Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Muscatine, IA
Considering Muscatine, IA for your next move? With a population of about 24,000, Muscatine offers affordable Midwest living—median home prices are just $140,000 and rents average $850. The city enjoys short 18-minute commutes, low unemployment, and a strong sense of community. Crime rates are below national averages, and families benefit from solid local schools and a full-service hospital. Expect four distinct seasons, with plenty of sunny days and easy access to the scenic Mississippi River.
Demographics - Muscatine, IA
Demographics - Muscatine, IA
Muscatine is home to nearly 24,000 residents, featuring a diverse population with a median age of 38 and a balanced gender ratio. The city’s community includes a strong White majority alongside significant representation from other ethnic groups, and about 10% of residents speak a language other than English at home.
Population:
23,797
Density:
1,390 per sq mi
Median Age:
38.2
Gender Ratio:
97 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
10.5%
Ethnic Composition
White:
72.1%
Black:
3.6%
Asian:
1.2%
Others:
23.1%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Muscatine, IA?
Muscatine offers an affordable cost of living, with median home values around $140,000 and average rents at $850. Essential expenses like utilities and groceries are well below national averages, making the city an attractive option for budget-conscious movers.
Median House Value:
$140,000
Gross Rent:
$850
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$120
Auto Insurance:
$1,020
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,120
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$430
State Taxes:
Low:
0.33%
|
High:
8.53%
Cost Of Living Index:
85.2
Grocery:
93.5
Housing:
64.3
Utilities:
93.2
Transportation:
91.6
Health Care:
95.4
Miscellaneous:
92.0
Crime
Is Muscatine, IA a safe place to live?
Muscatine experiences lower-than-average crime rates, with a violent crime rate of 237 per 100,000 and a property crime rate of 1,897 per 100,000 residents. Residents enjoy a sense of safety, with the chance of being a victim of violent crime at just 1 in 422.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
237
Property Crimes Per 100k:
1,897
Crime Index:
2,134
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 422
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 53
Weather
What is the weather like in Muscatine, IA year-round?
Muscatine enjoys four distinct seasons, featuring warm summers with highs in the mid-80s and cold winters where lows dip into the teens. The city receives about 36 inches of annual rainfall and enjoys sunshine 55% of the year, making for a varied and pleasant climate.
Winter
Min:
15°F
Max:
33°F
Spring
Min:
38°F
Max:
64°F
Summer
Min:
63°F
Max:
84°F
Fall
Min:
41°F
Max:
65°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
36.6 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
55%
Neighbors
Muscatine’s households typically earn around $59,000 a year, with a low unemployment rate of 3.5% and an average commute time of just 18 minutes. The community values education, with nearly 89% of adults holding at least a high school diploma, and maintains a welcoming, small-town atmosphere.
Median Income:
$29,700
Household Income:
$59,243
Family Income:
$73,900
Per Capita Income:
$27,015
Income Male:
$45,500
Income Female:
$34,700
Poverty Rate:
14.2%
Non English Speakers:
10.5%
Rent:
$850
Unemployment Rate:
3.5%
Public Transport Usage:
0.5%
Commute Time:
18.3 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
88.7%
Bachelors or More:
19.3%
Education
How are the schools in Muscatine, IA?
Muscatine offers a range of educational opportunities, including public schools like Muscatine High School and Susan Clark Junior High, as well as private and post-secondary options. Families benefit from local access to Muscatine Community College and proximity to the University of Iowa, just 30 miles away.
Public Schools
Name:
Muscatine High School
Street:
2705 Cedar St
Phone:
563-263-6141
Students:
1,400
Student Teacher Ratio:
15.6
Name:
Susan Clark Junior High
Street:
600 Kindler Ave
Phone:
563-263-0411
Students:
800
Student Teacher Ratio:
15.1
Private Schools
Name:
Saints Mary and Mathias Catholic School
Street:
2407 Cedar St
Phone:
563-263-3264
Students:
320
Colleges
Name:
Muscatine Community College
City:
Muscatine
State:
IA
Distance:
0 miles
Students:
1,600
Name:
University of Iowa
City:
Iowa City
State:
IA
Distance:
30 miles
Students:
30,000
Healthcare
Residents benefit from access to local healthcare services at UnityPoint Health – Trinity Muscatine, a full-service hospital offering emergency care. The city has a strong healthcare network, with nearly 2 physicians per 1,000 people and over 91% of residents covered by health insurance.
Major Hospitals
Name:
UnityPoint Health – Trinity Muscatine
Address:
1518 Mulberry Ave, Muscatine, IA 52761
Phone:
(563) 264-9100
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
1.9
Health Insurance Coverage:
91.4%
Health Care Index:
77.8
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Muscatine, IA?
Muscatine’s housing market is stable and affordable, with a median home price of $140,000 and a high owner-occupancy rate of nearly 68%. Home values have appreciated steadily, and rental options remain accessible with average rents for a two-bedroom at $850.
Median Home Price:
$140,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$850
Owner Occupied Rate:
67.8%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
6.1%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
4.7%
New Construction Rate:
1.4%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.3%
DMV Information
For motor vehicle services, Muscatine residents are served by the Iowa Department of Transportation’s Motor Vehicle Division, conveniently located in nearby Mount Pleasant. Services and information are readily available both in person and online.
State:
Iowa
Department:
Iowa Department of Transportation – Motor Vehicle Division
Address:
1900 E. Washington St, Mount Pleasant, IA 52641
Phone:
515-244-8725
Website:
Disclaimer: The information provided on this page is based on publicly available sources including AccuWeather, U.S. Census Bureau, local government data, and third-party partners such as Neustar. While we strive to ensure accuracy, all data is provided “as is” and should be independently verified before making any decisions. Movers.com makes no guarantees regarding the completeness or reliability of the information.