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.
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.
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 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 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'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.
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.
Written By
Isabel Butler
Photography Contributed By
Dylan Stowell
Video By
Jacob Branchaud
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Marcus McQueen,
an experienced agent in this area.
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.
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On average, homes in Clinton, IA sell after 39 days on the market compared to the national average of 53 days. The median sale price for homes in Clinton, IA over the last 12 months is $89,000, down 29% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Listing Alert! North-end Pershing Blvd property!! The rooms are so spacious! Pretty hardwood floors on main level. Formal dining room with built-ins. Main level primary bedroom. Appliances stay in AS IS condition, so this home is move in ready. Bamboo flooring in kitchen. Cozy 4 seasons porch. that leads to the nice sized backyard with a detached 2 car garage. New roof on garage. Updated breaker
Adorable 3 bed, 2 bath ranch home for sale. The roof was new in 2016. The water heater was new in 2025. New dishwasher in 2026. Pretty hard wood floors. The windows have been replaced by previous owner. This property features a detached 2 car garage. Appliances stay in AS IS condition.
Own a lot with a nice view & then build your dream home! Enjoy the westward view of rolling hills and the scenic peace and quiet. This brand new subdivision is located immediately to the north of the popular Mill Creek Highlands subdivision. Bring your own builder or work with the developer to construct a home. See the attached documents to see blueprints of homes the developer can build for you.
Dennis LauverColdwell Banker Howes & Jefferies REALTORS
Come take a step inside this charming 4-bedroom, 1.5-bath home. It offers a perfect combination of comfort and functionality. The spacious eat-inkitchen features ample cabinet and counter space, while the cozy living room provides the perfect space to unwind. Upstairs, you'll find 2 large sized bedrooms and afull bathroom. Half-bath and 2 more bedrooms are conveniently located on the main floor.
Build your Dream Home! Free consultation with experienced builder. Riverstone Crossing, a new Clinton subdivision, is a convenient mid-town location close to dining, shopping, medical services & schools. Within a few miles of Clinton's accessible riverfront & trails. City streets with electrical, water & fiber optic underground utilities. Various lot sizes available, some with 3 car garage &
Build your Dream Home! Free consultation with experienced builder. Riverstone Crossing, a new Clinton subdivision, is a convenient mid-town location close to dining, shopping, medical services & schools. Within a few miles of Clinton's accessible riverfront & trails. City streets with electrical, water & fiber optic underground utilities. Various lot sizes available, some with 3 car garage &
Own a lot with a nice view & then build your dream home! Enjoy the westward view of rolling hills and the scenic peace and quiet. This brand new subdivision is located immediately to the north of the popular Mill Creek Highlands subdivision. Bring your own builder or work with the developer to construct a home. See the attached documents to see blueprints of homes the developer can build for you.
Dennis LauverColdwell Banker Howes & Jefferies REALTORS
Build your Dream Home! Free consultation with experienced builder. Riverstone Crossing, a new Clinton subdivision, is a convenient mid-town location close to dining, shopping, medical services & schools. Within a few miles of Clinton's accessible riverfront & trails. City streets with electrical, water & fiber optic underground utilities. Various lot sizes available, some with 3 car garage &
Beautifully updated 3-4 bedroom, 3 bathroom split-foyer home in the highly desirable Tower Heights neighborhood. This home features an airy and bright main level with updated flooring, fresh paint, and an open concept kitchen and dining area. The primary suite offers a gorgeous fully updated bathroom and modern accent wall. The lower level is fully finished with a spacious rec room, bar area,
Beautiful brick three bedroom, 1.5 bath home with a 2-car garage. The main floor offers bright rooms complimented by natural woodwork, gas log fireplace, formal dining room, updated kitchen with breakfast nook, full bath and two bedrooms with hardwood flooring. The upper level has a large walk-through area leading to a good-sized bedroom with plenty of storage. The basement was waterproofed by
Welcome to this 4 bedroom, 3 bath ranch home located next to Eagle Heights school. This home features a dedicated main floor laundry room, 3 main level bedrooms 2 with large walk in closets, a living room open to the kitchen with a breakfast bar, dining area that leads onto the large back deck, and a primary bedroom that is separated by floor plan from the two guest bedrooms. The finished
Welcome to Valley Bluff Townhomes, Clinton's newest townhome community! Everything has been built in our ranch and two-story layouts with you in mind. Enjoy a quiet evening on your own patio, plenty of space in our open floor plans, and included appliances. Give your pup a run in our dog park or on a walk through our beautifully landscaped park. Have something to celebrate? Take the party to our
New Year, New You, New Home! Kick off 2026 in a place you’ll love. Tour and lease within 24 hours and enjoy ONE MONTH FREE on a 12-month lease — but hurry, this limited-time offer won’t last!Enjoy modern living in a new ranch style apartment or townhome at The Landing of Clinton. The interior features and finishes of our community add a creative spark to your Iowa lifestyle. Enjoy
Cottage Bluff Apartments is a brand-new community offering affordable 2-bedroom apartments for adults 55 and older. Each unit includes in-unit laundry, a fully equipped kitchen, and elevator access for convenience and ease of living.Residents enjoy secure entry with video surveillance, off-street parking, and additional storage units. Community spaces include a fitness center, community
Pine view is now leasing fully renovated interior and exterior apartment homes with ample green space!New flooring, countertops, bathrooms and light fixtures, roofs, siding, windows, parking lots and landscaping! Pine view is just minutes from shopping, restaurants and Clinton's downtown district. 1 Bedrooms starting at $5492 Bedrooms starting at $6993 Bedrooms
Located in Clinton, IA, Washington Senior Apartments offer a stunning rehabilitation of the town’s beloved middle school, now transformed into a beautiful 55+ independent living community. This affordable housing option features incredible studio, 1-, and 2-bedroom floor plans with vaulted ceilings, granite countertops, and original hardwood flooring. Residents enjoy exceptional amenities,
Nottingham West is located between Farm and Fleet and Home Depot Behind McDonald. This property has 1-Bed Studio Apartments for $700, 1-Bed Standard Apartments for $750 and 2 Bed Apartments for $850. Water, Sewer and Garbage is included. Gas and Electric is by the tenant. There are plenty of laundry machines, (2 out buildings on property that each have 5 washers and 5 dryers), coin operated.
Property Id: 19181622 bed ,1 bath Spacious living area with ample natural lightUpdated kitchen with modern appliancesFreshly painted interior and new flooring throughoutEfficient heating and cooling systemsWasher and dryer hookups for added conveniencePet-friendly property (with additional fees)Section 8 and housing vouchers accepted! Tenant to pay all
Property Id: 2310679Welcome to your cozy 2 bedroom, 1 bathroom single-family home in Clinton, IA! This charming property features laminate and hardwood flooring, a spacious lawn, and a driveway. With washer/dryer hookups and an oven included, this home is perfect for anyone looking for comfort and convenience. Available for rent starting February 1st, 2026 at $625.00 per month. No smoking
Cozy 2-Bedroom Home In a Peaceful Neighborhood!2-Bedroom1-BedroomLarge yard1-Car Attached GarageHas a partial basementWalking distance to schools, parks, churches, and restaurantsPet-friendly: Pets are welcome! ($45/month per pet, restrictions apply)If you are interested in this property, please do not hesitate to reach out!
COMING SOON: Charming 2-Bedroom Home with Enclosed Porch and Garage!2-Bedroom2-BathroomEnclosed Front Porch1 Car-Detached GaragePet-friendly: Pets are welcome! ($45/month per pet, restrictions apply)If you are interested in this property, please do not hesistate to reach out!
RENT: $1425SECURITY DEPOSIT: $1425BEDROOMS: 3BATHROOMS: 2 FullLAUNDRY: Hook ups in basementREFRIGERATORRANGEDISHWASHEREat in kitchen, 2 living rooms, Large fenced yard, off street covered parking, storage
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