10 Best Independent Living Communities in Chariton, IA

Independent Living

Independent Living Communities offer seniors a convenient equilibrium between living an independent lifestyle and not having to worry about the basic tasks of housekeeping and chores. Daily needs such as the scheduling of social activities and meal planning are accounted for, which permits residents more opportunities to live active lives as they wish. Along with their daily needs being met, residents can enjoy an opportunity to be among peers, surrounded by others of similar age groups and backgrounds. Typically comprised of a private living space and a full kitchen, these communities offer homes with many of the amenities of apartment life but without the hassle. Guests can be invited over and entertained, and more time can be spent with them with the basic maintenance of daily tasks out of the way. While policies differ between locations, many residences allow pets as well. If residents decide they would like to enlist the services of independent health care providers, they always have the option. There are an assortment of expenditures and advantages to balance while choosing an independent living community. It is important to figure out if these amenities are covered in the care plan: field trips, private phone, laundry, wellness program, initial assessment fee, Waiting list deposit, transportation, and meals. The conveniences that pertain to independent living include restaurant-style dining hall, security guards, beauty salon & barber shop, transportation, private rental hall, fitness center & swimming pool, laundry service, and game/TV room.

Cost of Living

The cost of care for a community is determined by the destination where it is located. The rent burden for Chariton is around 14.7% of the average monthly income. Monthly, the median rent in Chariton is $550 per month and the median price of a house in Chariton is around $65,940.

Demographics and Values

Currently, the population of Chariton consists of 3,714 people and in total the Chariton metro area has a population of 4,122. Chariton has a population density of 417 people per square mile. In Chariton, 8.6% of the citizens are veterans of the United States military. Of the population of Chariton 43.9% have a high-school diploma, 2.6% have a graduate degree, and 14.9% have a college degree. Racially, the population of Chariton is 0.0% Asian, 0.0% Pacific Islander or Native Hawaiian, 0.0% other or not specified, 0.2% black, 0.0% Hispanic, 98.7% white, 0.0% Native American, and 1.1% mixed race. Out of the total population of Chariton, 20.0% have some form of disability, 13.4% live in poverty, 10.3% are widowed, and 59.9% participate in the labor force. Based on gender, 50.0% are male and 50.0% are female. The median age of Chariton is 47 years old.

State Information

An overview of Iowa

There are 120 hospitals and 75 health centers that service a population of 3,168,703. The three highest ranked hospitals in Iowa are Mercy Hospital, St. Lukes Hospital, and And Mercy Medical Center – Cedar Rapids. Residents of Iowa enjoy its natural beauty which ranks 32nd in the United States. The state of Iowa has a cost of living index of 91.8 where a score of 100 is the national average, and anything below 100 is considered less expensive than the national average. The state has a grocery index rating of 95.9 and a housing index rating of 79.6. Overall, Iowa ranks 14th in quality of life and 20th in healthcare compared to other US states.

Social demographics of the state

In terms of diversity, Iowa ranks 43rd in the nation and is considered LGBTQ friendly. Thirty-six percent of Iowa residents regularly attend a religious service from one of the state’s 5,107 different congregations. The top three Christian denominations in the state are Evangelical Protestant-28%, Mainline Protestant-30%, and Historically Black Protestant-2%. The top three non-Christian denominations in the state are Jewish-<1%, Muslim-<1%, and Buddhist-<1%. In Iowa there are 289 masonic lodges. In Iowa, 30% of the population is over the age of 55. The median age in the state is 38. During the latest presidential election, 51% voted for the Republican candidate while 42% voted for the Democratic candidate.

State-wide weather information

On average, the state receives 2.93 inches of precipitation a month. The most precipitation occurs in July with an average of 6.46 inches of precipitation a month. The average humidity across the state is 72%. The highest monthly average humidity rating is 78% in the month of December. On average, Iowa has an air quality index rating of around 41.2 AQI. The average air quality index rating peaks in the month of May with a rating of around 53.8 AQI. The average temperature in the winter falls to around 22F. The average high winter temperature is around 40F in the month of February. In the winter months, the average low temperature falls to around 4F during the month of January. The average temperature in the summer rises to around 72F. Over the summer months the average high temperature peaks at around 88F during the month of July. In the summer, the average low temperature drops to around 55F during the month of June. While residents of Iowa mostly enjoy pleasant conditions, it’s important to be aware of inclement weather as well, which in Iowa can include floods and earthquakes (high).

Wildlife to be found in Iowa

The state of Iowa has a diverse array of plant and animal life. Local plant life can consist of arrowgrass, cinnamon ferns, pink lady’s slipper, and prickly pear cactus. While venturing throughout the state, you might see animals such as the bear, the lynx, the bison, or the porcupine. The state animal of Iowa is the eastern goldfinch.