Iowa / County

Moving to Charles City, IA

Thinking of making a move to Charles City, IA? Get helpful local information about living costs, neighborhoods, schools, weather, housing, DMV details, and practical relocation details before you plan your move.

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Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Charles City, IA

Considering a move to Charles City, IA? This welcoming community of 7,300 residents offers a blend of suburban charm and convenience, with median home prices around $145,000 and average rents near $760. Commute times average 18 minutes and public transport is accessible, making it great for professionals. The area boasts low violent crime, strong schools, and plenty of sunny days (55% annually), ideal for families and commuters alike. Explore Charles City's cost of living, education, and friendly neighborhoods to see if it's the right fit for your next move.

Demographics - Charles City, IA

Charles City has a population of 7,300 residents, offering a diverse community with a median age of nearly 42 and a balanced gender ratio. The area features a strong blend of backgrounds, with about 93% White, 1% Black, and 1% Asian residents, and over 5% speaking a language other than English at home. Its high population density contributes to a lively suburban atmosphere.

Population
7,300
Density
1,300 per sq mi
Median Age
42.1
Gender Ratio
97 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage
4.8%

Ethnic Composition

White
93.2%
Black
1.1%
Asian
0.7%
Others
5.0%

Cost Of Living

What is the average cost of living in Charles City, IA?

The cost of living in Charles City is higher than the national average, with a cost of living index of 84.1. Median home values are around $145,000 and average rents for a two-bedroom apartment are approximately $760. Utilities, groceries, and transportation costs are also elevated, reflecting the area's desirable location and amenities.

Median House Value
$145,000
Gross Rent
$760
Monthly Electricity Charges
$115
Auto Insurance
$1,250
House Owner Cost With Mortgage
$1,260
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage
$430
State Taxes
Low: 0.0%| High: 8.53%
Cost Of Living Index
84.1
Grocery
92.0
Housing
63.5
Utilities
97.8
Transportation
90.4
Health Care
96.2
Miscellaneous
93.1

Crime

Is Charles City, IA a safe place to live?

Charles City is considered a safe community, with a low violent crime rate of 220 incidents per 100,000 residents and a property crime chance of 1 in 59. Most residents enjoy peace of mind, making it an attractive choice for families. The crime index remains below many urban areas in Iowa.

Violent Crimes Per 100k
220
Property Crimes Per 100k
1,700
Crime Index
1,920
Chance Of Violent Crime
1 in 455
Chance Of Property Crime
1 in 59

Weather

What is the weather like in Charles City, IA year-round?

Charles City experiences four distinct seasons, with warm summers reaching highs of 84°F and cold winters dipping to 10°F. The area receives about 34 inches of rainfall annually and enjoys sunshine on 55% of days. This climate offers residents a balanced mix of outdoor opportunities year-round.

Winter

Min
10°F
Max
30°F

Summer

Min
63°F
Max
84°F

Spring

Min
38°F
Max
64°F

Fall

Min
41°F
Max
66°F
Average Rainfall Inches
33.5 inches
Sunny Days Percentage
55%

Neighbors

The neighborhood boasts a healthy median household income of $58,500 and a low poverty rate of 13.8%. Over 91% of residents have at least a high school diploma, and nearly 19% hold a bachelor's degree or higher. Commute times average 18 minutes, and almost 1% use public transportation, reflecting the area's accessibility and educated population.

Median Income
$34,000
Household Income
$58,500
Family Income
$72,000
Per Capita Income
$31,500
Income Male
$40,000
Income Female
$31,000
Poverty Rate
13.8%
Non English Speakers
7.1%
Rent
$760
Unemployment Rate
3.9%
Public Transport Usage
1.2%
Commute Time
17.8 minutes

Education

High School or Higher
90.5%
Bachelors or More
18.7%

Education

How are the schools in Charles City, IA?

Charles City offers quality education options, with public schools like Charles City High School and Charles City Middle School known for favorable student-to-teacher ratios. Families also have access to private schools and several nearby colleges, including North Iowa Area Community College and Kirkwood Community College - Cedar Rapids Center. The community is committed to educational excellence for all age groups.

Public Schools

Name
Charles City High School
Street
1008 1st Ave
Phone
641-257-6500
Students
450
Student Teacher Ratio
13.4
Name
Charles City Middle School
Street
2301 Heather Ave
Phone
641-257-6530
Students
360
Student Teacher Ratio
14.1

Private Schools

Name
Immaculate Conception School
Street
106 E Hamburg St
Phone
641-228-3373
Students
120

Colleges

Name
North Iowa Area Community College
City
Mason City
State
IA
Distance
27 miles
Students
3,200
Name
Kirkwood Community College - Cedar Rapids Center
City
Cedar Rapids
State
IA
Distance
110 miles
Students
15,000

Healthcare

Charles City residents have access to quality healthcare, with major hospitals like MercyOne North Iowa Medical Center and Mayo Clinic Health System - Austin nearby. The community benefits from a high physician-to-resident ratio of 1.9 per 1,000 people and 92.4% health insurance coverage. Local healthcare services are reliable and comprehensive.

Major Hospitals

Name
MercyOne North Iowa Medical Center
Address
1000 4th St SW, Mason City, IA 50401
Phone
(641) 428-7000
Type
General & Surgical
Emergency Services
Yes
Name
Mayo Clinic Health System - Austin
Address
1000 1st Dr NW, Austin, MN 55912
Phone
(507) 433-7351
Type
General & Surgical
Emergency Services
Yes

Healthcare Access

Physicians Per 1000
1.9
Health Insurance Coverage
92.4%
Health Care Index
68.2

Housing Market

What is the housing market like in Charles City, IA?

The local housing market is strong, with a median home price of $145,000 and an owner-occupied rate of nearly 69%. The market has seen a 3.2% appreciation over the past year, and rental vacancy rates remain moderate at 7.1%. Charles City offers a mix of stability and opportunity for both buyers and renters.

Median Home Price
$145,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom
$760
Owner Occupied Rate
69.4%
Rental Vacancy Rate
7.1%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr)
3.2%
New Construction Rate
0.8%
Foreclosure Rate
0.4%

DMV Information

Residents of Charles City handle vehicle services through the Iowa Department of Transportation, conveniently located in Ames. The state DMV provides driver licensing, vehicle registration, and other essential services both in person and online. Information and resources are easily accessible for new and existing residents.

State
Iowa
Department
Iowa Department of Transportation
Address
800 Lincoln Way, Ames, IA 50010
Phone
1-515-244-8725

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.

FAQs About Moving to Charles City, IA

Answers use the same city data shown on this page, including costs, housing, schools, safety, weather, healthcare, and DMV details.

Before moving to Charles City, review the core fields on this page: population 7,300, median home value $145,000, average rent for 2 bedroom $760, commute time 17.8 minutes, and sunny days percentage 55%.

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