Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Fontanelle, IA
Fontanelle, IA is a welcoming small town of about 650 residents, offering affordable living with median home prices near $98,000 and average rents around $650. With low crime rates and quick 21-minute commutes, Fontanelle is ideal for those seeking a peaceful pace of life. The community enjoys 60% sunny days annually, strong school options, and an overall cost of living well below the national average. If you’re looking for a friendly, affordable, and safe place to call home in rural Iowa, Fontanelle is a great choice.
Demographics - Fontanelle, IA
Demographics - Fontanelle, IA
Fontanelle is a close-knit community of 651 residents, with a median age of 43.8, reflecting a mature population. The town is predominantly White, with a small percentage of non-English speakers, making for a friendly and familiar Midwest atmosphere. Population density is moderate, offering a balance of neighborly connection and personal space.
Population:
651
Density:
1,020 per sq mi
Median Age:
43.8
Gender Ratio:
97 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
3.2%
Ethnic Composition
White:
96.7%
Black:
0.5%
Asian:
0.3%
Others:
2.5%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Fontanelle, IA?
Living in Fontanelle is highly affordable, with a median home value of $98,000 and monthly rents averaging $650. The overall cost of living index is 83.4, noticeably below the national average, allowing residents to stretch their budgets further. Utilities and groceries also remain attractively priced, contributing to the area’s financial accessibility.
Median House Value:
$98,000
Gross Rent:
$650
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$110
Auto Insurance:
$1,120
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$950
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$425
State Taxes:
Low:
0.33%
|
High:
8.53%
Cost Of Living Index:
83.4
Grocery:
94.0
Housing:
60.5
Utilities:
99.1
Transportation:
86.6
Health Care:
93.5
Miscellaneous:
90.2
Crime
Is Fontanelle, IA a safe place to live?
Fontanelle experiences low crime rates, with only 146 violent crimes and 1,050 property crimes per 100,000 residents, making it a generally safe place to live. Residents have a 1 in 685 chance of encountering violent crime, supporting a peaceful and secure small-town lifestyle. The community’s emphasis on safety is a strong draw for families and retirees.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
146
Property Crimes Per 100k:
1,050
Crime Index:
1,196
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 685
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 95
Weather
What is the weather like in Fontanelle, IA year-round?
Fontanelle enjoys four distinct seasons, ranging from cold winters with lows around 15°F to warm summers reaching 85°F. The area receives about 34.5 inches of annual rainfall and boasts 60% sunny days, allowing for plenty of outdoor activities. Seasonal changes bring variety to the local climate, appealing to those who appreciate traditional Midwest weather patterns.
Winter
Min:
15°F
Max:
33°F
Spring
Min:
38°F
Max:
65°F
Summer
Min:
62°F
Max:
85°F
Fall
Min:
41°F
Max:
67°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
34.5 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
60%
Neighbors
Local households in Fontanelle typically earn around $52,000, with a family income near $61,200 and a poverty rate of 13.5%. Most residents enjoy a short 21.5-minute commute and a low unemployment rate of 3.2%, reflecting economic stability. Educational attainment is solid, with over 92% holding a high school diploma or higher.
Median Income:
$32,400
Household Income:
$52,000
Family Income:
$61,200
Per Capita Income:
$29,900
Income Male:
$34,800
Income Female:
$28,500
Poverty Rate:
13.5%
Non English Speakers:
3.2%
Rent:
$650
Unemployment Rate:
3.2%
Public Transport Usage:
0.4%
Commute Time:
21.5 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
92.8%
Bachelors or More:
18.4%
Education
How are the schools in Fontanelle, IA?
Fontanelle offers quality public education through Nodaway Valley Elementary and High School, both known for small class sizes and attentive teaching. Higher education is accessible with Southwestern Community College just 19 miles away in Creston, serving around 1,600 students. The educational environment supports strong academic foundations for children and adults alike.
Public Schools
Name:
Nodaway Valley Elementary School
Street:
324 NW 2nd St
Phone:
641-745-2291
Students:
330
Student Teacher Ratio:
13.7
Name:
Nodaway Valley High School
Street:
410 NW 2nd St
Phone:
641-745-2291
Students:
260
Student Teacher Ratio:
12.8
Colleges
Name:
Southwestern Community College
City:
Creston
State:
IA
Distance:
19 miles
Students:
1,600
Healthcare
Fontanelle residents benefit from proximity to Greater Regional Health in nearby Creston, which provides comprehensive emergency and general medical services. The town has a high health insurance coverage rate of 94.9% and about 1.5 physicians per 1,000 people, ensuring accessible healthcare. Overall, healthcare services are reliable and meet the needs of the local population.
Major Hospitals
Name:
Greater Regional Health
Address:
1700 W Townline St, Creston, IA 50801
Phone:
(641) 782-7091
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
1.5
Health Insurance Coverage:
94.9%
Health Care Index:
77.1
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Fontanelle, IA?
The Fontanelle housing market is affordable and stable, with a median home price of $98,000 and high owner occupancy at 76.6%. Rental options remain accessible, with average two-bedroom rents at $650 and a low foreclosure rate of just 0.4%. Home values have seen steady appreciation, making it an attractive choice for buyers and renters alike.
Median Home Price:
$98,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$650
Owner Occupied Rate:
76.6%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
7.2%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
5.1%
New Construction Rate:
0.8%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.4%
DMV Information
Residents handle vehicle and licensing needs through the Iowa Department of Transportation, located in Ankeny. The DMV offers comprehensive online services and in-person assistance, ensuring easy access for Fontanelle locals. For more information, residents can visit the official Iowa DOT website or contact the office by phone.
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.