Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Cantril, IA
Considering a move to Cantril, IA? This charming rural town is home to just 221 residents and offers a remarkably affordable lifestyle, with median home prices around $89,500 and average rents at $670. Crime rates are notably low, and locals enjoy quick commutes averaging 23 minutes. While schools are small, the community is close-knit, and the climate brings four distinct seasons with 58% sunny days. Cantril is ideal for those seeking peaceful living, low costs, and a friendly, small-town atmosphere.
Demographics - Cantril, IA
Demographics - Cantril, IA
Cantril is a small town of 221 residents with a median age of 46.1, reflecting a mature, balanced community. The population is predominantly White, and the area has a near-equal gender ratio and very low linguistic diversity. Its moderate population density offers a quiet, close-knit environment ideal for those seeking a slower pace of life.
Population:
221
Density:
312 per sq mi
Median Age:
46.1
Gender Ratio:
100 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
1.2%

Ethnic Composition
White:
98.2%
Black:
0.0%
Asian:
0.0%
Others:
1.8%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Cantril, IA?
Living in Cantril is highly affordable, with a median home value of $89,500 and average rents at $670. The cost of living index is significantly below the national average, making daily expenses for housing, utilities, and transportation very manageable. Residents benefit from low property taxes and reasonable utility costs, supporting a budget-friendly lifestyle.
Median House Value:
$89,500
Gross Rent:
$670
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$105
Auto Insurance:
$980
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$850
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$350
State Taxes:
Low:
0.33%
|
High:
8.53%
Cost Of Living Index:
79.4
Grocery:
97.1
Housing:
60.2
Utilities:
92.0
Transportation:
85.0
Health Care:
95.0
Miscellaneous:
87.0
Crime
Is Cantril, IA a safe place to live?
Cantril boasts a low crime rate, with just 93 violent crimes and 612 property crimes per 100,000 residents annually. The chance of encountering violent crime is very low, at 1 in 1,075, contributing to a strong sense of safety in the community. This peaceful environment makes it attractive for families and those valuing security.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
93
Property Crimes Per 100k:
612
Crime Index:
705
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 1,075
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 163
Weather
What is the weather like in Cantril, IA year-round?
Cantril experiences all four seasons, with warm summers reaching up to 86°F and cold winters dipping to 14°F. The area enjoys 58% sunny days and receives about 37 inches of rainfall annually, supporting thriving local agriculture and outdoor activities. Residents can expect diverse weather, from snowy winters to pleasant, mild springs and falls.

Winter
Min:
14°F
Max:
32°F

Spring
Min:
38°F
Max:
65°F

Summer
Min:
63°F
Max:
86°F

Fall
Min:
40°F
Max:
67°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
37.4 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
58%
Neighbors
The community features a median household income of $44,200 and a low unemployment rate of 3.5%. Most adults have completed high school, and about 14% hold a bachelor’s degree or higher, fostering a friendly, hardworking atmosphere. Commute times are short, and poverty rates are moderate, reflecting a stable and welcoming small-town setting.
Median Income:
$34,800
Household Income:
$44,200
Family Income:
$52,100
Per Capita Income:
$22,900
Income Male:
$36,000
Income Female:
$28,500
Poverty Rate:
14.5%
Non English Speakers:
1.2%
Rent:
$670
Unemployment Rate:
3.5%
Public Transport Usage:
0.0%
Commute Time:
23.4 minutes

Education
High School or Higher:
89.0%
Bachelors or More:
14.3%
Education
How are the schools in Cantril, IA?
Cantril is served by the Van Buren County Community School District, offering a small-school environment with a student-teacher ratio of 13.6 to 1. While there are no private schools locally, Indian Hills Community College is just 36 miles away. The area provides a supportive setting for students and families seeking personalized education and accessible higher learning.

Public Schools
Name:
Van Buren County Community School District
Street:
405 4th St, Keosauqua, IA 52565
Phone:
319-293-3334
Students:
780
Student Teacher Ratio:
13.6

Colleges
Name:
Indian Hills Community College
City:
Ottumwa
State:
IA
Distance:
36 miles
Students:
3,600
Healthcare
Cantril residents have access to local healthcare, with Van Buren County Hospital nearby and a strong health insurance coverage rate of 92.8%. There are about 1.5 physicians per 1,000 people, offering essential medical services and emergency care. Overall, healthcare is accessible and supports the needs of the small population.

Major Hospitals
Name:
Van Buren County Hospital
Address:
304 Franklin St, Keosauqua, IA 52565
Phone:
(319) 293-3171
Type:
Critical Access
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
1.5
Health Insurance Coverage:
92.8%
Health Care Index:
69.2
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Cantril, IA?
The housing market in Cantril is very affordable, with a median home price of $89,500 and high owner-occupancy at 77%. Average rent for a two-bedroom is $670, and the area experiences modest home appreciation of about 3.6% annually. Low foreclosure and vacancy rates suggest a stable, attractive market for buyers and renters alike.
Median Home Price:
$89,500
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$670
Owner Occupied Rate:
77.2%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
8.1%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
3.6%
New Construction Rate:
0.2%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.4%
DMV Information
Residents are served by the Iowa Department of Transportation, with the nearest major office in Ankeny. Essential services such as licensing and vehicle registration are easily accessible, and information is available online or by phone. The DMV supports the practical needs of Cantril’s drivers with reliable statewide resources.
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.