Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Washburn, IA
Thinking of moving to Washburn, IA? With a friendly small-town feel and just 870 residents, Washburn offers affordable living—a median home price of $174,000 and average rent of $900—plus short 21-minute commutes to nearby Waterloo. Crime rates are low, and the area features strong public schools and easy access to quality healthcare. Enjoy 60% sunny days and classic four-season Iowa weather in this welcoming community.
Demographics - Washburn, IA
Demographics - Washburn, IA
Washburn is a close-knit community of 870 residents, with a median age of 41 and a nearly balanced gender ratio. The population is predominantly White at over 96%, with a small percentage of non-English speakers. Its moderate density provides a suburban feel ideal for families and individuals seeking a quieter lifestyle.
Population:
870
Density:
650 per sq mi
Median Age:
41.2
Gender Ratio:
99 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
2.1%

Ethnic Composition
White:
96.5%
Black:
1.5%
Asian:
0.5%
Others:
1.5%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Washburn, IA?
Washburn offers a cost of living well below the national average, with a cost of living index of 84.7. Residents benefit from affordable housing, with a median home value of $174,000 and average rent around $900, as well as reasonable utility and transportation expenses. State taxes range from 0.33% to 8.53%, helping keep everyday costs manageable.
Median House Value:
$174,000
Gross Rent:
$900
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$120
Auto Insurance:
$1,100
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,270
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$520
State Taxes:
Low:
0.33%
|
High:
8.53%
Cost Of Living Index:
84.7
Grocery:
96.0
Housing:
67.0
Utilities:
98.2
Transportation:
89.0
Health Care:
93.5
Miscellaneous:
92.0
Crime
Is Washburn, IA a safe place to live?
Crime rates in Washburn are relatively low, with just 244 violent crimes and 1,540 property crimes per 100,000 residents. The chance of being a victim of violent crime is 1 in 410, contributing to a sense of safety in the community. This makes Washburn a reassuring choice for families and newcomers.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
244
Property Crimes Per 100k:
1,540
Crime Index:
1,784
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 410
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 65
Weather
What is the weather like in Washburn, IA year-round?
Washburn experiences classic four-season weather, with cold winters averaging lows of 10°F and warm summers reaching highs of 84°F. The city sees about 35 inches of annual rainfall and enjoys 60% sunny days, offering a pleasant balance of seasonal variety and sunshine. Residents can expect crisp falls, fresh springs, and plenty of outdoor opportunities throughout the year.

Winter
Min:
10°F
Max:
30°F

Spring
Min:
37°F
Max:
62°F

Summer
Min:
60°F
Max:
84°F

Fall
Min:
40°F
Max:
63°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
35.1 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
60%
Neighbors
With a median household income of $66,600 and a low poverty rate of 7.6%, Washburn’s residents enjoy a stable economic environment. Most neighbors commute about 21 minutes, and public transportation usage is minimal, reflecting the community’s suburban character. High educational attainment and a low unemployment rate help foster a welcoming, upwardly mobile atmosphere.
Median Income:
$34,000
Household Income:
$66,600
Family Income:
$82,400
Per Capita Income:
$32,100
Income Male:
$45,000
Income Female:
$37,000
Poverty Rate:
7.6%
Non English Speakers:
2.1%
Rent:
$900
Unemployment Rate:
3.3%
Public Transport Usage:
0.8%
Commute Time:
21.2 minutes

Education
High School or Higher:
92.8%
Bachelors or More:
23.9%
Education
How are the schools in Washburn, IA?
Families in Washburn benefit from strong local public schools, such as Orange Elementary, which maintains a favorable student-teacher ratio. While private school options are limited, higher education is easily accessible, with Hawkeye Community College just 7 miles away and the University of Northern Iowa 13 miles from town. The community’s commitment to education is evident in its high rate of high school and college graduates.

Public Schools
Name:
Orange Elementary School
Street:
5805 Kimball Ave
Phone:
319-291-7490
Students:
480
Student Teacher Ratio:
15.5

Colleges
Name:
Hawkeye Community College
City:
Waterloo
State:
IA
Distance:
7 miles
Students:
5,300
Name:
University of Northern Iowa
City:
Cedar Falls
State:
IA
Distance:
13 miles
Students:
9,200
Healthcare
Residents have excellent access to healthcare, with two major hospitals located nearby in Waterloo and a high health insurance coverage rate of 94.1%. The area boasts 2.4 physicians per 1,000 people, ensuring timely medical attention. Washburn’s healthcare index of 78.3 indicates reliable, quality care for individuals and families alike.

Major Hospitals
Name:
UnityPoint Health – Allen Hospital
Address:
1825 Logan Ave, Waterloo, IA 50703
Phone:
(319) 235-3711
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Name:
MercyOne Waterloo Medical Center
Address:
3421 W 9th St, Waterloo, IA 50702
Phone:
(319) 272-8000
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
2.4
Health Insurance Coverage:
94.1%
Health Care Index:
78.3
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Washburn, IA?
Washburn’s housing market is affordable and stable, with a median home price of $174,000 and average rent for a two-bedroom at $900. Owner-occupancy is high at 78%, and the rental vacancy rate remains moderate. The market has seen a 4.2% appreciation in the past year, making it attractive for both homebuyers and renters.
Median Home Price:
$174,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$900
Owner Occupied Rate:
78.0%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
5.8%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
4.2%
New Construction Rate:
0.7%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.3%
DMV Information
DMV services for Washburn are handled by the Iowa Department of Transportation office in nearby Waterloo. Residents can easily access licensing, registration, and title services at this convenient location. More information and online services are available through the Iowa DOT website.
State:
Iowa
Department:
Iowa Department of Transportation
Address:
6310 Hammond Ave, Waterloo, IA 50702
Phone:
1-800-532-1121
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.