Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Colo, IA
Thinking of moving to Colo, IA? With a friendly small-town vibe and a population of just 868, Colo offers affordable living, with median home prices around $179,000 and average rents near $900. The town boasts a low violent crime rate, quick 23-minute average commutes, and highly rated local schools. Enjoy Iowa’s sunny climate, easy access to healthcare in nearby Ames, and the welcoming, close-knit community that makes Colo a great place to call home.
Demographics - Colo, IA
Colo, Iowa is a close-knit community of 868 residents, primarily White, with a median age of 38.2 years. The small-town atmosphere offers balanced gender ratios and a low percentage of non-English speakers, reflecting a stable and welcoming population.
Population:
868
Density:
420 per sq mi
Median Age:
38.2
Gender Ratio:
101 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
2.8%

Ethnic Composition
White:
95.5%
Black:
0.7%
Asian:
0.6%
Others:
3.2%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Colo, IA?
Living in Colo is budget-friendly, with a cost of living index below the national average and median home values around $179,000. Residents benefit from affordable housing, reasonable utility costs, and competitive state taxes, making it an attractive place for families and retirees alike.
Median House Value:
$179,000
Gross Rent:
$900
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$110
Auto Insurance:
$1,010
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,210
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$480
State Taxes:
Low:
4.4%
|
High:
8.53%
Cost Of Living Index:
89.5
Grocery:
97.4
Housing:
73.8
Utilities:
98.2
Transportation:
96.0
Health Care:
96.7
Miscellaneous:
92.1
Crime
Is Colo, IA a safe place to live?
Colo experiences a low rate of violent crime, with only 133 incidents per 100,000 people, meaning residents enjoy a strong sense of safety. Property crimes are also infrequent, contributing to the town’s reputation as a secure place to live.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
133
Property Crimes Per 100k:
1,090
Crime Index:
1,223
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 752
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 92
Weather
What is the weather like in Colo, IA year-round?
Residents in Colo experience four distinct seasons, with warm summers reaching up to 85°F and cold winters dipping to 12°F. The area enjoys 62% sunny days and about 34 inches of annual rainfall, offering a classic Midwestern climate ideal for outdoor activities.

Winter
Min:
12°F
Max:
31°F

Spring
Min:
38°F
Max:
65°F

Summer
Min:
62°F
Max:
85°F

Fall
Min:
39°F
Max:
66°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
34.3 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
62%
Neighbors
Colo’s households tend to have strong incomes, with a median of $85,000 and a low poverty rate of 5.3%. Most residents have at least a high school diploma and enjoy short commute times, contributing to a comfortable and prosperous community environment.
Median Income:
$41,200
Household Income:
$85,000
Family Income:
$94,500
Per Capita Income:
$36,800
Income Male:
$48,100
Income Female:
$39,900
Poverty Rate:
5.3%
Non English Speakers:
2.8%
Rent:
$900
Unemployment Rate:
2.8%
Public Transport Usage:
0.1%
Commute Time:
23.2 minutes

Education
High School or Higher:
95.9%
Bachelors or More:
28.4%
Education
How are the schools in Colo, IA?
Colo offers quality local education with small class sizes at its elementary and middle/high schools, and students benefit from a favorable student-teacher ratio. Higher education opportunities are accessible with Iowa State University located just 17 miles away in Ames.

Public Schools
Name:
Colo-NESCO Elementary
Street:
407 North St
Phone:
641-377-2282
Students:
240
Student Teacher Ratio:
12.5
Name:
Colo-NESCO Middle/High School
Street:
919 West St
Phone:
641-377-2284
Students:
200
Student Teacher Ratio:
13.2

Colleges
Name:
Iowa State University
City:
Ames
State:
IA
Distance:
17 miles
Students:
30,700
Healthcare
Access to healthcare is convenient, with the Mary Greeley Medical Center just a short drive away in Ames and 94.5% of residents covered by health insurance. The area maintains a favorable physician-to-population ratio, supporting a high standard of medical care.

Major Hospitals
Name:
Mary Greeley Medical Center
Address:
1111 Duff Ave, Ames, IA 50010
Phone:
(515) 239-2011
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
2.0
Health Insurance Coverage:
94.5%
Health Care Index:
77.3
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Colo, IA?
Colo’s housing market is stable and affordable, with a median home price of $179,000 and a high owner-occupancy rate of over 80%. Home values have appreciated nearly 6% in the past year, reflecting steady demand in this welcoming community.
Median Home Price:
$179,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$900
Owner Occupied Rate:
80.3%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
5.1%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
5.9%
New Construction Rate:
1.2%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.4%
DMV Information
Residents of Colo are served by the Iowa Department of Transportation, with the nearest DMV office located in Ankeny. The office provides a range of motor vehicle services and can be reached by phone or through their website for convenient access.
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.