Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Festina, IA
Thinking of moving to Festina, IA? This close-knit rural community of around 200 offers affordable living, with median home prices near $158,000 and average rents around $700. Crime rates are exceptionally low and commutes average just 21 minutes. Residents enjoy four distinct seasons, access to quality schools, and proximity to Decorah’s healthcare and higher education. If you value small-town charm with practical amenities, Festina is a welcoming Iowa destination to consider.
Demographics - Festina, IA
Demographics - Festina, IA
Festina is a small, close-knit community of about 200 residents, with a median age of 46.5 and a predominantly White population. The area has a balanced gender ratio and a low proportion of non-English speakers, fostering a friendly, familiar atmosphere ideal for those seeking a quieter lifestyle.
Population:
200
Density:
100 per sq mi
Median Age:
46.5
Gender Ratio:
98 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
2.0%

Ethnic Composition
White:
96.0%
Black:
0.5%
Asian:
0.5%
Others:
3.0%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Festina, IA?
The cost of living in Festina is well below the national average, with a median home value of $158,000 and average rents around $700. Lower housing and utility costs make the town an attractive choice for budget-conscious individuals and families.
Median House Value:
$158,000
Gross Rent:
$700
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$110
Auto Insurance:
$1,050
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,000
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$350
State Taxes:
Low:
0.33%
|
High:
8.53%
Cost Of Living Index:
85.2
Grocery:
94.0
Housing:
68.5
Utilities:
92.0
Transportation:
94.2
Health Care:
98.1
Miscellaneous:
90.0
Crime
Is Festina, IA a safe place to live?
Festina boasts exceptionally low crime rates, with only 60 violent crimes and 850 property crimes per 100,000 residents, making it a very safe place to live. Residents enjoy peace of mind thanks to these favorable statistics.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
60
Property Crimes Per 100k:
850
Crime Index:
910
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 1,667
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 118
Weather
What is the weather like in Festina, IA year-round?
Festina experiences four distinct seasons, with cold winters averaging lows of 8°F and warm summers reaching up to 82°F. The area receives about 35.5 inches of rainfall annually and enjoys 58% sunny days, providing varied weather for outdoor activities.

Winter
Min:
8°F
Max:
29°F

Spring
Min:
36°F
Max:
62°F

Summer
Min:
59°F
Max:
82°F

Fall
Min:
38°F
Max:
64°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
35.5 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
58%
Neighbors
The neighborhood features a median household income of $62,000, a low unemployment rate of 2.6%, and a poverty rate of just 7.5%. Residents benefit from an average commute time of 21.5 minutes and a strong sense of community, with high educational attainment levels.
Median Income:
$38,500
Household Income:
$62,000
Family Income:
$78,000
Per Capita Income:
$30,500
Income Male:
$40,000
Income Female:
$32,000
Poverty Rate:
7.5%
Non English Speakers:
2.0%
Rent:
$700
Unemployment Rate:
2.6%
Public Transport Usage:
0.1%
Commute Time:
21.5 minutes

Education
High School or Higher:
92.0%
Bachelors or More:
24.0%
Education
How are the schools in Festina, IA?
Festina offers access to well-rated public and private schools, with favorable student-teacher ratios and a variety of educational options. Nearby Luther College in Decorah provides higher education opportunities just 12 miles away.

Public Schools
Name:
South Winneshiek High School
Street:
203 Church St
Phone:
563-532-9365
Students:
230
Student Teacher Ratio:
11.5
Name:
South Winneshiek Elementary/Middle School
Street:
208 E Brooks St, Ossian, IA
Phone:
563-532-9367
Students:
320
Student Teacher Ratio:
12.3

Private Schools
Name:
St. Teresa of Calcutta Catholic School
Street:
300 Oak St, Ossian, IA
Phone:
563-532-9353
Students:
100

Colleges
Name:
Luther College
City:
Decorah
State:
IA
Distance:
12 miles
Students:
1,800
Healthcare
Residents of Festina have convenient access to major hospitals like Winneshiek Medical Center and Gundersen Palmer Lutheran Hospital, both offering emergency services. With 95.4% health insurance coverage and a physician rate of 1.4 per 1,000 people, quality healthcare is readily available.

Major Hospitals
Name:
Winneshiek Medical Center
Address:
901 Montgomery St, Decorah, IA 52101
Phone:
(563) 382-2911
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Name:
Gundersen Palmer Lutheran Hospital
Address:
112 Jefferson St, West Union, IA 52175
Phone:
(563) 422-3811
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
1.4
Health Insurance Coverage:
95.4%
Health Care Index:
78.1
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Festina, IA?
The housing market in Festina is stable and affordable, with a median home price of $158,000 and average rent for a two-bedroom unit at $700. A high owner-occupancy rate and low foreclosure rate reflect a secure and appealing environment for homeowners.
Median Home Price:
$158,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$700
Owner Occupied Rate:
78.5%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
7.0%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
4.2%
New Construction Rate:
0.7%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.2%
DMV Information
Residents manage vehicle and licensing needs through the Iowa Department of Transportation, located in Ankeny, with resources and services accessible online or by phone for added convenience.
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.