Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Hiawatha, IA
Considering a move to Hiawatha, IA? With a friendly population of about 7,400, Hiawatha offers affordable living—median home prices around $213,000 and rents near $950—plus a short 16.5-minute average commute. The city boasts low crime rates, reputable schools, and easy access to top Cedar Rapids hospitals. Enjoy four seasons, 56% sunny days, and a welcoming small-town atmosphere with all the essentials close at hand. Explore more below to see if Hiawatha is your next home!
Demographics - Hiawatha, IA
Demographics - Hiawatha, IA
Hiawatha is home to approximately 7,400 residents, with a balanced median age of 38.2 and a population density of about 1,700 people per square mile. The community is predominantly White, but also features some diversity, and nearly 5.4% of residents speak a language other than English at home. This small city offers a welcoming environment for a variety of backgrounds and age groups.
Population:
7,413
Density:
1,700 per sq mi
Median Age:
38.2
Gender Ratio:
96 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
5.4%

Ethnic Composition
White:
90.5%
Black:
2.6%
Asian:
1.7%
Others:
5.2%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Hiawatha, IA?
Living in Hiawatha is budget-friendly, with a cost of living index below the national average at 86.2. Median home values are around $213,000 and average rents are near $950, making it accessible to both homeowners and renters. Utilities, groceries, and transportation costs are also competitive, helping residents enjoy a comfortable lifestyle without high expenses.
Median House Value:
$213,000
Gross Rent:
$950
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$110
Auto Insurance:
$1,020
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,320
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$470
State Taxes:
Low:
0.33%
|
High:
8.53%
Cost Of Living Index:
86.2
Grocery:
94.7
Housing:
69.5
Utilities:
96.1
Transportation:
97.2
Health Care:
99.3
Miscellaneous:
93.8
Crime
Is Hiawatha, IA a safe place to live?
Hiawatha experiences lower crime rates than many cities, with just 172 violent crimes and 1,420 property crimes per 100,000 residents annually. The chance of being a victim of violent crime is 1 in 581, contributing to a safe and secure community atmosphere. Residents can feel comfortable knowing public safety is a local priority.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
172
Property Crimes Per 100k:
1,420
Crime Index:
1,592
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 581
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 70
Weather
What is the weather like in Hiawatha, IA year-round?
Residents enjoy all four seasons in Hiawatha, from cold winters averaging lows of 13°F to warm summers reaching up to 85°F. With about 56% of days being sunny and annual rainfall totaling 35.5 inches, the climate supports a range of outdoor activities year-round. Seasonal changes offer variety and appeal to those who appreciate both winter and summer weather.

Winter
Min:
13°F
Max:
32°F

Spring
Min:
39°F
Max:
65°F

Summer
Min:
62°F
Max:
85°F

Fall
Min:
40°F
Max:
65°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
35.5 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
56%
Neighbors
Households in Hiawatha have a median income of $72,268 and a low poverty rate of 7.8%, reflecting a stable local economy. The average commute is a quick 16.5 minutes, and nearly 96% of adults have completed high school, with a third holding at least a bachelor's degree. The neighborhood is family-friendly and well-educated, with most residents enjoying a comfortable suburban lifestyle.
Median Income:
$38,900
Household Income:
$72,268
Family Income:
$90,100
Per Capita Income:
$39,800
Income Male:
$51,300
Income Female:
$41,900
Poverty Rate:
7.8%
Non English Speakers:
5.4%
Rent:
$950
Unemployment Rate:
3.3%
Public Transport Usage:
0.7%
Commute Time:
16.5 minutes

Education
High School or Higher:
95.8%
Bachelors or More:
33.2%
Education
How are the schools in Hiawatha, IA?
Hiawatha offers quality educational options, including public schools like Hiawatha Elementary and Harding Middle School, as well as nearby private and higher education institutions. The area is served by reputable schools with low student-to-teacher ratios, and higher education is easily accessible at nearby Kirkwood Community College and Coe College. Families and students benefit from a strong commitment to learning and academic achievement.

Public Schools
Name:
Hiawatha Elementary School
Street:
603 Emmons St
Phone:
319-558-2174
Students:
420
Student Teacher Ratio:
15.5
Name:
Harding Middle School
Street:
4801 Golf St NE
Phone:
319-558-2258
Students:
600
Student Teacher Ratio:
14.7

Private Schools
Name:
Trinity Lutheran School
Street:
1361 7th Ave SW, Cedar Rapids
Phone:
319-362-6952
Students:
270

Colleges
Name:
Kirkwood Community College
City:
Cedar Rapids
State:
IA
Distance:
7 miles
Students:
12,000
Name:
Coe College
City:
Cedar Rapids
State:
IA
Distance:
6 miles
Students:
1,400
Healthcare
Hiawatha residents have convenient access to major healthcare providers like St. Luke's Hospital and Mercy Medical Center in nearby Cedar Rapids. The city boasts a high health insurance coverage rate of 92.7% and 2.2 physicians per 1,000 people, ensuring comprehensive medical services and prompt care. Overall, healthcare quality is strong and accessible.

Major Hospitals
Name:
St. Luke's Hospital
Address:
1026 A Ave NE, Cedar Rapids, IA 52402
Phone:
(319) 369-7211
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Name:
Mercy Medical Center
Address:
701 10th St SE, Cedar Rapids, IA 52403
Phone:
(319) 398-6011
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
2.2
Health Insurance Coverage:
92.7%
Health Care Index:
77.1
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Hiawatha, IA?
The local housing market in Hiawatha is affordable, with median home prices at $213,000 and average rents for a two-bedroom around $950. Owner-occupancy is high at nearly 65%, and the market remains stable with a low foreclosure rate and steady home appreciation. Both buyers and renters can find appealing options in this vibrant community.
Median Home Price:
$213,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$950
Owner Occupied Rate:
64.8%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
6.5%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
2.7%
New Construction Rate:
1.1%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.3%
DMV Information
Vehicle and licensing services in Hiawatha are managed by the Iowa Department of Transportation’s Motor Vehicle Division. Residents can visit nearby DMV offices or access services online for convenience. The process is streamlined for newcomers and locals alike.
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.