Is Camanche Safe, Pros and cons of living in Camanche

Camanche, Iowa, offers a unique blend of small-town charm and convenient access to the amenities of larger metropolitan areas. Nestled along the Mississippi River, this community provides a tranquil lifestyle with a strong sense of neighborliness. Its affordability and accessibility make it an appealing option for those seeking a change of pace.

The town’s location provides residents with opportunities for outdoor recreation and easy commutes to nearby employment centers. Camanche’s community spirit is evident in its local events and the overall welcoming atmosphere for newcomers. It presents a practical choice for individuals and families looking for a balanced living experience.

Is it Safe to Live in Camanche?

Camanche generally presents a safe environment for its residents, with crime rates significantly lower than national averages. The overall crime rate in Camanche is approximately 61% lower than the national average (as reported by AreaVibes). There were a total of 9 violent crimes and 29 property crimes reported in Camanche, which are considerably below national figures (as reported by AreaVibes).

When considering the chance of being a victim of crime, residents have a 1 in 506 chance of experiencing a violent crime and a 1 in 157 chance of being a victim of property crime. The northeast part of the city is generally considered the safest, with a lower chance of being a victim of crime compared to other neighborhoods (as reported by AreaVibes, Crime Explorer).

Crime Statistics Breakdown

Over a recent five-year period, Camanche recorded zero violent crimes and 189 property crimes (as reported by Crime Explorer). The property crime rate per 100,000 residents is 73.2% below the national average (as reported by Crime Explorer). The FBI UCR data indicates that in 2024, there were 29 property crimes, with a property crime rate of 637.92 per 100,000 residents, showing a 3% decrease from the previous year (as reported by Beautify Data).

The cost of crime per resident in Camanche is approximately $221 annually, which is substantially less than both the national and state averages (as reported by CrimeGrade.org). These figures suggest a stable and secure environment for those considering a move to Camanche.

The Cost of Living in Camanche

Camanche offers a highly affordable cost of living, particularly in its housing market. The median home value in Camanche is approximately $172,400, which is significantly lower than the national median home value (as reported by Data USA, Niche). This makes homeownership a more attainable goal for many residents.

Rental costs in Camanche are also well below the national average. The median gross rent is around $812 per month (as reported by Data USA). Other sources indicate an average rent of $1,025 per month, which is 47% lower than the national average (as reported by Zumper). For renters, a studio apartment averages $528, a one-bedroom is around $679, and a two-bedroom is approximately $842 per month (as reported by Apartments.com).

Housing and Rental Market

The housing market in Camanche is characterized by its affordability and a high homeownership rate of 75.4% (as reported by Data USA). The median listing price for homes for sale is around $249.5K, with a year-over-year increase in median sale price (as reported by Zillow, Home.com). While the median home value is around $203,312, showing a 5.0% increase over the past year (as reported by Zillow).

For renters, the median monthly housing cost is about $898 (as reported by Point2Homes). The rent-to-income ratio for renters is approximately 27.4%, indicating a manageable portion of income is allocated to housing expenses (as reported by Point2Homes). Overall, Camanche provides a financially accessible environment for both homeowners and renters.

Job Market and Economy

Camanche’s economy is supported by a range of industries, with a notable presence in Health Care & Social Assistance, Manufacturing, and Retail Trade. These sectors are the most common employment areas for residents (as reported by Data USA). The average commute time for residents is a brief 22.3 minutes, with most individuals driving alone to work (as reported by Data USA).

While employment in Camanche saw a decline of 4.4% from 2023 to 2024, the town’s economic landscape is diverse. Major employers in the broader Clinton region, which includes Camanche, feature companies like MercyOne, Archer Daniels Midland (ADM), and Nestle Purina PetCare (as reported by Grow Clinton). Clysar and Merrill Steel are also listed as significant employers within Camanche itself (as reported by Grow Clinton).

Employment and Income

The primary job groups in Camanche include Office & Administrative Support Occupations, Production Occupations, and Material Moving Occupations (as reported by Data USA). The average annual household income in Camanche was reported as $90,020 in 2024, marking a 6.2% increase from the previous year (as reported by Point2Homes). However, other data indicates a median household income of $64,153 in 2024 (as reported by Data USA, Census Dots).

For those renting, the median household income was $35,524 in 2022 (as reported by Point2Homes). The average annual salary at the City of Camanche Iowa is approximately $78,794 (as reported by ZipRecruiter, Indeed). The unemployment rate in Iowa was 3.3% as of March 2026, which is lower than the national average at that time (as reported by USAFacts, YCharts).

Climate and Weather

Camanche experiences distinct seasons, with warm summers and cold, snowy winters. Throughout the year, temperatures typically range from a low of 13°F in January to a high of 84°F in July (as reported by myPerfectWeather). The humidity remains comfortable during the summer months, contributing to a pleasant environment.

The annual precipitation averages around 37 inches, with snowfall also being a factor during the winter. June typically sees the most rainfall, while January receives the least (as reported by myPerfectWeather). The area experiences a wet season from April to September and a drier period from September to April.

Seasonal Temperature and Precipitation

Summer in Camanche is characterized by long, warm, and wet conditions, with daily high temperatures generally between 65°F and 86°F (as reported by myPerfectWeather). The hottest month is July, with average highs around 84°F and lows near 64°F (as reported by myPerfectWeather, Time and Date). Winters are freezing, snowy, and windy, with average daily high temperatures below 41°F from late November to early March.

January is the coldest month, with average lows around 15°F and highs near 30°F (as reported by myPerfectWeather, Time and Date). The town receives an average of 37 inches of precipitation annually, including rain and the liquid equivalent of snow (as reported by myPerfectWeather). Snowfall is present during the winter months, contributing to the overall winter climate.

Education in Camanche

Camanche is served by the Camanche Community School District, which provides education for students from pre-kindergarten through 12th grade. Camanche High School is noted as the district’s strongest performer, ranking 164th out of 340 Iowa high schools with a 3-star rating (as reported by SchoolDigger.com). It boasts a high 4-year graduation rate of 88.3% (as reported by SchoolDigger.com).

However, the district faces challenges, including high chronic absenteeism rates across all its schools, with a rate of 21.6% (as reported by SchoolDigger.com). Camanche Elementary School’s proficiency rates in English Language Arts are below the state average (as reported by SchoolDigger.com). The district also has socioeconomic considerations, with free/reduced lunch rates varying among its schools (as reported by SchoolDigger.com).

School Performance and District Overview

Camanche High School has a student-teacher ratio of 13:1 and shows strong performance in math proficiency, with 73% of students meeting standards (as reported by NCES, Iowa Dept. of Education). However, reading proficiency is lower, with 69% of students meeting standards, which is below the Iowa state average (as reported by NCES, Iowa Dept. of Education).

The Camanche Community School District overall has a student-teacher ratio of 13 to 1, with 72% of students proficient in math and 69% in reading according to state test scores (as reported by Niche). While Camanche High School ranks in the top 20% for graduation rate in Iowa, its overall testing rank places it in the bottom 50% (as reported by NCES, Iowa Dept. of Education).

Demographics of Camanche

Camanche is home to approximately 4,550 residents, with a slight year-over-year change in population (as reported by Data USA, Census Dots). The population is predominantly White, accounting for about 91.2% of residents, followed by those identifying as Two or More races (4.4%) and Hispanic (2.8%) (as reported by Census Dots).

The median age in Camanche is around 40 years old (as reported by Point2Homes, Census Dots). The gender distribution is fairly balanced, with males making up 50.8% and females 49.2% of the population (as reported by Point2Homes).

Population and Diversity

As of 2024, Camanche has a population of 4,550 individuals, making it the 92nd most populated city in Iowa out of 1,017 cities (as reported by Census Dots). The town has seen a slight increase in diversity since the 2020 Census, though it remains less diverse than Iowa overall (as reported by Census Dots).

The racial makeup consists of 91.2% White, 1.4% African American, 0.2% Asian, and 7.2% identifying with two or more races (as reported by Point2Homes). The percentage of Hispanic residents is 2.8% (as reported by Census Dots). Camanche has a high rate of U.S. citizenship, with 100% of residents being citizens (as reported by Data USA).