What to know when moving to Strawberry Point, IA
TL;DR: Strawberry Point at a Glance
- The Vibe:
- A small community where 25.4% of residents rent and the median household income is $62,917.
- The Major Draw:
- Affordable living with a median gross rent of $663, significantly below national averages.
- The Reality Check:
- Only 0% use public transit, making it a car-dependent area.
- Top Tip:
- Be prepared for 32.9 inches of rain annually-invest in a good umbrella.
The 'Vibe' Check: Who Thrives Here?
Strawberry Point has a population of 2,231, with a median household income of $62,917. About 23.6% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, indicating a modestly educated community. With a renter percentage of 25.4%, homeownership is common, but the area remains affordable with a median home value of $139,500. Expect a car-dependent lifestyle due to the complete lack of public transit use.
Probably not your spot if: you rely on public transport, as no residents use it.
Your Money: Housing & Cost Snapshot
- Median gross rent is $663, which is affordable compared to many urban areas.
- The median home value is $139,500, making homeownership relatively accessible.
- 23.6% of the population holds a bachelor's degree, contributing to a community with moderate educational attainment.
- The poverty rate stands at 8.9%, reflecting some economic challenges.
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 residents, which is 27.3% lower than the national average. Property crime stands at 1201.8 per 100,000, 22.3% lower than the national average. Notably, both violent and property crime rates have seen significant declines over recent years.
- Violent crime: 236.6 per 100k (down 20% since 2022).
- Property crime: 1201.8 per 100k (down 17.3% since 2022).
- Notable trend: Homicide rates have decreased by 21.2% since 2022, standing at 1.6 per 100,000.
Source: FBI Crime Data Explorer (state-level summarized data for Iowa).
Weather & Getting Outside
Clayton County experiences an average annual precipitation of 32.9 inches, with about 77 rainy days each year. Summers can be warm, averaging 82°F, while winters are cold with average lows of 6°F. Snowfall is minimal, averaging just 0.8 inches annually.
- Parks & outdoor spots worth checking out:
- Backbone State Park - 4.7 stars (1,844 reviews)
- Motor Mill Historic Site - 4.7 stars (146 reviews)
- Bixby State Preserve - 4.5 stars (96 reviews)
- Joy Springs County Park - 4.4 stars (67 reviews)
Sources: NOAA Climate Data Online, Google Places.
Jobs & the Local Economy
In Clayton County, the unemployment rate is 4.5% as of December 2025, with 8,746 individuals employed out of a labor force of 9,154. This indicates a stable job market despite the slightly elevated unemployment rate.
- Unemployment rate: 4.5% in December 2025.
- Employed: 8,746 individuals.
- Labor force: 9,154 individuals.
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, Local Area Unemployment Statistics.