Is Le Claire Safe, Pros and cons of living in Le Claire
Le Claire, Iowa, offers a unique blend of small-town charm and access to larger metropolitan amenities, nestled along the picturesque Mississippi River. This historic river town, known as the birthplace of Buffalo Bill Cody, provides a distinct lifestyle for its residents. With a growing population and a strong sense of community, Le Claire presents an appealing option for those seeking a quieter pace of life without sacrificing convenience.
The city boasts a rich history, evident in its well-preserved architecture and its continued connection to the river that shaped its early development. Le Claire’s appeal extends beyond its historical significance, encompassing a friendly atmosphere and a commitment to maintaining a high quality of life for its inhabitants. This combination of heritage and modern living makes Le Claire a noteworthy place to consider for relocation.
Is it Safe to Live in Le Claire?
Crime Rate Overview
Le Claire is considered a very safe place to live, with crime rates significantly lower than both the national and state averages. The overall crime rate is 76.2% lower than the national average (AreaVibes). This low crime rate contributes to a sense of security for residents, making it an attractive community for families and individuals alike.
Violent crime in Le Claire is also notably low, standing at 64.9% lower than the national average (AreaVibes). Property crimes are similarly reduced, with a rate 78.5% lower than the national average (AreaVibes). These statistics indicate a low risk of becoming a victim of crime in Le Claire, with a chance of 1 in 199 (AreaVibes).
Safety Perceptions and Neighborhoods
Le Claire residents generally perceive the southern part of the city as the safest (CrimeGrade.org). The chance of being a victim of crime can vary by neighborhood, with the east neighborhoods having a higher risk (1 in 49) compared to the south (1 in 81) (CrimeGrade.org). Overall, Le Claire ranks in the 79th percentile for safety, meaning it is safer than 79% of U.S. cities (CrimeGrade.org).
The city has seen a decrease in crime year over year, by 28% (AreaVibes). Le Claire’s crime rate is 15.56 per 1,000 residents in a typical year (CrimeGrade.org). The FBI Uniform Crime Reporting data indicates that Le Claire has a crime rate that is 54% below the national average, with a violent crime risk of 1 in 521 per year (DoorProfit).
Cost of Living and Housing
Overall Cost of Living
The cost of living in Le Claire is slightly higher than the national average, with an overall index of 103 (AreaVibes). This means that expenses are approximately 3% higher than the national average. However, when compared to the state average, Le Claire’s cost of living is 16% higher (AreaVibes).
Monthly expenses for a single person in Le Claire are estimated at $2,367, and for a family of four, they are around $5,212 (Salary.com). These figures reflect costs that are 4% lower than the U.S. national average and 56% lower than Iowa’s state average (Salary.com).
Housing Costs and Homeownership
Housing expenses in Le Claire are 53% higher than the national average (Payscale). The median home value in Le Claire was reported as $284,600 (Kurby AI), with a median listing price of $407.7K (Redfin). Another source indicates the median home value in Le Claire as $378,377, showing a 3.9% increase over the past year (Zillow).
The homeownership rate in Le Claire is 69.9% (Kurby AI). While housing costs are above the national average, they are significantly lower when compared to major cities like San Francisco or New York (Salary.com). The median sale price per square foot in Le Claire is $205, an increase of 51.1% since last year (Redfin).
Rental Market
The rental market in Le Claire presents a more affordable option compared to the national average. The average rent in Le Claire, IA, is $541 per month, which is 67% lower than the national average (Apartments.com). This makes renting in Le Claire more accessible than in most U.S. cities.
However, there are conflicting reports on rental prices. One source states the average rent is $2,900, which is 45% higher than the national average (Zillow). Another indicates a median rent of $1,223 as of March 2026, which is 36% lower than the national average (Zumper). A one-bedroom apartment averages around $541 per month, while a three-bedroom rental could cost $2,710 or more (Apartments.com).
Economy and Job Market
Major Employers and Industries
The economy of Le Claire employs approximately 2,200 people. The primary industries contributing to employment are Health Care & Social Assistance, Manufacturing, and Retail Trade (Data USA). These sectors represent a significant portion of the local job market, providing diverse opportunities for residents.
The highest-paying industries in Le Claire include Utilities, Wholesale Trade, and Manufacturing (Data USA). The average salary in Le Claire is $21.52 per hour or $44,765 per year (ZipRecruiter). The median household income in Le Claire was reported as $104,844 (Data USA), with another source indicating $95,206 (Kurby AI).
Employment and Income Statistics
Employment in Le Claire has seen growth, with a 7.33% increase from the previous year, bringing the total number of employees to 2,200 (Data USA). The most common job groups include Office & Administrative Support Occupations, Sales & Related Occupations, and Management Occupations (Data USA).
The average per capita income in Le Claire is $63,512 (Data USA). Households led by residents aged 25 to 44 have a median income of $111,429, while those aged 45 to 64 earn a median of $133,026 (Point2Homes). This indicates a strong earning potential within the community.
Climate and Weather
Seasonal Temperature Variations
Le Claire experiences distinct seasons, with long, warm, humid summers and freezing, snowy winters. The temperature typically ranges from 15°F to 84°F throughout the year, rarely dropping below -5°F or exceeding 92°F (Weather Spark). The warm season lasts from mid-May to late September, with average daily high temperatures above 73°F.
July is the hottest month, with average highs of 84°F and lows of 65°F (Weather Spark). Conversely, the cold season spans from late November to early March, with average daily high temperatures below 41°F. January is the coldest month, with average lows of 16°F and highs of 31°F (Weather Spark).
Precipitation and Snowfall
Annual precipitation in Le Claire averages around 38 inches, with snowfall totaling approximately 31 inches (myPerfectWeather). The snowy period extends from mid-November to late March, with January seeing the most snow, averaging 3.9 inches (Weather Spark). The least snow typically falls in late July, with almost no accumulation.
Rainfall is distributed throughout the year, with heavier amounts during the summer months. For instance, in May, rainfall averages 4.9 inches (AccuWeather). The period from late March to mid-November is largely snow-free (Weather Spark).
Education and Demographics
School District Performance
Le Claire is served by the Pleasant Valley Community School District, which consistently ranks among the top performers in Iowa. The district’s schools, including Pleasant Valley Junior High School, Cody Elementary School, and Bridgeview Elementary School, have received high ratings (Niche, SchoolDigger). These schools demonstrate strong academic achievement, with high proficiency scores in math and reading.
Pleasant Valley Junior High School ranks 8th out of 344 Iowa middle schools, and Cody and Bridgeview Elementary Schools are ranked among the top 20 elementary schools in the state (SchoolDigger). The student-teacher ratios are favorable, with small class sizes supporting personalized learning (SchoolDigger).
Population and Diversity
Le Claire is home to approximately 4,735 residents, showing a slight increase from the 2020 census (Data USA, Census Dots). The population is predominantly White, accounting for 89.4% of residents (Census Dots). Other racial groups include Multiracial (4.4%), Hispanic (3.1%), Asian (1.8%), and Black (1.3%) (Census Dots).
The median age in Le Claire is 36.5 years, with a nearly balanced gender distribution (Data USA, Census Dots). The city’s population has grown by 2.1% since the 2020 census, indicating a growing community (Data USA).