Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Calmar, IA
Considering a move to Calmar, IA? This small, welcoming city of 928 boasts affordable living, with median home prices around $148,000 and average rents at just $700. Residents enjoy short commutes of about 17 minutes, low crime rates, and access to local education through highly rated schools and a college campus right in town. With four distinct seasons, a close-knit vibe, and a reasonable cost of living, Calmar is a great place for those seeking a quiet, community-oriented lifestyle.
Demographics - Calmar, IA
Demographics - Calmar, IA
Calmar is a small, tight-knit community with a population of just 928, characterized by a predominantly White demographic and a nearly balanced gender ratio. The median age is 37.9, and most residents speak English at home, reflecting a stable and family-friendly environment.
Population:
928
Density:
650 per sq mi
Median Age:
37.9
Gender Ratio:
98 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
2.8%

Ethnic Composition
White:
95.2%
Black:
0.6%
Asian:
0.4%
Others:
3.8%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Calmar, IA?
Living in Calmar is notably affordable, with a median home value of $148,000 and average rent around $700. The cost of living index is well below the national average, making it attractive for families and individuals seeking budget-friendly housing and everyday expenses.
Median House Value:
$148,000
Gross Rent:
$700
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$115
Auto Insurance:
$950
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,040
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$430
State Taxes:
Low:
0.33%
|
High:
8.53%
Cost Of Living Index:
85.4
Grocery:
92.0
Housing:
65.0
Utilities:
105.0
Transportation:
93.0
Health Care:
96.0
Miscellaneous:
89.0
Crime
Is Calmar, IA a safe place to live?
Calmar offers peace of mind with low crime rates, including just 115 violent crimes per 100,000 residents and a 1 in 870 chance of experiencing a violent crime. This safe environment is ideal for those seeking a secure, small-town lifestyle.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
115
Property Crimes Per 100k:
820
Crime Index:
935
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 870
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 122
Weather
What is the weather like in Calmar, IA year-round?
Residents experience four distinct seasons, with cold winters averaging lows of 8°F and warm summers reaching up to 82°F. The area enjoys about 57% sunny days and an average yearly rainfall of 35 inches, perfect for those who appreciate varied Midwest weather.

Winter
Min:
8°F
Max:
28°F

Spring
Min:
36°F
Max:
62°F

Summer
Min:
58°F
Max:
82°F

Fall
Min:
40°F
Max:
65°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
35.2 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
57%
Neighbors
Calmar's neighbors enjoy a median household income of $62,400, a low unemployment rate of 3.2%, and a high rate of educational attainment. Most commutes are short, averaging under 17 minutes, and the poverty rate remains modest at 8.5%.
Median Income:
$36,700
Household Income:
$62,400
Family Income:
$75,000
Per Capita Income:
$28,500
Income Male:
$41,000
Income Female:
$32,000
Poverty Rate:
8.5%
Non English Speakers:
2.8%
Rent:
$700
Unemployment Rate:
3.2%
Public Transport Usage:
0.3%
Commute Time:
16.8 minutes

Education
High School or Higher:
93.5%
Bachelors or More:
20.4%
Education
How are the schools in Calmar, IA?
Calmar offers quality education with local public schools featuring favorable student-teacher ratios, and a college campus—Northeast Iowa Community College—located in town. Additional higher education options are nearby, making lifelong learning easily accessible.

Public Schools
Name:
South Winneshiek High School
Street:
314 S Webster St
Phone:
563-562-3226
Students:
250
Student Teacher Ratio:
13.6
Name:
South Winneshiek Elementary/Middle School
Street:
208 E Broadway St
Phone:
563-532-9365
Students:
350
Student Teacher Ratio:
12.9

Colleges
Name:
Northeast Iowa Community College - Calmar Campus
City:
Calmar
State:
IA
Distance:
0 miles
Students:
3,400
Name:
Luther College
City:
Decorah
State:
IA
Distance:
11 miles
Students:
1,800
Healthcare
Access to healthcare in Calmar is reliable, with major hospitals like Winneshiek Medical Center nearby and 92.7% of residents having health insurance. The area also benefits from a solid healthcare index, supporting the well-being of its community.

Major Hospitals
Name:
Winneshiek Medical Center
Address:
901 Montgomery St, Decorah, IA 52101
Phone:
(563) 382-2911
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
1.4
Health Insurance Coverage:
92.7%
Health Care Index:
78.2
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Calmar, IA?
Calmar’s housing market is stable and accessible, with a median home price of $148,000 and a strong owner-occupied rate of nearly 74%. Home values have appreciated by about 5% over the past year, reflecting a healthy local market with low foreclosure rates.
Median Home Price:
$148,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$700
Owner Occupied Rate:
73.9%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
6.8%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
5.1%
New Construction Rate:
0.6%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.3%
DMV Information
Residents are served by the Iowa Department of Transportation for all motor vehicle needs, with accessible resources and support available both online and at the main office in Ankeny. This ensures straightforward vehicle registration and licensing for Calmar locals.
State:
Iowa
Department:
Iowa Department of Transportation - Motor Vehicle Division
Address:
6310 SE Convenience Blvd, Ankeny, IA 50021
Phone:
1-800-532-1121
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.