Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Carnforth, IA
Considering a move to Carnforth, IA? This quiet rural community of just 80 residents offers affordable living, with median home prices around $110,000 and rents near $700. Violent crime rates are very low at 90 per 100K, and the average commute is an easy 22 minutes. While amenities are limited, nearby Grinnell provides essential services, including healthcare and education. With friendly neighbors and peaceful Iowa landscapes, Carnforth is ideal for those seeking small-town charm and a relaxed pace of life.
Demographics - Carnforth, IA
Demographics - Carnforth, IA
Carnforth, IA is a small rural town with a population of just 80, predominantly White, and a median age of 48.2 years. The community is close-knit, with a slight male majority and only a small percentage of non-English speakers, making it welcoming and easy to navigate for newcomers.
Population:
80
Density:
30 per sq mi
Median Age:
48.2
Gender Ratio:
105 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
2.1%

Ethnic Composition
White:
96.5%
Black:
0.5%
Asian:
0.5%
Others:
2.5%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Carnforth, IA?
Living in Carnforth is highly affordable, with a cost of living index well below the national average and median home values at $110,000. Residents benefit from low housing costs, affordable utilities, and modest state taxes, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious households.
Median House Value:
$110,000
Gross Rent:
$700
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$110
Auto Insurance:
$1,025
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$900
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$350
State Taxes:
Low:
0.33%
|
High:
8.53%
Cost Of Living Index:
86.0
Grocery:
93.1
Housing:
64.0
Utilities:
97.2
Transportation:
91.7
Health Care:
89.5
Miscellaneous:
88.6
Crime
Is Carnforth, IA a safe place to live?
Carnforth enjoys a very low crime rate, with violent crimes at just 90 per 100,000 residents and a 1 in 1,111 chance of experiencing such incidents. Property crime risk is also low, supporting a safe and peaceful environment for families and retirees.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
90
Property Crimes Per 100k:
1,050
Crime Index:
1,140
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 1,111
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 95
Weather
What is the weather like in Carnforth, IA year-round?
The town experiences all four seasons, with cold winters dipping to 9°F and warm summers reaching up to 84°F. Rainfall is moderate at around 35.6 inches annually, and about 60% of days are sunny, offering a pleasant climate for outdoor activities.

Winter
Min:
9°F
Max:
30°F

Spring
Min:
38°F
Max:
62°F

Summer
Min:
60°F
Max:
84°F

Fall
Min:
40°F
Max:
65°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
35.6 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
60%
Neighbors
Carnforth residents have a median household income of $53,500 and enjoy a low unemployment rate of 3.2%. Most neighbors commute about 22 minutes to work, and the community boasts a high rate of high school graduates, reflecting a stable and friendly environment.
Median Income:
$38,000
Household Income:
$53,500
Family Income:
$62,000
Per Capita Income:
$27,900
Income Male:
$35,000
Income Female:
$30,000
Poverty Rate:
10.2%
Non English Speakers:
2.1%
Rent:
$700
Unemployment Rate:
3.2%
Public Transport Usage:
0.0%
Commute Time:
22.4 minutes

Education
High School or Higher:
92.5%
Bachelors or More:
23.0%
Education
How are the schools in Carnforth, IA?
Families in Carnforth have access to quality public education through H-L-V Elementary/Junior High School, which maintains a low student-teacher ratio. Additionally, higher education is available nearby at Grinnell College, located just 20 miles away, providing diverse academic opportunities.

Public Schools
Name:
H-L-V Elementary/Junior High School
Street:
402 5th St, Victor, IA 52347
Phone:
319-647-2161
Students:
215
Student Teacher Ratio:
12.5

Colleges
Name:
Grinnell College
City:
Grinnell
State:
IA
Distance:
20 miles
Students:
1,700
Healthcare
Access to healthcare is convenient, with Grinnell Regional Medical Center nearby and 92.1% of residents having health insurance. The area maintains a good physician-to-population ratio, ensuring reliable medical care for locals.

Major Hospitals
Name:
Grinnell Regional Medical Center
Address:
210 4th Ave, Grinnell, IA 50112
Phone:
(641) 236-7511
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
1.6
Health Insurance Coverage:
92.1%
Health Care Index:
81.3
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Carnforth, IA?
The housing market in Carnforth is stable, with a median home price of $110,000 and a high owner-occupancy rate of 78%. Home values have appreciated by over 5% in the past year, making it a solid choice for buyers seeking affordable small-town living.
Median Home Price:
$110,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$700
Owner Occupied Rate:
78.0%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
6.8%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
5.2%
New Construction Rate:
0.8%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.3%
DMV Information
Carnforth residents are served by the Iowa Department of Transportation’s Motor Vehicle Division in Ankeny, offering comprehensive driver and vehicle services both in-person and online. The office is accessible for all licensing and registration needs.
State:
Iowa
Department:
Iowa Department of Transportation - Motor Vehicle Division
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.