Is Hiawatha Safe, Pros and cons of living in Hiawatha
Hiawatha, Iowa, offers a blend of suburban tranquility and convenient access to urban amenities, making it an appealing choice for those seeking a balanced lifestyle. This growing community is known for its friendly atmosphere and family-oriented environment, with a strong emphasis on quality of life.
The city provides a range of housing options, from single-family homes to apartments, catering to diverse needs and budgets. Its strategic location in East Central Iowa places it within easy reach of larger cities, offering residents the best of both worlds: a peaceful hometown feel with the opportunities of a metropolitan area nearby.
Is it Safe to Live in Hiawatha?
Hiawatha is generally considered a safe place to live, with crime rates that are lower than the national average. The city’s overall crime rate is 36.7% lower than the national average (as reported by AreaVibes). Specifically, violent crime rates are very close to the national average, with 360 incidents per 100,000 residents, aligning with the nationwide figure of 359 (as reported by AreaVibes).
Property crime rates are significantly lower than the national average, at 44.2% below (as reported by AreaVibes). In the most recent reported year, Hiawatha recorded zero homicides, further contributing to its reputation as a secure community (as reported by AreaVibes). While safety can vary by neighborhood, the overall trend indicates a low risk of crime for residents.
Housing and Cost of Living
Housing Market Overview
The Hiawatha, IA housing market is described as somewhat competitive (as reported by Redfin). The median sale price of a home in Hiawatha was $231,000 in March 2026, an increase of 10.0% compared to the previous year (as reported by Redfin). The median property value in Hiawatha was $216,900 in 2024, which is lower than the national average (as reported by Data USA).
Homes in Hiawatha tend to sell after an average of 137 days on the market, though this was a notable increase from the previous year’s average of 21 days (as reported by Redfin). The homeownership rate in Hiawatha is 66.8%, which is higher than the national average (as reported by Data USA).
Rental Costs
The average rent in Hiawatha, IA, is $735 as of May 2026, showing a month-over-month decrease of $15 and a year-over-year decrease of $65 (as reported by Zillow). Houses in Hiawatha rent within a range of $555 to $2,650, with the average rent at $735 (as reported by Zillow).
Currently, there are 17 rental properties available in Hiawatha (as reported by Zillow). This provides a moderate selection for those seeking rental accommodations within the city.
Cost of Living
Hiawatha, Iowa’s cost of living is generally lower than the national average. Overall living costs are approximately 8% lower than the U.S. national average (as reported by Payscale). Housing expenses are notably lower, being 27% below the national average (as reported by Payscale).
Food prices are slightly lower than the national average, at 3% less (as reported by Payscale). Utility prices are marginally higher, about 3% above the national average (as reported by Payscale). Transportation costs are comparable to the national average.
Job Market and Economy
Major Employers
Hiawatha benefits from a diverse range of major employers, contributing to a stable job market. Key employers include Go Daddy, CCB Packaging, Windstream Communications, and UPS (as reported by Data USA). Other significant employers in the area are REM Iowa, Inc., J & A Printing, Inc., and the Cedar Rapids Community School District (as reported by Data USA).
The manufacturing sector is well-represented, with companies like Parker Hannifin and Crystal Group Inc. also providing employment opportunities. The healthcare sector is also a notable employer, with St. Luke’s Hiawatha Campus serving the community’s health needs.
Employment and Salaries
The economy of Hiawatha employs approximately 3,430 people (as reported by Data USA). The largest industries in Hiawatha include Retail Trade, Health Care & Social Assistance, and Manufacturing (as reported by Data USA). The highest paying industries are Professional, Scientific, & Technical Services, Construction, and Public Administration.
The average salary in Hiawatha is around $66,270 annually (as reported by Data USA). However, some sources indicate a median wage of $44.6K/yr, with wages typically ranging from $35.6K to $57.5K (as reported by ZipRecruiter). More specialized roles, such as those at Hiawatha Care Center, can see average hourly wages around $38 (as reported by Salary.com).
Unemployment Rate
The unemployment rate in Iowa was 3.3% in March 2026 (as reported by Iowa Workforce Development). This indicates a relatively strong labor market within the state, which Hiawatha benefits from. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics tracks these figures, providing a national context for local employment trends.
Climate and Environment
Temperature and Precipitation
Hiawatha, Iowa experiences a climate with distinct seasons. Summers are typically warm, with average high temperatures in the mid-70s Fahrenheit. Winters are cold, with average low temperatures dropping into the teens Fahrenheit.
The city receives a moderate amount of precipitation throughout the year, with rainfall spread across spring and summer months. Snowfall is common during the winter months. The climate is characterized by a humid continental pattern, with significant variations between summer and winter temperatures.
Education and Demographics
School Ratings
Hiawatha Elementary School in Hiawatha, IA, has received positive ratings, with an overall Niche grade of B minus (as reported by Niche). The school has a student-teacher ratio of 13 to 1, and 73% of students are proficient in math, with 67% proficient in reading (as reported by Niche). The student demographics at Hiawatha Elementary School are diverse, with White students making up 59.5%, followed by Hispanic and African American students (as reported by Niche).
For higher education, residents are within commuting distance of several institutions. The University of Northern Iowa is located in nearby Cedar Falls, offering a range of undergraduate and graduate programs.
Demographics
Hiawatha, Iowa, has an estimated population of 7,206 people as of 2024 (as reported by Data USA). The population is predominantly White, making up 71.2% of residents, followed by Hispanic (9.7%), Asian (7.6%), and Black or African American (6.8%) populations (as reported by Census Dots).
The median age in Hiawatha is 32.4 years, with a slightly higher proportion of females to males (as reported by Data USA). The city has a foreign-born population of 7.63%, and 95.4% of residents are U.S. citizens (as reported by Data USA).
Pros and Cons of Living in Hiawatha
Pros
Hiawatha offers a lower cost of living compared to the national average, particularly in housing (as reported by Payscale). The city’s crime rates are below the national average, contributing to a sense of security for its residents (as reported by AreaVibes). Its suburban feel, combined with proximity to urban centers, provides a desirable lifestyle for families and professionals.
The job market is supported by a variety of major employers across different sectors, offering employment opportunities within the community and surrounding areas (as reported by Data USA). Hiawatha also boasts good school ratings, particularly at the elementary level, indicating a commitment to education.
Cons
While generally safe, violent crime rates are comparable to the national average, which may be a concern for some (as reported by AreaVibes). The median home price, while lower than the national average, has seen an increase, potentially impacting affordability for new buyers (as reported by Redfin). Some sources indicate a projected upward trend in crime rates, though this is based on trend analysis rather than current data (as reported by CityRating.com).
The job market, while stable, may not offer the same breadth of high-paying specialized roles as larger metropolitan areas. Commute times, though generally reasonable, can vary depending on employment location outside of Hiawatha.