What to know when moving to Vinton, IA
TL;DR: Vinton at a Glance
- The Vibe:
- A community where 20.3% of residents rent and the median household income is $71,537.
- The Major Draw:
- Median gross rent is $838, making it accessible for many budgets.
- The Reality Check:
- Only 0.6% of residents use public transit, indicating a car-dependent area.
- Top Tip:
- Prepare for 24.2 inches of rain annually, so invest in good rain gear.
The 'Vibe' Check: Who Thrives Here?
Vinton has a population of 7,745 with a median household income of $71,537, indicating a stable community. Education levels show that 27.9% of residents hold a bachelor's degree or higher. With only 20.3% renting, the area leans towards homeownership, which can create a more settled atmosphere. The low public transit usage suggests that having a vehicle is essential for getting around.
Probably not your spot if you rely on public transportation, as only 0.6% of commuters use it.
Your Money: Housing & Cost Snapshot
- The median gross rent is $838, while the median owner-occupied home value is $173,800.
- 27.9% of residents have a bachelor's degree or higher, contributing to the community's character.
- The poverty rate is 10.9%, indicating some economic diversity.
- With 20.3% of the population renting, there are opportunities for rental housing.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-Year Data Profiles.
Crime & Safety: What the Numbers Say
Iowa's crime statistics indicate a downward trend in both violent and property crime rates, providing a safer environment for residents.
- Violent crime: The state annual rate is 236.6 per 100,000, compared to the national rate of 325.3, showing a 20% decrease since 2022.
- Property crime: The state annual rate is 1,201.8 per 100,000, significantly lower than the national average of 1,546.9, with a 17.3% decrease since 2022.
- Notable trend: The homicide rate has 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
Benton County experiences an average annual high of 71°F and low of 48°F, with around 24.2 inches of precipitation spread over 57 rainy days. Winters can be quite cold with an average low of 6°F.
- Fross Park: 4.6 stars based on 224 reviews.
- Celebration Park: 4.7 stars based on 146 reviews.
- Rodgers Park: 4.4 stars based on 141 reviews.
- Old Creamery Nature Trail: 4.2 stars based on 17 reviews, a great nearby outdoor option.
Sources: NOAA Climate Data Online, Google Places.
Jobs & the Local Economy
Benton County's job market features a low unemployment rate of 3.2%, with a labor force of 13,804.
- Unemployment rate: 3.2% as of December 2025.
- Employment: 13,367 people are employed in the county.
- Labor force: 13,804 individuals are active in the job market.
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, Local Area Unemployment Statistics.