Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Story City, IA
Considering a move to Story City, IA? With a welcoming population of 3,400 and affordable median home prices around $198,000, Story City combines small-town charm with low living costs and short 20-minute average commutes. Residents enjoy low violent crime rates, highly rated local schools, and easy access to Iowa State University just 14 miles away. With 61% sunny days per year and a strong sense of community, Story City is an excellent choice for families and anyone seeking a relaxed Iowa lifestyle.
Demographics - Story City, IA
Demographics - Story City, IA
Story City is home to about 3,400 residents, offering a close-knit community with a median age of 41.2 years and a balanced gender ratio. The city is predominantly White, with over 94% of the population, and a modest percentage of non-English speakers, creating a friendly and accessible environment for newcomers.
Population:
3,400
Density:
1,100 per sq mi
Median Age:
41.2
Gender Ratio:
96 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
5.6%

Ethnic Composition
White:
94.3%
Black:
0.8%
Asian:
0.6%
Others:
4.3%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Story City, IA?
Living in Story City is budget-friendly, with a cost of living index of 85.1, notably below the U.S. average. Housing is especially affordable, with median home values near $198,000 and average rents around $850, making it an attractive option for both homeowners and renters.
Median House Value:
$198,000
Gross Rent:
$850
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$110
Auto Insurance:
$1,010
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,210
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$490
State Taxes:
Low:
4.4%
|
High:
8.53%
Cost Of Living Index:
85.1
Grocery:
96.5
Housing:
68.0
Utilities:
98.3
Transportation:
86.2
Health Care:
93.4
Miscellaneous:
90.7
Crime
Is Story City, IA a safe place to live?
Story City enjoys a low violent crime rate, with only 92 incidents per 100,000 people, offering residents peace of mind. Property crime is also below national averages, and the overall risk of crime remains low for families and individuals.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
92
Property Crimes Per 100k:
1,004
Crime Index:
1,096
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 1,087
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 100
Weather
What is the weather like in Story City, IA year-round?
Residents experience four distinct seasons, with warm summers reaching up to 85°F and chilly winters dipping to 10°F. The city receives about 34.7 inches of rainfall annually and enjoys sunny days 61% of the year, making it pleasant for outdoor activities.

Winter
Min:
10°F
Max:
30°F

Spring
Min:
38°F
Max:
65°F

Summer
Min:
62°F
Max:
85°F

Fall
Min:
40°F
Max:
67°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
34.7 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
61%
Neighbors
The community benefits from a median household income of $64,100 and a low unemployment rate of 2.7%. With a high percentage of residents holding at least a high school diploma and an average commute time under 20 minutes, Story City offers a stable and educated workforce.
Median Income:
$36,800
Household Income:
$64,100
Family Income:
$81,600
Per Capita Income:
$31,500
Income Male:
$42,000
Income Female:
$34,500
Poverty Rate:
8.3%
Non English Speakers:
5.6%
Rent:
$850
Unemployment Rate:
2.7%
Public Transport Usage:
0.2%
Commute Time:
19.8 minutes

Education
High School or Higher:
93.8%
Bachelors or More:
32.1%
Education
How are the schools in Story City, IA?
Families benefit from quality public schools with favorable student-teacher ratios and access to higher education at Iowa State University just 14 miles away. The city's educational environment supports lifelong learning and strong academic foundations for students of all ages.

Public Schools
Name:
Roland-Story High School
Street:
1009 Story St
Phone:
515-733-4329
Students:
320
Student Teacher Ratio:
13.4
Name:
Roland-Story Middle School
Street:
206 S Main St, Roland
Phone:
515-388-4348
Students:
260
Student Teacher Ratio:
14.1
Name:
Roland-Story Elementary School
Street:
900 Hillcrest Dr
Phone:
515-733-4386
Students:
370
Student Teacher Ratio:
13.3

Colleges
Name:
Iowa State University
City:
Ames
State:
IA
Distance:
14 miles
Students:
29,969
Healthcare
Healthcare access is strong, with nearly 95% of residents insured and local facilities like Story County Medical Center nearby. The city offers a solid physician-to-population ratio and a favorable healthcare index, supporting a healthy lifestyle for families and retirees.

Major Hospitals
Name:
Story County Medical Center
Address:
640 S 19th St, Nevada, IA 50201
Phone:
(515) 382-2111
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
1.9
Health Insurance Coverage:
94.7%
Health Care Index:
78.2
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Story City, IA?
Story City's housing market is stable, boasting a median home price of $198,000 and a high owner-occupancy rate of over 73%. Home values have appreciated modestly in the past year, and rental options remain affordable, making it a great place to settle down.
Median Home Price:
$198,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$850
Owner Occupied Rate:
73.4%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
6.8%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
4.3%
New Construction Rate:
1.2%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.3%
DMV Information
Residents handle vehicle services through the Iowa Department of Transportation in Ankeny, conveniently accessible and offering full DMV services. Information and online resources are available through the Iowa DOT website for easy access to licensing and registration needs.
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.