Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Earlham, IA
Considering a move to Earlham, IA? This friendly small town of 1,410 offers affordable living, with median home prices around $205,000 and average rents near $970. Residents enjoy a low crime rate, short 25-minute commutes to Des Moines, and a strong sense of community. Earlham’s schools have small class sizes, and the area boasts 62% sunny days a year—making it great for families or anyone seeking quiet, rural charm close to city amenities.
Demographics - Earlham, IA
Demographics - Earlham, IA
Earlham is a small, close-knit community of about 1,410 residents, with a median age of 36.8 and a balanced gender ratio. The population is predominantly White, and nearly everyone speaks English, fostering a familiar Midwestern atmosphere. The town's moderate population density supports a quiet, neighborly lifestyle.
Population:
1,410
Density:
1,100 per sq mi
Median Age:
36.8
Gender Ratio:
99 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
2.1%
Ethnic Composition
White:
97.2%
Black:
0.5%
Asian:
0.3%
Others:
2.0%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Earlham, IA?
Earlham offers an affordable cost of living, with a median home value of $205,000 and monthly rents averaging $970. The overall cost of living index is below the national average, making the town an attractive choice for families and individuals seeking value without sacrificing quality of life. Utilities and healthcare are also reasonably priced, adding to the area’s affordability.
Median House Value:
$205,000
Gross Rent:
$970
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$105
Auto Insurance:
$1,040
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,325
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$450
State Taxes:
Low:
4.4%
|
High:
8.53%
Cost Of Living Index:
88.0
Grocery:
92.3
Housing:
74.1
Utilities:
97.2
Transportation:
89.8
Health Care:
94.6
Miscellaneous:
90.7
Crime
Is Earlham, IA a safe place to live?
Earlham experiences very low crime, with just 65 violent crimes and 940 property crimes per 100,000 residents annually. Residents have a low chance of encountering crime, contributing to a safe and secure environment ideal for families and retirees. The town's crime index reflects its reputation as a peaceful place to call home.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
65
Property Crimes Per 100k:
940
Crime Index:
1,005
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 1,540
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 106
Weather
What is the weather like in Earlham, IA year-round?
Earlham enjoys four distinct seasons, with mild summers reaching up to 85°F and cold winters averaging lows of 14°F. The area receives about 36 inches of annual rainfall and enjoys sunshine 62% of the year, offering plenty of pleasant days for outdoor activities. Residents can expect comfortable springs and colorful falls.
Winter
Min:
14°F
Max:
33°F
Spring
Min:
39°F
Max:
65°F
Summer
Min:
62°F
Max:
85°F
Fall
Min:
43°F
Max:
67°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
36.1 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
62%
Neighbors
The typical household in Earlham earns around $82,400, with a low poverty rate of 6% and an unemployment rate of just 2.8%. Most residents commute about 25 minutes, often to nearby Des Moines, reflecting the town’s balance of rural tranquility and urban access. Educational attainment is strong, with nearly 97% holding a high school diploma or higher.
Median Income:
$36,000
Household Income:
$82,400
Family Income:
$97,300
Per Capita Income:
$31,200
Income Male:
$48,000
Income Female:
$39,000
Poverty Rate:
6.0%
Non English Speakers:
2.1%
Rent:
$970
Unemployment Rate:
2.8%
Public Transport Usage:
0.2%
Commute Time:
25.7 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
96.6%
Bachelors or More:
32.1%
Education
How are the schools in Earlham, IA?
Earlham’s public schools offer small class sizes, with Earlham Elementary and High School serving local students and maintaining low student-teacher ratios. Higher education opportunities are close by, with Des Moines Area Community College and Drake University just 28 miles away. The area’s strong educational resources make it a great place for families and lifelong learners.
Public Schools
Name:
Earlham Elementary School
Street:
535 N Chestnut Ave
Phone:
515-758-2214
Students:
260
Student Teacher Ratio:
15:1
Name:
Earlham High School
Street:
535 N Chestnut Ave
Phone:
515-758-2214
Students:
230
Student Teacher Ratio:
11:1
Colleges
Name:
Des Moines Area Community College
City:
Des Moines
State:
IA
Distance:
28 miles
Students:
23,000
Name:
Drake University
City:
Des Moines
State:
IA
Distance:
28 miles
Students:
5,000
Healthcare
Residents have access to quality healthcare with several major hospitals nearby, including Madison County Memorial and Methodist West Hospital, both offering emergency services. The area maintains a high rate of health insurance coverage at 94%, and there are about 1.7 physicians per 1,000 people, ensuring accessible medical care. Healthcare in Earlham is dependable and within easy reach.
Major Hospitals
Name:
Madison County Memorial Hospital
Address:
300 W Hutchings St, Winterset, IA 50273
Phone:
(515) 462-2373
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Name:
Methodist West Hospital
Address:
1660 60th St, West Des Moines, IA 50266
Phone:
(515) 343-1000
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
1.7
Health Insurance Coverage:
94.1%
Health Care Index:
77.3
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Earlham, IA?
Earlham’s housing market is stable and affordable, with a median home price of $205,000 and 78% of homes owner-occupied. Rents for a two-bedroom average $970, and the market has seen favorable appreciation in recent years. Low vacancy and foreclosure rates indicate a healthy and desirable housing environment.
Median Home Price:
$205,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$970
Owner Occupied Rate:
78.2%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
4.6%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
6.1%
New Construction Rate:
2.3%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.2%
DMV Information
Vehicle services for Earlham residents are managed by the Iowa Department of Transportation's Motor Vehicle Division in Ankeny. The DMV offers comprehensive licensing and registration services, and appointments or information can be accessed online or by phone. This ensures convenient access for all motor vehicle 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.