by Public School Review). Despite this, the school demonstrates strong academic results, with higher proficiency in English Language Arts and math compared to both the Bonneville Joint District and the state of Idaho averages (as reported by SchoolDigger).
Demographics of Iona
Iona is home to a population of approximately 2,984 residents, making it the 53rd most populated city in Idaho out of 232 cities (as reported by Census Dots). The community is predominantly White, accounting for about 87.7% of the population, followed by Hispanic residents at 7.8% and those identifying with two or more races at 2.7% (as reported by Census Dots).
The median age in Iona is 27.3 years, which is considerably younger than the state median. This demographic profile suggests a community with a substantial number of young families and working-age individuals. The population has seen a notable increase since the 2020 census, indicating a growing community (as reported by Census Dots).
Population and Diversity
The population of Iona is projected to reach 3,122 by 2026, reflecting a consistent growth trend (as reported by Census Dots). While the majority of residents are White, the town has become more racially diverse since the 2020 census, though it remains less diverse than Idaho as a whole. The foreign-born population is a small percentage, at about 1.17% of residents (as reported by Data USA).
Citizenship rates in Iona are very high, with 99.8% of residents being U.S. citizens, exceeding the national average (as reported by Data USA). This high rate of citizenship contributes to the community’s stable and established feel.