If you want the calm of a small town without giving up your job in Des Moines, Altoona, or Ankeny, Colfax might be your sweet spot. You get space, a friendlier price point, and quick access to I‑80 when it is time to head to work. In this guide, you will find real drive times, practical routes, housing cost tradeoffs, internet considerations, and everyday services that matter to commuters. Let’s dive in.
Where Colfax Fits in the Metro
Colfax sits about 24 miles east of Des Moines in Jasper County and had a population of 2,255 at the 2020 Census. That puts you close enough for a daily drive while keeping a quieter, small‑town pace at home. You will access the metro primarily on I‑80, with IA‑117 and US‑6 as nearby connectors. For quick context on location and size, see the Colfax city summary on Wikipedia.
Your Daily Drive: Routes and Realistic Times
Colfax to Des Moines
The typical route is IA‑117 or local roads to I‑80 west, then I‑235 into downtown Des Moines. Under light traffic, the 24‑mile trip often takes about 25 to 36 minutes, but rush hour and incidents can push that higher. Expect more time during winter weather and at major interchanges. For a quick distance and baseline time check, review this Colfax to Des Moines drive summary and confirm with live maps.
Colfax to Altoona
Altoona is roughly 12 miles from Colfax. Most commuters reach Altoona in about 15 to 25 minutes depending on start and end points. You can stay on I‑80 or use local connectors as needed. If you plan to ride transit into downtown, Altoona is also a useful park‑and‑ride hub.
Colfax to Ankeny
Ankeny is about 25 miles away. The usual path is I‑80 west, then I‑35 north, with a typical travel time around 25 to 35 minutes in normal conditions. As with any interstate commute, peak travel can add time.
Road network and alternate routes
You will rely on I‑80 most days, and that is a strength for speed and predictability. For a county‑level view of main roads and connections, use the Iowa DOT Jasper County map. Keep a couple of alternate surface‑street options in mind for days when the interstate slows.
Reliability and seasons
I‑80 is a major corridor. Crashes or winter storms can slow or close lanes, and the I‑35/I‑80/I‑235 interchanges are common congestion points. Local news alerts help with planning; for example, reports often note when I‑80 incidents affect the commute, as covered by KCCI. Give yourself a buffer during peak times and snow events.
What about transit?
There is no direct public transit from Colfax. A practical hybrid is to drive to a DART Express stop in Altoona and ride into downtown on DART Express Route 99. This can reduce daily driving stress, but you will still need a reliable short drive to the stop. Always check current schedules before you plan your routine.
Sample commute cost
A sample roundtrip Colfax to Des Moines commute is about 48 miles per day. If you drive 5 days per week, that is 240 miles weekly. At 25 mpg and $3.50 per gallon, gas would be about 9.6 gallons per week, or around $34 per week, roughly $136 per month. Your actual cost will vary with fuel prices, vehicle efficiency, and parking.
Housing Tradeoffs: More House, Lower Price
Colfax offers a meaningful price break compared to closer‑in suburbs. As of late January 2026, Zillow’s typical home value for Colfax is about $181,000. In the same period, Ankeny’s typical value is around $335,000, and Altoona’s median is about $352,000. That implies a rough savings on the order of 46 to 49 percent compared with those suburbs, depending on your price point and the home you choose.
Inventory in Colfax is smaller and often leans toward single‑family homes in established neighborhoods with occasional infill. If you want larger master‑planned new‑build options, you may see more choices closer to Des Moines. If you value space and a lower monthly payment, Colfax can stretch your budget while keeping your job within reach.
Internet, Utilities, and Services That Support Commuters
Internet and cell service
Broadband options in Colfax vary by address. Some locations have cable or fiber, while others rely on DSL, fixed‑wireless, or satellite. Start with an address search using BroadbandNow’s Colfax page, then call providers to confirm speeds and installation timelines. If you work from home, also test mobile data performance at the property.
How to test internet at an address:
- Look up the address on a provider‑listing site, then contact listed providers to confirm actual availability and speed tiers.
- Ask about installation lead times, equipment, and data caps.
- Run mobile speed tests in the rooms where you plan to work. Consider a backup option like wireless home internet if wired service is limited.
Schools and learning
Colfax is served by the Colfax‑Mingo Community School District, which operates an elementary and a junior/senior high school in town and serves roughly 700 to 800 students. You can review enrollment, programming, and district updates on the Colfax‑Mingo CSD site. Always confirm current details directly with the district.
Healthcare access
For hospital care, MercyOne Newton Medical Center is the nearest full‑service option for many routine and emergency needs. You can learn more about services and location through MercyOne Newton Medical Center. For specialized care, most residents drive into the Des Moines metro.
Shopping and weekly errands
In town, you will find everyday conveniences like fuel and quick groceries. For larger supermarkets, big‑box retail, and specialty services, most households drive to Altoona, Newton, or Des Moines. If a local library card is on your list, the Colfax Public Library offers community programming and a convenient place to study or work.
Try the Commute Before You Buy
Test the drive during the exact hours you expect to commute. Do one run on I‑80 and a second on a surface‑street alternative. If you are interested in transit, drive to an Altoona DART Express stop and time the full door‑to‑door trip using DART Express Route 99. Keep notes on parking, walking time, and any delays so you can compare options.
Quick Buyer Checklist
- Time your commute on a weekday morning and evening, using both the interstate and a backup route. For a quick planning estimate, try this driving time calculator, then verify with live traffic.
- Consider a hybrid plan: park in Altoona and ride DART Express 99 into downtown when it suits your schedule.
- Confirm internet at the exact property address using BroadbandNow’s Colfax listings and a call to providers.
- Compare housing budgets using current market values. Recent snapshots place Colfax around $181,000 versus the low to mid $300,000s in Altoona and Ankeny.
- Map your nearest hospital and urgent care. For many residents, that is MercyOne Newton Medical Center.
Is the Commute Worth It?
If you want a quieter lifestyle, more space, and a lower monthly payment, Colfax is a practical choice that keeps you connected to the Des Moines job market. Most commuters find the I‑80 corridor dependable with predictable peak slowdowns. The key tradeoffs are car dependence, a smaller local retail base, and address‑specific broadband that you should confirm early. With a little planning, you can balance small‑town living and big‑city access confidently.
Ready to explore homes that fit your commute and budget? Reach out to Stephanie Dart for local guidance and a clear plan from search to closing.
FAQs
How long is the drive from Colfax to downtown Des Moines?
- The 24‑mile trip commonly takes about 25 to 36 minutes in light traffic and longer during rush hour or winter weather; confirm current times with live maps and this distance and time summary.
Can I take public transit from Colfax into Des Moines?
- There is no direct transit from Colfax, but you can drive to Altoona and ride DART Express Route 99 into downtown for a hybrid commute.
What are typical housing costs in Colfax compared to nearby suburbs?
- As of January 2026, Colfax’s typical home value is about $181,000, while Ankeny and Altoona trend in the low to mid $300,000s, a substantial difference for budget planning.
Will my Colfax home support remote work?
- It depends on the address; verify wired options and speeds with providers and check mobile data as a backup using BroadbandNow’s Colfax page.
How reliable is the I‑80 commute in winter?
- I‑80 is efficient most days but can slow or close during storms or crashes; stay alert to traffic advisories and local reports such as KCCI coverage of I‑80 incidents.
What schools serve Colfax?
- The Colfax‑Mingo Community School District operates local K‑12 schools in town; review district details and updates on the Colfax‑Mingo CSD website.
Where is the nearest hospital to Colfax?
- For many residents, the closest hospital is MercyOne Newton Medical Center, with larger specialty hospitals available in the Des Moines metro.
