- Murray Elementary School — Grades PK–5 · 165 students
- Murray Jr/Sr High — Grades 6–12 · 145 students
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| Metric | Murray Community School District | National Average | Comparison |
|---|---|---|---|
| Student Enrollment | 298 | 3,700 | ↓ Smaller than avg |
| Number of Schools | 2 | 6 | Varies by district |
| Per-Pupil Spending | $12,900/yr (est.) | $13,700/yr | State avg est. |
| District Type | Public School District | Public District | — |
| Overall Rating | 2/10 — Poor | — | Near average |
| District | Rating | Percentile | Students |
|---|---|---|---|
| Murray Community School District (this district) | 2/10 | 11th | 298 |
| South Tama County Community School District | 2/10 | 12th | 1,488 |
| Montezuma Community School District | 9/10 | 89th | 493 |
| PCM Community School District | 5/10 | 47th | 1,130 |
🔢 Show the math behind this rating
Ranked against 316 rated districts in IA → 11th percentile → 2/10.
Source: Iowa Dept. of Education ISASP, grades 3–8 ELA & Math, Proficient, 2024–25 school year. Full methodology →
About Murray Community School District
Families in zip code 50174 (Murray, Iowa) are assigned to Murray Community School District for public education through 12th. This overview covers the district’s funding levels, scale, rating, and what to expect from the enrollment process if you’re moving to or within this zip code.
Understanding the 2/10 Rating
With a rating of 2/10 (low-rated), Murray Community School District ranks among Iowa’s low-rated-rated school systems. Our ratings are based on state assessment results — the share of students scoring proficient or above in reading and math, as reported in Iowa’s ISASP grades 3–8 ELA & Math assessments (2024–25 school year). We average each district’s reading and math proficiency, then rank it against other districts in the same state to produce a 1–10 score. Because Iowa is compared only against itself, the rating reflects how this district performs relative to its in-state peers.
Murray Community School District holds a low overall rating, with reading and math proficiency among the lowest in Iowa on state assessments. Test results reflect many factors beyond the classroom, including community and economic conditions; a low score is a signal to research carefully, not a verdict on any individual school or teacher. Families in this area should research all available alternatives: inter-district transfers, charter schools, and magnet programs. Contact the district directly to understand exactly what programs are available at your assigned school.
Enrollment for Families in Zip Code 50174
Children in zip code 50174 are assigned to Murray Community School District for public school enrollment, covering grades Pre-K – 12th. School assignments are address-specific — your elementary, middle, and high school placements depend on your exact street address within zip code 50174, not just your neighborhood. Two homes on opposite ends of the same zip code may be assigned to different schools within the same district.
To confirm your specific school assignments, contact Murray Community School District at (641)447-2517 or visit www.murraycsd.org. Typical enrollment documents include proof of address, a government-issued birth certificate, immunization records, and any existing school records or IEP documentation. If your child has an IEP or 504 plan, bring that documentation to enrollment — Iowa districts are required to continue services within a reasonable period. Fall enrollment windows typically open in late winter or early spring; contact the district for exact dates and required steps.
School Districts and Home Values in Murray
For families considering a purchase in the Murray area, district assignment matters financially. Because Murray Community School District serves zip code 50174, homes in and around zip code 50174 often carry a measurable premium over comparable properties in adjacent lower-rated districts. District boundaries are address-specific — verify the exact district assignment for any property you’re seriously considering rather than assuming based on the neighborhood. A single block can place two adjacent homes in different districts with different ratings and different annual property tax implications.
Use the property tax estimator on this page to calculate estimated annual tax obligations based on your target purchase price. In Iowa, property taxes are a primary funding source for public schools — your tax payments directly support Murray Community School District programs and staff. Understanding both district quality and the associated tax burden is essential financial due diligence before committing to any home in zip code 50174.
Data Sources and Accuracy
All district information on this page is sourced from the NCES Common Core of Data (CCD) 2024–2025, the U.S. Department of Education’s annual census of all public school districts — the same dataset used by researchers, journalists, and policymakers to analyze American public education. District boundaries, school assignments, phone numbers, and per-pupil expenditure figures are updated annually when NCES publishes new data, typically in spring. Always verify your specific school assignment and enrollment requirements directly with Murray Community School District before making any housing or enrollment decision based on zip code 50174 data.