What to know when moving to Keystone, IA
TL;DR: Keystone at a Glance
- The Vibe:
- A small community with a median household income of $77,500 and a renter percentage of 13.5.
- The Major Draw:
- Median owner-occupied home value is $154,400, making it an affordable option for homebuyers.
- The Reality Check:
- Only 0% of residents use public transit, indicating a car-dependent area.
- Top Tip:
- Budget for a median gross rent of $992 per month.
The 'Vibe' Check: Who Thrives Here?
Keystone has a population of about 1,106 residents, with a relatively low poverty rate of 7.9%. The community is predominantly homeowners, with only 13.5% of residents renting. The area features a modest educational attainment level, with 22.9% of residents holding a bachelor's degree or higher. The lack of public transit options suggests that most residents rely on personal vehicles for commuting.
Probably not your spot if: you are looking for a vibrant public transit system or a high renter percentage.
Your Money: Housing & Cost Snapshot
- Median gross rent is $992, while the median owner-occupied home value is $154,400, making homeownership a viable option.
- Approximately 22.9% of residents have a bachelor's degree or higher, contributing to a community with a moderate educational background.
- The poverty rate stands at 7.9%, indicating a stable economic environment.
- Only 0% of residents commute via public transit, suggesting a need for a vehicle.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-Year Data Profiles.
Crime & Safety: What the Numbers Say
Iowa has a state-level violent crime rate of 236.6 per 100,000 people, which is 27.3% lower than the national rate. Property crime in Iowa stands at 1,201.8 per 100,000, which is 22.3% lower than the national average of 1,546.9 per 100,000. Over the past few years, both violent and property crime rates have shown a downward trend.
- Violent crime: 236.6 per 100,000 vs. national 325.3
- Property crime: 1,201.8 per 100,000 vs. national 1,546.9
- Notable trend: Homicide rate decreased by 21.2% since 2022.
Source: FBI Crime Data Explorer (state-level summarized data for Iowa).
Weather & Getting Outside
Benton County experiences an average annual precipitation of about 24.2 inches and around 57 rainy days per year. Winters are relatively mild with an average low of 6 degrees Fahrenheit, while summers can reach highs of 96 degrees. Snowfall is minimal, averaging only 2.1 inches per year.
- Parks & outdoor spots worth checking out:
- Hannen Park - 4.3 stars (114 reviews)
- Hannen Lake Park - Benton Co. Conservation - 4.6 stars (35 reviews)
- Nathan's Miles Glow Trail - 4.5 stars (30 reviews)
- Belle Plaine Area Museum - 4.8 stars (28 reviews)
Sources: NOAA Climate Data Online, Google Places.
Jobs & the Local Economy
Benton County has an unemployment rate of 3.2% as of December 2025, with a labor force of 13,804 and 13,367 employed individuals. This indicates a relatively healthy local economy.
- Unemployment rate: 3.2% in December 2025
- Employment: 13,367
- Labor force: 13,804
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, Local Area Unemployment Statistics.