What to know when moving to Gifford, IA
Crime & Safety: What the Numbers Say
The crime data for Gifford comes from state-level statistics for Iowa. In 2025, the violent crime rate was 236.6 per 100,000 residents, which is significantly lower than the national average of 325.3, showing a trend decrease of 20% since 2022. Property crime also saw a downward trend, with a rate of 1201.8 per 100,000, compared to the national rate of 1546.9, marking a 17.3% decrease over the same period.
- Violent crime: 236.6 per 100k vs. national 325.3
- Property crime: 1201.8 per 100k vs. national 1546.9
- Notable trend: Homicide rate down 21.2% since 2022
Source: FBI Crime Data Explorer (state-level summarized data for Iowa).
Schools & Higher Ed
Gifford provides access to educational options in the surrounding area. There is one postsecondary institution located nearby:
- Ellsworth Community College, located in Iowa Falls, IA
Source: ArcGIS Postsecondary School Locations (NCES) + College Scorecard (ED).
Weather & Getting Outside
Hardin County experiences an average annual precipitation of 37 inches, with about 80 rainy days each year. Summers can be warm, averaging 83°F, while winters can get quite cold, with lows averaging 5°F. Snowfall is minimal, averaging just 1.7 inches annually.
- Pine Lake State Park - 4.5 stars (479 reviews)
- Foster Park - 4.6 stars (79 reviews)
- Wildcat Cave Access - 4.4 stars (75 reviews)
- Pine Ridge Park - 4.6 stars (70 reviews)
Sources: NOAA Climate Data Online, Google Places.
Jobs & the Local Economy
In Hardin County, the unemployment rate is currently 3.2%. The labor force consists of 8,662 individuals, with 8,386 people employed as of December 2025.
- Unemployment rate: 3.2%
- Labor force: 8,662
- Employed: 8,386
Source: BLS Local Area Unemployment Statistics (LAUS).
