Clear Lake, IA
Population 7,603 · Iowa
About Clear Lake, IA
Clear Lake is a small community in Iowa with a population of 7,603 residents. The median household income is $70,278 per year, which is above the national average. The median age in Clear Lake is 49.2 years.
Housing in Clear Lake has a median home value of $235,100 and median monthly rent of $755. Of the 4,499 total housing units, the majority are owner-occupied, with 2,562 owner-occupied and 860 renter-occupied units.
The unemployment rate in Clear Lake is 2.2% and the poverty rate is 7.3%. 29.7% of residents hold a bachelor's degree or higher. The average commute time is 19 minutes.
Cost of Living in Clear Lake, IA
Compared to national averages, Clear Lake has a median household income of $70,278 (6% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $235,100, which is 4% below the national median. Monthly rent at $755 is 35% below the US average of $1,163. Within Iowa, Clear Lake's income is 3% above the state average of $67,947, and home values are 78% above the state median of $132,237.
Why Live in Clear Lake, IA?
Clear Lake offers affordable housing with a median home value of $235,100, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $755/month, and a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 2.2%. Additionally, the city features a low poverty rate of 7.3%, better than the national average, and short commute times averaging just 19 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($70,278) that falls below the national average. However, Clear Lake’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Clear Lake has a population of 7,603 with a median age of 49.2 years. Compare Clear Lake with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Iowa.
Similar Cities Near Clear Lake
Cities in Iowa with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Decorah | 7,597 | $62,177 | $234,600 | Compare |
| Knoxville | 7,493 | $70,136 | $147,600 | Compare |
| Creston | 7,466 | $50,752 | $112,600 | Compare |
| Webster City | 7,769 | $65,844 | $115,400 | Compare |
| Charles City | 7,321 | $56,734 | $118,900 | Compare |
| Washington | 7,314 | $56,536 | $144,500 | Compare |
| Perry | 7,928 | $63,983 | $122,100 | Compare |
| Hiawatha | 7,178 | $67,628 | $210,200 | 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.
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Frequently Asked Questions about Clear Lake
What is the population of Clear Lake, IA?
The population of Clear Lake, IA is 7,603 according to the latest Census data.
What is the median household income in Clear Lake?
The median household income in Clear Lake, IA is $70,278 per year.
What is the median home value in Clear Lake?
The median home value in Clear Lake, IA is $235,100.
What is the average rent in Clear Lake?
The median monthly rent in Clear Lake, IA is $755.
What is the unemployment rate in Clear Lake?
The unemployment rate in Clear Lake, IA is 2.2%.