Is Keokuk Safe, Pros and cons of living in Keokuk
Keokuk, Iowa, situated in the southeastern corner of the state at the confluence of the Des Moines and Mississippi Rivers, offers a unique blend of historical charm and a modest cost of living. Known as “The Gate City,” it presents a distinct lifestyle for those seeking a quieter pace away from major urban centers. The city’s economic landscape has evolved, and its community character is shaped by its riverside location and a population that values its heritage.
This analysis delves into the various facets of life in Keokuk, providing potential residents with essential information. We will explore safety, the cost of living, housing market trends, employment opportunities, climate patterns, educational institutions, and the demographic makeup of the city. Understanding these elements is crucial for anyone considering a move to Keokuk, Iowa.
Is it Safe to Live in Keokuk?
Keokuk’s crime rate presents a complex picture. While some analyses indicate that the overall crime rate is lower than the national average, other reports highlight specific concerns. The chance of becoming a victim of either violent or property crime in Keokuk is reported as 1 in 54 (NeighborhoodScout). Despite this, Keokuk is considered to have a crime rate higher than 93% of Iowa’s cities and towns (NeighborhoodScout).
Violent crime in Keokuk has a chance of 1 in 350, with a murder rate that some analyses suggest is higher than the national average when compared to similarly sized towns (NeighborhoodScout). Property crime rates are also a consideration, with a chance of 1 in 64 for victimization (NeighborhoodScout). However, other reports state that violent crimes are 19.9% lower than the national average, and property crimes are 9.9% lower than the U.S. average, with an overall crime rate 11.6% lower than the national average (AreaVibes).
Cost of Living and Housing Market
Housing Costs
The housing market in Keokuk offers a notable affordability. The median home value in Keokuk is approximately $70,400, which is significantly lower than both the Iowa state median of $142,300 and the nationwide median of $204,900 (HouseCashin). Recent market data from March 2026 indicated a median sale price of $24,000, a substantial decrease of 66.7% year-over-year (Redfin).
Despite recent price fluctuations, the median listing price for homes in Keokuk is around $110,000, with a median price per square foot of $79 (Keokuk Housing Market). The rental market also reflects this affordability, with a median gross rent of $637 per month (HouseCashin).
Cost of Living
Keokuk’s overall cost of living is generally considered to be lower than the national average. The median household income in Keokuk was reported as $47,450 (Livability.com), with another source indicating a median income of $52,711 (Point2Homes). This median income is lower than the state median of $64,809 (Point2Homes).
The city’s affordability extends to various aspects of daily life. For instance, the average annual household income in Keokuk was $64,809 according to the U.S. Census Bureau (Point2Homes). This figure suggests that while housing is affordable, other cost indicators may align more closely with broader economic trends.
Job Market and Economy
Major Employers
The economic landscape of Keokuk is supported by a variety of industries and employers. Key sectors contributing to employment include manufacturing, healthcare and social assistance, and retail trade (Data USA). While specific major employers are not detailed, these sectors typically house significant job opportunities within the community.
The workforce in Keokuk comprises approximately 4,202 working residents (Data USA). A substantial portion, about 69.8%, are employed in professional or administrative positions, while the remaining 30.2% are in hands-on or service-based roles (Point2Homes).
Employment and Wages
The unemployment rate in Keokuk was reported at 4.9% (Point2Homes). The average salary for jobs in Keokuk, Iowa, is estimated to be $60,552 per year or approximately $29 per hour (ERI SalaryExpert). This average is higher than some other reported median incomes, suggesting a range of earning potentials within the city.
ZipRecruiter estimates the median wage in Keokuk at $43,200 per year, with the 75th percentile earning $57,900 (ZipRecruiter). The most popular job categories include customer service, warehouse, administrative assistant, marketing, and sales roles (ZipRecruiter).
Climate and Environment
Temperatures and Seasons
Keokuk experiences a climate with warm, humid summers and cold, snowy winters. Over the course of the year, temperatures typically range from 20°F to 87°F, rarely falling below 2°F or exceeding 95°F (Weather Spark). The hottest month is July, with average highs around 87°F and lows of 69°F.
January is the coldest month, with average low temperatures around 21°F and highs of 36°F (Weather Spark). The hot season lasts for about 3.8 months, from late May to mid-September, while the cold season spans approximately 3.1 months, from late November to early March.
Precipitation and Weather Patterns
The city experiences a significant amount of rainfall, with wet days occurring more frequently from late March to late September. June typically sees the most wet days, averaging 11.4 days with at least 0.04 inches of precipitation (Weather Spark). The drier season extends from late September to late March.
Snowfall is a winter characteristic, with the snowy period lasting from late November to mid-March. January usually records the most snow, with an average accumulation of 2.8 inches (Weather Spark). The average annual precipitation is around 34.7 inches (City of Keokuk), with an average annual snowfall of 20 to 22 inches (Livability.com, myPerfectWeather).
Education and Schools
School District Performance
The Keokuk Community School District serves the city’s students, encompassing three elementary schools, one middle school, and one high school. However, the district as a whole has received a 1-star rating from SchoolDigger, indicating performance below the state average (SchoolDigger.com). Keokuk High School’s graduation rate is slightly below the Iowa average, and its standardized test scores in math and English Language Arts are also generally lower than the state average (SchoolDigger.com).
Keokuk Middle School has seen some improvement, moving from a 1-star to a 2-star rating. A notable challenge across the district is a high rate of chronic absenteeism, which significantly exceeds the state average. Additionally, the schools serve a high number of students receiving free or reduced-price lunches, highlighting socioeconomic challenges within the student population (SchoolDigger.com).
Educational Opportunities
Despite the challenges, the Keokuk Community School District has a student-teacher ratio of 13 to 1 (Niche). The district’s overall Niche grade is a C, with 67% of students proficient in math and 66% in reading, according to state test scores (Niche). Southeastern Iowa Community College also has a presence in Keokuk, providing opportunities for higher education and vocational training.
Students from the district consider various colleges, including the University of Iowa, Southeastern Community College, and Iowa State University (Niche). This indicates aspirations for further education beyond high school, even with the district’s current performance metrics.
Demographics and Population
Population Trends
Keokuk’s population was recorded at 9,900 in the 2020 Census (City of Keokuk). More recent estimates place the population at approximately 9,662 residents (Point2Homes) or 9,246 in 2026 (Neilsberg), indicating a slight decline. The city’s population has been decreasing at an annual rate of about -1.15% (Neilsberg).
Historically, Keokuk’s population peaked in 1930 and has seen a general decline in the latter half of the 20th century. This trend of population decrease has continued into the 21st century, with a reduction of 6.54% since the 2020 Census (Neilsberg).
Racial and Age Makeup
The racial composition of Keokuk is predominantly White, making up about 86.42% of the population (Point2Homes). Other racial groups include Black or African American (3.19%), those of two or more races (7.95%), Asian (0.35%), and Native American (0.04%) (Neilsberg, Point2Homes). The Hispanic or Latino population constitutes about 5.26% of residents (Point2Homes).
The median age in Keokuk is around 43.1 years (Neilsberg), which is older than the national median. The population is distributed across age groups, with a notable percentage of residents aged 65 or older (21.4% according to Point2Homes, and 21.7% according to Wikipedia).