Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Denison, IA
Thinking of moving to Denison, IA? This welcoming city of 8,249 offers an affordable lifestyle with a median home price of $124,000 and average rents around $660. Denison boasts a short average commute of just 13.7 minutes, a major local hospital, and a diverse community with a significant multicultural population. You'll enjoy four distinct seasons and 59% sunny days each year, all at a cost of living well below the national average. Learn more about housing, schools, safety, and daily life in Denison below.
Demographics - Denison, IA
Demographics - Denison, IA
Denison is a culturally diverse city of 8,249 residents, with a relatively young median age of 34 and a slightly higher proportion of males to females. Over one-third of the population speaks a language other than English at home, reflecting the city's strong multicultural character. The community exhibits a blend of ethnic backgrounds, contributing to its vibrant local culture.
Population:
8,249
Density:
1,400 per sq mi
Median Age:
34.0
Gender Ratio:
105 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
33.4%
Ethnic Composition
White:
59.2%
Black:
2.3%
Asian:
3.2%
Others:
35.3%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Denison, IA?
Denison offers a notably affordable cost of living, with a median home value of $124,000 and an average rent of $660, both well below national averages. Utilities and other essentials remain budget-friendly, making it an attractive option for individuals and families seeking value. The overall cost of living index is 80.4, highlighting significant savings compared to larger cities.
Median House Value:
$124,000
Gross Rent:
$660
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$110
Auto Insurance:
$950
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,100
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$410
State Taxes:
Low:
0.33%
|
High:
8.53%
Cost Of Living Index:
80.4
Grocery:
93.2
Housing:
54.6
Utilities:
94.0
Transportation:
92.0
Health Care:
96.5
Miscellaneous:
97.0
Crime
Is Denison, IA a safe place to live?
Denison experiences relatively low crime rates, with violent crime at 183 incidents per 100,000 people and property crime at 1,482 per 100,000. Residents have a 1 in 546 chance of encountering violent crime, contributing to a generally safe community atmosphere. These statistics make Denison a reassuring choice for those prioritizing safety.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
183
Property Crimes Per 100k:
1,482
Crime Index:
1,665
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 546
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 67
Weather
What is the weather like in Denison, IA year-round?
Denison enjoys all four seasons, with warm summers reaching highs around 85°F and cold winters with lows near 12°F. The city receives about 30.7 inches of rainfall annually and boasts sunshine 59% of the year. This climate is ideal for those who appreciate both seasonal variety and plenty of sunny days.
Winter
Min:
12°F
Max:
31°F
Spring
Min:
36°F
Max:
64°F
Summer
Min:
60°F
Max:
85°F
Fall
Min:
40°F
Max:
67°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
30.7 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
59%
Neighbors
Denison's residents have a median household income of $57,400 and a family income of $67,200, supporting a comfortable standard of living for many. The average commute is a brief 13.7 minutes, and the unemployment rate is low at 3.0%. While the poverty rate is 17.8%, the community maintains a strong sense of connection and diversity.
Median Income:
$28,200
Household Income:
$57,400
Family Income:
$67,200
Per Capita Income:
$22,750
Income Male:
$34,900
Income Female:
$26,700
Poverty Rate:
17.8%
Non English Speakers:
33.4%
Rent:
$660
Unemployment Rate:
3.0%
Public Transport Usage:
0.2%
Commute Time:
13.7 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
73.9%
Bachelors or More:
17.6%
Education
How are the schools in Denison, IA?
Denison provides quality educational opportunities through its public and private schools, including Denison High School and St. Rose of Lima School, as well as local access to Western Iowa Tech Community College. Class sizes are manageable, with student-teacher ratios around 15:1 in public schools. Higher education is also available nearby, supporting lifelong learning and career development.
Public Schools
Name:
Denison High School
Street:
819 North 16th St
Phone:
712-263-3104
Students:
730
Student Teacher Ratio:
15.1
Name:
Broadway Elementary School
Street:
1000 Broadway
Phone:
712-263-3103
Students:
540
Student Teacher Ratio:
15.6
Private Schools
Name:
St. Rose of Lima School
Street:
1010 2nd Ave S
Phone:
712-263-4766
Students:
115
Colleges
Name:
Western Iowa Tech Community College - Denison Campus
City:
Denison
State:
IA
Distance:
0 miles
Students:
250
Name:
Iowa Western Community College
City:
Council Bluffs
State:
IA
Distance:
75 miles
Students:
5,900
Healthcare
Healthcare in Denison is anchored by Crawford County Memorial Hospital, offering general and emergency services to local residents. The city has about 1.6 physicians per 1,000 people, and over 90% of residents have health insurance coverage. Access to healthcare is convenient and reliable for most families.
Major Hospitals
Name:
Crawford County Memorial Hospital
Address:
100 Medical Parkway, Denison, IA 51442
Phone:
(712) 265-2500
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
1.6
Health Insurance Coverage:
90.7%
Health Care Index:
78.1
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Denison, IA?
The Denison housing market is highly accessible, with a median home price of $124,000 and a 58.5% owner-occupancy rate. Rental options are also affordable, and vacancy rates remain moderate, providing a range of choices for newcomers. Home appreciation is steady, making Denison a practical destination for homebuyers and renters alike.
Median Home Price:
$124,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$660
Owner Occupied Rate:
58.5%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
7.3%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
4.1%
New Construction Rate:
0.6%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.2%
DMV Information
Denison residents are served locally by the Iowa Department of Transportation - Motor Vehicle Division, located at 1300 235th St. The DMV offers a full range of driver and vehicle services, ensuring convenience for those managing transportation needs. Information and resources are easily accessible both in person and online.
State:
Iowa
Department:
Iowa Department of Transportation - Motor Vehicle Division
Address:
1300 235th St, Denison, IA 51442
Phone:
1-800-532-1121
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.