Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Winterset, IA
Considering a move to Winterset, IA? This charming town of 5,340 offers affordable living, with median home prices at $210,000 and average rents around $860. Residents enjoy a low violent crime rate (109 per 100K), short commute times averaging 27 minutes, and a friendly community with highly rated local schools. Winterset features a pleasant Midwest climate, local healthcare options, and easy access to the Des Moines metro area—making it a great fit for families and those seeking a relaxed pace of life.
Demographics - Winterset, IA
Demographics - Winterset, IA
Winterset is a small, close-knit city of about 5,340 residents, predominantly White, with a median age of 40 reflecting a balanced mix of families and older adults. The community has a nearly even gender ratio and a low percentage of non-English speakers, making it welcoming and accessible for newcomers.
Population:
5,340
Density:
1,200 per sq mi
Median Age:
40.1
Gender Ratio:
96 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
3.5%

Ethnic Composition
White:
96.3%
Black:
0.6%
Asian:
0.4%
Others:
2.7%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Winterset, IA?
Living in Winterset is quite affordable, with a cost of living index well below the national average and median home values at $210,000. Residents benefit from reasonable rents, low utility costs, and moderate state taxes, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious individuals and families.
Median House Value:
$210,000
Gross Rent:
$860
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$110
Auto Insurance:
$1,020
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,250
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$420
State Taxes:
Low:
4.4%
|
High:
8.53%
Cost Of Living Index:
85.9
Grocery:
92.0
Housing:
75.2
Utilities:
97.3
Transportation:
88.1
Health Care:
99.6
Miscellaneous:
93.2
Crime
Is Winterset, IA a safe place to live?
Winterset boasts a low violent crime rate of 109 incidents per 100,000 people, giving residents a strong sense of safety. While property crime is somewhat higher, your chance of being a victim remains low compared to many other cities, contributing to the community’s overall peaceful atmosphere.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
109
Property Crimes Per 100k:
1,140
Crime Index:
1,249
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 917
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 88
Weather
What is the weather like in Winterset, IA year-round?
Winterset experiences all four seasons, with cold winters dipping to 14°F and warm summers reaching highs of 86°F. The city enjoys an average of 59% sunny days and about 36 inches of annual rainfall, offering a pleasant Midwest climate for outdoor activities year-round.

Winter
Min:
14°F
Max:
33°F

Spring
Min:
40°F
Max:
66°F

Summer
Min:
62°F
Max:
86°F

Fall
Min:
42°F
Max:
67°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
36.1 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
59%
Neighbors
Households in Winterset typically earn a median income of $61,800, and the poverty rate is well below the national average at 8.8%. Most residents have at least a high school education, and the area features low unemployment and a relaxed pace, with average commute times under 27 minutes.
Median Income:
$33,200
Household Income:
$61,800
Family Income:
$80,900
Per Capita Income:
$30,500
Income Male:
$43,600
Income Female:
$28,500
Poverty Rate:
8.8%
Non English Speakers:
3.5%
Rent:
$860
Unemployment Rate:
2.7%
Public Transport Usage:
0.5%
Commute Time:
26.8 minutes

Education
High School or Higher:
93.7%
Bachelors or More:
24.8%
Education
How are the schools in Winterset, IA?
Families in Winterset benefit from well-regarded public schools such as Winterset Senior High and Middle School, both offering favorable student-teacher ratios. The area also features private school options and proximity to Des Moines Area Community College, supporting diverse educational opportunities.

Public Schools
Name:
Winterset Senior High School
Street:
624 Husky Dr
Phone:
515-462-3320
Students:
570
Student Teacher Ratio:
15.2
Name:
Winterset Middle School
Street:
706 W School St
Phone:
515-462-3010
Students:
460
Student Teacher Ratio:
14.3

Private Schools
Name:
Winterset Christian Academy
Street:
1132 N 8th Ave
Phone:
515-462-2004
Students:
60

Colleges
Name:
Des Moines Area Community College
City:
Ankeny
State:
IA
Distance:
28 miles
Students:
23,000
Healthcare
Residents have convenient access to healthcare through Madison County Memorial Hospital, which provides emergency services and general care. With 1.4 physicians per 1,000 people and over 91% of the population insured, the city supports a healthy lifestyle.

Major Hospitals
Name:
Madison County Memorial Hospital
Address:
300 W Hutchings St, Winterset, IA 50273
Phone:
(515) 462-2373
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
1.4
Health Insurance Coverage:
91.8%
Health Care Index:
78.2
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Winterset, IA?
Winterset’s housing market is stable and affordable, with a median home price of $210,000 and an average rent of $860 for a two-bedroom unit. Most homes are owner-occupied, and the area’s low foreclosure and vacancy rates suggest a secure investment in property.
Median Home Price:
$210,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$860
Owner Occupied Rate:
70.6%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
6.1%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
3.2%
New Construction Rate:
0.7%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.2%
DMV Information
Motor vehicle services for Winterset residents are managed by the Iowa Department of Transportation in nearby Ankeny, offering licensing, registration, and other DMV needs both in-person and online for added convenience.
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.