What to know when moving to Newton, IA
TL;DR: Newton at a Glance
- The Vibe:
- A community where 30.7% of residents rent, and the median household income is $61,064.
- The Major Draw:
- Median gross rent stands at $830, making it an affordable choice compared to many areas.
- The Reality Check:
- Only 0% of residents use public transit, so plan on having a car.
- Top Tip:
- Expect around 342 days of sunshine annually, perfect for outdoor activities.
The 'Vibe' Check: Who Thrives Here?
Newton has a population of about 20,270, with a median household income of $61,064. Education levels are moderate, with 17.3% of residents holding a bachelor's degree or higher. The area has a significant renter population, with 30.7% of residents renting their homes. With an unemployment rate of 3.4% in nearby Jasper County, the job market appears stable.
Probably not your spot if you rely on public transportation, as the transit share is 0%.
Your Money: Housing & Cost Snapshot
- Median gross rent is $830, which is relatively affordable.
- Median owner-occupied home value is $161,900, offering reasonable housing options.
- The poverty rate in the area is 10.1%, indicating some economic diversity.
- Education level is moderate with 17.3% of residents holding a bachelor's degree or higher.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-Year Data Profiles.
Crime & Safety: What the Numbers Say
Iowa has seen a decline in both violent and property crime rates. The state annual rate for violent crime is 236.6 per 100,000 residents, which is 27.3% lower than the national average. Property crime stands at 1,201.8 per 100,000 residents, which is 22.3% below the national average.
- Violent crime: 236.6 per 100k vs. national 325.3, a 20% decrease since 2022.
- Property crime: 1,201.8 per 100k vs. national 1,546.9, a 17.3% decrease since 2022.
- Notable trend: Homicide rate down 21.2% since 2022, currently at 1.6 per 100k.
Source: FBI Crime Data Explorer (state-level summarized data for Iowa).
Weather & Getting Outside
Jasper County experiences an average high of 64°F annually, with summer highs reaching 85°F and winter lows dropping to 18°F. The area enjoys around 342 sunny days a year, making it suitable for outdoor activities.
- Rock Creek State Park - 4.5 stars (998 reviews)
- Maytag Park - 4.6 stars (413 reviews)
- Agnes Patterson Memorial Park - 4.6 stars (248 reviews)
- Jasper County Historical Museum - 4.5 stars (44 reviews)
Sources: NOAA Climate Data Online, Google Places.
Jobs & the Local Economy
In Jasper County, the unemployment rate is currently 3.4%, with a labor force of 19,812 and 19,135 people employed.
- Unemployment rate: 3.4% as of December 2025.
- Employment: 19,135 people.
- Labor force: 19,812 people.
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, Local Area Unemployment Statistics.