Is Maquoketa Safe, Pros and cons of living in Maquoketa

Is it Safe to Live in Maquoketa?

Maquoketa is generally considered a safe city with a crime rate that is significantly below the national average. The overall crime rate is approximately 48% below the national average (as reported by DoorProfit). Residents have a lower chance of becoming a victim of violent crime, with a 1 in 490 chance per year, compared to the national average (as reported by DoorProfit). Property crime rates are also lower than the national average, with a 29% reduction (as reported by DoorProfit).

However, it is important to note that crime rates can vary by neighborhood. While Maquoketa has a crime safety grade of A- (as reported by DoorProfit), it is not among the safest communities in America when compared to all communities regardless of size (as reported by NeighborhoodScout). When compared to cities of similar population, Maquoketa’s crime rate is higher than average (as reported by NeighborhoodScout).

Violent Crime Statistics

Violent crime in Maquoketa occurs at a rate that is higher than in most communities of similar population sizes across America (as reported by NeighborhoodScout). The chance of becoming a victim of violent crime, such as armed robbery, aggravated assault, rape, or murder, is 1 in 404, equating to a rate of 2 per one thousand inhabitants (as reported by NeighborhoodScout). Despite this, violent crime rates are 31% lower than the national average (as reported by AreaVibes).

Property Crime Statistics

The property crime rate in Maquoketa is approximately 1,307.0 per 100,000 residents, which is 29% lower than the national average (as reported by DoorProfit). Residents have about a 1 in 77 chance of being a property crime victim annually (as reported by DoorProfit). Specific property crime rates show burglary at 157.1 per 100K (42% below average), larceny/theft at 943.6 per 100K (33% below average), and vehicle theft at 206.3 per 100K (35% below average) (as reported by DoorProfit).

Cost of Living in Maquoketa

Maquoketa offers a cost of living that is notably lower than the national average, making it an attractive option for those seeking affordability. Overall living expenses are approximately 6% lower than the U.S. national average (as reported by Salary.com). This affordability is particularly evident in housing costs, which are significantly below national benchmarks.

Housing Costs

Housing costs in Maquoketa are considerably lower than in many other parts of the country. The median home value is approximately $115,600, which is substantially less than the national average of $281,900 (as reported by Kurby AI). For renters, the median gross rent is $795 per month (as reported by Point2Homes). Overall housing costs are reported to be 40.2% lower than the national average (as reported by Salary.com).

Average Salary and Income

The average annual household income in Maquoketa was reported as $77,727 in 2024 (as reported by Point2Homes). However, other sources indicate a median household income of $60,240 (as reported by Data Commons). The average salary in Maquoketa is approximately $44,000 per year, with an hourly rate of $21.00 (as reported by Zippia). A different source places the median wage at $47.2K per year (as reported by ZipRecruiter). The poverty rate in Maquoketa is 14.25% (as reported by Data Commons).

Job Market and Major Employers

Maquoketa’s job market offers a mix of opportunities across various sectors. The unemployment rate in the broader county area is around 5.1%, which is slightly above the U.S. average (as reported by Iowa State Authority). The city itself has seen a slight decline in employment, with a decrease of -0.481% from 2023 to 2024 (as reported by Data Commons).

Major Employers and Industries

Key industries in Maquoketa include Manufacturing, Retail Trade, and Health Care & Social Assistance (as reported by Data Commons). Some of the leading employers in the Maquoketa area include Adac Plastics Corp., Eastern Iowa Components Inc., and Pacific Coast Feather Co. (as reported by prosperityeasterniowa.org). Other significant companies in Maquoketa, IA, include Walmart, McDonald’s, and Dollar General (as reported by Indeed.com).

Climate in Maquoketa

Maquoketa experiences a climate characterized by distinct seasons, with warm summers and cold, snowy winters. The city is located in a region that experiences a humid continental climate. Over the course of the year, temperatures typically range from 14°F to 84°F, with rare extremes below -6°F or above 92°F (as reported by U.S. Climate Data).

Temperature and Precipitation

Summers in Maquoketa are generally long, warm, and wet, while winters are freezing, snowy, and windy (as reported by U.S. Climate Data). The warmest month is July, with average high temperatures around 83°F and lows of 64°F. January is the coldest month, with average low temperatures of 15°F and highs of 29°F (as reported by U.S. Climate Data). The average annual rainfall is approximately 36 inches, and average annual snowfall is around 29 inches (as reported by Livability.com).

Education in Maquoketa

Maquoketa is served by the Maquoketa Community School District, which has received an overall Niche grade of C- (as reported by Niche). Maquoketa Community High School has a rating of 3.58 out of 5 (as reported by Niche). The district emphasizes sports, with a significant portion of its budget allocated to athletic programs (as reported by Niche).

School Ratings and Performance

Maquoketa Community High School is rated C+ (as reported by Niche). While teachers are generally described as friendly and helpful, student interactions can sometimes involve bullying, with inconsistent enforcement of rules (as reported by Niche). The high school partners with Clinton Community College, allowing students to take college courses for free (as reported by Niche). Maquoketa Valley Senior High School, located in nearby Delhi, IA, is rated B+ and has a student-teacher ratio of 12 to 1 (as reported by Niche).

Demographics of Maquoketa

Maquoketa has a population of approximately 6,075 residents (as reported by Point2Homes). The population is fairly balanced in terms of gender, with 50% male and 50% female (as reported by Point2Homes). The median age in Maquoketa is 43 years, with a notable portion of the population in the older age brackets (as reported by Point2Homes).

Population Breakdown

The racial makeup of Maquoketa is predominantly White, accounting for about 89.5% of the population (as reported by Census Dots). There are smaller percentages of residents identifying as Multiracial (5.1%), Black (2.3%), and Native American/Other (2.0%) (as reported by Census Dots). The population is largely comprised of US-born citizens, with a small percentage of residents born outside the country (as reported by Data Commons).

Age and Household Composition

The age distribution shows that about 17.5% of residents are children under 15, with another significant portion aged 45 to 64 (25.3%) and 65 or older (22%) (as reported by Point2Homes). Maquoketa has 2,669 households, with an average of two members per household (as reported by Point2Homes). A majority of households, 59.6%, are families, while 40.4% consist of individuals or non-relatives living together (as reported by Point2Homes).

Housing Market in Maquoketa

The housing market in Maquoketa is characterized by its affordability, with median home prices significantly below the national average. The market is described as very competitive, with homes often selling quickly (as reported by Redfin). This competitive nature suggests strong demand relative to the available inventory.

Home Prices and Trends

The median sale price of a home in Maquoketa was around $139,000 recently (as reported by Redfin). The median listing price is currently $159K (as reported by Home.com). Homes in Maquoketa tend to sell quickly, with a median of about 18 days on the market (as reported by Redfin). The median price per square foot is approximately $105/ft² (as reported by Home.com).

Rental Market Insights

The rental market in Maquoketa indicates a tight supply, with only one rental listing reported recently (as reported by Home.com). This scarcity suggests that renters may face increased competition. While one source states the average rent is $750 per month (as reported by Zillow), another indicates a median gross rent of $795 per month (as reported by Point2Homes). A different report suggests one-bedroom apartments typically fall within the $500-$600 range (as reported by Rentometer).