Is Floris Safe, Pros and cons of living in Floris
Floris, Iowa, is a small rural community nestled in Davis County. It offers a tranquil lifestyle with a strong sense of homeownership among its residents. The town is characterized by its close-knit atmosphere and a generally conservative outlook.
The community is part of Davis County, providing access to resources and services within the broader region. Floris is known for its quiet, rural setting, appealing to those who prefer a slower pace of life away from urban hustle and bustle. The town’s identity is deeply rooted in its residential character, with a significant majority of inhabitants owning their homes.
Is it Safe to Live in Floris?
Floris presents a generally safe environment for its residents. The violent crime rate in Floris is notably lower than the national average (as reported by CrimeGrade.org). This indicates a lower incidence of crimes such as assault, robbery, and murder compared to many other areas.
While overall crime rates are slightly above the national average, violent crime specifically is lower than the national average (as reported by AreaVibes). Property crime rates are also below the national average (as reported by AreaVibes). The northwest part of Floris is considered the safest area within the town (as reported by CrimeGrade.org).
Crime Statistics
The violent crime rate in Floris is 2.171 per 1,000 residents annually (as reported by CrimeGrade.org). This rate is lower than the national average, contributing to a positive safety perception for the community. Floris ranks in the 71st percentile for safety, meaning it is safer than 71% of cities in the United States (as reported by CrimeGrade.org).
The total projected cost of crime in Floris for 2025 is estimated at $93,596, which translates to approximately $116 per resident (as reported by CrimeGrade.org). This figure, while a cost, reflects the relatively low incidence of crime when compared to national averages.
Neighborhood Safety
Within Floris, residents generally consider the northwest section of the town to be the safest (as reported by CrimeGrade.org). Your likelihood of being a victim of violent crime can differ by neighborhood, ranging from about 1 in 386 in western neighborhoods to 1 in 594 in the northwest areas (as reported by CrimeGrade.org).
For the 52560 ZIP code, which encompasses Floris, the overall crime index is 127, indicating it is 27% above the national average (as reported by DoorProfit). However, within this ZIP code, violent crime is 16% below the national average, and property crime is 35% below the national average (as reported by DoorProfit).
Cost of Living in Floris
Floris offers a significantly more affordable cost of living compared to the national average. The overall cost of living in Floris is rated as an “A” by Niche, reflecting its affordability. Household bills in Floris are approximately 30% lower than the U.S. median (as reported by doxo).
This affordability extends to housing, which is a major factor in the cost of living. The median home value in Floris is substantially lower than the national median, making it an attractive option for homebuyers. Rent prices also remain well below national averages.
Housing Costs
The median home value in Floris is $53,300, which is considerably lower than the national median of $332,700 (as reported by Niche). This represents a 0.16 times smaller value than the national average. Between 2023 and 2024, the median property value saw a 9% increase, rising from $48,900 to $53,300 (as reported by Data USA).
The homeownership rate in Floris is high, standing at 90.2%, which is significantly above the national average of 65.2% (as reported by Data USA). The median rent in Floris is $731, while the national median rent is $1,413 (as reported by Niche).
Everyday Expenses
The median household in Floris pays approximately $1,471 per month on bills, totaling $17,656 annually (as reported by doxo). This is $7,432 per year lower than the U.S. median of $25,088 (as reported by doxo). These household bills account for 21% of the annual household income in Floris (as reported by doxo).
The cost of living is further supported by the fact that Floris is ranked as the #402 most expensive city in Iowa for household bills (as reported by doxo). This indicates a generally low cost for everyday expenses for residents.
Job Market and Economy
Floris, despite its small size, has a functioning economy with a notable employment participation rate. The unemployment rate in Floris is very low, contributing to a stable local job market. The town’s economy relies on various industries, with construction and manufacturing being significant sectors.
The average commute time for residents is also a factor in the local economy, as it influences daily work patterns. While specific major employers within Floris are limited due to its population, the broader region offers employment opportunities.
Employment and Unemployment
The unemployment rate in Floris is reported to be 1.2%, which is significantly lower than the national average of 5.2% (as reported by ZIP Codes in Floris, IA). This low unemployment rate suggests a strong local job market relative to the size of the community.
The economy of Floris employs approximately 87 people (as reported by Data USA). The largest industries in Floris include Construction (22 people), Manufacturing (17 people), and Educational Services (10 people) (as reported by Data USA).
Average Salary and Income
The average salary in Floris, Iowa, is around $26.00 per hour or $54,078 per year, as of May 2026 (as reported by ZipRecruiter). The median wage is approximately $55.1K per year (as reported by ZipRecruiter).
The average annual household income in Floris was $109,108 in 2024 (as reported by Point2Homes). Households led by residents aged 45 to 64 earn an overall median income of $182,656 (as reported by Point2Homes). In Floris, 93.8% of locals live above the poverty line (as reported by Point2Homes).
Major Employers
Due to Floris’s small population, specific major employers within the immediate town are not prominently listed. However, the nearest larger city, Bloomfield, lists companies such as Dollar General, United States Postal Service, Subway, and Casey’s as employers (as reported by Indeed.com). These larger regional employers may provide job opportunities for Floris residents.
Manufacturing and construction are key industries within Floris, suggesting that businesses in these sectors are likely significant employers within the local economy (as reported by Data USA). For broader employment options, residents would typically look to larger nearby towns and cities.
Climate in Floris
Floris experiences a climate typical of the Midwest, with distinct seasons. Summers are generally warm, while winters are cold, with moderate rainfall throughout the year. The weather can vary, with potential for both hot and cold extremes.
The area receives a moderate amount of precipitation annually, distributed across the seasons. Understanding the typical weather patterns is essential for residents, especially concerning seasonal activities and potential weather-related events.
Average Temperatures
Floris experiences warm summers and cold winters. Daytime high temperatures in the summer can reach the upper 70s, with highs around 75°F and 74°F noted in recent forecasts (as reported by WeatherBug and AccuWeather). Nighttime lows in the summer can drop into the mid-40s to low 50s.
Winter temperatures are significantly colder, with nighttime lows frequently dropping below freezing. Forecasts indicate temperatures as low as -9°F in March, with daytime highs also remaining cold (as reported by Weather.com). The average daily temperature fluctuates significantly between seasons.
Rainfall and Precipitation
Floris receives a moderate amount of rainfall throughout the year. While specific annual rainfall totals are not readily available, weather forecasts indicate varying probabilities of precipitation, including rain and potential snow during colder months (as reported by Weather.com and AccuWeather). For instance, some forecasts show a 60% chance of precipitation with 10-15mm of rain on specific dates in March (as reported by Weather.com).
The area is not typically prone to extreme weather events like hurricanes, but flood risk is noted as moderate. The FEMA floodzone is classified as X, meaning it is not flooded by a 100-year flood event but is at risk from a 500-year flood event (as reported by Augurisk).
School Ratings in Floris
The educational landscape for Floris residents is primarily served by the Davis County Community School District. This district operates several schools that cater to students from elementary through high school levels. While Floris itself is small, the surrounding district provides educational opportunities.
The schools in the Davis County Community School District generally receive average to above-average ratings. These ratings are based on various factors, including academic performance, student-teacher ratios, and overall school environment.
Public Schools
Public schools serving Floris include Davis County Community High School, Cardinal Junior High, and Davis County Elementary School (as reported by Niche). Davis County Community High School has a rating of 3.73 out of 5 (as reported by Niche). Davis County Elementary School has a rating of 4.25 out of 5 (as reported by Niche).
The overall Niche grade for public schools in Floris is a C minus (as reported by Niche). The student-teacher ratio in the district is 11:1 (as reported by Niche), which is a favorable ratio for student attention.
District Performance
The Iowa Department of Education releases school performance ratings, with categories ranging from exceptional to priority (as reported by Iowa Department of Education). While specific ratings for the Davis County Community School District are not detailed here, the state aims for transparency in school performance.
Nationally, the average math proficiency is 41%, and reading proficiency is 47% (as reported by Niche). In Iowa, these figures are 68% for math and 70% for reading (as reported by Niche), indicating that Iowa schools, on average, perform better than the national average in these areas.
Demographics of Floris
Floris is a small, predominantly White community with a median age that is older than the national average. The population is characterized by a high rate of U.S. citizenship and a strong homeownership presence. The town offers a rural living experience.
The demographic makeup of Floris reflects a stable, established community with a clear ethnic majority. Age distribution suggests a community with a significant proportion of older adults.
Population and Ethnicity
Floris is home to a population of 128 people (as reported by Niche and Data USA). As of 2024, 100% of Floris residents are U.S. citizens (as reported by Data USA). The population is overwhelmingly White (Non-Hispanic), accounting for 116 residents, or approximately 90.6% of the population (as reported by Data USA and Census Dots).
The Hispanic population constitutes about 6.3% of residents, with smaller percentages identifying as multiracial (3.1%) (as reported by Census Dots). There are no Black, Asian, or Native American residents reported in Floris (as reported by Census Dots).
Age and Gender Distribution
The median age in Floris is 54.3 years (as reported by Point2Homes and Census Dots). This is notably higher than the national median age. Approximately 19.5% of the population is 65 years or older (as reported by Point2Homes).
Gender distribution shows that 55.5% of Floris locals are male, and 44.5% are female (as reported by Point2Homes). This slight male majority is a common demographic feature in some rural communities.
Household and Family Structure
Floris has approximately 51 households, with an average of 3 members per household (as reported by Point2Homes). A significant majority, 86.3%, of these are families, while 13.7% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives (as reported by Point2Homes).
The homeownership rate is very high at 90.2% (as reported by Data USA), indicating a strong preference for owning homes within the community. This aligns with the rural character and the established nature of the population.
Pros and Cons of Living in Floris
Floris offers a unique living experience characterized by its affordability and peaceful rural setting. The low crime rates contribute to a sense of security for its residents. However, the town’s small size means limited amenities and fewer job opportunities within the immediate vicinity.
The strong sense of community and the high rate of homeownership are significant advantages. Conversely, the lack of diverse employment options and the limited access to services found in larger towns are notable drawbacks.
Pros
One of the primary advantages of living in Floris is its exceptionally low cost of living, particularly in housing, with median home values significantly below the national average (as reported by Niche). The community also boasts low violent crime rates, making it a safe place to reside (as reported by CrimeGrade.org).
The rural environment provides a tranquil and quiet lifestyle, which is appealing to many. The high rate of homeownership (90.2% as reported by Data USA) suggests a stable and invested community.
Cons
The most significant con is the limited economic and social infrastructure due to its small population. Major employers are scarce within Floris itself, requiring residents to commute to larger towns for work (as reported by Data USA). Access to diverse amenities, shopping, and entertainment options is also limited.
The demographics indicate an aging population, which may influence the availability of certain services and community dynamics. While schools are rated, the overall educational infrastructure might not match that of larger districts.