Iowa / Wright County

Moving to Dows, IA

Thinking of making a move to Dows, IA? Get helpful local information about living costs, neighborhoods, schools, weather, housing, DMV details, and practical relocation details before you plan your move.

  • 100% Free Moving Quotes
  • No Obligation
  • Vetted & Licensed Movers
  • Secure & Private
Plan smarter before requesting quotes. Use local costs, housing, schools, safety, weather, and DMV details below to compare Dows before you move.

Moving Help for Your Dows, IA Relocation

After you review the local facts on this page, use the service links below to compare quote options for the type of Dows move you are planning, including local, long-distance, apartment, piano, small, and budget-conscious moves.

Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Dows, IA

Considering a move to Dows, IA? This welcoming community of 550 residents offers a blend of suburban charm and convenience, with median home prices around $92,000 and average rents near $700. Commute times average 22 minutes and public transport is accessible, making it great for professionals. The area boasts low violent crime, strong schools, and plenty of sunny days (58% annually), ideal for families and commuters alike. Explore Dows's cost of living, education, and friendly neighborhoods to see if it's the right fit for your next move.

Demographics - Dows, IA

Dows has a population of 550 residents, offering a diverse community with a median age of nearly 47 and a balanced gender ratio. The area features a strong blend of backgrounds, with about 98% White, 0% Black, and 0% Asian residents, and over 3% speaking a language other than English at home. Its high population density contributes to a lively suburban atmosphere.

Population
550
Density
1,000 per sq mi
Median Age
46.8
Gender Ratio
98 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage
2.8%

Ethnic Composition

White
97.5%
Black
0.2%
Asian
0.4%
Others
1.9%

Cost Of Living

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

The cost of living in Dows is higher than the national average, with a cost of living index of 78.4. Median home values are around $92,000 and average rents for a two-bedroom apartment are approximately $700. Utilities, groceries, and transportation costs are also elevated, reflecting the area's desirable location and amenities.

Median House Value
$92,000
Gross Rent
$700
Monthly Electricity Charges
$120
Auto Insurance
$1,450
House Owner Cost With Mortgage
$1,050
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage
$340
State Taxes
Low: 4.4%| High: 5.7%
Cost Of Living Index
78.4
Grocery
93.1
Housing
52.8
Utilities
98.6
Transportation
89.7
Health Care
96.4
Miscellaneous
90.5

Crime

Is Dows, IA a safe place to live?

Dows is considered a safe community, with a low violent crime rate of 120 incidents per 100,000 residents and a property crime chance of 1 in 95. 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
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 Dows, IA year-round?

Dows experiences four distinct seasons, with warm summers reaching highs of 84°F and cold winters dipping to 8°F. The area receives about 34 inches of rainfall annually and enjoys sunshine on 58% of days. This climate offers residents a balanced mix of outdoor opportunities year-round.

Winter

Min
8°F
Max
29°F

Summer

Min
61°F
Max
84°F

Spring

Min
38°F
Max
66°F

Fall

Min
40°F
Max
67°F
Average Rainfall Inches
33.5 inches
Sunny Days Percentage
58%

Neighbors

The neighborhood boasts a healthy median household income of $58,500 and a low poverty rate of 11.8%. Over 92% of residents have at least a high school diploma, and nearly 17% hold a bachelor's degree or higher. Commute times average 22 minutes, and almost 0% use public transportation, reflecting the area's accessibility and educated population.

Median Income
$33,000
Household Income
$58,500
Family Income
$73,000
Per Capita Income
$31,000
Income Male
$38,000
Income Female
$28,500
Poverty Rate
11.8%
Non English Speakers
4.1%
Rent
$700
Unemployment Rate
3.6%
Public Transport Usage
0.4%
Commute Time
21.8 minutes

Education

High School or Higher
92.4%
Bachelors or More
16.8%

Education

How are the schools in Dows, IA?

Dows offers quality education options, with public schools like Dows Community School District and Clarion-Goldfield-Dows High School known for favorable student-to-teacher ratios. Families also have access to private schools and several nearby colleges, including Iowa Central Community College and North Iowa Area Community College. The community is committed to educational excellence for all age groups.

Public Schools

Name
Dows Community School District
Street
509 Elm St
Phone
515-852-4288
Students
170
Student Teacher Ratio
10.8
Name
Clarion-Goldfield-Dows High School
Street
1111 9th Ave SW
Phone
515-532-2864
Students
260
Student Teacher Ratio
11.9

Private Schools

Name
St. Francis School
Street
308 N 5th St
Phone
641-456-5481
Students
75

Colleges

Name
Iowa Central Community College
City
Fort Dodge
State
IA
Distance
35 miles
Students
5,000
Name
North Iowa Area Community College
City
Mason City
State
IA
Distance
38 miles
Students
2,900

Healthcare

Dows residents have access to quality healthcare, with major hospitals like Franklin General Hospital and Hancock County Health System nearby. The community benefits from a high physician-to-resident ratio of 1.6 per 1,000 people and 92.5% health insurance coverage. Local healthcare services are reliable and comprehensive.

Major Hospitals

Name
Franklin General Hospital
Address
1720 Central Ave E, Hampton, IA 50441
Phone
(641) 456-5000
Type
Critical Access Hospital
Emergency Services
Yes
Name
Hancock County Health System
Address
532 1st St SW, Britt, IA 50423
Phone
(641) 843-5100
Type
Critical Access Hospital
Emergency Services
Yes

Healthcare Access

Physicians Per 1000
1.6
Health Insurance Coverage
92.5%
Health Care Index
61.8

Housing Market

What is the housing market like in Dows, IA?

The local housing market is strong, with a median home price of $92,000 and an owner-occupied rate of nearly 78%. The market has seen a 3.2% appreciation over the past year, and rental vacancy rates remain moderate at 8.1%. Dows offers a mix of stability and opportunity for both buyers and renters.

Median Home Price
$92,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom
$700
Owner Occupied Rate
77.8%
Rental Vacancy Rate
8.1%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr)
3.2%
New Construction Rate
0.4%
Foreclosure Rate
0.8%

DMV Information

Residents of Dows handle vehicle services through the Iowa Department of Transportation, conveniently located in Des Moines. 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
Address
Park Fair Mall, 100 Euclid Ave, Des Moines, IA 50313
Phone
1-800-532-1121

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 Dows, IA

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

Before moving to Dows, review the core fields on this page: population 550, median home value $92,000, average rent for 2 bedroom $700, commute time 21.8 minutes, and sunny days percentage 58%.

Ready to Move to Dows, IA?

When your relocation research is done, request quote options and plan your move with confidence.

Get Free Moving Quotes