Is Iowa Park Safe, Pros and cons of living in Iowa Park
Iowa Park, Texas, is a small city situated in Wichita County, offering a blend of small-town charm and proximity to larger urban centers. The city is part of the Wichita Falls metropolitan statistical area, providing residents with access to a broader range of amenities and opportunities while maintaining a more relaxed pace of life. Iowa Park is characterized by its community-focused atmosphere, making it an appealing option for those seeking a close-knit environment.
The city’s demographics reveal a predominantly White population, with a smaller percentage of Hispanic residents and individuals identifying with two or more races (according to Data USA). The median age in Iowa Park is around 38.4 years, indicating a mix of age groups within the community. A significant majority of residents are U.S. citizens, and the foreign-born population is relatively small (as reported by Data USA).
Is it Safe to Live in Iowa Park?
Iowa Park presents a generally safe environment for its residents. The overall crime rate is comparable to the national average, with specific areas of the city experiencing lower rates than others (according to NeighborhoodScout). Violent crime rates are particularly notable for their low incidence, standing significantly below national averages.
Violent crimes, including robbery, aggravated assault, and murder, occur at a rate of approximately 1 per 1,000 inhabitants, which is considered average for communities across America (as reported by NeighborhoodScout). Property crimes, such as burglary and theft, also remain around the average for similar-sized communities nationwide.
Violent Crime Statistics
The violent crime rate in Iowa Park is reported at 106 per 100,000 people, which is substantially lower than the national average (as stated by AreaVibes). This statistic positions Iowa Park as one of the safer cities in the country regarding violent offenses. Residents have a low chance of becoming a victim of violent crime, estimated at 1 in 940 (according to NeighborhoodScout).
Property Crime Overview
Property crime rates in Iowa Park are also favorable, with figures indicating a rate of 683 per 100,000 residents, which is considerably lower than the U.S. average (as reported by AreaVibes). This suggests a relatively secure environment for personal property. Iowa Park is considered safer than a significant portion of U.S. cities when evaluating overall safety metrics (according to Niche).
Cost of Living in Iowa Park
The cost of living in Iowa Park is notably lower than the national average, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious individuals and families. Housing expenses are a significant contributor to this affordability, being substantially less than the national median. This economic advantage allows residents’ incomes to stretch further, potentially leading to a more comfortable lifestyle.
Overall living expenses in Iowa Park are approximately 10% lower than the national average (as per Payscale). This includes lower costs for transportation and groceries, though utility prices are slightly higher than the national average. Healthcare costs in Iowa Park are also higher than the national average (according to Payscale).
Housing Costs
Housing in Iowa Park is remarkably affordable, with a median home value of approximately $132,800 (as reported by Data USA). This figure is significantly lower than the national median home value of $332,700 (according to Niche). The homeownership rate in Iowa Park is high, at 84.9%, indicating a strong preference for ownership within the community (as per Data USA).
For renters, the median rent in Iowa Park is around $949 per month (as per Kurby AI), and more recent data indicates an average rent of $1,475 per month (according to Zillow). This offers approachable options for those not looking to purchase a home.
Income and Expenses
The median household income in Iowa Park has seen growth, reaching $66,622 in the most recent data (as reported by Data USA and Point2Homes). This median income is supported by an average per capita income of $48,804 (according to Point2Homes). Despite these figures, a poverty rate of 9.72% exists within the population for whom poverty status is determined (as per Data USA).
Household expenditures in Iowa Park average around $93,211 per year, with significant portions allocated to taxes, retirement, transportation, shelter, healthcare, and groceries (as per ZoomProspector). The majority of households in Iowa Park earn more than the national average each year.
Job Market and Economy
The economy of Iowa Park supports a workforce of approximately 3,280 individuals (as of 2024, according to Data USA). The primary industries employing residents are Health Care & Social Assistance, Transportation & Warehousing, and Retail Trade. The highest-paying sectors include Construction, Professional, Scientific, & Management, and Manufacturing.
While employment in Iowa Park saw a decline of approximately 7.74% from the previous year, the job market remains active with various opportunities. The most common job groups include Installation, Maintenance, & Repair Occupations, followed by Production Occupations and Office & Administrative Support Occupations (as per Data USA).
Major Employers
Key industries that drive employment in Iowa Park include education, public administration, accommodation and food services, and banking, finance, and insurance (as reported by ZoomProspector). Major employers in the broader region and those with a presence in Iowa Park include entities like McDonald’s, FedEx, Dollar General, and Lowe’s Home Improvement, among others (according to Indeed.com).
Unemployment and Salaries
Specific recent unemployment rate data for Iowa Park was not readily available in the provided search results. However, the median wage in Iowa Park is reported around $40,000 per year, with the 75th percentile reaching $53,400 (according to ZipRecruiter). Some popular job roles, such as teachers and police officers, can earn significantly more than the city’s average salary of $44,299 (as per ZipRecruiter).
Climate in Iowa Park
Iowa Park experiences a climate characterized by hot summers and cold, windy winters, with temperatures typically ranging from 33°F to 98°F throughout the year (as per Time and Date). The city enjoys a substantial number of comfortable weather days annually, with the most pleasant periods occurring in mid-March to May and again from October to mid-November.
The average annual precipitation in Iowa Park is around 30 inches (as reported by Livability.com and myPerfectWeather). May is typically the wettest month, with an average rainfall of 4.0 inches, while January receives the least amount of rain (as per Time and Date).
Temperature and Rainfall
Summer months in Iowa Park, from June to September, are hot and humid, with July being the hottest month, averaging a high of 97°F and a low of 73°F (as per myPerfectWeather). Conversely, winter sees the lowest temperatures in January, with average highs around 54°F and lows near 30°F. The city experiences approximately 2 inches of snowfall annually (as reported by Livability.com).
Rainfall is distributed throughout the year, with a greater chance of wet days occurring between April and September. The period from September to April is generally drier, with fewer days experiencing precipitation (as per Time and Date).
Education in Iowa Park
The Iowa Park Consolidated Independent School District serves the educational needs of the community and has received a favorable overall rating of “A” (as reported by Texas Tribune Schools Explorer). This rating is based on student performance, school progress, and the success of educating disadvantaged students.
The district includes several schools, such as Iowa Park High School, W. F. George Middle School, Bradford Elementary, and Kidwell Elementary. Iowa Park High School is recognized for its strong academic performance, with a high graduation rate and test scores that exceed state averages in key subjects (according to Niche and SchoolDigger.com).
School District Performance
Iowa Park CISD is noted for its effective teachers and is ranked among the best school districts in Texas (as per Niche). The student-teacher ratio within the district is favorable, with Iowa Park High School having a ratio of 11 to 1 (as reported by Niche and NCES). A significant portion of students are considered economically disadvantaged, yet the district demonstrates success in ensuring all students achieve academically.
Notable Schools
Iowa Park High School stands out as a top-performing institution, consistently ranking within the top 20% of Texas high schools. It boasts a graduation rate of 99.2% and excels in math, reading, and science proficiency, often surpassing state averages (according to SchoolDigger.com and NCES).
W.F. George Middle School is also highly regarded, ranking in the top 15% of Texas middle schools and demonstrating strong performance across all STAAR subjects. The elementary schools within the district, Bradford and Kidwell Elementary, also contribute to the district’s overall positive educational reputation (as per Niche).
Demographics of Iowa Park
Iowa Park is home to approximately 6,578 residents, with a projected population of 6,682 for 2026 (as per Data USA and Point2Homes). The population has experienced modest growth, with an annual rate of approximately 0.14% (according to Point2Homes). The city’s population density and composition contribute to its small-town character.
The racial makeup of Iowa Park is predominantly White, constituting about 91.35% of the population, with smaller percentages of Hispanic and multiracial individuals (as reported by Point2Homes and Data USA). The median age is 38.4 years, with a slightly higher proportion of females to males (as per Point2Homes).
Age and Gender Distribution
The age distribution in Iowa Park shows a balanced mix, with approximately 21.8% of residents under 15, and 18.3% aged 65 or older (as per Point2Homes). Adults between 25 and 64 make up a significant portion of the population, indicating a mix of working-age individuals and older residents. For every 100 females, there are approximately 93.0 males (as reported by Point2Homes).
Household and Family Structure
Iowa Park has around 2,808 households, with an average of two members per household (as per Point2Homes). A majority of these households, about 56.4%, are families, while the remainder consist of individuals living alone or with non-relatives. The homeownership rate is high, with approximately 85% of residents owning their homes (as per Niche).