Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Bernard, IA
Thinking about moving to Bernard, IA? This small town of just 112 residents offers a peaceful rural lifestyle with a median home price of $168,000 and average rent around $710—well below national averages. Crime rates are very low, commutes average just 27 minutes, and the local schools are highly rated. With affordable living, easy access to nearby Dubuque for healthcare and shopping, and a friendly, close-knit community, Bernard is ideal for those seeking quiet country charm.
Demographics - Bernard, IA
Demographics - Bernard, IA
Bernard, Iowa is a small rural town with a population of 112, where the median age is 44.6 and the community is predominantly White. The gender ratio is fairly balanced, and a strong sense of community is fostered by the town's compact size and low diversity. Most residents are English-speaking, contributing to the area’s traditional Midwestern character.
Population:
112
Density:
300 per sq mi
Median Age:
44.6
Gender Ratio:
105 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
1.2%
Ethnic Composition
White:
97.5%
Black:
0.0%
Asian:
0.0%
Others:
2.5%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Bernard, IA?
Bernard offers an affordable cost of living, with a median home value of $168,000 and average rents around $710 per month. The cost of living index is well below the national average, making everyday expenses like utilities and groceries quite manageable for most households. Low property taxes and reasonable insurance rates add to the town’s economic appeal.
Median House Value:
$168,000
Gross Rent:
$710
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$120
Auto Insurance:
$1,100
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,095
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$410
State Taxes:
Low:
0.33%
|
High:
8.53%
Cost Of Living Index:
87.2
Grocery:
93.1
Housing:
75.0
Utilities:
98.0
Transportation:
89.5
Health Care:
95.0
Miscellaneous:
89.0
Crime
Is Bernard, IA a safe place to live?
Bernard is a very safe community, with violent crime rates significantly below national averages—residents have only a 1 in 2,100 chance of experiencing violent crime. Property crime is also rare, supporting a peaceful, secure environment ideal for families and retirees. The town’s low crime index contributes to its welcoming small-town atmosphere.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
48
Property Crimes Per 100k:
370
Crime Index:
418
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 2,100
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 300
Weather
What is the weather like in Bernard, IA year-round?
Residents experience four distinct seasons in Bernard, with cold winters averaging lows around 10°F and warm summers reaching up to 83°F. The area receives about 36 inches of annual rainfall and enjoys sunshine 57% of the year. This climate supports outdoor activities and offers scenic changes throughout the seasons.
Winter
Min:
10°F
Max:
30°F
Spring
Min:
38°F
Max:
65°F
Summer
Min:
60°F
Max:
83°F
Fall
Min:
40°F
Max:
65°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
36 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
57%
Neighbors
Neighbors in Bernard typically enjoy a median household income of $72,500, with a poverty rate under 8% and a low unemployment rate. The majority of adults have completed high school, and the average commute time is just under 30 minutes, reflecting the town’s laid-back rural lifestyle. Public transportation is rare, so most residents rely on personal vehicles.
Median Income:
$37,000
Household Income:
$72,500
Family Income:
$82,000
Per Capita Income:
$32,500
Income Male:
$45,000
Income Female:
$33,000
Poverty Rate:
7.8%
Non English Speakers:
1.2%
Rent:
$710
Unemployment Rate:
2.9%
Public Transport Usage:
0.1%
Commute Time:
27.4 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
96.5%
Bachelors or More:
22.0%
Education
How are the schools in Bernard, IA?
Families in Bernard have access to well-rated public and private schools in nearby Cascade, along with higher education options such as Northeast Iowa Community College and the University of Dubuque within a short drive. The student-teacher ratio in local schools supports personalized learning. These educational resources make Bernard suitable for students of all ages.
Public Schools
Name:
Cascade Elementary School
Street:
110 Harrison St SE, Cascade, IA 52033
Phone:
563-852-3335
Students:
360
Student Teacher Ratio:
14.5
Private Schools
Name:
Aquinas Catholic School
Street:
608 3rd Ave NW, Cascade, IA 52033
Phone:
563-852-3331
Students:
140
Colleges
Name:
Northeast Iowa Community College
City:
Peosta
State:
IA
Distance:
19 miles
Students:
4,800
Name:
University of Dubuque
City:
Dubuque
State:
IA
Distance:
22 miles
Students:
2,200
Healthcare
Access to healthcare is convenient, with major hospitals like MercyOne Dubuque Medical Center located nearby in Dubuque. Most residents have health insurance coverage, and the area offers a good ratio of physicians for its size. Emergency services and a solid healthcare index ensure reliable medical support for the community.
Major Hospitals
Name:
MercyOne Dubuque Medical Center
Address:
250 Mercy Dr, Dubuque, IA 52001
Phone:
(563) 589-8000
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Name:
UnityPoint Health – Finley Hospital
Address:
350 N Grandview Ave, Dubuque, IA 52001
Phone:
(563) 582-1881
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
1.6
Health Insurance Coverage:
94.0%
Health Care Index:
76.1
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Bernard, IA?
Bernard’s housing market is affordable, with a median home price of $168,000 and an impressive owner-occupancy rate of 81%. Rental options are available, and the average two-bedroom rent is about $710. Home values have shown healthy appreciation over the past year, making Bernard an attractive option for both buyers and renters.
Median Home Price:
$168,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$710
Owner Occupied Rate:
81.0%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
5.8%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
6.1%
New Construction Rate:
0.7%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.4%
DMV Information
DMV services for Bernard residents are managed by the Iowa Department of Transportation, with the main office located in Ankeny. Residents can access licensing, vehicle registration, and other DMV services both in-person and online through the state’s official website. The process is streamlined for convenience and efficiency.
State:
Iowa
Department:
Iowa Department of Transportation
Address:
6310 SE Convenience Blvd, Ankeny, IA 50021
Phone:
515-244-8725
Website:
Disclaimer: The information provided on this page is based on publicly available sources including AccuWeather, U.S. Census Bureau, local government data, and third-party partners such as Neustar. While we strive to ensure accuracy, all data is provided “as is” and should be independently verified before making any decisions. Movers.com makes no guarantees regarding the completeness or reliability of the information.