Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Dow City, IA
Considering a move to Dow City, IA? With a small-town population of 485 and a median home price of just $88,000, Dow City offers affordable living and a tight-knit community feel. The cost of living is well below national averages, and local crime rates are low, with only 154 violent crimes per 100K. Commute times are short at 19.5 minutes, and the area features pleasant summers and 60% sunny days. Local schools provide favorable student-teacher ratios, making Dow City a friendly and affordable place to call home.
Demographics - Dow City, IA
Demographics - Dow City, IA
Dow City is a small, close-knit community of 485 residents, with a median age of 39.2 and a predominantly White population. The area maintains a balanced gender ratio and features a modest proportion of non-English speakers, adding some diversity to its rural charm.
Population:
485
Density:
1,030 per sq mi
Median Age:
39.2
Gender Ratio:
97 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
3.5%

Ethnic Composition
White:
89.0%
Black:
0.5%
Asian:
0.5%
Others:
10.0%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Dow City, IA?
Living in Dow City is highly affordable, with a median home value of $88,000 and a cost of living index of 78.5, well below the national average. Everyday expenses for housing, groceries, and utilities are budget-friendly, making it an attractive choice for cost-conscious households.
Median House Value:
$88,000
Gross Rent:
$775
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$120
Auto Insurance:
$950
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$900
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$390
State Taxes:
Low:
0.33%
|
High:
8.53%
Cost Of Living Index:
78.5
Grocery:
94.2
Housing:
49.7
Utilities:
96.3
Transportation:
92.5
Health Care:
94.8
Miscellaneous:
92.0
Crime
Is Dow City, IA a safe place to live?
Dow City experiences low crime rates, with only 154 violent crimes and 1,050 property crimes per 100,000 people, making it a relatively safe place to live. Residents enjoy peace of mind thanks to a low chance of encountering serious crime.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
154
Property Crimes Per 100k:
1,050
Crime Index:
1,204
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 650
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 95
Weather
What is the weather like in Dow City, IA year-round?
Dow City offers four distinct seasons, featuring warm summers with highs around 85°F and cold winters dipping to 12°F. The area receives an average of 32.5 inches of rainfall each year and enjoys sunny weather 60% of the time, providing a balanced climate for outdoor activities.

Winter
Min:
12°F
Max:
32°F

Spring
Min:
36°F
Max:
61°F

Summer
Min:
62°F
Max:
85°F

Fall
Min:
40°F
Max:
65°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
32.5 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
60%
Neighbors
The community features a median household income of $49,500 and a poverty rate of 13%, with most neighbors commuting about 19.5 minutes to work. A large majority have at least a high school education, contributing to a friendly, down-to-earth atmosphere.
Median Income:
$28,500
Household Income:
$49,500
Family Income:
$58,000
Per Capita Income:
$22,800
Income Male:
$33,000
Income Female:
$27,000
Poverty Rate:
13.0%
Non English Speakers:
3.5%
Rent:
$775
Unemployment Rate:
3.9%
Public Transport Usage:
0.0%
Commute Time:
19.5 minutes

Education
High School or Higher:
87.0%
Bachelors or More:
15.2%
Education
How are the schools in Dow City, IA?
Dow City is served by local public schools with favorable student-teacher ratios, offering a supportive learning environment. For higher education, Western Iowa Tech Community College is located just nine miles away, providing accessible opportunities for continuing education.

Public Schools
Name:
Ar-We-Va Elementary School
Street:
501 5th St
Phone:
712-663-4311
Students:
200
Student Teacher Ratio:
11.5
Name:
Ar-We-Va Junior-Senior High School
Street:
501 5th St
Phone:
712-663-4311
Students:
130
Student Teacher Ratio:
10.8

Colleges
Name:
Western Iowa Tech Community College
City:
Denison
State:
IA
Distance:
9 miles
Students:
1,200
Healthcare
Residents have convenient access to healthcare, including Crawford County Memorial Hospital, and benefit from a high health insurance coverage rate of 92.2%. With 1.6 physicians available per 1,000 people, the community is well-served for its size.

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:
92.2%
Health Care Index:
69.1
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Dow City, IA?
Dow City's housing market is highly accessible, with a median home price of $88,000 and an owner-occupied rate of 68.5%. Homes appreciate steadily, and rental options are available at reasonable rates, making it easy for newcomers to settle in.
Median Home Price:
$88,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$775
Owner Occupied Rate:
68.5%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
7.2%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
4.4%
New Construction Rate:
0.5%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.6%
DMV Information
Dow City residents are served by the Iowa Department of Transportation office in Denison, just a short drive away. The office provides a full range of DMV services, making vehicle registration and licensing convenient for locals.
State:
Iowa
Department:
Iowa Department of Transportation (DOT)
Address:
1306 S. 7th 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.