Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Santiago, IA
Considering a move to Santiago, IA? With a close-knit population of around 200, Santiago offers affordable living with median home prices near $165,000 and average rents around $750. The area enjoys low crime rates (just 85 violent crimes per 100K), a quick 28-minute average commute, and access to reputable schools in the Southeast Polk district. Residents benefit from Iowa’s low cost of living, plenty of sunny days (61% yearly), and proximity to major hospitals and education options in Des Moines.
Demographics - Santiago, IA
Demographics - Santiago, IA
Santiago, IA is a small and close-knit community of about 200 residents, with a median age of 42.7 and a population that is predominantly White. The gender balance is nearly even, and around 4% of locals speak a language other than English at home, reflecting modest diversity.
Population:
200
Density:
80 per sq mi
Median Age:
42.7
Gender Ratio:
103 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
4.2%
Ethnic Composition
White:
95.0%
Black:
1.0%
Asian:
0.5%
Others:
3.5%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Santiago, IA?
Living in Santiago is budget-friendly, with a median home value of $165,000 and a cost of living index well below the national average at 86.0. Residents benefit from affordable housing, utilities, and groceries, making it an attractive option for those seeking value.
Median House Value:
$165,000
Gross Rent:
$750
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$110
Auto Insurance:
$980
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,020
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$410
State Taxes:
Low:
0.33%
|
High:
8.53%
Cost Of Living Index:
86.0
Grocery:
95.3
Housing:
63.2
Utilities:
98.7
Transportation:
92.1
Health Care:
94.4
Miscellaneous:
88.5
Crime
Is Santiago, IA a safe place to live?
Safety is one of Santiago's strengths, with very low violent crime (just 85 incidents per 100,000 people) and a low chance of property crime compared to larger cities. This offers peace of mind for families and individuals alike.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
85
Property Crimes Per 100k:
720
Crime Index:
805
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 1,175
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 278
Weather
What is the weather like in Santiago, IA year-round?
Santiago experiences four distinct seasons, with warm summers reaching up to 86°F and cold winters dipping to 12°F. The city enjoys 61% sunny days each year and an average annual rainfall of about 36 inches, providing a balanced climate for outdoor activities.
Winter
Min:
12°F
Max:
31°F
Spring
Min:
38°F
Max:
64°F
Summer
Min:
62°F
Max:
86°F
Fall
Min:
40°F
Max:
65°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
35.8 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
61%
Neighbors
The median household income in Santiago is $72,300, and most residents enjoy short, car-based commutes averaging 28 minutes. The community has a low unemployment rate of 3.1% and a poverty rate of 7.8%, with over 92% of adults holding at least a high school diploma.
Median Income:
$38,000
Household Income:
$72,300
Family Income:
$86,000
Per Capita Income:
$28,500
Income Male:
$42,000
Income Female:
$31,500
Poverty Rate:
7.8%
Non English Speakers:
4.2%
Rent:
$750
Unemployment Rate:
3.1%
Public Transport Usage:
0.0%
Commute Time:
27.6 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
92.1%
Bachelors or More:
22.4%
Education
How are the schools in Santiago, IA?
Families benefit from reputable public schools in the Southeast Polk district, where class sizes are manageable and resources are strong. Private school and higher education options, including Grand View University and Des Moines Area Community College, are easily accessible in neighboring cities.
Public Schools
Name:
Southeast Polk High School
Street:
7945 NE University Ave
Phone:
515-967-6631
Students:
2,200
Student Teacher Ratio:
16.5
Name:
Four Mile Elementary School
Street:
670 SE 68th St
Phone:
515-967-4274
Students:
400
Student Teacher Ratio:
14.8
Private Schools
Name:
Grandview Park Baptist School
Street:
1120 E 33rd St, Des Moines
Phone:
515-265-0199
Students:
180
Colleges
Name:
Grand View University
City:
Des Moines
State:
IA
Distance:
17 miles
Students:
1,900
Name:
Des Moines Area Community College
City:
Ankeny
State:
IA
Distance:
22 miles
Students:
23,000
Healthcare
Residents have convenient access to major hospitals like UnityPoint Health and MercyOne in nearby Des Moines, both offering full emergency services. With 91.6% of locals insured and 1.7 physicians per 1,000 people, quality healthcare is readily available.
Major Hospitals
Name:
UnityPoint Health – Iowa Lutheran Hospital
Address:
700 E University Ave, Des Moines, IA 50316
Phone:
(515) 263-5612
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Name:
MercyOne Des Moines Medical Center
Address:
1111 6th Ave, Des Moines, IA 50314
Phone:
(515) 247-3121
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
1.7
Health Insurance Coverage:
91.6%
Health Care Index:
78.9
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Santiago, IA?
The Santiago housing market is stable and affordable, with a median home price of $165,000 and average rents for a two-bedroom at $780. Homeownership is high at 78.5%, and properties show steady appreciation, making it appealing for buyers and renters alike.
Median Home Price:
$165,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$780
Owner Occupied Rate:
78.5%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
7.0%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
4.2%
New Construction Rate:
0.8%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.3%
DMV Information
Santiago residents are served by the Iowa Department of Transportation's Motor Vehicle Division in Ankeny, offering a full range of DMV services locally and online. This ensures convenient access for licensing, registration, and more.
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.