What to know when moving to Clive, IA
Clive at a Glance
- The Vibe:
- A highly educated ZIP where 59.5% of residents hold a bachelor's degree and 26.2% rent.
- The Major Draw:
- Median household income is $131,082, making it financially appealing.
- The Reality Check:
- Public transit usage is at 0%, indicating a car-dependent lifestyle.
- Top Tip:
- Budget for a median rent of $1,099 per month.
The 'Vibe' Check: Who Thrives Here?
Clive has a population of about 18,776, with a median household income of $131,082, which is quite high for the area. The community skews highly educated, with 59.5% holding at least a bachelor's degree. However, only 26.2% of residents are renters, meaning homeownership is more common here. With no public transit usage reported, residents will need to rely on cars for commuting. The area also experiences around 113 rainy days annually, so be prepared for wet weather.
Probably not your spot if: you prefer public transit options, as there's none available.
Your Money: Housing & Cost Snapshot
- Median rent is $1,099, while the median home value is $379,000, indicating a higher cost of living.
- 59.5% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, contributing to a well-educated community.
- The poverty rate is low at 4.8%, reflecting economic stability.
- Only 0% use public transit, so plan on using a car for commuting.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-Year Data Profiles.
Crime & Safety: What the Numbers Say
Iowa has a low crime rate overall, with state-level statistics indicating a trend of decreasing crime.
- Violent crime rate is 236.6 per 100k, which is 27.3% lower than the national average of 325.3 per 100k.
- Property crime rate is 1,201.8 per 100k, 22.3% lower than the national average of 1,546.9 per 100k.
- Notable trend: The homicide rate has decreased by 21.2% since 2022.
Source: FBI Crime Data Explorer (state-level summarized data for Iowa).
Schools & Higher Ed
Clive is well-served by educational institutions in the surrounding area.
- Total postsecondary institutions nearby: 11
- With College Scorecard data: 11
- Notable institutions include Drake University in Des Moines and Des Moines Area Community College in Ankeny.
Source: NCES Postsecondary School Locations, U.S. Dept. of Education College Scorecard.
Weather & Getting Outside
Polk County experiences an average annual precipitation of 34.5 inches, spread across 113 rainy days, with winter bringing about 2.9 inches of snow on 19 days. This means you'll want to keep an umbrella handy.
- Pappajohn Sculpture Park - 4.6 stars (5,395 reviews)
- Raccoon River Park - 4.7 stars (2,592 reviews)
- Des Moines Water Works Park - 4.6 stars (1,576 reviews)
- Walnut Woods State Park - 4.6 stars (775 reviews)
Source: NOAA Climate Data Online, Google Places.
Jobs & the Local Economy
Polk County has a dynamic job market with robust employment statistics.
- Unemployment rate: 3.5% as of December 2025.
- Employed individuals: 279,540.
- Total labor force: 289,649.
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, Local Area Unemployment Statistics.