Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Plain View, IA
Thinking of moving to Plain View, IA? With a friendly population of about 1,400, Plain View offers affordable living—median home prices are around $168,000 and average rents just $710. Residents enjoy low crime rates, short 21-minute commutes, and a welcoming small-town atmosphere with strong public schools. Expect four distinct seasons, 59% sunny days per year, and easy access to local healthcare. Explore more below to see if Plain View is your next home!
Demographics - Plain View, IA
Demographics - Plain View, IA
Plain View is home to about 1,420 residents, with a median age of 42 and a balanced gender ratio. The community is predominantly White, with small percentages of Black, Asian, and other backgrounds, and less than 4% speak a language other than English at home. Its moderate population density creates a close-knit small-town feel.
Population:
1,420
Density:
1,050 per sq mi
Median Age:
42.1
Gender Ratio:
98 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
3.8%

Ethnic Composition
White:
92.0%
Black:
2.0%
Asian:
1.0%
Others:
5.0%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Plain View, IA?
Living in Plain View is affordable, with a median home price of $168,000 and average rent at $710. The overall cost of living index is below the national average, making it attractive for those seeking budget-friendly housing and day-to-day expenses. Utilities and groceries remain reasonably priced, helping residents keep monthly costs manageable.
Median House Value:
$168,000
Gross Rent:
$710
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$120
Auto Insurance:
$940
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,120
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$440
State Taxes:
Low:
0.33%
|
High:
8.53%
Cost Of Living Index:
88.4
Grocery:
94.1
Housing:
69.5
Utilities:
96.7
Transportation:
84.2
Health Care:
92.4
Miscellaneous:
91.2
Crime
Is Plain View, IA a safe place to live?
Plain View enjoys a low crime rate, with just 148 violent crimes and 1,210 property crimes per 100,000 people. Residents have a low chance of encountering serious crime, supporting a safe and peaceful environment. This sense of security contributes to the town’s appeal for families and retirees alike.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
148
Property Crimes Per 100k:
1,210
Crime Index:
1,358
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 675
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 83
Weather
What is the weather like in Plain View, IA year-round?
Plain View experiences all four seasons, including cold winters with temperatures dipping to 10°F and warm summers reaching up to 84°F. The area receives about 34 inches of rainfall annually and enjoys sunshine 59% of the year. Seasonal changes offer a variety of outdoor activities for residents.

Winter
Min:
10°F
Max:
31°F

Spring
Min:
35°F
Max:
62°F

Summer
Min:
61°F
Max:
84°F

Fall
Min:
36°F
Max:
68°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
34.1 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
59%
Neighbors
Households in Plain View typically earn around $58,600, with a poverty rate of just under 8%. Most residents have at least a high school diploma, and the average commute is a convenient 21 minutes. The community has a low unemployment rate and a strong sense of local connection.
Median Income:
$41,200
Household Income:
$58,600
Family Income:
$72,400
Per Capita Income:
$28,100
Income Male:
$39,500
Income Female:
$32,900
Poverty Rate:
7.9%
Non English Speakers:
3.8%
Rent:
$710
Unemployment Rate:
3.2%
Public Transport Usage:
0.8%
Commute Time:
21.4 minutes

Education
High School or Higher:
91.1%
Bachelors or More:
23.6%
Education
How are the schools in Plain View, IA?
Families in Plain View have access to well-regarded public and private schools, including a local elementary and high school with favorable student-teacher ratios. Higher education is within reach, with Iowa Central Community College located just 32 miles away. The town’s commitment to education helps foster a supportive learning environment.

Public Schools
Name:
Plain View Elementary School
Street:
200 Elm St
Phone:
555-345-6789
Students:
380
Student Teacher Ratio:
13.6
Name:
Plain View High School
Street:
350 Oak Ave
Phone:
555-456-7890
Students:
420
Student Teacher Ratio:
14.3

Private Schools
Name:
St. Mary's Academy
Street:
101 Church St
Phone:
555-567-8901
Students:
120

Colleges
Name:
Iowa Central Community College
City:
Fort Dodge
State:
IA
Distance:
32 miles
Students:
5,900
Healthcare
Plain View offers reliable healthcare access with a community hospital in town and a major regional medical center nearby. There are 2.1 physicians per 1,000 residents, and nearly 93% of locals have health insurance coverage. Emergency services and general care are readily available to meet residents’ needs.

Major Hospitals
Name:
Plain View Community Hospital
Address:
102 Main St, Plain View, IA 50000
Phone:
(555) 123-4567
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Name:
MercyOne Regional Medical Center
Address:
830 Central Ave, Nearby City, IA 50010
Phone:
(555) 234-5678
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
2.1
Health Insurance Coverage:
92.8%
Health Care Index:
78.3
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Plain View, IA?
The housing market in Plain View is stable and affordable, featuring a median home price of $168,000 and a high owner-occupancy rate of nearly 77%. Home values have seen modest appreciation, and rental options remain accessible with average two-bedroom rents at $710. The area has low foreclosure and vacancy rates, reflecting a healthy market.
Median Home Price:
$168,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$710
Owner Occupied Rate:
76.7%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
6.1%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
5.1%
New Construction Rate:
1.2%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.3%
DMV Information
Plain View residents are served by the Iowa Department of Transportation, with DMV services conveniently located in nearby Ankeny. The department offers comprehensive driver and vehicle services and provides easy access to support via phone or their official website. Local motorists benefit from efficient state-level administration.
State:
Iowa
Department:
Iowa Department of Transportation
Address:
6310 SE Convenience Blvd, Ankeny, IA 50021
Phone:
1-800-532-1121
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.