Carter Lake, IA
Population 3,773 · Iowa
About Carter Lake, IA
Carter Lake is a small town located in Iowa with a population of 3,773 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $75,037 per year, which is 0% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 40.1 years is close to the US median age of 38.9 years.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Carter Lake features a median home value of $161,200, which is 34% below the national median of $244,900. This positions Carter Lake in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $1,115, 4% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 1,461 total housing units, 84% are owner-occupied (1,171 units) and 16% are renter-occupied (218 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Carter Lake shows an unemployment rate of 4.7%, which is near the national rate of 3.7%. The poverty rate stands at 15.2%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Carter Lake have an average one-way commute time of 19.4 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
12.9% of Carter Lake residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. The lower educational attainment rate may reflect the area's industry mix, with more employment in trades, manufacturing, or agricultural sectors. The community's demographic composition includes 17.4% White, 0.5% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 2.5% Asian residents, with 8.1% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Carter Lake, IA
Compared to national averages, Carter Lake has a median household income of $75,037 (0% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $161,200, which is 34% below the national median. Monthly rent at $1,115 is 4% below the US average of $1,163. Within Iowa, Carter Lake's income is 10% above the state average of $67,947, and home values are 22% above the state median of $132,237.
Why Live in Carter Lake, IA?
Carter Lake offers affordable housing with a median home value of $161,200, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $1,115/month, and short commute times averaging just 19.4 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($75,037) that falls below the national average. However, Carter Lake’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Carter Lake has a population of 3,773 with a median age of 40.1 years. Compare Carter Lake with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Iowa.
Similar Cities Near Carter Lake
Cities in Iowa with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| West Liberty | 3,795 | $66,132 | $169,500 | Compare |
| Waukon | 3,796 | $56,250 | $133,700 | Compare |
| Albia | 3,688 | $67,791 | $132,500 | Compare |
| Emmetsburg | 3,651 | $57,353 | $114,600 | Compare |
| Cresco | 3,901 | $60,769 | $105,200 | Compare |
| Eagle Grove | 3,588 | $58,458 | $95,100 | Compare |
| Osage | 3,578 | $62,309 | $141,800 | Compare |
| Saylorville | 3,559 | $80,250 | $287,700 | Compare |
Demographics
Racial & Ethnic Composition
Economy & Education
Housing
Other Cities in Iowa
Data source: US Census Bureau ACS 5-Year Estimates. Last updated: 2026-04-05.
Compare Carter Lake With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Carter Lake
What is the population of Carter Lake, IA?
The population of Carter Lake, IA is 3,773 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a small town in Iowa.
What is the median household income in Carter Lake?
The median household income in Carter Lake, IA is $75,037 per year, which is 0% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Carter Lake?
The median home value in Carter Lake, IA is $161,200, which is 34% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Carter Lake?
The median monthly rent in Carter Lake, IA is $1,115, which is 4% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Carter Lake?
The unemployment rate in Carter Lake, IA is 4.7%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Carter Lake, IA a good place to live?
Carter Lake offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 3,773 and a median age of 40.1, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Carter Lake, IA?
12.9% of residents in Carter Lake aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. The educational profile reflects the area's industry mix and employment landscape.
What is the cost of living in Carter Lake?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Carter Lake, IA: median home value is $161,200 (34% below national), median rent is $1,115/month, and median household income is $75,037. The home-value-to-income ratio is 2.1x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Carter Lake?
The poverty rate in Carter Lake, IA is 15.2%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. Residents and prospective movers should be aware of the economic challenges facing parts of this community.
How diverse is Carter Lake, IA?
Carter Lake's population is 17.4% White, 0.5% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 2.5% Asian, and 0.6% two or more races. 8.1% of residents are foreign-born.