What to know when moving to Fruitland, IA
Fruitland at a Glance
- The Vibe:
- A small community where only 4.6% of residents rent and the median household income is $101,375.
- The Major Draw:
- Low poverty rate at 2.0% adds to a stable community atmosphere.
- The Reality Check:
- With a zero public transit commute share, this is a car-dependent area.
- Top Tip:
- Budget for a median home value of $219,000 if you're looking to buy.
The 'Vibe' Check: Who Thrives Here?
Fruitland is characterized by a population of about 1,107, with a substantial majority of homeowners at 95.4%. The community has a relatively high median household income of $101,375, and only 17.7% of residents hold a bachelor's degree. With no public transit usage, it's advisable to have a vehicle for commuting and errands. The area experiences a low poverty rate of 2.0%, indicating economic stability.
Probably not your spot if: you're looking for affordable rental options, as only 4.6% of residents rent.
Your Money: Housing & Cost Snapshot
- Median home value is $219,000, which can be a significant investment for potential homeowners.
- The community has a very low poverty rate of 2.0%, contributing to a stable economic environment.
- Only 4.6% of residents are renters, indicating a strong preference for homeownership.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-Year Data Profiles.
Crime & Safety: What the Numbers Say
Crime data for Iowa shows that the state has a lower property crime rate than the national average, reflecting a safer environment overall.
- Violent crime rate: 236.6 per 100,000 residents, compared to the national rate of 325.3, indicating a 27.3% lower rate than the national average.
- Property crime rate: 1,201.8 per 100,000 residents, which is 22.3% lower than the national average of 1,546.9.
- Notable trend: The violent crime rate decreased by 20% from 2022 to 2025.
Source: FBI Crime Data Explorer (state-level summarized data for Iowa).
Weather & Getting Outside
Muscatine County experiences average annual high temperatures of 73°F, with summer highs reaching up to 85°F. The area receives about 34.3 inches of precipitation annually, with most rain falling during the summer months.
- Weed Park Maintenance Shop (4.6 stars, 778 reviews)
- Riverside Park (4.5 stars, 622 reviews)
- Discovery Park (4.8 stars, 364 reviews)
- Deep Lakes Park (4.5 stars, 343 reviews)
Sources: NOAA Climate Data Online, Google Places.
Jobs & the Local Economy
Muscatine County has a labor force of 21,021, with an employment count of 20,222, leading to an unemployment rate of 3.8% as of December 2025.
- Unemployment rate: 3.8% (December 2025)
- Employed residents: 20,222
- Total labor force: 21,021
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, Local Area Unemployment Statistics.