Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Mount Ayr, IA
Considering Mount Ayr, IA for your next move? This friendly small town of 1,623 residents features affordable living, with median home prices around $98,500 and average rents near $685. Enjoy a low violent crime rate, relaxed 13-minute commutes, and a close-knit community atmosphere. Local schools are highly rated for a rural area, and with 62% sunny days yearly, Mount Ayr offers a peaceful lifestyle perfect for families or retirees seeking value and safety.
Demographics - Mount Ayr, IA
Demographics - Mount Ayr, IA
Mount Ayr is a small, close-knit town with a population of 1,623 and a median age of 46.1, reflecting a mature community. The city is predominantly White (97.2%) and has a balanced gender ratio. Its moderate population density and low percentage of non-English speakers contribute to a friendly, familiar atmosphere.
Population:
1,623
Density:
730 per sq mi
Median Age:
46.1
Gender Ratio:
92 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
3.1%

Ethnic Composition
White:
97.2%
Black:
0.4%
Asian:
0.2%
Others:
2.2%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Mount Ayr, IA?
Mount Ayr offers a highly affordable cost of living, with a median home value of $98,500 and average rent at $685 per month. Utilities and day-to-day expenses are below the national average, making the town attractive for budget-conscious individuals. State income tax rates are moderate, helping residents stretch their income further.
Median House Value:
$98,500
Gross Rent:
$685
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$120
Auto Insurance:
$920
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,070
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$410
State Taxes:
Low:
4.4%
|
High:
8.53%
Cost Of Living Index:
78.1
Grocery:
94.3
Housing:
58.6
Utilities:
96.8
Transportation:
94.2
Health Care:
93.0
Miscellaneous:
91.4
Crime
Is Mount Ayr, IA a safe place to live?
Mount Ayr boasts a very low violent crime rate of just 70 incidents per 100,000 people, offering residents a strong sense of safety. Property crime occurs at a rate of 870 per 100,000, which is also lower than many areas. The overall crime index indicates a secure environment ideal for families and retirees.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
70
Property Crimes Per 100k:
870
Crime Index:
940
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 1,425
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 184
Weather
What is the weather like in Mount Ayr, IA year-round?
Residents of Mount Ayr experience all four seasons, with cold winters averaging 14°F to 34°F and warm summers ranging from 62°F to 86°F. The area gets about 36 inches of annual rainfall and enjoys sunny weather 62% of the year, making it inviting for outdoor activities.

Winter
Min:
14°F
Max:
34°F

Spring
Min:
39°F
Max:
65°F

Summer
Min:
62°F
Max:
86°F

Fall
Min:
41°F
Max:
66°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
36.0 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
62%
Neighbors
The typical household income in Mount Ayr is $47,500, with a low unemployment rate of 3.6% and a short average commute of just over 13 minutes. Most adults have completed high school, and about one in four have a bachelor’s degree or higher. The community maintains a small-town feel with strong neighborly ties and low reliance on public transportation.
Median Income:
$29,000
Household Income:
$47,500
Family Income:
$63,800
Per Capita Income:
$27,200
Income Male:
$35,800
Income Female:
$29,600
Poverty Rate:
15.8%
Non English Speakers:
3.1%
Rent:
$685
Unemployment Rate:
3.6%
Public Transport Usage:
0.2%
Commute Time:
13.1 minutes

Education
High School or Higher:
92.8%
Bachelors or More:
23.6%
Education
How are the schools in Mount Ayr, IA?
Mount Ayr’s public schools are well-regarded for a rural community, featuring small class sizes and dedicated staff at both the elementary and high school levels. Higher education options include Southwestern Community College in nearby Creston, just 22 miles away. The local school system supports a strong educational foundation for families.

Public Schools
Name:
Mount Ayr Elementary School
Street:
607 E Jefferson St
Phone:
641-464-0540
Students:
340
Student Teacher Ratio:
13.5
Name:
Mount Ayr High School
Street:
1001 E Columbus St
Phone:
641-464-0500
Students:
280
Student Teacher Ratio:
12.4

Colleges
Name:
Southwestern Community College
City:
Creston
State:
IA
Distance:
22 miles
Students:
1,700
Healthcare
Healthcare in Mount Ayr is anchored by the Ringgold County Hospital, offering emergency services and convenient local care. With 1.4 physicians per 1,000 residents and over 91% health insurance coverage, access to healthcare is reliable. The local healthcare index reflects good availability and quality of services for a rural community.

Major Hospitals
Name:
Ringgold County Hospital
Address:
504 N Cleveland St, Mount Ayr, IA 50854
Phone:
(641) 464-3226
Type:
Critical Access Hospital
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
1.4
Health Insurance Coverage:
91.2%
Health Care Index:
67.4
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Mount Ayr, IA?
The Mount Ayr housing market is very affordable, with a median home price of $98,500 and a high owner-occupancy rate of 68.1%. Rental options are plentiful, with average rents for a two-bedroom at $685 and a healthy vacancy rate. Home values have seen modest appreciation, making it a stable market for buyers and renters alike.
Median Home Price:
$98,500
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$685
Owner Occupied Rate:
68.1%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
6.9%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
2.6%
New Construction Rate:
0.8%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.3%
DMV Information
Residents handle vehicle services through the Iowa Department of Transportation, located in Ankeny, with comprehensive resources available online. The DMV provides standard licensing and registration services for Mount Ayr locals. Access to state transportation assistance is straightforward and well-organized.
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.