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Quality of Life in Clive, IA
A high quality of life with strong walkability, manageable living costs, healthy neighborhood signals, and solid amenity access.
What does Quality of Life tell us?
Quality of Life blends cost of living, nearby amenities, socioeconomic signals, and neighborhood character. City-level scores represent the whole municipality; individual neighborhoods can differ.
What does this tell us?
Quality of Life blends cost of living, nearby amenities, socioeconomic signals, and neighborhood character. City-level scores represent the whole municipality; individual neighborhoods can differ.
Cost of Living
10% above national average
The Real Cost of Living in Clive, IA for 2026
| Tier | Individual | Family (4) |
|---|---|---|
| Survival | $18k | $33k |
| Comfortable | $74k | $108k |
| Luxury | $196k+ | $304k+ |
| Elite (Top 5%) | $231k+ | $358k+ |
121%
The Area Signal
A metric tracking the socioeconomic signals of the area.
Hobbies
Explore the areaGroceries
4 within 10 miles
Gas
20 within 10 miles
Hospital
10 within 20 miles
Airport
MCI — Kansas City International
Post Office
USPS — Clive, IA
Critical Amenities
Quality-of-Life Analysis
Clive, Iowa, is an affluent western suburb of Des Moines where the cost of living index sits at 110—ten points above the national average—reflecting a community of established professionals, executives, and families who prioritize high-quality schools, low crime, and convenient access to the metro. With a median home value of $379,000 and a median rent of $1,099, the housing market here is notably more expensive than in neighboring communities like West Des Moines or Urbandale, but the trade-off is a meticulously maintained suburban environment with strong property appreciation. The average commute of just over 21 minutes keeps residents close to downtown Des Moines jobs while preserving a quiet, residential feel.
Cost of living, housing costs, and how Clive compares to nearby suburbs
Clive’s cost of living index of 110 is driven almost entirely by housing, as other expenses like groceries and healthcare align closely with national averages. The median home value of $379,000 is roughly 15–20% higher than in neighboring West Des Moines and Urbandale, where comparable homes often sell in the $310,000–$340,000 range. Renters, however, find relative value: the median rent of $1,099 is only slightly above the Des Moines metro average of $1,050, making Clive a more accessible rental option than its purchase prices suggest. Property taxes in Polk County hover around 1.7% of assessed value, which is moderate for the region. For buyers, the premium over nearby suburbs buys newer construction (many homes built after 2000), larger lots, and lower crime statistics—Clive’s violent crime rate is roughly half the national average.
Schools, parks, and what daily life feels like for families and professionals
Daily life in Clive revolves around the highly rated West Des Moines Community School District, which serves the city and consistently ranks among Iowa’s top 10 districts for test scores and college readiness. The city’s 15 parks, including the 80-acre Clive Greenbelt Trail and the popular Lions Park, provide walking, biking, and sports facilities that are heavily used by families. Retail and dining cluster along University Avenue and 86th Street, with national chains like Target and Hy-Vee supplemented by local spots such as the Clive Bar & Grill. The average commute of 21.1 minutes is shorter than the national average of 26 minutes, and most residents drive to jobs in downtown Des Moines (15 minutes east) or to corporate campuses in West Des Moines. The city lacks a true downtown core, so the daily rhythm is car-dependent suburban—errands, school drop-offs, and weekend rec league sports define the pace. For professionals, Clive offers a quiet base with easy I-35/I-80 access, while families benefit from low crime and a strong sense of community via events like the Clive Festival and farmers market.
Clive is best suited for families and mid-to-upper-income professionals who want a safe, well-maintained suburb with top-tier schools and a short commute to Des Moines. Empty nesters downsizing from larger homes also find appeal in the city’s newer patio-home developments. Singles or renters on a tight budget may find the housing premium hard to justify compared to more affordable options in Urbandale or Ankeny, but for those who value low crime, strong schools, and a 20-minute drive to downtown, Clive delivers a consistently high quality of life.
Crime in Clive, IA
Lower crime rates than 90% of comparable U.S. locations.
Violent CrimeViolent Crime Analysis
Property CrimeProperty Crime Analysis
Crime Analysis
Clive, Iowa, is a notably safe suburb of Des Moines, with violent crime rates far below both state and national averages. The city recorded a violent crime rate of just 81.1 incidents per 100,000 residents, making it one of the more secure communities in the Des Moines metropolitan area. However, property crime rates, at 983.6 per 100,000, are slightly elevated compared to the statewide average, though still lower than many comparable suburban cities.
Crime in context
Clive's violent crime rate of 81.1 per 100,000 is roughly 75% lower than the national average and about 60% lower than the Iowa state average. This places Clive among the safest small cities in the state for personal safety. Property crime, at 983.6 per 100,000, is close to the national median but roughly 15% higher than the Iowa average of 850 per 100,000. The most common property crimes in Clive are theft from motor vehicles and burglary, particularly in commercial corridors like University Avenue and the Jordan Creek Town Center area. Residents should note that while violent crime is rare, property crime is a more routine concern, especially in areas with high foot traffic or overnight parking.
What residents experience
Daily life in Clive is characterized by a strong sense of security, with most neighborhoods feeling safe for walking, jogging, and children playing outdoors. The city benefits from a well-funded police department that maintains a visible presence, and community policing initiatives are active. However, as part of the broader Des Moines metro area, Clive is not immune to the regional challenges posed by progressive criminal justice policies in Polk County. The county's district attorney and judges have adopted reform-oriented approaches, including reduced bail requirements and diversion programs for property offenders. While these policies aim to reduce incarceration, they have been linked to higher recidivism rates for property crimes and a perception among some residents that repeat offenders face minimal consequences. This dynamic means that while Clive itself is safe, the surrounding legal environment can frustrate efforts to fully deter property crime.
Neighborhood-level variation is modest but worth noting. Areas west of 86th Street and south of Hickman Road, particularly newer subdivisions with limited through traffic, report the lowest crime rates. Older sections near the Clive Greenbelt and along the I-80/35 corridor see slightly more property incidents, largely due to easier access for transient offenders. The Jordan Creek commercial district, while a regional draw, also experiences periodic theft and vehicle break-ins. Overall, Clive remains a top-tier safe suburb, but residents should take standard precautions—locking vehicles, securing garages, and using outdoor lighting—to mitigate the property crime that does occur.
* Values derived from national, state, county, city and local statistics and may differ in a specific area. Last updated: 2026-04-23T04:09:26.000Z
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