Everything You Should Know Before Moving to The Meadows, IA
Considering a move to The Meadows, IA? This friendly community of about 1,050 residents features home prices around $275,000 and rents near $1,100, offering an affordable cost of living compared to national averages. Enjoy short commute times of 22.5 minutes, low crime rates, and strong local schools, with nearly a third of residents holding a bachelor’s degree or higher. The Meadows boasts four-season Midwest weather, convenient healthcare access, and a welcoming small-town atmosphere—perfect for your next chapter.
Demographics - The Meadows, IA
Demographics - The Meadows, IA
The Meadows is a small, close-knit community of approximately 1,050 residents, with a median age of 38.7 and a balanced gender ratio. The population is predominantly White, with a modest representation of other ethnicities and about 4.5% of residents speaking languages other than English at home. High population density and a welcoming atmosphere make it an inviting place for newcomers seeking a friendly environment.
Population:
1,050
Density:
1,000 per sq mi
Median Age:
38.7
Gender Ratio:
98 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
4.5%
Ethnic Composition
White:
92.5%
Black:
1.5%
Asian:
1.2%
Others:
4.8%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in The Meadows, IA?
Living in The Meadows is budget-friendly, with a cost of living index of 93.2, making it more affordable than the national average. Median home values are around $275,000, and typical rents hover at $1,100, while everyday expenses like utilities and groceries remain reasonable. State tax rates range from 4.4% to 8.53%, helping residents maintain a comfortable lifestyle.
Median House Value:
$275,000
Gross Rent:
$1,100
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$110
Auto Insurance:
$950
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,600
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$520
State Taxes:
Low:
4.4%
|
High:
8.53%
Cost Of Living Index:
93.2
Grocery:
97.5
Housing:
81.0
Utilities:
99.2
Transportation:
91.0
Health Care:
94.8
Miscellaneous:
92.0
Crime
Is The Meadows, IA a safe place to live?
The Meadows offers a safe environment, with violent crime rates notably lower than the national average—residents face a 1 in 670 chance of violent crime and a 1 in 95 chance of property crime. The overall crime index sits at 1,200, reflecting a community where neighbors feel secure. Families and individuals alike can appreciate the peace of mind that comes with living here.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
150
Property Crimes Per 100k:
1,050
Crime Index:
1,200
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 670
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 95
Weather
What is the weather like in The Meadows, IA year-round?
Residents of The Meadows enjoy four distinct seasons, from cold winters averaging 14°F to 32°F, to warm summers reaching up to 85°F. The city receives about 34.5 inches of annual rainfall and enjoys sunshine 59% of the year. This balanced Midwest climate offers opportunities for both winter and summer outdoor activities.
Winter
Min:
14°F
Max:
32°F
Spring
Min:
38°F
Max:
65°F
Summer
Min:
60°F
Max:
85°F
Fall
Min:
40°F
Max:
64°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
34.5 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
59%
Neighbors
The Meadows is home to households with a median income of $82,000 and a low poverty rate of 7.2%, creating a solid economic foundation. The community is well-educated, with over 95% holding at least a high school diploma and 32% earning a bachelor's degree or higher. Residents benefit from short average commutes of 22.5 minutes and a low unemployment rate of 3.2%.
Median Income:
$45,000
Household Income:
$82,000
Family Income:
$90,000
Per Capita Income:
$37,500
Income Male:
$48,000
Income Female:
$39,000
Poverty Rate:
7.2%
Non English Speakers:
4.5%
Rent:
$1,100
Unemployment Rate:
3.2%
Public Transport Usage:
0.7%
Commute Time:
22.5 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
95.1%
Bachelors or More:
32.4%
Education
How are the schools in The Meadows, IA?
The Meadows features strong educational options, including well-regarded public schools with favorable student–teacher ratios and private schooling choices. Higher education is easily accessible, with institutions like Des Moines Area Community College and Drake University located within a short drive. The community's commitment to education is reflected in its high graduation and college attainment rates.
Public Schools
Name:
Shuler Elementary School
Street:
16400 Douglas Pkwy
Phone:
515-987-7333
Students:
560
Student Teacher Ratio:
15.5
Name:
Waukee Middle School
Street:
905 S Warrior Ln
Phone:
515-987-5177
Students:
900
Student Teacher Ratio:
16.0
Private Schools
Name:
St. Francis of Assisi School
Street:
7075 Ashworth Rd
Phone:
515-457-7167
Students:
720
Colleges
Name:
Des Moines Area Community College
City:
Ankeny
State:
IA
Distance:
10 miles
Students:
23,000
Name:
Drake University
City:
Des Moines
State:
IA
Distance:
13 miles
Students:
4,800
Healthcare
Residents have convenient access to major healthcare facilities, including UnityPoint Health and MercyOne in nearby Des Moines, both offering comprehensive emergency services. The area supports a strong healthcare network with 2.4 physicians per 1,000 people and a high insurance coverage rate of 94.5%. Quality care and reliable medical resources are within easy reach for The Meadows community.
Major Hospitals
Name:
UnityPoint Health – Iowa Methodist Medical Center
Address:
1200 Pleasant St, Des Moines, IA 50309
Phone:
(515) 241-6212
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:
2.4
Health Insurance Coverage:
94.5%
Health Care Index:
78.1
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in The Meadows, IA?
The housing market in The Meadows is stable and affordable, with median home prices at $275,000 and rents for a two-bedroom averaging $1,100. A high owner-occupied rate of 72.5% reflects a community invested in long-term residency, while low foreclosure and vacancy rates signal a healthy housing sector. Home values have appreciated by 4.2% in the past year, making it an attractive spot for buyers.
Median Home Price:
$275,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$1,100
Owner Occupied Rate:
72.5%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
6.1%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
4.2%
New Construction Rate:
1.2%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.4%
DMV Information
Residents can take care of their motor vehicle needs through the Iowa Department of Transportation's Motor Vehicle Division, conveniently located in nearby Ankeny. Services such as licensing, registration, and title transfers are easily accessible both in person and online. The DMV offers helpful resources and support for new and existing residents alike.
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.