Iowa / Winneshiek County

Moving to Decorah, IA

Thinking of making a move to Decorah, 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 Decorah, IA

Considering a move to Decorah, IA? This welcoming community of 8,600 residents offers a blend of suburban charm and convenience, with median home prices around $240,000 and average rents near $900. Commute times average 14 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 Decorah's cost of living, education, and friendly neighborhoods to see if it's the right fit for your next move.

Demographics - Decorah, IA

Decorah has a population of 8,600 residents, offering a diverse community with a median age of nearly 35 and a balanced gender ratio. The area features a strong blend of backgrounds, with about 94% White, 1% Black, and 3% Asian residents, and over 5% speaking a language other than English at home. Its high population density contributes to a lively suburban atmosphere.

Population
8,600
Density
1,500 per sq mi
Median Age
34.6
Gender Ratio
96 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage
4.8%

Ethnic Composition

White
93.5%
Black
1.1%
Asian
2.8%
Others
2.6%

Cost Of Living

What is the average cost of living in Decorah, IA?

The cost of living in Decorah is higher than the national average, with a cost of living index of 91.4. Median home values are around $240,000 and average rents for a two-bedroom apartment are approximately $900. Utilities, groceries, and transportation costs are also elevated, reflecting the area's desirable location and amenities.

Median House Value
$240,000
Gross Rent
$900
Monthly Electricity Charges
$115
Auto Insurance
$1,360
House Owner Cost With Mortgage
$1,520
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage
$560
State Taxes
Low: 0.0%| High: 8.53%
Cost Of Living Index
91.4
Grocery
95.0
Housing
82.6
Utilities
97.8
Transportation
92.1
Health Care
96.2
Miscellaneous
93.0

Crime

Is Decorah, IA a safe place to live?

Decorah is considered a safe community, with a low violent crime rate of 115 incidents per 100,000 residents and a property crime chance of 1 in 89. 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
115
Property Crimes Per 100k
1,120
Crime Index
1,235
Chance Of Violent Crime
1 in 870
Chance Of Property Crime
1 in 89

Weather

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

Decorah experiences four distinct seasons, with warm summers reaching highs of 82°F and cold winters dipping to 11°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
11°F
Max
28°F

Summer

Min
60°F
Max
82°F

Spring

Min
38°F
Max
63°F

Fall

Min
40°F
Max
65°F
Average Rainfall Inches
33.5 inches
Sunny Days Percentage
55%

Neighbors

The neighborhood boasts a healthy median household income of $61,500 and a low poverty rate of 11.8%. Over 96% of residents have at least a high school diploma, and nearly 41% hold a bachelor's degree or higher. Commute times average 14 minutes, and almost 2% use public transportation, reflecting the area's accessibility and educated population.

Median Income
$34,500
Household Income
$61,500
Family Income
$78,000
Per Capita Income
$31,800
Income Male
$41,000
Income Female
$31,500
Poverty Rate
11.8%
Non English Speakers
6.1%
Rent
$900
Unemployment Rate
2.9%
Public Transport Usage
1.8%
Commute Time
13.8 minutes

Education

High School or Higher
96.1%
Bachelors or More
40.8%

Education

How are the schools in Decorah, IA?

Decorah offers quality education options, with public schools like Decorah High School and Decorah Middle School known for favorable student-to-teacher ratios. Families also have access to private schools and several nearby colleges, including Luther College and Northeast Iowa Community College. The community is committed to educational excellence for all age groups.

Public Schools

Name
Decorah High School
Street
100 Claiborne Dr
Phone
563-382-3643
Students
430
Student Teacher Ratio
13.5
Name
Decorah Middle School
Street
405 Winnebago St
Phone
563-382-4202
Students
360
Student Teacher Ratio
13.8

Private Schools

Name
Valley Lutheran School
Street
4400 U.S. 52
Phone
563-382-2265
Students
120

Colleges

Name
Luther College
City
Decorah
State
IA
Distance
0 miles
Students
1,700
Name
Northeast Iowa Community College
City
Calmar
State
IA
Distance
18 miles
Students
3,000

Healthcare

Decorah residents have access to quality healthcare, with major hospitals like WinnMed and Veterans Memorial Hospital nearby. The community benefits from a high physician-to-resident ratio of 2.2 per 1,000 people and 94.1% health insurance coverage. Local healthcare services are reliable and comprehensive.

Major Hospitals

Name
WinnMed
Address
106 East Main St, Decorah, IA 52101
Phone
(563) 382-2911
Type
General & Surgical
Emergency Services
Yes
Name
Veterans Memorial Hospital
Address
40 1st Ave NW, Waukon, IA 52172
Phone
(563) 568-3411
Type
General & Surgical
Emergency Services
Yes

Healthcare Access

Physicians Per 1000
2.2
Health Insurance Coverage
94.1%
Health Care Index
72.8

Housing Market

What is the housing market like in Decorah, IA?

The local housing market is strong, with a median home price of $240,000 and an owner-occupied rate of nearly 65%. The market has seen a 3.9% appreciation over the past year, and rental vacancy rates remain moderate at 5.8%. Decorah offers a mix of stability and opportunity for both buyers and renters.

Median Home Price
$240,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom
$900
Owner Occupied Rate
64.8%
Rental Vacancy Rate
5.8%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr)
3.9%
New Construction Rate
1.1%
Foreclosure Rate
0.4%

DMV Information

Residents of Decorah handle vehicle services through the Iowa Department of Transportation, Motor Vehicle Division, conveniently located in Ankeny. 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, Motor Vehicle Division
Address
6310 SE Convenience Blvd, Ankeny, IA 50021
Phone
(515) 237-3110

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 Decorah, IA

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

Before moving to Decorah, review the core fields on this page: population 8,600, median home value $240,000, average rent for 2 bedroom $900, commute time 13.8 minutes, and sunny days percentage 55%.

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