Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Onawa, IA
Considering a move to Onawa, IA? With a friendly community of 2,790 residents and a cost of living well below the national average, Onawa offers affordable housing (median home price of $109,000 and rents around $725), short 15-minute commutes, and a relaxed, small-town atmosphere. Crime rates are low, and you'll find local schools with small class sizes. Enjoy plenty of sunny days, a peaceful lifestyle, and the convenience of local healthcare right in town—perfect for those seeking value and comfort in the heart of Iowa.
Demographics - Onawa, IA
Onawa is a small Iowa city with a population of 2,790 and a median age of 46.2, offering a close-knit, predominantly White community with a balanced gender ratio and a low percentage of non-English speakers. Its moderate population density provides residents with a blend of small-town charm and personal space.
Population:
2,790
Density:
1,060 per sq mi
Median Age:
46.2
Gender Ratio:
93 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
3.5%

Ethnic Composition
White:
93.5%
Black:
0.5%
Asian:
0.5%
Others:
5.5%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Onawa, IA?
Onawa boasts a cost of living index of 79.2, significantly lower than the national average, making it an affordable place to settle down. The median home value sits at $109,000 and typical rents are around $725, making both homeownership and renting accessible options for new residents.
Median House Value:
$109,000
Gross Rent:
$725
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$125
Auto Insurance:
$900
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,050
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$420
State Taxes:
Low:
4.4%
|
High:
8.53%
Cost Of Living Index:
79.2
Grocery:
93.1
Housing:
54.8
Utilities:
97.4
Transportation:
83.2
Health Care:
95.7
Miscellaneous:
89.6
Crime
Is Onawa, IA a safe place to live?
Onawa experiences low crime rates, with a violent crime rate of 165 per 100,000 residents and a property crime rate of 1,550 per 100,000. Residents enjoy a strong sense of safety, with a chance of violent crime at just 1 in 606.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
165
Property Crimes Per 100k:
1,550
Crime Index:
1,715
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 606
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 64
Weather
What is the weather like in Onawa, IA year-round?
The city offers four distinct seasons, with warm summers reaching up to 87°F and crisp winters with lows around 10°F. Onawa enjoys about 63% sunny days each year and receives an average annual rainfall of 28.5 inches, contributing to its pleasant Midwestern climate.

Winter
Min:
10°F
Max:
32°F

Spring
Min:
35°F
Max:
65°F

Summer
Min:
60°F
Max:
87°F

Fall
Min:
40°F
Max:
68°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
28.5 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
63%
Neighbors
Residents of Onawa benefit from a friendly, tight-knit neighborhood with a median household income of $51,300 and a low unemployment rate of 3.1%. Commute times are short at just over 15 minutes, and most neighbors have completed high school, helping foster a supportive and stable local community.
Median Income:
$34,800
Household Income:
$51,300
Family Income:
$62,200
Per Capita Income:
$26,500
Income Male:
$38,000
Income Female:
$29,000
Poverty Rate:
13.5%
Non English Speakers:
3.5%
Rent:
$725
Unemployment Rate:
3.1%
Public Transport Usage:
0.5%
Commute Time:
15.2 minutes

Education
High School or Higher:
89.4%
Bachelors or More:
16.2%
Education
How are the schools in Onawa, IA?
Onawa’s public schools, including West Monona Elementary and High School, offer small class sizes and a personalized learning environment, while higher education is accessible through Western Iowa Tech Community College just 35 miles away. Most adults in the area have completed high school, supporting a community invested in education.

Public Schools
Name:
West Monona Elementary School
Street:
611 10th St
Phone:
712-433-1370
Students:
350
Student Teacher Ratio:
13.6
Name:
West Monona High School
Street:
1314 15th St
Phone:
712-433-2242
Students:
250
Student Teacher Ratio:
12.3

Colleges
Name:
Western Iowa Tech Community College
City:
Sioux City
State:
IA
Distance:
35 miles
Students:
6,000
Healthcare
Onawa is served by Burgess Health Center, which provides general and emergency services right in town. With 91.1% of residents covered by health insurance and 1.5 physicians per 1,000 people, locals have reliable access to healthcare close to home.

Major Hospitals
Name:
Burgess Health Center
Address:
1600 Diamond St, Onawa, IA 51040
Phone:
(712) 423-2311
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
1.5
Health Insurance Coverage:
91.1%
Health Care Index:
72.2
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Onawa, IA?
The housing market in Onawa is notably affordable, with a median home price of $109,000 and a 67.5% owner-occupancy rate indicating a stable, homeowner-friendly environment. Rental options are also available, with average two-bedroom rents at $725 and a low foreclosure rate of 0.4%.
Median Home Price:
$109,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$725
Owner Occupied Rate:
67.5%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
8.6%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
3.1%
New Construction Rate:
0.5%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.4%
DMV Information
Local residents can access DMV services through the Iowa Department of Transportation, conveniently located in Spencer. The department provides essential vehicle and licensing services, with information and resources available on their website.
State:
Iowa
Department:
Iowa Department of Transportation
Address:
1300 S Grand Ave, Spencer, IA 51301
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.