Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Ruthven, IA
Considering Ruthven, IA for your next move? With a friendly population of 725, Ruthven offers affordable living—median home prices are around $85,000 and average rents just $670. Residents enjoy low crime rates, a quick 17-minute average commute, and access to solid public schools. The town features a quiet, close-knit community with four distinct seasons and 60% sunny days, making it a great place if you value small-town charm and affordability.
Demographics - Ruthven, IA
Demographics - Ruthven, IA
Ruthven is home to about 725 residents, with a predominantly White population and a median age of 46, reflecting a mature, close-knit community. The gender balance is nearly even, and only a small percentage of residents speak a language other than English, fostering a cohesive local culture.
Population:
725
Density:
900 per sq mi
Median Age:
46.0
Gender Ratio:
98 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
2.0%
Ethnic Composition
White:
96.5%
Black:
0.5%
Asian:
0.2%
Others:
2.8%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Ruthven, IA?
Ruthven offers an affordable cost of living, with median home values around $85,000 and typical rents at $670 per month. Everyday expenses like utilities and groceries are well below the national average, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious families and retirees.
Median House Value:
$85,000
Gross Rent:
$670
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$120
Auto Insurance:
$980
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$970
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$380
State Taxes:
Low:
0.33%
|
High:
8.53%
Cost Of Living Index:
82.1
Grocery:
94.3
Housing:
63.1
Utilities:
93.5
Transportation:
88.2
Health Care:
94.0
Miscellaneous:
92.5
Crime
Is Ruthven, IA a safe place to live?
Crime rates in Ruthven are relatively low, with residents facing a 1 in 488 chance of violent crime and a 1 in 89 chance of property crime. The city's overall safety contributes to its appeal as a peaceful, small-town environment.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
205
Property Crimes Per 100k:
1,120
Crime Index:
1,325
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 488
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 89
Weather
What is the weather like in Ruthven, IA year-round?
Ruthven experiences all four seasons, with cold winters dipping to 7°F and warm summers reaching up to 84°F. The area sees about 28 inches of rainfall annually and enjoys 60% sunny days, offering a balanced Midwestern climate.
Winter
Min:
7°F
Max:
29°F
Spring
Min:
36°F
Max:
62°F
Summer
Min:
59°F
Max:
84°F
Fall
Min:
38°F
Max:
65°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
28 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
60%
Neighbors
Households in Ruthven typically earn a median income of $52,000, and most residents have at least a high school education. The low unemployment rate and brief average commute of under 17 minutes highlight the town's relaxed pace and strong sense of community.
Median Income:
$34,000
Household Income:
$52,000
Family Income:
$63,000
Per Capita Income:
$25,500
Income Male:
$40,000
Income Female:
$30,000
Poverty Rate:
11.5%
Non English Speakers:
2.0%
Rent:
$670
Unemployment Rate:
3.5%
Public Transport Usage:
0.1%
Commute Time:
16.8 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
91.5%
Bachelors or More:
17.2%
Education
How are the schools in Ruthven, IA?
Ruthven offers quality education through its public school system, including the Ruthven-Ayrshire Community School with small class sizes for personalized learning. Nearby Iowa Lakes Community College provides higher education opportunities just nine miles away.
Public Schools
Name:
Ruthven-Ayrshire Community School
Street:
1505 Washington St
Phone:
712-837-5211
Students:
285
Student Teacher Ratio:
11.5
Colleges
Name:
Iowa Lakes Community College
City:
Emmetsburg
State:
IA
Distance:
9 miles
Students:
2,000
Healthcare
Residents have access to nearby healthcare facilities like the Palo Alto County Health System, and most locals are covered by health insurance. With 1.3 physicians per 1,000 people, Ruthven provides essential medical services within a rural setting.
Major Hospitals
Name:
Palo Alto County Health System
Address:
3201 1st St, Emmetsburg, IA 50536
Phone:
(712) 852-5500
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
1.3
Health Insurance Coverage:
92.1%
Health Care Index:
72.0
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Ruthven, IA?
The Ruthven housing market is highly affordable, with a median home price of $85,000 and over three-quarters of homes being owner-occupied. Low vacancy and foreclosure rates, combined with steady value appreciation, make homeownership accessible and stable.
Median Home Price:
$85,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$670
Owner Occupied Rate:
76.5%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
7.8%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
4.1%
New Construction Rate:
0.4%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.2%
DMV Information
Local DMV services are managed by the Iowa Department of Transportation, conveniently located in nearby Spencer. Residents can access licensing, registration, and other motor vehicle services both in person and online.
State:
Iowa
Department:
Iowa Department of Transportation
Address:
1300 S Grand Ave, Spencer, IA 51301
Phone:
1-515-244-8725
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.