Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Fern, IA
Considering a move to Fern, IA? This small, welcoming community of about 110 residents offers affordable living, with median home prices around $125,000 and average rents at $650. Enjoy low crime rates, quick 19-minute commutes, and access to education through local public schools. Fern experiences all four seasons, plenty of sunshine, and a close-knit rural lifestyle, making it an ideal spot for those seeking peace and value in Iowa.
Demographics - Fern, IA
Fern, IA is a small, close-knit community of about 110 residents, with a median age of 42.5 and a population density of 60 people per square mile. The area is predominantly White, with a balanced gender ratio and a small percentage of non-English speakers, reflecting a traditional rural Iowa profile.
Population:
110
Density:
60 per sq mi
Median Age:
42.5
Gender Ratio:
98 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
3.0%

Ethnic Composition
White:
94.1%
Black:
1.3%
Asian:
0.5%
Others:
4.1%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Fern, IA?
Fern offers a highly affordable cost of living, with median home values at $125,000 and average rent around $650 per month. Essential expenses such as utilities and groceries are also below the national average, making Fern an attractive choice for budget-minded households.
Median House Value:
$125,000
Gross Rent:
$650
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$110
Auto Insurance:
$1,120
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$980
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$420
State Taxes:
Low:
0.33%
|
High:
8.53%
Cost Of Living Index:
86.5
Grocery:
94.1
Housing:
64.8
Utilities:
96.4
Transportation:
92.0
Health Care:
97.2
Miscellaneous:
90.0
Crime
Is Fern, IA a safe place to live?
Fern experiences low crime rates, with a violent crime rate of 110 per 100,000 residents and a property crime chance of just 1 in 80. Residents enjoy a sense of safety and security that is typical of small rural communities.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
110
Property Crimes Per 100k:
1,250
Crime Index:
1,360
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 910
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 80
Weather
What is the weather like in Fern, IA year-round?
Fern enjoys four distinct seasons, featuring warm summers with highs up to 85°F and cold winters with lows around 10°F. The area receives about 34.8 inches of rainfall annually and sees sunshine about 60% of the year, providing a balanced Midwestern climate.

Winter
Min:
10°F
Max:
32°F

Spring
Min:
35°F
Max:
66°F

Summer
Min:
60°F
Max:
85°F

Fall
Min:
38°F
Max:
65°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
34.8 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
60%
Neighbors
The median household income in Fern is $57,600, and the area has a low poverty rate of 7.9%. Most residents have at least a high school education, unemployment is low at 3.2%, and commutes average just under 20 minutes, contributing to a stable and neighborly environment.
Median Income:
$36,800
Household Income:
$57,600
Family Income:
$68,000
Per Capita Income:
$28,500
Income Male:
$38,500
Income Female:
$33,300
Poverty Rate:
7.9%
Non English Speakers:
3.0%
Rent:
$650
Unemployment Rate:
3.2%
Public Transport Usage:
0.1%
Commute Time:
19.5 minutes

Education
High School or Higher:
91.5%
Bachelors or More:
23.1%
Education
How are the schools in Fern, IA?
Fern is served by local public schools with favorable student-teacher ratios and access to higher education through Ellsworth Community College, located just 14 miles away. Families benefit from solid educational resources in a supportive rural setting.

Public Schools
Name:
Aplington-Parkersburg High School
Street:
610 N Johnson St, Parkersburg, IA 50665
Phone:
319-346-1571
Students:
335
Student Teacher Ratio:
13.5
Name:
Aplington Elementary School
Street:
610 Nash St, Aplington, IA 50604
Phone:
319-347-6621
Students:
200
Student Teacher Ratio:
12.7

Colleges
Name:
Ellsworth Community College
City:
Iowa Falls
State:
IA
Distance:
14 miles
Students:
1,100
Healthcare
Fern residents have access to quality healthcare, with Hansen Family Hospital nearby and a strong rate of health insurance coverage at 94.7%. The physician availability is solid for a rural area, supporting the community's well-being.

Major Hospitals
Name:
Hansen Family Hospital
Address:
920 S Oak St, Iowa Falls, IA 50126
Phone:
(641) 648-7010
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
1.6
Health Insurance Coverage:
94.7%
Health Care Index:
72.4
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Fern, IA?
The Fern housing market is affordable and stable, with median home prices at $125,000 and an owner-occupied rate of 81.5%. Home values have appreciated by nearly 5% over the past year, and rental options remain accessible.
Median Home Price:
$125,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$650
Owner Occupied Rate:
81.5%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
6.7%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
4.6%
New Construction Rate:
0.5%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.2%
DMV Information
Residents of Fern are served by the Iowa Department of Transportation, with DMV services available in nearby Ankeny. The department offers essential vehicle and licensing services both in-person and online, ensuring convenient access for drivers.
State:
Iowa
Department:
Iowa Department of Transportation
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.