Let the numbers do the talking.
Clinton, IA vs Urbandale, IA
Clinton, IA vs Urbandale, IA: What the data shows
Clinton, IA is in Clinton, IA while Urbandale, IA is in Urbandale, IA — both in the same state. On home prices, Clinton, IA is the more affordable option at $116,400 median — $213,600 less than Urbandale, IA's $330,000. WYLT rates Clinton, IA as “Good for now” — a solid choice worth serious consideration — and Urbandale, IA as “Good for now” — a solid choice worth serious consideration.
Both neighborhoods have similar safety profiles. Clinton, IA has Moderate violent crime and Moderate property crime. Urbandale, IA has Moderate violent crime and Moderate property crime. On environmental risk, Clinton, IA has Low flood risk and Urbandale, IA has Low flood risk.
Urbandale, IA is the more walkable neighborhood. Clinton, IA scores N/A/100 versus Urbandale, IA's 29/100 (mostly car-dependent). For families weighing school quality, Urbandale, IA has the higher school rating — Clinton, IA rates 5.6/10 and Urbandale, IA rates 6/10.
| Category | Clinton, IA | Urbandale, IA |
|---|---|---|
| Housing | ||
| Verdict | Good for now | Good for now |
| Median Price | $116K ✓ Lower price | $330K |
| Median Rent | $753 ✓ Lower rent | $1K |
| Median Income | $56K | $85K ✓ Higher income |
| Price Volatility | Low | Low |
| Getting Around | ||
| Walk Score | Car-dependent | 29/100 ✓ More walkable |
| Transit Score | Minimal transit | 1/100 ✓ Better transit |
| Bike Score | N/A | 1/100 ✓ More bikeable |
| Commute | N/A | 20 min |
| Safety & Environment | ||
| Safety Grade | D+ | D+ |
| Violent Crime | Moderate | Moderate |
| Property Crime | Moderate | Moderate |
| Flood Risk | Low | Low |
| Air Quality | Good | Good |
| Community | ||
| Schools | 5.6/10 | 6/10 ✓ Better schools |
| Best for | FamiliesRetireesFirst‑time home buyers | Families looking for quiet suburban lifeCommuters to Des MoinesRetirees who prefer a small-town feel |
Bottom line
If you’re looking for affordability and a quiet, car‑dependent lifestyle, Clinton is the better fit. Urbandale offers higher home prices but gives you a shorter Des Moines commute and marginally better schools, making it worth the extra cost for those who value proximity to the city. Both are solid choices; pick Clinton for budget and low traffic, or Urbandale for a bit more convenience and school quality.
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