Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Fernald, IA
Considering a move to Fernald, IA? This small community of 165 offers affordable living, with median home prices around $110,000 and rents near $750. Fernald enjoys a low violent crime rate, short average commutes of 26 minutes, and a friendly, rural atmosphere. The area features strong public schools and is just a short drive from Iowa State University in Ames. Expect cold winters, warm summers, and plenty of sunny days to enjoy the Iowa countryside.
Demographics - Fernald, IA
Demographics - Fernald, IA
Fernald is a small, close-knit community of just 165 residents, predominantly White, with a median age of 36.8 years. The town has a balanced gender ratio and a low percentage of non-English speakers, creating a familiar and welcoming atmosphere for newcomers.
Population:
165
Density:
650 per sq mi
Median Age:
36.8
Gender Ratio:
102 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
2.5%
Ethnic Composition
White:
96.4%
Black:
0.6%
Asian:
0.0%
Others:
3.0%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Fernald, IA?
Living in Fernald is notably affordable, with a median home value of $110,000 and monthly rents averaging $750. The cost of living index is below the national average, making it an attractive option for those seeking lower expenses on housing, utilities, and daily needs.
Median House Value:
$110,000
Gross Rent:
$750
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$115
Auto Insurance:
$900
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,000
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$410
State Taxes:
Low:
0.33%
|
High:
8.53%
Cost Of Living Index:
85.7
Grocery:
92.0
Housing:
60.5
Utilities:
96.0
Transportation:
94.5
Health Care:
97.2
Miscellaneous:
90.0
Crime
Is Fernald, IA a safe place to live?
Fernald maintains a low violent crime rate, with residents having a 1 in 588 chance of experiencing violent crime. Property crime is more common but still manageable, contributing to a generally safe and peaceful rural environment.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
170
Property Crimes Per 100k:
1,420
Crime Index:
1,590
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 588
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 70
Weather
What is the weather like in Fernald, IA year-round?
Residents in Fernald experience all four seasons, with cold winters dipping to 10°F and warm summers reaching up to 85°F. The area enjoys 63% sunny days annually and receives about 35.5 inches of rain each year, perfect for those who appreciate a classic Midwestern climate.
Winter
Min:
10°F
Max:
30°F
Spring
Min:
38°F
Max:
65°F
Summer
Min:
62°F
Max:
85°F
Fall
Min:
40°F
Max:
67°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
35.5 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
63%
Neighbors
The community boasts a median household income of $68,000 and a low poverty rate of 7.3%. Most residents commute about 26 minutes to work, and the area is characterized by a high rate of homeownership and strong educational attainment among adults.
Median Income:
$32,000
Household Income:
$68,000
Family Income:
$78,000
Per Capita Income:
$28,500
Income Male:
$42,000
Income Female:
$31,000
Poverty Rate:
7.3%
Non English Speakers:
2.5%
Rent:
$750
Unemployment Rate:
3.2%
Public Transport Usage:
0.0%
Commute Time:
26.4 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
92.1%
Bachelors or More:
22.0%
Education
How are the schools in Fernald, IA?
Fernald is served by the Colo-NESCO public school district, offering small class sizes and a strong student-teacher ratio. Families benefit from proximity to Iowa State University in Ames, located just 12 miles away, providing excellent higher education opportunities.
Public Schools
Name:
Colo-NESCO Elementary School
Street:
407 North Street, Zearing, IA 50278
Phone:
641-487-7411
Students:
190
Student Teacher Ratio:
12.5
Name:
Colo-NESCO Middle/High School
Street:
919 West Street, Colo, IA 50056
Phone:
641-377-2282
Students:
220
Student Teacher Ratio:
12.1
Colleges
Name:
Iowa State University
City:
Ames
State:
IA
Distance:
12 miles
Students:
30,700
Healthcare
Fernald residents have convenient access to major medical facilities like Mary Greeley Medical Center in nearby Ames, with 94.5% health insurance coverage locally. The area is served by 1.8 physicians per 1,000 people, ensuring essential healthcare needs are met.
Major Hospitals
Name:
Mary Greeley Medical Center
Address:
1111 Duff Ave, Ames, IA 50010
Phone:
(515) 239-2011
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
1.8
Health Insurance Coverage:
94.5%
Health Care Index:
68.0
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Fernald, IA?
The local housing market is stable and affordable, with a median home price of $110,000 and an owner-occupied rate of 83%. Home values have appreciated modestly over the past year, and rental options are available with an average two-bedroom rent of $750.
Median Home Price:
$110,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$750
Owner Occupied Rate:
83.0%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
8.1%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
4.3%
New Construction Rate:
0.8%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.3%
DMV Information
DMV services for Fernald are provided by the Iowa Department of Transportation, with the nearest office located in Ankeny. Residents can access licensing and registration services both in person and online through the state's DMV website.
State:
Iowa
Department:
Iowa Department of Transportation
Address:
6310 SE Convenience Blvd, Ankeny, IA 50021
Phone:
515-244-8725
Website:
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