Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Castana, IA
Considering a move to Castana, IA? This peaceful rural town of just 140 residents offers affordable living, with median home prices around $95,000 and average rents at $600. Crime rates are low and commutes are short, averaging 22.5 minutes. While amenities are limited, you'll find a close-knit community, access to basic healthcare, and strong public schools nearby. Enjoy the relaxed pace, low cost of living, and plenty of sunny days typical of western Iowa.
Demographics - Castana, IA
Demographics - Castana, IA
Castana is a small, close-knit town with a population of 140 and a median age of 41.7 years, reflecting a mature and settled community. The area is predominantly White, with a low percentage of non-English speakers, creating a welcoming and familiar atmosphere for newcomers. Its moderate population density supports a peaceful rural lifestyle.
Population:
140
Density:
290 per sq mi
Median Age:
41.7
Gender Ratio:
104 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
2.5%

Ethnic Composition
White:
94.5%
Black:
0.0%
Asian:
0.0%
Others:
5.5%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Castana, IA?
Castana offers an affordable cost of living, with a median home value around $95,000 and average rent at $600, making it an accessible option for homebuyers and renters alike. The cost of living index is notably below the national average, and utility and transportation costs remain modest, helping residents stretch their budgets further. State taxes are moderate, contributing to overall affordability.
Median House Value:
$95,000
Gross Rent:
$600
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$110
Auto Insurance:
$1,030
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$920
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$370
State Taxes:
Low:
0.33%
|
High:
8.53%
Cost Of Living Index:
84.0
Grocery:
94.0
Housing:
64.0
Utilities:
93.0
Transportation:
88.0
Health Care:
96.0
Miscellaneous:
90.0
Crime
Is Castana, IA a safe place to live?
Residents of Castana enjoy a low crime environment, with a violent crime rate of just 125 incidents per 100,000 people and a property crime rate of 1,200 per 100,000. The chance of experiencing a violent crime is about 1 in 800, which is reassuring for those seeking safety and peace of mind. This makes the town appealing for families and those valuing a secure community.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
125
Property Crimes Per 100k:
1,200
Crime Index:
1,325
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 800
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 83
Weather
What is the weather like in Castana, IA year-round?
Castana experiences the four seasons with cold winters averaging lows of 11°F and warm summers reaching up to 86°F. The town sees about 62% sunny days annually and receives roughly 28.5 inches of rainfall, providing a balanced mix of sunshine and precipitation. The climate supports outdoor activities throughout much of the year.

Winter
Min:
11°F
Max:
32°F

Spring
Min:
37°F
Max:
65°F

Summer
Min:
60°F
Max:
86°F

Fall
Min:
38°F
Max:
67°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
28.5 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
62%
Neighbors
The typical household income in Castana is $54,200, with a median income of $37,000 and a poverty rate of 13.5%. Most residents commute about 22.5 minutes to work, and public transport is not commonly used, reflecting the town's rural nature. The area has a high rate of high school graduates, and neighbors tend to be friendly and community-oriented.
Median Income:
$37,000
Household Income:
$54,200
Family Income:
$63,000
Per Capita Income:
$28,500
Income Male:
$38,000
Income Female:
$30,000
Poverty Rate:
13.5%
Non English Speakers:
2.5%
Rent:
$600
Unemployment Rate:
3.2%
Public Transport Usage:
0.0%
Commute Time:
22.5 minutes

Education
High School or Higher:
89.8%
Bachelors or More:
18.4%
Education
How are the schools in Castana, IA?
Families in Castana benefit from strong public education options, such as West Monona Elementary School in nearby Onawa, which maintains a favorable student-teacher ratio of 13.5. While private schools are not present locally, higher education is accessible at Western Iowa Tech Community College, located 36 miles away in Sioux City. The area’s educational offerings support both foundational and continuing education needs.

Public Schools
Name:
West Monona Elementary School
Street:
611 10th St, Onawa, IA 51040
Phone:
712-433-1370
Students:
370
Student Teacher Ratio:
13.5

Colleges
Name:
Western Iowa Tech Community College
City:
Sioux City
State:
IA
Distance:
36 miles
Students:
5,900
Healthcare
Healthcare access in Castana includes nearby facilities like Burgess Health Center in Onawa, offering general and emergency services. With approximately 1.6 physicians per 1,000 residents and over 92% of locals having health insurance, essential care is readily available. The town's healthcare index suggests generally positive access and satisfaction among residents.

Major Hospitals
Name:
Burgess Health Center
Address:
1600 Diamond St, Onawa, IA 51040
Phone:
(712) 423-2311
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
1.6
Health Insurance Coverage:
92.7%
Health Care Index:
79.5
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Castana, IA?
The housing market in Castana is stable and affordable, with a median home price of $95,000 and an owner-occupancy rate of 80.2%. Rental options are available with an average rent for a two-bedroom at $600, and home values have appreciated by 4.1% over the past year. Low vacancy and foreclosure rates highlight a steady and secure market.
Median Home Price:
$95,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$600
Owner Occupied Rate:
80.2%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
6.8%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
4.1%
New Construction Rate:
0.3%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.1%
DMV Information
Residents access DMV services through the Iowa Department of Transportation, located in Ankeny, with comprehensive resources and support available online and by phone. The state’s DMV offers assistance for licensing, registration, and vehicle services. Iowa’s system is designed to be user-friendly for both new and established residents.
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.