Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Diagonal, IA
Considering a move to Diagonal, IA? This welcoming small town of 305 offers affordable living with a median home price around $82,000 and average rents of $670. Residents enjoy a low crime rate, short 18-minute commutes, and a high rate of homeownership. Diagonal provides a close-knit community, access to a local school, and plenty of sunny days—perfect for those seeking Iowa’s relaxed, rural charm at a budget-friendly cost.
Demographics - Diagonal, IA
Demographics - Diagonal, IA
Diagonal, Iowa is a small, close-knit community of about 305 residents, with a median age of 42 and a nearly even gender balance. The town is predominantly White, and only 2% of residents speak a language other than English at home, fostering a familiar and friendly rural atmosphere.
Population:
305
Density:
365 per sq mi
Median Age:
42.1
Gender Ratio:
98 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
2.0%

Ethnic Composition
White:
96.5%
Black:
0.3%
Asian:
0.0%
Others:
3.2%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Diagonal, IA?
Living in Diagonal is highly affordable, with a median house value of $82,000 and average rents around $670. The overall cost of living index is well below the national average, making this a budget-friendly choice for those seeking a low-cost lifestyle.
Median House Value:
$82,000
Gross Rent:
$670
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$120
Auto Insurance:
$950
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$980
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$390
State Taxes:
Low:
0.33%
|
High:
8.53%
Cost Of Living Index:
78.2
Grocery:
95.1
Housing:
52.3
Utilities:
97.4
Transportation:
84.2
Health Care:
93.0
Miscellaneous:
87.3
Crime
Is Diagonal, IA a safe place to live?
Diagonal has a low crime rate, with only 110 violent crimes per 100,000 people and a 1 in 900 chance of being a victim of violent crime. Residents generally enjoy a safe and peaceful environment, contributing to the town’s appeal for families and retirees.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
110
Property Crimes Per 100k:
770
Crime Index:
880
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 900
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 130
Weather
What is the weather like in Diagonal, IA year-round?
Diagonal experiences all four seasons, with cold winters, warm summers reaching up to 86°F, and an annual rainfall of 36 inches. With about 63% of days being sunny, the town offers a pleasant climate suitable for outdoor activities year-round.

Winter
Min:
14°F
Max:
34°F

Spring
Min:
38°F
Max:
65°F

Summer
Min:
62°F
Max:
86°F

Fall
Min:
40°F
Max:
67°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
36.2 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
63%
Neighbors
Households in Diagonal have a median income of $48,300 and a low unemployment rate of 3.5%. Nearly 90% of adults have at least a high school education, and short commute times make daily life convenient for residents.
Median Income:
$34,500
Household Income:
$48,300
Family Income:
$55,800
Per Capita Income:
$25,400
Income Male:
$32,100
Income Female:
$25,900
Poverty Rate:
11.3%
Non English Speakers:
2.0%
Rent:
$670
Unemployment Rate:
3.5%
Public Transport Usage:
0.0%
Commute Time:
18.2 minutes

Education
High School or Higher:
89.7%
Bachelors or More:
17.4%
Education
How are the schools in Diagonal, IA?
Diagonal offers local education through the Diagonal Community School, which features small class sizes and a favorable student-teacher ratio. For higher education, Southwestern Community College is located just 22 miles away, providing additional learning opportunities.

Public Schools
Name:
Diagonal Community School
Street:
403 W 2nd St
Phone:
641-734-5331
Students:
110
Student Teacher Ratio:
9.5

Colleges
Name:
Southwestern Community College
City:
Creston
State:
IA
Distance:
22 miles
Students:
1,600
Healthcare
Diagonal residents have access to nearby healthcare at Ringgold County Hospital, which offers emergency services and critical care. Most locals are insured, and there are 1.3 physicians per 1,000 residents, supporting the community’s health needs.

Major Hospitals
Name:
Ringgold County Hospital
Address:
504 N Cleveland St, Mount Ayr, IA 50854
Phone:
(641) 464-3226
Type:
Critical Access
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
1.3
Health Insurance Coverage:
92.8%
Health Care Index:
71.0
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Diagonal, IA?
The housing market in Diagonal is stable and affordable, with a median home price of $82,000 and a high owner-occupancy rate of 74.5%. Home values have appreciated modestly, and rental options remain accessible for new arrivals.
Median Home Price:
$82,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$670
Owner Occupied Rate:
74.5%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
6.9%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
2.7%
New Construction Rate:
0.3%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.4%
DMV Information
Residents can access driver and vehicle services through the Iowa Department of Transportation, with the nearest major office located in Ankeny. The DMV provides a range of licensing and registration services both in-person and online.
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.