Is Marshalltown Safe, Pros and cons of living in Marshalltown
Marshalltown, Iowa, offers a blend of Midwestern charm and a developing economic landscape. This city, located in the heart of Iowa, has a population of approximately 27,626 residents (as of the latest Census data). The community is characterized by a median age of 35.7 years, with a balanced gender distribution and a significant portion of its households being family-oriented.
The city’s development has been influenced by its history, including industrial growth and immigration, particularly from Mexico, which has contributed to its evolving cultural fabric. Marshalltown is also home to significant institutions such as the Iowa Veterans Home and Marshalltown Community College, underscoring its role as a community hub.
Is it Safe to Live in Marshalltown?
When considering a move to Marshalltown, understanding the local crime rates is essential for assessing safety. Overall crime rates in Marshalltown are reported to be slightly lower than the national average. Specifically, violent crime rates are noted to be below the national average, with a chance of being a victim of violent crime estimated at 1 in 337.
However, property crime rates in Marshalltown are reported to be slightly higher than the national average. While the overall crime rate is considered lower than the national average, it is higher than 95% of other cities and towns in Iowa. NeighborhoodScout reports that the chance of becoming a victim of property crime is 1 in 57. The FBI crime data indicates that Marshalltown is not among the safest communities in America when compared to all communities nationwide, though its crime rate is not among the very highest.
Housing Costs and Market Trends
The housing market in Marshalltown presents a more affordable option compared to national averages. The median home price in Marshalltown is significantly lower than the national average, making it an attractive prospect for homebuyers. Redfin reported a median home price of $165,000 in March 2026, a slight decrease of 0.3% from the previous year.
Marshalltown’s housing market is described as somewhat competitive, with homes selling in an average of 38.5 days. The median sale price per square foot is $133, showing a modest increase from the prior year. The homeownership rate in Marshalltown is approximately 68.8%, which is higher than the national average. This indicates a strong tendency towards homeownership within the community.
Cost of Living and Affordability
Marshalltown stands out for its affordability, with a cost of living index that is notably lower than both the national and state averages. The overall cost of living is 16% lower than the national average, and even 6% lower than the Iowa average. This affordability extends to various essential expenses, with housing costs being particularly low.
Housing expenses in Marshalltown are approximately 40% lower than the national average. Other cost categories, such as transportation and healthcare, also reflect savings compared to the national figures. These factors contribute to Marshalltown being considered one of America’s less expensive cities, with monthly expenses for a single person estimated at $1694 and for a family of four at $3858.
Job Market and Major Employers
The job market in Marshalltown is diverse, with key employment sectors including manufacturing, healthcare and social assistance, and retail trade. The city has seen employment growth, with a rate of 0.616% from the previous year. Major employers in the area include industries that have historically shaped the city’s economy, such as Fisher Controls, Lennox International, and the JBS (formerly Swift & Company) meatpacking plant, which has played a significant role in the community’s demographic shifts.
The average annual salary in Marshalltown is around $47,013, with most salaries falling between $33,574 and $57,625. High-paying professions in the area include engineering, family nurse practitioner, and pharmacist roles. There are also opportunities in skilled trades such as welders and pharmacy technicians, which can offer competitive compensation.
Unemployment Rate
The unemployment rate in Marshalltown has experienced fluctuations, with recent data indicating it is higher than the long-term average. In December, Marshalltown reported an unemployment rate of 8.8%, which was the highest among Iowa’s cities. This figure represented 1,200 unemployed individuals within a workforce of 13,900.
More recent data places the unemployment rate at 7.70% as of a recent report, though other sources indicate figures as high as 10.00% for February 2026. This rate is notably higher than the statewide unemployment rate of 3.5% in December. The historical average unemployment rate for Marshalltown is around 4.71%.
Climate and Weather Patterns
Marshalltown experiences distinct seasonal weather patterns, with warm, humid summers and cold, snowy winters. Temperatures typically range from a low of 13°F in January to a high of 84°F in July. The warmest period, from May to September, sees average daily high temperatures above 73°F, with July being the hottest month.
The winter months, from late November to early March, bring colder temperatures, with January having an average low of 13°F and a high of 29°F. Marshalltown experiences significant monthly rainfall variation, with June being the wettest month, averaging 4.7 inches of precipitation. The drier period occurs from late December to mid-February, with January receiving the least rain at 0.2 inches. Wet days are more common from April to October, with June having an average of 12.7 wet days.
Education and School Ratings
The Marshalltown Community School District serves the city’s students, with a total enrollment of approximately 5,078 students across 10 public schools. The district’s performance is ranked within the bottom 50% of all school districts in Iowa, based on combined math and reading proficiency test data for the 2022-2023 school year. The graduation rate stands at 81%, which has decreased from 88% over the past five school years.
In terms of academic proficiency, public schools in the district show an average math proficiency score of 53% and a reading proficiency score of 56%, both below the state averages. The district is recognized for its diversity, ranking among the top 1% for diversity in Iowa. Minority enrollment constitutes 71% of the student body, with a majority being Hispanic. Several elementary schools, including Fisher, Franklin, Hoglan, and Woodbury, have achieved a “Commendable” rating on the Iowa School Performance Profiles.
Demographics and Population
Marshalltown’s population is estimated at around 27,626 residents, with a slight annual growth rate. The median age is 35.7 years, and the population is fairly evenly split between males and females. The city has a significant Hispanic population, making up 34.2% of the residents, which is considerably higher than the state average.
The racial composition includes 54.1% White, 34.2% Hispanic, 4.9% Asian, and smaller percentages of multiracial, Black, Native American, and other groups. This demographic makeup shows an increase in diversity since the 2020 Census. The poverty rate in Marshalltown is 14.3%, which is higher than the national average. The median household income is $69,068, with a median individual income of $36,917.