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Marshalltown, Iowa

USA · Comprehensive city data and intelligence

64
Overall Score

Marshalltown, Iowa, serves as the county seat of Marshall County and is situated in the central region of the state. Founded in the mid-19th century, the city grew as an agricultural and manufacturing hub, known historically for its rich prairie surroundings and industrial contributions. Today, Marshalltown combines a small-town Midwestern character with a diverse community and a resilient local economy that rebounded strongly following historical weather and economic challenges.

About Iowa

Iowa, located in the Midwest, is characterized by its expansive farmlands and a generally relaxed, community-focused lifestyle. The state's economy is diverse, with major industries including advanced manufacturing, biosciences, finance and insurance, and its foundational agricultural sector, which leads in corn, soybean, ethanol, and pork production. Living in Iowa is notably affordable, with the cost of living, particularly housing, being significantly lower than the national average. The climate is humid continental, featuring hot, humid summers and cold winters, with seasonal precipitation and susceptibility to various natural disasters like snowstorms, floods, and tornadoes.

27,500
Population
$52K
Avg Salary
84
Cost Index
63.7
Quality Score
How this 64/100 was calculated five components, with every reading behind them
Component Readings used Points Weight Contributes
Safety Safety score: 68 / 100 68.0 30% 20.4
Affordability Cost of living index (100 = national baseline): 84.0 63.8 25% 15.9
Economy & jobs Median household income: $55,400 Income needed to live here: $42,000 Unemployment rate: 3.8% 71.2 20% 14.2
Growth Population growth rate: 0.4% Job growth rate: 1.5% 42.5 15% 6.4
Business climate assessment Business climate assessment: 67 / 100 67.0 10% 6.7
Overall score 63.7

Provenance. These figures were produced by the research pass recorded as Tier 1 (fast) (q=52, partial — below threshold), last refreshed 16 October 2026. They are researched estimates drawn from public sources, not a licensed data feed.

Each component is scored against fixed published endpoints, so this number is comparable with any other city and does not move as the dataset grows. Scoring framework 2026.10 — full methodology, weights and accepted ranges.

Businesses in Marshalltown

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Quality Scores

Business
67
Livability
73
Affordability
85
Growth
66

Cost of Living

The cost of living in Marshalltown is significantly lower than the national average, making it an attractive destination for families and retirees looking to stretch their budgets. Housing, utilities, and grocery expenses all trend below typical U.S. benchmarks, driven by lower real estate valuations and affordable regional supply. While certain imported goods and specialized services remain comparable to national rates, overall daily expenses allow residents to enjoy a comfortable lifestyle on modest incomes.

Average Rent
$850/mo
Groceries
$370/mo
Transport
$110/mo
Utilities
$165/mo
Healthcare
$220/mo
Gym membership (monthly)
$40.00
Cinema ticket
$11.00
Restaurant meal (mid-range)
$18.00
Monthly groceries
$370.00
Doctor visit (without insurance)
$130.00

Salary Insights

Marshalltown's economy is anchored by manufacturing, healthcare, and education, with major employers like Emerson (Fisher Controls) and UnityPoint Health playing pivotal roles. The local job market benefits from a steady industrial base and ongoing investments in workforce development programs. While traditional manufacturing remains a cornerstone, the city has seen incremental growth in service sectors and small-scale entrepreneurship.

The average salary in Marshalltown is $52,000 per year. You would need approximately $42,000 to live comfortably.

Top Industries

Retail Trade +0.80% Manufacturing +1.20% Healthcare +2.20% Accommodation and Food Services +1.50% Educational Services +1.00%

Climate

🌡️
51°F
Avg Temp
☀️
81°F
Summer High
❄️
14°F
Winter Low
🌧️
32.10"
Annual Rain
💧
68.00%
Humidity
🌤️
270
Sunny Days

Transport

Transportation in Marshalltown is heavily car-dependent, with most residents relying on personal vehicles for daily commutes and errands due to limited public transit options. The city's grid layout and modest population size ensure that traffic congestion is minimal, and average commute times are well below the national average. Walkability is favorable primarily within the immediate downtown commercial district rather than outlying residential subdivisions.

17 min
Avg Commute
40.00/10
Transit Score
52.00/10
Walkability
High
Car Dependency

Pros & Cons

Advantages
Median home prices in Marshalltown are substantially lower than the national average per US Census Bureau data.
Average commute times are exceptionally short at under 20 minutes.
A revitalized downtown district offers local dining, community events, and cultural festivals.
Strong local manufacturing and healthcare sectors provide steady employment opportunities.
Abundant parks and recreational areas support an active outdoor lifestyle.
Drawbacks
Limited public transportation options create a high reliance on personal vehicles.
Severe weather events, including tornadoes and winter storms, occasionally impact the region.
Fewer entertainment and nightlife options compared to larger metropolitan areas like Des Moines.
Average household incomes trail state and national benchmarks.
Opportunities for remote tech and corporate careers locally are relatively sparse.

Questions about Marshalltown

What people ask about living in and moving to Marshalltown, Iowa.

How does the cost of living in Marshalltown compare to the national average? Cost of Living 1 answer

Marshalltown’s cost‑of‑living index is 84, meaning it is about 16 % cheaper than the national average of 100. Everyday expenses such as groceries, utilities, and transportation tend to be lower, while housing is especially affordable. The average rent is $850 per month, which is well below the national median. With an average salary of $52,000 per year, residents typically find that their disposable income goes furth...

What is the typical rent for a one‑bedroom apartment in Marshalltown? Housing 1 answer

The average rent in Marshalltown is $850 per month, which includes a range of unit sizes. One‑bedroom apartments generally fall near this average, though exact prices depend on location, age of the building, and amenities. To get current listings, check regional rental websites, the local newspaper classifieds, or contact property management firms that serve the area. You can also browse the city’s housing authority...

What are the main industries hiring in Marshalltown? Jobs & Economy 1 answer

Marshalltown’s economy includes manufacturing, healthcare, education, and retail. Manufacturing remains a significant employer, with several plants and suppliers operating in the region. The city also has a growing health‑care sector and a school district that hires teachers and support staff. For current openings, visit the state’s workforce development website, local job boards, or the city’s economic development o...

How are the public schools rated in Marshalltown? Schools & Education 1 answer

Marshalltown is served by a public school district that includes elementary, middle, and high schools. The district’s performance metrics are publicly available through the state department of education’s report cards, which provide information on test scores, graduation rates, and student‑teacher ratios. Generally, the schools are considered solid for a small‑city environment, offering a range of extracurricular act...

Is Marshalltown a safe place to live? Safety 1 answer

Marshalltown’s safety score is 68 out of 100, indicating a moderate level of safety compared with other U.S. communities. Crime tends to be lower than in larger metropolitan areas, though like any city there are neighborhoods with varying levels of activity. The local police department publishes annual crime statistics on its website, and the city’s community safety reports provide insight into trends. Prospective re...

What public transportation options exist in Marshalltown? Getting Around 1 answer

Marshalltown is served by a city transit authority that operates fixed‑route bus service throughout the downtown area and surrounding neighborhoods. Schedules and route maps are posted on the city’s transportation department website. In addition, there are regional taxi and rideshare services that operate in the city. For longer trips, the nearby intercity bus terminals provide connections to larger cities. If you pl...

Where can I find medical care in Marshalltown? Healthcare 1 answer

Marshalltown has a community hospital that offers emergency services, inpatient care, and specialty clinics. Primary‑care physicians and family practices are located throughout the city, often clustered near the downtown medical district. To find a provider, you can use the state medical board’s online directory or the hospital’s physician referral service. Insurance networks are typically listed on the hospital’s we...

What recreational activities are popular in Marshalltown? Things to Do 1 answer

Marshalltown offers a variety of outdoor and cultural activities. There are several city parks with walking trails, playgrounds, and sports fields, as well as a riverfront area that supports fishing and kayaking. The community center hosts seasonal festivals, farmers’ markets, and concerts. For indoor recreation, the local library system provides programs for all ages, and the city maintains a recreation department t...

What should I know about utilities and services when moving to Marshalltown? Moving Here 1 answer

When you set up a new residence in Marshalltown, you’ll need to arrange water, electricity, natural gas, and waste services through the city’s utility providers. The city’s public works department handles water and sewer, while electricity and gas are supplied by regional utility companies. For internet and cable, several providers operate in the area; you can compare plans on their websites or use a broadband availa...

How do I get involved in the Marshalltown community after moving? General 1 answer

Marshalltown has a number of civic and volunteer opportunities. The city’s parks and recreation department runs volunteer programs for park clean‑ups, event staffing, and youth sports coaching. Local nonprofits and the chamber of commerce maintain volunteer listings on their websites. Additionally, the public library and community center host clubs, workshops, and meet‑ups that are open to new residents. Checking the...

Some answers here were drafted as a starting point and may be out of date. Live in Marshalltown? Add your own.

Frequently Asked Questions

Urblytica benchmarks its Cost of Living Index against a United States national average baseline of 100. A score of 115 means a city is approximately 15% more expensive than the national average, while a score of 85 indicates it is 15% more affordable. This composite calculation is weighted across six primary expenditure categories: housing, utilities, grocery items, transportation, healthcare, and miscellaneous goods.

Urblytica aggregates housing data from multiple authoritative sources, including Multiple Listing Service (MLS) feeds, municipal property tax registries, the U.S. Census Bureau’s American Community Survey (ACS), and verified historical deed transactions. This multi-tier aggregation ensures precision in tracking median home values and rental rates.

A municipality must meet minimum data-density thresholds—including consistent reporting population samples from the U.S. Census and active residential or commercial real estate transaction feeds—to ensure statistical significance before a complete scoring profile is published.

When primary agencies (such as the Bureau of Labor Statistics or U.S. Census Bureau) issue historical data revisions or benchmark corrections, Urblytica's data pipeline automatically re-indexes affected historical archives to maintain longitudinal trend accuracy.

U.S. affordability calculations incorporate federal income tax brackets, state-specific income tax rates, and local municipal tax variations to evaluate the true net tax drag on median household earnings across different states and cities.

Local county and municipal property tax millage rates are factored directly into the housing component of the cost-of-living index to reflect recurring annual tax burdens for homeowners.

The platform aggregates state sales taxes alongside county and city surtaxes to measure consumer basket purchasing power parity accurately across different retail jurisdictions.

Utility calculations apply regional seasonal consumption weightings, incorporating high summer air conditioning loads in southern states and heavy winter heating demands in northern states.

The index tracks average out-of-pocket healthcare expenses, routine outpatient visit costs, and regional health insurance premium benchmarks published by federal health agencies.

Educational metrics aggregate state standardized testing benchmarks, student-to-teacher ratios, high school graduation rates, and per-pupil expenditure data published by state departments of education.

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