What to know when moving to Muscatine, IL
Muscatine at a Glance
- The Vibe:
- A population of about 29,800 with a median household income of $63,924 and 26.8% of residents renting.
- The Major Draw:
- Median gross rent is $971, making it a budget-friendly option for many.
- The Reality Check:
- 14.6% of residents live below the poverty line, indicating some economic challenges.
- Commute:
- Only 0.6% of residents use public transit.
- Top Tip:
- Budget for a median home value of $164,500 if you plan to buy.
The 'Vibe' Check: Who Thrives Here?
With 22.6% of the population holding a bachelor's degree, Muscatine has a moderately educated community. Housing is relatively affordable, with median rent at $971 and home values around $164,500. However, the area does have a higher poverty rate of 14.6%, which could impact the overall community experience.
Probably not your spot if you are looking for robust public transportation options, as only 0.6% of the population commutes via public transit.
Your Money: Housing & Cost Snapshot
- Median rent is $971, which is manageable for many households in the area.
- The median home value is $164,500, making home ownership a viable option.
- The community has a poverty rate of 14.6%, indicating some economic challenges.
- Only 26.8% of residents are renters, showing a strong owner-occupied presence.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-Year Data Profiles.
Crime & Safety: What the Numbers Say
Iowa has a lower crime rate compared to the national average, with property crime at 1,201.8 offenses per 100,000 people, which is 22.3% lower than the national rate. Violent crime also shows a favorable trend, with an annual rate of 236.6 per 100,000, down 20% since 2022.
- Violent crime: 236.6 per 100,000 vs. national average of 325.3, which is 27.3% lower.
- Property crime: 1,201.8 per 100,000 vs. national average of 1,546.9, which is 22.3% lower.
- Notable trend: Homicide rate down 21.2% since 2022, now at 1.6 per 100,000.
Source: FBI Crime Data Explorer (state-level summarized data for Iowa).
Weather & Getting Outside
Muscatine County experiences an average annual precipitation of 34.3 inches, with around 60 rainy days each year. Summers can be warm, averaging highs of 85°F, while winters see lows around 9°F.
- Wildcat Den State Park - 4.8 stars (1,301 reviews)
- Discovery Park - 4.8 stars (364 reviews)
- Riverside Park - 4.5 stars (622 reviews)
- Muscatine Kent-Stein Park - 4.3 stars (280 reviews)
Sources: NOAA Climate Data Online, Google Places.
Jobs & the Local Economy
In Muscatine County, the unemployment rate stands at 3.8%, with a labor force of about 21,021 individuals and 20,222 employed as of December 2025. This indicates a relatively stable job market.
- Unemployment rate: 3.8% as of December 2025
- Employed: 20,222
- Labor force: 21,021
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, Local Area Unemployment Statistics.