Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Martensdale, IA
Considering a move to Martensdale, IA? This friendly small town of 463 residents offers affordable living, with median home values around $158,000 and average rents of $910. Crime rates are low, average commutes are a short 24 minutes, and the local schools are well-rated. You'll enjoy 62% sunny days per year, a strong sense of community, and easy access to Des Moines for work or healthcare. Martensdale is a great fit for those seeking a quiet pace with big-city amenities nearby.
Demographics - Martensdale, IA
Demographics - Martensdale, IA
Martensdale is a close-knit community of 463 residents, with a balanced gender ratio and a median age of 37.4, reflecting its family-friendly character. The population is predominantly White, with limited diversity and a small percentage of non-English speakers. The city's high population density for its size fosters a strong sense of neighborhood connection.
Population:
463
Density:
1,110 per sq mi
Median Age:
37.4
Gender Ratio:
98 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
3.5%

Ethnic Composition
White:
94.8%
Black:
0.2%
Asian:
0.4%
Others:
4.6%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Martensdale, IA?
Martensdale offers an affordable cost of living, with a median home value of $158,000 and average rents at $910, making it attractive for both buyers and renters. Utility and insurance costs are moderate, while the overall cost of living index is below the national average at 87.4. Residents benefit from lower housing costs and reasonable state tax rates, making everyday expenses manageable.
Median House Value:
$158,000
Gross Rent:
$910
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$120
Auto Insurance:
$1,120
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,180
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$420
State Taxes:
Low:
0.33%
|
High:
8.53%
Cost Of Living Index:
87.4
Grocery:
95.2
Housing:
71.5
Utilities:
92.8
Transportation:
94.0
Health Care:
96.3
Miscellaneous:
89.5
Crime
Is Martensdale, IA a safe place to live?
Martensdale is a relatively safe place to live, with a low violent crime rate of 160 per 100,000 residents and a property crime rate of 1,480 per 100,000. The chances of experiencing violent crime are just 1 in 625, contributing to peace of mind for families and individuals alike. The town's small size helps foster a secure and welcoming environment.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
160
Property Crimes Per 100k:
1,480
Crime Index:
1,640
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 625
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 68
Weather
What is the weather like in Martensdale, IA year-round?
Martensdale experiences all four seasons, with cold winters averaging lows around 13°F and warm summers reaching highs near 86°F. Residents enjoy 62% sunny days annually and moderate rainfall of 36.5 inches, making for pleasant outdoor living much of the year. The seasonal changes provide a classic Midwestern climate ideal for a variety of activities.

Winter
Min:
13°F
Max:
33°F

Spring
Min:
39°F
Max:
64°F

Summer
Min:
63°F
Max:
86°F

Fall
Min:
42°F
Max:
66°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
36.5 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
62%
Neighbors
The community boasts a median household income of $67,400 and a low poverty rate of 7.1%, supporting a stable and comfortable lifestyle. With 93.8% of adults holding a high school diploma or higher, the area values education and workforce participation. Commute times are short, averaging about 24 minutes, and nearly everyone relies on personal vehicles for travel.
Median Income:
$40,100
Household Income:
$67,400
Family Income:
$76,000
Per Capita Income:
$29,500
Income Male:
$41,200
Income Female:
$36,000
Poverty Rate:
7.1%
Non English Speakers:
3.5%
Rent:
$910
Unemployment Rate:
2.9%
Public Transport Usage:
0.2%
Commute Time:
23.8 minutes

Education
High School or Higher:
93.8%
Bachelors or More:
18.5%
Education
How are the schools in Martensdale, IA?
Martensdale offers quality public education through its local elementary and junior/senior high schools, both of which maintain favorable student-teacher ratios for personalized learning. For higher education, residents are within a short drive of Simpson College and Des Moines Area Community College. The community’s commitment to education supports both families and lifelong learners.

Public Schools
Name:
Martensdale-St Marys Elementary School
Street:
390 Burlington Ave
Phone:
641-764-2621
Students:
240
Student Teacher Ratio:
13.5
Name:
Martensdale-St Marys Jr/Sr High School
Street:
390 Burlington Ave
Phone:
641-764-2486
Students:
320
Student Teacher Ratio:
14.2

Colleges
Name:
Simpson College
City:
Indianola
State:
IA
Distance:
11 miles
Students:
1,200
Name:
Des Moines Area Community College
City:
Des Moines
State:
IA
Distance:
18 miles
Students:
23,000
Healthcare
Residents have convenient access to major hospitals in nearby Des Moines, such as MercyOne and UnityPoint Health, offering a full range of emergency and general medical services. With 2.1 physicians per 1,000 people and 92.5% health insurance coverage, healthcare is both accessible and reliable. The health care index of 78.2 reflects quality service for a small town.

Major Hospitals
Name:
MercyOne Des Moines Medical Center
Address:
1111 6th Ave, Des Moines, IA 50314
Phone:
(515) 247-3121
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Name:
UnityPoint Health - Iowa Methodist Medical Center
Address:
1200 Pleasant St, Des Moines, IA 50309
Phone:
(515) 241-6212
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
2.1
Health Insurance Coverage:
92.5%
Health Care Index:
78.2
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Martensdale, IA?
Martensdale's housing market is affordable and stable, with a median home price of $158,000 and average two-bedroom rents at $910. A high owner-occupancy rate of 77% and low foreclosure and vacancy rates indicate a strong, invested community. Modest home appreciation supports long-term value for homeowners.
Median Home Price:
$158,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$910
Owner Occupied Rate:
77.0%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
6.1%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
3.1%
New Construction Rate:
0.7%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.4%
DMV Information
Martensdale residents are served by the Iowa Department of Transportation in Ankeny, which provides comprehensive motor vehicle services. The DMV is easily accessible for licensing, registration, and other driving needs. More information and online services are available on the official Iowa DOT website.
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.