Is Coralville Safe, Pros and cons of living in Coralville

Coralville, Iowa, offers a unique blend of suburban comfort and access to urban amenities, situated in Johnson County. It’s a city that has seen consistent growth, attracting new residents with its blend of community features and opportunities. This guide explores the various facets of living in Coralville, from safety and cost of living to employment and education.

The city’s location near Iowa City provides a strategic advantage, offering the benefits of a smaller community while remaining connected to a larger metropolitan area. Coralville’s development has been shaped by its proximity to educational institutions and a growing economic base, making it an appealing destination for families and professionals alike.

Is it Safe to Live in Coralville?

Coralville’s crime rates present a mixed picture. The city has a violent crime rate of 133.2 per 100,000 residents, which is 89% higher than the national average (according to FBI Uniform Crime Report data). This places Coralville in the “High Risk” category with a safety grade of F.

In terms of property crime, the rate is 2063.8 per 100,000 residents. Overall, the chance of becoming a victim of either violent or property crime in Coralville is approximately 1 in 45. However, it’s important to note that relative to Iowa, Coralville’s crime rate is higher than 96% of the state’s cities and towns of all sizes.

Cost of Living

The cost of living in Coralville is generally lower than the national average. Overall living costs in Coralville are 6% lower than the U.S. national average and 38% lower than Iowa’s state average. This is driven in part by housing costs, which are 40.7% lower than the national average.

For a single person, monthly expenses in Coralville are estimated at $1707, and for a family of four, they are around $3823. These figures reflect lower expenses for food, transportation, and healthcare compared to national averages.

Housing Costs

Housing in Coralville is more affordable than in many parts of the country. The median home value in Coralville was $256,223 as of March 2026, showing a 3.9% increase over the past year. The median listing price for homes in Coralville is $349.8K.

Rental prices also reflect this affordability. The average rent in Coralville, IA, is $1,200. For a one-bedroom apartment, the average rent is $862, while a two-bedroom apartment averages $915.

Job Market and Economy

Coralville’s job market is robust, with an unemployment rate that is significantly lower than the national average. The unemployment rate in Coralville is 67% lower than the national average. The median household income in Coralville was $69,144 in 2024.

Major employers in the area contribute to the local economy. While specific company revenue figures were not directly available for Coralville, national retailers like Walmart, Costco, and Target have a presence in the broader region, alongside specialized companies such as Integrated DNA Technologies. The City of Coralville’s Human Resources department also coordinates the hiring process for municipal roles.

Major Employers

Integrated DNA Technologies (IDT) is a significant employer in Coralville, specializing in DNA synthesis and related technologies. Other notable companies that contribute to the employment landscape include Hy-Vee, a regional supermarket chain, and various retail and service industry businesses. The city’s proximity to the University of Iowa also creates employment opportunities in education and healthcare sectors.

Climate

Coralville experiences a climate with distinct seasons. Summers are typically long, warm, humid, and wet, with average high temperatures in July reaching around 85°F. Winters are cold, snowy, and windy, with average lows in January around 15°F.

The city sees significant seasonal variation in precipitation. June is the wettest month, with an average of 4.4 inches of rain. January is the driest, averaging only 0.4 inches of rain. Snowfall is common in the winter months, with December typically seeing the most snow accumulation.

Average Temperatures and Rainfall

Throughout the year, temperatures in Coralville typically range from 15°F to 85°F and are rarely below -4°F or above 93°F. The warm season lasts from May to September, while the cold season extends from November to March. Annual precipitation averages about 37 inches, with snowfall averaging 29 inches.

Education

Coralville is served by highly-rated public schools, contributing to its appeal for families. The Iowa City Community School District and the Clear Creek Amana Community School District serve the area, with schools like West Senior High School and Liberty High School receiving strong reviews.

Schools in Coralville are generally well-regarded, with Niche.com giving the city an overall grade of A for its public schools. This high rating is based on factors such as state test scores, college readiness, and teacher quality.

School Ratings

West Senior High School and Liberty High School are among the top-rated public high schools serving Coralville, both earning high marks from Niche.com. Elementary schools like Wickham Elementary and Norman Borlaug Elementary also receive positive ratings, contributing to the strong educational environment for younger students.

Demographics

Coralville has a diverse population. As of 2024, the city’s population was approximately 23,234. The largest racial/ethnic groups are White (66.7%), followed by Black (13.4%) and Asian (8.5%).

The median age in Coralville is 34.0 years. A significant portion of the population is between the ages of 25 and 44, indicating a blend of working professionals and families. Citizenship is high, with 93% of residents being U.S. citizens.