Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Farrar, IA
Considering a move to Farrar, IA? This quiet community of just 85 residents offers affordable living, with median home prices at $275,000 and average rents around $1,050. Enjoy low crime rates, open spaces, and short commutes—averaging 29 minutes—while staying close to the amenities of nearby Ankeny and Des Moines. Farrar features highly rated Bondurant-Farrar schools, a strong owner-occupied housing rate, and classic Midwestern seasons with 58% sunny days each year.
Demographics - Farrar, IA
Demographics - Farrar, IA
Farrar, Iowa is a close-knit community with just 85 residents and a median age of 41.2, reflecting a balanced and mature population. The area is predominantly White, with a small percentage of other ethnicities and less than 3% non-English speakers, creating a familiar and welcoming small-town atmosphere.
Population:
85
Density:
55 per sq mi
Median Age:
41.2
Gender Ratio:
101 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
2.5%

Ethnic Composition
White:
95.0%
Black:
1.0%
Asian:
1.0%
Others:
3.0%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Farrar, IA?
Living in Farrar is affordable, with a median home value of $275,000 and average rent of $1,050 for a two-bedroom, keeping monthly expenses manageable. The overall cost of living index is below the national average, making it a budget-friendly choice for new residents.
Median House Value:
$275,000
Gross Rent:
$1,050
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$112
Auto Insurance:
$1,160
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,480
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$480
State Taxes:
Low:
0.33%
|
High:
8.53%
Cost Of Living Index:
89.5
Grocery:
93.1
Housing:
84.5
Utilities:
95.2
Transportation:
89.0
Health Care:
97.8
Miscellaneous:
92.3
Crime
Is Farrar, IA a safe place to live?
Farrar experiences very low crime, with only 54 violent crimes per 100,000 people and a 1 in 1,850 chance of being affected by violent crime. This low crime rate contributes to a safe and peaceful environment ideal for families and retirees.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
54
Property Crimes Per 100k:
920
Crime Index:
974
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 1,850
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 109
Weather
What is the weather like in Farrar, IA year-round?
Residents enjoy four distinct seasons, including warm summers with highs around 84°F and cold winters reaching lows near 12°F. The area receives about 35 inches of annual rainfall and boasts 58% sunny days, offering a pleasant mix of sunshine and precipitation.

Winter
Min:
12°F
Max:
32°F

Spring
Min:
38°F
Max:
65°F

Summer
Min:
63°F
Max:
84°F

Fall
Min:
40°F
Max:
67°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
34.7 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
58%
Neighbors
Farrar's neighbors benefit from a median household income of $78,200 and a low poverty rate of 7.1%. Most residents commute about 29 minutes to work and the area sees high educational attainment, with over 94% holding a high school diploma or higher.
Median Income:
$44,500
Household Income:
$78,200
Family Income:
$88,000
Per Capita Income:
$33,600
Income Male:
$48,000
Income Female:
$41,000
Poverty Rate:
7.1%
Non English Speakers:
2.5%
Rent:
$1,050
Unemployment Rate:
3.2%
Public Transport Usage:
0.0%
Commute Time:
28.7 minutes

Education
High School or Higher:
94.2%
Bachelors or More:
23.5%
Education
How are the schools in Farrar, IA?
Families in Farrar have access to the well-regarded Bondurant-Farrar public schools, known for favorable student-to-teacher ratios and strong community support. Higher education options are close by, including Des Moines Area Community College just 10 miles away and Grand View University within easy driving distance.

Public Schools
Name:
Bondurant-Farrar High School
Street:
1000 Grant St N, Bondurant, IA 50035
Phone:
515-957-8191
Students:
570
Student Teacher Ratio:
15.5
Name:
Bondurant-Farrar Intermediate School
Street:
300 Garfield St SW, Bondurant, IA 50035
Phone:
515-957-8191
Students:
480
Student Teacher Ratio:
15.2

Colleges
Name:
Des Moines Area Community College
City:
Ankeny
State:
IA
Distance:
10 miles
Students:
23,000
Name:
Grand View University
City:
Des Moines
State:
IA
Distance:
18 miles
Students:
1,800
Healthcare
Healthcare access is robust, with major hospitals such as MercyOne Ankeny Medical Center and UnityPoint Health nearby, and 95% of residents covered by health insurance. With 2.2 physicians per 1,000 people, locals have reliable access to medical care and emergency services.

Major Hospitals
Name:
MercyOne Ankeny Medical Center
Address:
800 E 1st St, Ankeny, IA 50021
Phone:
(515) 643-8200
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Name:
UnityPoint Health – Iowa Lutheran Hospital
Address:
700 E University Ave, Des Moines, IA 50316
Phone:
(515) 263-5612
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
2.2
Health Insurance Coverage:
95.1%
Health Care Index:
78.3
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Farrar, IA?
The housing market in Farrar is stable, with a median home price of $275,000 and an 81% owner-occupied rate. Home values have appreciated by 4.1% over the past year, and rental vacancies remain modest, offering both buyers and renters good opportunities.
Median Home Price:
$275,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$1,050
Owner Occupied Rate:
81.0%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
7.2%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
4.1%
New Construction Rate:
1.2%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.3%
DMV Information
Farrar residents handle vehicle services through the Iowa Department of Transportation in nearby Ankeny, providing convenient access for licensing, registration, and other DMV needs. The state’s motor vehicle division offers both in-person and online services for ease of access.
State:
Iowa
Department:
Iowa Department of Transportation - Motor Vehicle Division
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.