What to know when moving to Sabula, IA
TL;DR: Sabula at a Glance
- The Vibe:
- A small community with a median household income of $63,750 and a renter percentage of 19.8%.
- The Major Draw:
- Nearby Mississippi Palisades State Park, rated 4.7 with over 1,600 reviews.
- The Reality Check:
- Only 12.7% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, indicating a less-educated population.
- Commute:
- 0% of residents use public transit.
- Top Tip:
- Budget for a median rent of $1,025 per month.
The 'Vibe' Check: Who Thrives Here?
Sabula is home to about 991 residents, with a median household income of $63,750. The community has a lower education level, with only 12.7% of residents holding a bachelor's degree. The area is largely owner-occupied, with 80.2% of residents owning their homes. Additionally, there is no public transit usage, indicating a car-dependent lifestyle. The weather features 29.8 inches of precipitation annually, so plan for some rainy days.
Probably not your spot if: You prefer a highly educated community, as only 12.7% of residents have a degree.
Your Money: Housing & Cost Snapshot
- Median rent is $1,025, which means you can expect to pay a reasonable amount compared to larger cities.
- The median owner-occupied home value is $167,300, indicating a potential for affordable housing.
- The poverty rate is 7.3%, reflecting some economic challenges within the community.
- Only 19.8% of residents are renters, showcasing a primarily ownership-focused housing market.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-Year Data Profiles.
Crime & Safety: What the Numbers Say
Iowa has seen a decrease in crime rates over the years, with property crime at an annual rate of 1,201.8 per 100,000 residents, which is 22.3% lower than the national average. The violent crime rate stands at 236.6 per 100,000, which is 27.3% lower than the national rate.
- Violent crime: 236.6 per 100k vs. national 325.3, down 20% since 2022.
- Property crime: 1,201.8 per 100k vs. national 1,546.9, down 17.3% since 2022.
- Notable trend: Homicide rate is only 1.6 per 100k, which is 62.8% lower than the national average.
Source: FBI Crime Data Explorer (state-level summarized data for Iowa).
Weather & Getting Outside
Sabula experiences an annual average rainfall of 29.8 inches over 71 rainy days, with winter lows averaging 8°F. For outdoor enthusiasts, the nearby Mississippi Palisades State Park offers beautiful scenery and recreational opportunities, rated 4.7 stars with over 1,600 reviews.
- Mississippi Palisades State Park - 4.7 stars, 1642 reviews
- Marquette Park - 4.5 stars, 263 reviews
- Old Mill Park - 4.6 stars, 141 reviews
- Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife and Fish Refuge - 4.6 stars, 76 reviews
Sources: NOAA Climate Data Online, Google Places.
Jobs & the Local Economy
In Jackson County, the unemployment rate is 4.2%, with a labor force of 10,212 people. There are 9,787 people employed in the area, reflecting a relatively stable job market.
- Unemployment rate: 4.2% as of December 2025.
- Employed: 9,787 individuals.
- Labor force: 10,212 individuals.
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, Local Area Unemployment Statistics.