Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Swaledale, IA
Thinking of moving to Swaledale, IA? This friendly small town of 165 residents offers affordable living, with median home prices around $85,000 and average rents of $690. Swaledale boasts a low violent crime rate, a short commute averaging 22.5 minutes, and solid public school options nearby. Enjoy peaceful rural living, a high rate of homeownership, and 60% sunny days each year—perfect for enjoying Iowa's changing seasons.
Demographics - Swaledale, IA
Demographics - Swaledale, IA
Swaledale is a close-knit community of 165 residents with a median age of 44.5, offering a peaceful rural lifestyle. The population is predominantly White, and the town has a balanced gender ratio and a very low percentage of non-English speakers, making it welcoming and easy to settle in.
Population:
165
Density:
200 per sq mi
Median Age:
44.5
Gender Ratio:
105 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
1.0%

Ethnic Composition
White:
96.5%
Black:
0.5%
Asian:
0.5%
Others:
2.5%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Swaledale, IA?
Living in Swaledale is highly affordable, with a median home value of $85,000 and average rents of $690. The overall cost of living index is below the national average, making it an attractive option for those seeking value without sacrificing quality of life.
Median House Value:
$85,000
Gross Rent:
$690
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$110
Auto Insurance:
$950
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$890
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$370
State Taxes:
Low:
0.33%
|
High:
8.53%
Cost Of Living Index:
83.5
Grocery:
92.3
Housing:
62.1
Utilities:
97.8
Transportation:
89.6
Health Care:
91.7
Miscellaneous:
85.0
Crime
Is Swaledale, IA a safe place to live?
Swaledale enjoys a very low violent crime rate of 85 incidents per 100,000 people, providing a strong sense of safety for residents. Property crime rates are also low compared to larger cities, making this town a secure choice for families and individuals alike.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
85
Property Crimes Per 100k:
940
Crime Index:
1,025
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 1,176
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 106
Weather
What is the weather like in Swaledale, IA year-round?
Residents experience all four seasons in Swaledale, with warm summers averaging highs of 83°F and cold winters dipping to 7°F. The area receives about 32 inches of annual rainfall and enjoys sunny days 60% of the year, perfect for those who appreciate changing weather.

Winter
Min:
7°F
Max:
28°F

Spring
Min:
37°F
Max:
63°F

Summer
Min:
59°F
Max:
83°F

Fall
Min:
39°F
Max:
65°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
32 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
60%
Neighbors
Swaledale’s households have a median income of $54,300 and a low unemployment rate of 3.5%, reflecting stable economic conditions. Most adults have completed high school, and a small-town atmosphere means commute times are short, averaging just over 22 minutes.
Median Income:
$35,000
Household Income:
$54,300
Family Income:
$65,000
Per Capita Income:
$26,800
Income Male:
$35,400
Income Female:
$28,900
Poverty Rate:
10.1%
Non English Speakers:
1.0%
Rent:
$690
Unemployment Rate:
3.5%
Public Transport Usage:
0.0%
Commute Time:
22.5 minutes

Education
High School or Higher:
92.0%
Bachelors or More:
16.8%
Education
How are the schools in Swaledale, IA?
Families in Swaledale benefit from quality public education at West Fork Elementary School, which offers favorable student-to-teacher ratios. Higher education opportunities are close by at North Iowa Area Community College, located just 15 miles away in Mason City.

Public Schools
Name:
West Fork Elementary School
Street:
210 2nd St SW, Rockford
Phone:
641-756-3813
Students:
330
Student Teacher Ratio:
13.5

Colleges
Name:
North Iowa Area Community College
City:
Mason City
State:
IA
Distance:
15 miles
Students:
3,000
Healthcare
Healthcare needs are well-supported locally, with major facilities like MercyOne North Iowa Medical Center nearby and nearly 94% of residents having health insurance. The town also benefits from a good physician-to-population ratio, offering reliable medical care for all ages.

Major Hospitals
Name:
MercyOne North Iowa Medical Center
Address:
1000 4th St SW, Mason City, IA 50401
Phone:
(641) 428-7000
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
1.6
Health Insurance Coverage:
93.8%
Health Care Index:
77.0
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Swaledale, IA?
Swaledale’s housing market is stable and heavily owner-occupied, with 83% of homes owned and a median home price of just $85,000. Home values have seen modest appreciation and rental options remain accessible, making it an ideal place for affordable homeownership.
Median Home Price:
$85,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$690
Owner Occupied Rate:
83.1%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
7.0%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
3.2%
New Construction Rate:
0.5%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.2%
DMV Information
Residents can access services through the Iowa Department of Transportation, located in nearby Ankeny, with comprehensive information available on the state DMV website. The process for vehicle registration and licensing is straightforward, supporting a smooth transition for new arrivals.
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.