Clive, IA

Summary

Clive, Iowa, is an affluent, family-oriented suburb of Des Moines that offers a blend of quiet residential living and convenient access to the capital city's job market and amenities. With a population of just under 19,000, the city is known for its high median household income, low crime rates, and top-rated schools, making it a strong draw for professionals and families seeking a safe, stable community. The kind of person who moves to Clive is typically a married professional or parent prioritizing education, safety, and property value in a conservative-leaning environment.

Who lives in Clive: Population trends and community character

Clive's population has been stable with modest growth, reflecting its status as a mature, built-out suburb where new development is infill rather than sprawl. The median age of 38.2 is slightly above the national average, indicating a community of established families and mid-career professionals rather than a transient student or young-singles population. The city is predominantly White, with 8.4% of residents foreign-born—a figure that aligns with the broader Des Moines metro's moderate international draw. Over 59% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher, a rate that far exceeds the national average and underscores the area's professional, white-collar character. The community is notably family-centric, with a high homeownership rate of 73.8% and a strong network of neighborhood associations and civic groups. While Clive lacks the extreme ethnic diversity of larger metros, its population is stable and economically homogeneous, creating a predictable, low-turnover social environment that appeals to conservative families.

Economy and cost of living: High incomes, stable housing market

Clive's economy is anchored by its role as a bedroom community for Des Moines, where major employers include Principal Financial Group, Wells Fargo, and the State of Iowa government. The median household income of $131,082 is more than double the national median, placing Clive among the wealthiest suburbs in Iowa. This affluence is reflected in the housing market: the median home value of $379,000 is significantly higher than the Des Moines metro average of roughly $250,000, but still affordable compared to coastal suburbs with similar income profiles. Renters fare well, with a median rent of just $1,099—a relative bargain for a high-income area. The cost of living is elevated for Iowa but moderate nationally, with property taxes in the 1.5–1.8% range typical of the state. The local economy is stable and recession-resistant, driven by insurance, finance, and government employment, though Clive itself has limited commercial tax base and relies heavily on residential property taxes for services.

Daily life, safety, and schools: What families and singles can expect

Daily life in Clive is defined by low crime, excellent schools, and a car-dependent suburban layout. The violent crime rate of 81.1 per 100,000 residents is roughly one-third the national average, making Clive one of the safest cities in Iowa. Property crime is also low, though not as dramatically so. The city is served by the Waukee Community School District and the West Des Moines Community School District, both of which are consistently rated among the top in the state, with strong test scores and extensive extracurricular programs. Walkability is poor outside of a few pockets near the Clive Greenbelt Trail and the city's commercial corridor along University Avenue; most errands require a car. Amenities include the 90-acre Clive Aquatic Center, multiple parks, and the Greenbelt Trail system connecting to Des Moines. For singles, the social scene is limited—most nightlife and dining options are a 10–15 minute drive into West Des Moines or downtown Des Moines. Families, however, find a well-maintained environment with active community events like the Clive Festival and farmers' market.

Looking ahead, Clive is likely to remain a stable, high-demand suburb with slow infill development and steady property appreciation. It is an excellent fit for conservative families and professionals who prioritize safety, schools, and a predictable suburban lifestyle, but a poor fit for singles seeking urban energy or renters looking for affordability. What distinguishes Clive from neighboring suburbs like West Des Moines or Waukee is its mature, tree-lined neighborhoods and lower turnover—residents tend to stay for decades, creating deep community roots that are rare in faster-growing exurbs.

What It's Like Living in Clive, IA

Clive, Iowa, feels like the kind of place where people move when they want a quieter version of success—a well-kept suburb where the lawns are green, the schools are strong, and the nearest traffic jam is usually just a few cars waiting at the roundabout on 86th Street. With a population just shy of 19,000 and a median household income over $130,000, it’s a community that attracts professionals and families who value stability, good schools, and easy access to Des Moines without the urban hustle. If you’re looking for a place where your weekend plans might involve a bike trail, a patio dinner, or a high school football game, Clive is worth a close look.

Daily Rhythm: Work, Errands, and the Commute That Doesn’t Hurt

Most people in Clive work in or around Des Moines, and the average commute clocks in at just over 21 minutes—short enough that you don’t dread the drive, long enough to finish a podcast. The city itself is a mix of established neighborhoods with mature trees and newer developments near the interstate. You’ll see folks grabbing coffee at the Scooter’s on University Avenue or running errands at the Jordan Creek Town Center, which is technically in West Des Moines but feels like Clive’s own backyard. The median home value sits around $379,000, which gets you a solid four-bedroom with a yard and a two-car garage—nothing flashy, but comfortable. For a single person or a couple without kids, there are also townhomes and newer apartments near the Greenway Trail, which is a big draw for runners and cyclists.

Weekends here are low-key. People hit the Clive Aquatic Center in summer, walk their dogs at Greenwood Park, or grab dinner at Barntown Brewing Company, a local spot that feels like a community living room with good beer and a rotating food truck. The Clive Farmers Market runs Thursday evenings from June to September, and it’s the kind of event where you’ll run into your neighbors and leave with fresh sweet corn and a jar of honey. Cost of living is about 10% above the national average, but that’s mostly driven by housing—groceries and utilities are reasonable, and you’re not paying a premium for city parking or congestion.

Sports, Schools, and the Fabric of Community Life

High school sports are a genuine centerpiece here. Clive is served by the Valley High School Tigers (West Des Moines Community Schools), and Friday night football games in the fall draw big crowds. The Tigers are a perennial powerhouse in Iowa high school athletics, and even if you don’t have kids, you’ll find yourself at a game or two because that’s just what people do. For college sports, it’s all about the Iowa Hawkeyes and Iowa State Cyclones—expect friendly rivalries and plenty of black and gold on game days. There’s no major pro team in Des Moines, but the Iowa Cubs (Triple-A baseball) and the Iowa Wild (AHL hockey) are a short drive away and draw casual fans.

Schools are a huge part of why people choose Clive. Nearly 60% of adults here hold a college degree, and the local elementary and middle schools consistently rank among the best in the metro. The median age is 38.2, which means you’ve got a lot of families with school-age kids, but also a solid number of empty-nesters and professionals in their 30s. The community leans conservative, and you’ll see that reflected in local politics and the general emphasis on self-reliance, neighborhood watch groups, and a “we take care of our own” attitude.

What’s There to Do: Parks, Patios, and a Few Surprises

Outdoor life is a bigger deal here than you might expect. The Clive Greenbelt Trail runs for miles through the city, connecting to the larger Raccoon River Valley Trail system—you can bike from Clive all the way to Adel or even farther if you’re ambitious. Campbell Park has a popular disc golf course, and the Clive Dog Park is always busy on weekend mornings. For entertainment, the Des Moines Performing Arts Center is 15 minutes away, and the Iowa State Fair (a 10-day August institution) is close enough that you can go multiple times without the hassle of a long drive.

When it comes to food and drink, Clive has a few standouts. Jethro’s BBQ is a local chain that draws crowds for its massive portions and smoked meats. Fong’s Pizza (in nearby Des Moines) is a cult favorite for its crab rangoon pizza, but Clive itself has Mickey’s Irish Pub for a pint and a burger, and Hessen Haus for German beer and schnitzel. The bar scene is more “neighborhood pub” than “club,” which suits the demographic. The biggest annual event is Clive Fest, a summer festival with live music, a parade, and a carnival—it’s small-town charm without the small-town isolation.

Honest Pros and Cons of Living in Clive

Pros: Excellent schools, low violent crime rate (81.1 per 100,000—well below the national average), short commute, strong sense of community, and easy access to Des Moines amenities. The housing stock is solid and holds value well.
Cons: Property taxes are on the higher side for Iowa (part of the price for those schools), and the cost of living can feel tight if you’re on a single income under $70,000. Nightlife is limited—if you want late-night bars or live music past 10 p.m., you’re driving to Des Moines. Winters are real: expect snow from November through March, with occasional polar vortex days that shut everything down.

One cultural quirk: Clive takes its parks and trails seriously. There’s a noticeable pride in the Greenbelt system, and you’ll hear locals complain if a trail segment is closed for construction. It’s also a place where people wave to each other on walks, even if they don’t know each other—not in a forced way, but in a “we’re all here together” kind of way. That’s Clive in a nutshell: unpretentious, comfortable, and quietly confident that it’s a good place to land.