Everything You Should Know Before Moving to White Elm, IA
Thinking about calling White Elm, IA home? This friendly town of 1,250 offers affordable living, with median home prices around $168,000 and average 2-bedroom rents at $785. Residents enjoy a modest cost of living, relatively low crime rates (violent crime just 110 per 100K), and easy commutes averaging 21 minutes. With excellent access to local healthcare, a strong sense of community, and four distinct seasons featuring 62% sunny days, White Elm is a great spot for those seeking small-town Iowa charm with essential amenities nearby.
Demographics - White Elm, IA
Demographics - White Elm, IA
White Elm is a close-knit community of around 1,250 residents, with a median age of 41.2 and a balanced gender ratio. The town is predominantly White (92%), with a small percentage of other backgrounds, and a modest 4.2% of residents speak a language other than English at home. The population density of 950 per square mile gives it a small-town feel while still offering a vibrant local character.
Population:
1,250
Density:
950 per sq mi
Median Age:
41.2
Gender Ratio:
98 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
4.2%
Ethnic Composition
White:
92.0%
Black:
1.5%
Asian:
0.8%
Others:
5.7%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in White Elm, IA?
Living in White Elm is budget-friendly, with a median home value of $168,000 and average rents for a two-bedroom at $785. The cost of living index sits below the national average at 89.8, making it an attractive option for affordable housing and daily expenses. Utilities and groceries remain reasonably priced, helping residents stretch their budgets further.
Median House Value:
$168,000
Gross Rent:
$785
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$110
Auto Insurance:
$980
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,050
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$420
State Taxes:
Low:
4.4%
|
High:
8.53%
Cost Of Living Index:
89.8
Grocery:
97.5
Housing:
75.0
Utilities:
104.0
Transportation:
91.5
Health Care:
96.1
Miscellaneous:
91.7
Crime
Is White Elm, IA a safe place to live?
White Elm enjoys a low violent crime rate of 110 per 100,000 residents, offering peace of mind to families and newcomers. Property crime is moderate at 950 per 100,000, making the town safer than many urban areas. Residents benefit from a strong sense of safety and community vigilance.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
110
Property Crimes Per 100k:
950
Crime Index:
1,060
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 909
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 132
Weather
What is the weather like in White Elm, IA year-round?
Residents experience all four seasons, with cold winters dipping to 11°F and warm summers reaching up to 85°F. White Elm receives about 35.5 inches of rainfall annually and enjoys sunny days 62% of the year. The varied climate is ideal for those who appreciate changing seasons and outdoor activities.
Winter
Min:
11°F
Max:
32°F
Spring
Min:
37°F
Max:
64°F
Summer
Min:
62°F
Max:
85°F
Fall
Min:
40°F
Max:
65°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
35.5 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
62%
Neighbors
The community features a median household income of $64,500 and a low unemployment rate of 3.5%. Most residents have at least a high school diploma, and commute times average just over 21 minutes, promoting a comfortable work-life balance. The poverty rate is below the national average, reflecting a stable local economy.
Median Income:
$40,000
Household Income:
$64,500
Family Income:
$76,200
Per Capita Income:
$29,800
Income Male:
$42,700
Income Female:
$36,200
Poverty Rate:
8.7%
Non English Speakers:
4.2%
Rent:
$785
Unemployment Rate:
3.5%
Public Transport Usage:
0.8%
Commute Time:
21.4 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
92.1%
Bachelors or More:
22.5%
Education
How are the schools in White Elm, IA?
White Elm supports quality education with well-rated public schools and small class sizes, such as White Elm Elementary and Middle School. Private school options and proximity to major colleges like Iowa State University and Des Moines Area Community College offer diverse learning opportunities. The town’s educational environment is welcoming to families and students of all ages.
Public Schools
Name:
White Elm Elementary School
Street:
220 Schoolhouse Rd
Phone:
555-893-1122
Students:
340
Student Teacher Ratio:
13.9
Name:
White Elm Middle School
Street:
340 Maple Ave
Phone:
555-893-2145
Students:
190
Student Teacher Ratio:
14.5
Private Schools
Name:
St. Francis Academy
Street:
101 Oak St
Phone:
555-893-3344
Students:
120
Colleges
Name:
Des Moines Area Community College
City:
Ankeny
State:
IA
Distance:
24 miles
Students:
22,000
Name:
Iowa State University
City:
Ames
State:
IA
Distance:
38 miles
Students:
30,700
Healthcare
White Elm offers reliable healthcare access, with its own community hospital and additional facilities nearby. Nearly 94% of residents have health insurance, and the area has 1.9 physicians per 1,000 people. Local healthcare services ensure quality treatment and emergency care close to home.
Major Hospitals
Name:
White Elm Community Hospital
Address:
101 Main St, White Elm, IA 50000
Phone:
(555) 210-3344
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Name:
County Regional Medical Center
Address:
405 Elm Ave, Nearby City, IA 50010
Phone:
(555) 210-4477
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
1.9
Health Insurance Coverage:
93.8%
Health Care Index:
68.2
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in White Elm, IA?
The housing market is affordable and stable, with a median home price of $168,000 and owner-occupancy at nearly 70%. Rental options are accessible, and the area has seen a modest 4.3% home appreciation rate over the past year. Low foreclosure and vacancy rates indicate a healthy and desirable real estate market.
Median Home Price:
$168,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$785
Owner Occupied Rate:
69.5%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
6.8%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
4.3%
New Construction Rate:
0.9%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.3%
DMV Information
White Elm residents are served by the Iowa Department of Transportation, located in nearby Ankeny. Essential driver and vehicle services are easily accessible both in person and online. The DMV provides convenient service options for new arrivals and long-term residents alike.
State:
Iowa
Department:
Iowa Department of Transportation
Address:
6310 SE Convenience Blvd, Ankeny, IA 50021
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.