Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Dickens, IA
Considering a move to Dickens, IA? This friendly town of 185 residents offers low housing costs (median home price: $105,000, average rent: $700) and a cost of living well below the national average. Dickens features a safe environment with low crime rates, short 23-minute commutes, and warm Midwestern community spirit. Nearby schools and access to Spencer Hospital make it a practical choice for families seeking affordable, small-town living with classic Iowa seasons and an abundance of sunny days.
Demographics - Dickens, IA
Demographics - Dickens, IA
Dickens, IA is a close-knit rural community of 185 residents, with a median age of 42 and a balanced gender ratio. The town is predominantly White, with over 96% of the population, and features a low percentage of non-English speakers, making it a welcoming place for those seeking a traditional Midwestern environment.
Population:
185
Density:
450 per sq mi
Median Age:
42.3
Gender Ratio:
101 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
2.5%
Ethnic Composition
White:
96.2%
Black:
0.5%
Asian:
0.5%
Others:
2.8%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Dickens, IA?
Dickens offers an affordable lifestyle, with a median home value of $105,000 and average rent around $700, making it attractive for budget-conscious families. The overall cost of living index is significantly below the national average, with housing and utility costs especially low.
Median House Value:
$105,000
Gross Rent:
$700
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$110
Auto Insurance:
$950
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$950
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$350
State Taxes:
Low:
0.33%
|
High:
8.53%
Cost Of Living Index:
82.4
Grocery:
95.5
Housing:
62.0
Utilities:
89.0
Transportation:
83.0
Health Care:
94.2
Miscellaneous:
92.0
Crime
Is Dickens, IA a safe place to live?
This small town experiences very low crime rates, with a chance of violent crime at just 1 in 833 and property crime at 1 in 95, providing residents with a strong sense of safety and security.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
120
Property Crimes Per 100k:
1,050
Crime Index:
1,170
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 833
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 95
Weather
What is the weather like in Dickens, IA year-round?
Residents enjoy classic Iowa weather, with cold winters dipping to 7°F, warm summers reaching up to 83°F, and pleasant springs and falls. The area receives about 29 inches of rain annually and boasts sunny skies 61% of the year.
Winter
Min:
7°F
Max:
26°F
Spring
Min:
34°F
Max:
61°F
Summer
Min:
59°F
Max:
83°F
Fall
Min:
37°F
Max:
63°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
29.4 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
61%
Neighbors
Households in Dickens have a median income of $60,400 and a low unemployment rate of 2.8%, contributing to the town’s stable economy. The poverty rate remains under 10%, and almost all residents commute by car, with average commute times under 23 minutes.
Median Income:
$38,000
Household Income:
$60,400
Family Income:
$68,500
Per Capita Income:
$28,200
Income Male:
$40,600
Income Female:
$32,100
Poverty Rate:
9.7%
Non English Speakers:
2.5%
Rent:
$700
Unemployment Rate:
2.8%
Public Transport Usage:
0.0%
Commute Time:
22.7 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
92.2%
Bachelors or More:
18.7%
Education
How are the schools in Dickens, IA?
Families in Dickens have access to quality public schools in the nearby Spencer district, where student-teacher ratios support personalized learning. Higher education is available just 12 miles away at Iowa Lakes Community College, making further studies convenient.
Public Schools
Name:
Spencer High School
Street:
800 E 3rd St
Phone:
712-262-1700
Students:
650
Student Teacher Ratio:
13.5
Name:
Johnson Elementary School
Street:
724 W 9th St
Phone:
712-262-2710
Students:
360
Student Teacher Ratio:
14.2
Colleges
Name:
Iowa Lakes Community College - Spencer Campus
City:
Spencer
State:
IA
Distance:
12 miles
Students:
1,100
Healthcare
Residents have convenient access to quality healthcare, with Spencer Hospital nearby offering general and emergency services. Health insurance coverage is high at 93.5%, and there are nearly two physicians per 1,000 residents, ensuring reliable medical support.
Major Hospitals
Name:
Spencer Hospital
Address:
1200 1st Ave E, Spencer, IA 51301
Phone:
(712) 264-6198
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
1.9
Health Insurance Coverage:
93.5%
Health Care Index:
71.2
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Dickens, IA?
Dickens features a stable housing market with a median home price of $105,000 and high owner-occupancy at over 80%. Home values have appreciated moderately in the past year, and both rental and foreclosure rates remain low.
Median Home Price:
$105,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$700
Owner Occupied Rate:
82.5%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
7.1%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
4.3%
New Construction Rate:
0.4%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.7%
DMV Information
DMV services in Dickens are managed by the Iowa Department of Transportation, with resources available online and in person at the Ankeny office. Residents benefit from efficient state services for licensing, vehicle registration, and related needs.
State:
Iowa
Department:
Iowa Department of Transportation - Motor Vehicle Division
Address:
6310 SE Convenience Blvd, Ankeny, IA 50021
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.