What to know when moving to Montezuma, IA
TL;DR: Montezuma at a Glance
- The Vibe:
- A community where 29.2% of residents are renters and the median household income is $55,944.
- The Major Draw:
- Affordable living with a median gross rent of $822.
- The Reality Check:
- Only 17.1% of the population holds a bachelor's degree, indicating lower educational attainment.
- Commute:
- 0.0% use public transit, so expect to rely on a car.
- Top Tip:
- Budget for a median home value of $188,700.
The 'Vibe' Check: Who Thrives Here?
Montezuma has a small-town feel with a population of about 2,445. The community has a median household income of $55,944, and with 29.2% of residents renting, it offers a mix of homeownership and rental opportunities. However, the education level is relatively low, with only 17.1% of residents holding a bachelor's degree. The area also sees no public transit usage, making it essential for newcomers to have access to a vehicle.
Probably not your spot if: You are looking for a highly educated community or public transit options.
Your Money: Housing & Cost Snapshot
- Median gross rent is $822, making it a more affordable option compared to larger urban areas.
- The median owner-occupied home value stands at $188,700, indicating a relatively accessible housing market.
- With 11.0% of the population living below the poverty line, economic diversity can be a concern.
- The community has a low renter percentage of 29.2%, suggesting a stable homeowner presence.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-Year Data Profiles.
Crime & Safety: What the Numbers Say
Iowa's crime rates show a generally safer environment compared to national averages, with declining trends in both violent and property crimes.
- Violent crime: Iowa's annual rate is 236.6 per 100k, which is 27.3% lower than the national average of 325.3 per 100k.
- Property crime: The state rate is 1201.8 per 100k, which is 22.3% lower than the national average of 1546.9 per 100k.
- Notable trend: The homicide rate decreased by 21.2% since 2022.
Source: FBI Crime Data Explorer (state-level summarized data for Iowa).
Schools & Higher Ed
Montezuma has access to educational institutions within the nearby region, providing options for higher education.
- Postsecondary institutions: 1
- With College Scorecard data: 1
- Notable institution: Grinnell College in Grinnell, IA.
Source: ArcGIS Postsecondary School Locations (NCES) + College Scorecard (ED).
Weather & Getting Outside
Montezuma experiences an annual precipitation of 29.5 inches over about 84 rainy days. Summer highs can reach up to 96°F, while winter lows can drop to 14°F. The region sees limited snowfall, averaging 1.3 inches per year.
- Parks & outdoor spots worth checking out:
- Central Park - 4.6 stars (251 reviews)
- Arbor Lake Park - 4.5 stars (160 reviews)
- Miller Park - 4.1 stars (75 reviews)
- Summer Street Park - 4.4 stars (29 reviews)
- Landes Park - 4.7 stars (28 reviews)
Sources: NOAA Climate Data Online, Google Places.
Jobs & the Local Economy
Poweshiek County, which includes Montezuma, has a stable job market with a low unemployment rate.
- Unemployment rate: 3.1% as of December 2025.
- Employed individuals: 9,476.
- Labor force: 9,775.
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, Local Area Unemployment Statistics.