Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Last Chance, IA
Thinking about a peaceful small-town move? Last Chance, IA, with just 65 residents, offers affordable living with median home prices around $105,000 and average rents at $700. Enjoy low crime rates (65 violent crimes per 100K) and a short commute of about 24 minutes. While education options are nearby in Centerville, the friendly rural vibe, safe neighborhoods, and plenty of sunny days make Last Chance a welcoming spot for those seeking quiet living and value.
Demographics - Last Chance, IA
Demographics - Last Chance, IA
Last Chance, Iowa, is a very small rural community with just 65 residents and a population density of 10 people per square mile. The median age is 47.2, reflecting a mature population, and the town is predominantly White, with over 92% of residents identifying as such. A small percentage of non-English speakers and a balanced gender ratio contribute to its close-knit, welcoming feel.
Population:
65
Density:
10 per sq mi
Median Age:
47.2
Gender Ratio:
105 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
2.0%
Ethnic Composition
White:
92.5%
Black:
1.3%
Asian:
0.8%
Others:
5.4%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Last Chance, IA?
Living in Last Chance is quite affordable, with a median home value of $105,000 and average rent at $700 per month. The cost of living index is 85.1, making it less expensive than many U.S. cities. Residents benefit from reasonable utility and insurance costs alongside low state taxes.
Median House Value:
$105,000
Gross Rent:
$700
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$125
Auto Insurance:
$950
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$890
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$375
State Taxes:
Low:
0.33%
|
High:
8.53%
Cost Of Living Index:
85.1
Grocery:
96.0
Housing:
70.8
Utilities:
93.5
Transportation:
90.3
Health Care:
93.0
Miscellaneous:
89.7
Crime
Is Last Chance, IA a safe place to live?
Last Chance enjoys a notably low crime rate, with only 65 violent crimes per 100,000 people and a 1 in 1,530 chance of violent crime. Property crime is also low, contributing to the town’s reputation as a safe and peaceful place to live. This security is ideal for those seeking a quiet, worry-free lifestyle.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
65
Property Crimes Per 100k:
820
Crime Index:
885
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 1,530
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 122
Weather
What is the weather like in Last Chance, IA year-round?
Residents experience four distinct seasons with cold winters averaging 10–34°F and warm summers reaching up to 85°F. The area receives moderate rainfall (about 33.6 inches annually) and enjoys 62% sunny days, making outdoor activities pleasant for much of the year. This blend of weather offers both seasonal variety and plenty of sunshine.
Winter
Min:
10°F
Max:
34°F
Spring
Min:
37°F
Max:
65°F
Summer
Min:
61°F
Max:
85°F
Fall
Min:
38°F
Max:
65°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
33.6 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
62%
Neighbors
Typical households in Last Chance earn around $52,000, with a poverty rate of 8.4% and an unemployment rate of just 3.5%. Most neighbors have completed high school, and nearly one in five hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. The area is largely car-dependent, with no public transport and an average commute of about 24 minutes.
Median Income:
$35,000
Household Income:
$52,000
Family Income:
$62,000
Per Capita Income:
$27,500
Income Male:
$36,000
Income Female:
$27,000
Poverty Rate:
8.4%
Non English Speakers:
2.0%
Rent:
$700
Unemployment Rate:
3.5%
Public Transport Usage:
0.0%
Commute Time:
23.9 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
91.4%
Bachelors or More:
19.1%
Education
How are the schools in Last Chance, IA?
Educational opportunities for Last Chance families are found nearby in Centerville, where public and private schools offer low student-to-teacher ratios and supportive learning environments. Centerville High School serves about 370 students, while St. Mary’s Catholic School provides private education options. Higher education is within reach at Indian Hills Community College, located just 15 miles away.
Public Schools
Name:
Centerville High School
Street:
600 CHS Dr
Phone:
641-856-0813
Students:
370
Student Teacher Ratio:
13.1
Private Schools
Name:
St. Mary’s Catholic School
Street:
414 N Main St
Phone:
641-856-3410
Students:
80
Colleges
Name:
Indian Hills Community College - Centerville Campus
City:
Centerville
State:
IA
Distance:
15 miles
Students:
850
Healthcare
Healthcare needs are served by MercyOne Centerville Medical Center, a full-service hospital with emergency care just a short drive away. The community enjoys a solid physician-to-population ratio of 1.5 per 1,000 residents, and nearly 94% of residents have health insurance coverage. This ensures timely access to essential medical services.
Major Hospitals
Name:
MercyOne Centerville Medical Center
Address:
1 St Joseph Dr, Centerville, IA 52544
Phone:
(641) 437-4111
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
1.5
Health Insurance Coverage:
93.8%
Health Care Index:
77.0
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Last Chance, IA?
The housing market in Last Chance is stable and accessible, with a median home price of $105,000 and 80% of homes owner-occupied. Rental options are available with an average two-bedroom rent at $700, and vacancy rates remain moderate. Home values have seen modest appreciation, reflecting steady demand in this peaceful community.
Median Home Price:
$105,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$700
Owner Occupied Rate:
80.2%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
6.5%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
3.2%
New Construction Rate:
0.5%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.2%
DMV Information
Last Chance residents are served by the Iowa Department of Transportation, with the nearest full-service DMV office in Ankeny. Services such as licensing and vehicle registration are accessible both in person and online at the state’s official website. The DMV provides helpful resources for new and existing residents alike.
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.