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Clinton

Clinton

Located in Clinton County

From logging town to bustling micropolitan area

Over 24,000 people live in Clinton, a former logging town turned manufacturing hub along the Mississippi River. Railroads and steamboats brought sawmill entrepreneurs to the city, and transportation routes kept the town thriving after the sawmills shut down. Highway 30—also known as Lincoln Highway—became the first transcontinental highway, and local railyards multiplied and extended to larger cities. Today, Clinton is a center for agriculture and manufacturing with major employers like ADM, Nestle Purina, Atlas Roofing, Clinton Corn and MercyOne Clinton Medical Center.

Despite its activity and size, Matt Parbs, vice president of economic and community development at Grow Clinton, says locals stay connected. "You really do know your neighbors, and we're a very strong service-oriented community. We have over 200 nonprofits that are active and doing work in the community," he says.

Agricultural manufacturing is the beating heart of Clinton.
Agricultural manufacturing is the beating heart of Clinton.
MercyOne Medical Center in Clinton serves much of the surrounding area.
MercyOne Medical Center in Clinton serves much of the surrounding area.
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Colorful facades and historic changes in Downtown Clinton

Modernization efforts bring colorful public art, pedestrian infrastructure and new businesses to the downtown area while respecting its historic architecture. "There's a lot of progress in the city," Parbs says. "In the past couple of years, the energy and vibe of downtown has changed for the better because people are investing and improving their facades." As downtown grows more vibrant, the Lyons District preserves local history. Longstanding businesses sit beside the historic Sawmill Museum and the seasonal Lyons Farmers Market. For more shopping and dining, residents venture to the Quad Cities, which — despite the name — includes three Illinois cities and two Iowa locales.

Clinton in split up into historic districts, including the Lyons shopping district.
Clinton in split up into historic districts, including the Lyons shopping district.
Colorful murals and streets are common throughout Clinton.
Colorful murals and streets are common throughout Clinton.
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Historic highways connect to the Quad Cities and more

Clinton is advantageously located near other industry hubs and transportation ports. The Mississippi River brings raw materials to the city's factories, and Highways 67 and 30 connect residents to the Quad Cities, Dubuque and Cedar Rapids in under 85 miles. North Second Street, part of Highway 67, stays busy as a main downtown artery. Bus stops and MyBike share stations provide alternative transportation. Locals head to Quad Cities International Airport, 50 miles away, for commercial flights.

Housing developments bring renovations and low-price rentals

Clinton's neighborhoods are lined with bungalows, Cape Cods, American Foursquares and ranch-style homes. The city invests in several housing initiatives, from renovation grants to new construction projects. Rental complexes offer affordable, low-maintenance options, while subdivisions like RiverStone Crossing and Zara Heights feature contemporary-style homes with extra space between neighbors. Median home prices hover around $132,000, substantially lower than the national median of $406,000.

Clinton is a mix of contemporary housing developments and older homes.
Clinton is a mix of contemporary housing developments and older homes.
Clinton features several older bungalows and American Foursquares.
Clinton features several older bungalows and American Foursquares.
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Career advancement at Clinton Community College

Clinton Community School District and Camanche Community School District serve the city, teaching over 4,000 students. Both earn a C-plus rating from Niche. Higher education options include the unrated Clinton Community College. Its two career advancement centers teach over 1,500 students, including high school students earning dual credit.

Clinton High School is currently being renovated, and already features several amenities.
Clinton High School is currently being renovated, and already features several amenities.
Clinton is home to Clinton Community College, a higher learning option for local students.
Clinton is home to Clinton Community College, a higher learning option for local students.
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River View Marina and other city attractions

The Mississippi River is the city's playground for boating, kayaking and fishing. Hikers and cyclists travel along The Discovery Trail, which runs from Eagle Point Park to Camanche. Many climb Eagle Point's castle turret to admire the river, while others come for the dog park and disc golf course. The Discovery Trail also passes through Riverview City Park. In summer, the park's bandshell and RV campground host festival crowds, and the community pool and marina draw locals to the water. The marina's transient slips let boaters dock to fuel up their vessels, have a quick bite or enjoy a Lumber Kings baseball game.
The Showboat Theater inside River View City Park hosts theatrical productions from June through August. In the Lyons District, The Sawmill Museum recounts the history of America's lumber and forestry industries with a collection of historic artifacts, like a real vintage sawmill. The Felix Adler Children's Discovery Center honors the legacy of a Clinton native and professional clown through larger-than-life interactive exhibits.

Clinton boasts marinas and boat access to the Mississippi River.
Clinton boasts marinas and boat access to the Mississippi River.
Clinton's history and culture are epitomized in the classic Showboat Theater.
Clinton's history and culture are epitomized in the classic Showboat Theater.
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The biggest country music festival in the Quad Cities

Tailgate N' Tallboys music festival is the city's biggest summer event, attracting people with three days of national headliners, beer and camping. Felix Adler Day Festival celebrates Adler's birthday with a petting zoo, train rides and pilots at the Clinton Municipal Airport attempting to hit precise targets with anything from flour bombs to screaming rubber chickens.

Riverview City Park hosts a major country music festival in Clinton every year.
Riverview City Park hosts a major country music festival in Clinton every year.
During the spring, summer, and fall, Clinton's Lyons district hosts a Farmer's Market.
During the spring, summer, and fall, Clinton's Lyons district hosts a Farmer's Market.
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Extreme weather warnings and crime rate drops

Clinton can experience extreme weather around January and February, with below-zero temperatures and bitter wind chills. The city has five snow routes plowed and salted in priority orders. Riverfront living means humid summers, but flooding is managed. "For the past four decades, we've been largely protected from annual floods by our levee," Parbs says. Tornadoes and windstorms can also be an issue.

The FBI reports that both property and violent crime in Clinton declined between 2022 and 2023. According to its annual report, the Clinton Police Department is working with Eastern Iowa Mental Health on a pilot program to de-escalate situations by offering timely mental health resources.

Isabel Butler
Written By
Isabel Butler
Dylan Stowell
Photography Contributed By
Dylan Stowell
Jacob Branchaud
Video By
Jacob Branchaud

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Schools

Source:
GreatSchools: The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process. View GreatSchools Rating Methodology

Parks in this Area

Open Houses

  • Sunday, Mar 22
    Open Sun 1PM - 2:30PM

    1315 Pershing Blvd, Clinton, IA 52732

    $180,000

    • 5 Beds
    • 2.5 Baths
    • 2,122 Sq Ft
    • 1315 Pershing Blvd
    • New 21 days ago

    Welcome to this spacious 2,122 sq/ft, 5 bedroom, 2.5 bathroom home offering room to grow, gather, and truly settle in. From the moment you enter, you will appreciate how the two generously sized living spaces and formal dining room flow seamlessly from front to back, creating the feel and illusion of open-concept living while still maintaining defined, functional spaces. The layout allows for

    Kayla White Ruhl&Ruhl REALTORS Bettendorf

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  • Saturday, Mar 21
    Open Sat 1PM - 2:30PM

    516 5th Ave N, Clinton, IA 52732

    $84,700

    • 3 Beds
    • 1 Bath
    • 1,190 Sq Ft
    • 516 5th Ave N
    • New 7 days ago

    Step into this inviting 3-bedroom, 1-bath home featuring a warm and welcoming family room, highlighted by abundant natural light and custom built-ins that add both character and functionality. Additional built-ins in one of the bedrooms make it a perfect option for a home office or flexible workspace. Enjoy the spacious dining room, ideal for everyday meals or entertaining guests. The home also

    Kenny Garvey Ruhl&Ruhl REALTORS Clinton

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  • Sunday, Mar 22
    Open Sun 1PM - 2:30PM

    1324 13th Ave N, Clinton, IA 52732

    $244,900

    • 3 Beds
    • 2.5 Baths
    • 1,887 Sq Ft
    • 1324 13th Ave N

    Welcome to this unique 1.5 story home offering 3 bedrooms and room to grow, perfectly situated on a 2-acre lot in Clinton, Iowa. Enjoy the charm of country living with the convenience of being close to town. This property offers exceptional space, functionality, and versatility. A large hoop building provides incredible storage or workshop potential, while the garage workshop is perfect for

    PT Boeye BUY SELL BUILD QC - Real Broker, LLC

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Homes for Sale

Homes for Rent

Distribution of Home Values

Source: Public Records

Average Home Value





Source: Public Records

Clinton Has More Owners

Demographics

Total Population
25,715
Median Age
42
Population under 18
24.4%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
21.6%
On par with the national average
19.1%

Finances

Median Household Income
$50,900
Significantly below the national average
$79,601
Average Household Income
$68,280

Education and Workforce

High School Graduates
88.2%
College Graduates
19.9%
Below the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
5.4%
Below the national average
13.3%
% Population in Labor Force
59%

Area Factors

Somewhat friendly

Bike Score®®

30 / 100

Not friendly

Walk Score®®

10 / 100

Not friendly

Transit Score®®

0 / 100
Source: Local Logic
Sources: Local Logic

Local Logic measures the walkability, access to public transit and bikeability of any address. CAP Index provides objective, accurate, and consistent data to help measure, compare, and mitigate crime risks.

Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
Clinton
John Girard
Grampp Realty
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