Clear Lake, IA
Population 7,603 · Iowa
About Clear Lake, IA
Clear Lake is a small town located in Iowa with a population of 7,603 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $70,278 per year, which is 6% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 49.2 years is notably older the US median age of 38.9 years, suggesting a more established community with a higher proportion of long-term residents.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Clear Lake features a median home value of $235,100, which is 4% below the national median of $244,900. This positions Clear Lake in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $755, 35% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 4,499 total housing units, 75% are owner-occupied (2,562 units) and 25% are renter-occupied (860 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Clear Lake shows an unemployment rate of 2.2%, which is lower than the national rate of 3.7%, indicating a relatively strong job market. The poverty rate stands at 7.3%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Clear Lake have an average one-way commute time of 19 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
29.7% of Clear Lake residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This is in line with national trends in educational attainment. The community's demographic composition includes 1.2% White, 0.4% Hispanic or Latino, 1.8% Black or African American, and 0.6% Asian residents, with 2.2% of the population being foreign-born.
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.
Compare Clear Lake With Other Cities
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 US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a small town in Iowa.
What is the median household income in Clear Lake?
The median household income in Clear Lake, IA is $70,278 per year, which is 6% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Clear Lake?
The median home value in Clear Lake, IA is $235,100, which is 4% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Clear Lake?
The median monthly rent in Clear Lake, IA is $755, which is 35% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Clear Lake?
The unemployment rate in Clear Lake, IA is 2.2%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. This lower-than-average rate suggests a relatively healthy local job market.
Is Clear Lake, IA a good place to live?
Clear Lake offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and a strong job market. With a population of 7,603 and a median age of 49.2, the city appeals to established professionals and retirees.
How educated is Clear Lake, IA?
29.7% of residents in Clear 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 Clear Lake?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Clear Lake, IA: median home value is $235,100 (4% below national), median rent is $755/month, and median household income is $70,278. The home-value-to-income ratio is 3.3x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Clear Lake?
The poverty rate in Clear Lake, IA is 7.3%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Clear Lake, IA?
Clear Lake's population is 1.2% White, 0.4% Hispanic or Latino, 1.8% Black or African American, 0.6% Asian, and 0.2% two or more races. 2.2% of residents are foreign-born.