Crystal Lake, IA
Population 229 · Iowa
About Crystal Lake, IA
Crystal Lake is a small community located in Iowa with a population of 229 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $82,500 per year, which is 10% above the national median of $75,149. The median age of 36.2 years is close to the US median age of 38.9 years.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Crystal Lake features a median home value of $86,000, which is 65% below the national median of $244,900. This makes Crystal Lake one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $830, 29% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 113 total housing units, 87% are owner-occupied (94 units) and 13% are renter-occupied (14 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Crystal Lake shows an unemployment rate of 2.5%, which is lower than the national rate of 3.7%, indicating a relatively strong job market. The poverty rate stands at 10.9%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Crystal Lake have an average one-way commute time of 32.2 minutes.
Education & Demographics
10.4% of Crystal 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 10.0% White, 0.4% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 0.0% Asian residents, with 0.0% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Crystal Lake, IA
Compared to national averages, Crystal Lake has a median household income of $82,500 (10% above the national median of $75,149). Home values average $86,000, which is 65% below the national median. Monthly rent at $830 is 29% below the US average of $1,163. Within Iowa, Crystal Lake's income is 21% above the state average of $67,947, and home values are 35% below the state median of $132,237.
Why Live in Crystal Lake, IA?
Crystal Lake offers a strong local economy with a median household income of $82,500, well above the national average, and affordable housing with a median home value of $86,000, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $830/month. Additionally, the city features a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 2.5%, and a low poverty rate of 10.9%, better than the national average.
Crystal Lake has a population of 229 with a median age of 36.2 years. Compare Crystal Lake with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Iowa.
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Data source: US Census Bureau ACS 5-Year Estimates. Last updated: 2026-04-05.
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Frequently Asked Questions about Crystal Lake
What is the population of Crystal Lake, IA?
The population of Crystal Lake, IA is 229 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a small community in Iowa.
What is the median household income in Crystal Lake?
The median household income in Crystal Lake, IA is $82,500 per year, which is 10% above the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Crystal Lake?
The median home value in Crystal Lake, IA is $86,000, which is 65% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Crystal Lake?
The median monthly rent in Crystal Lake, IA is $830, which is 29% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Crystal Lake?
The unemployment rate in Crystal Lake, IA is 2.5%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. This lower-than-average rate suggests a relatively healthy local job market.
Is Crystal Lake, IA a good place to live?
Crystal Lake offers above-average incomes, affordable housing, and a strong job market. With a population of 229 and a median age of 36.2, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Crystal Lake, IA?
10.4% of residents in Crystal 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 Crystal Lake?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Crystal Lake, IA: median home value is $86,000 (65% below national), median rent is $830/month, and median household income is $82,500. The home-value-to-income ratio is 1.0x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Crystal Lake?
The poverty rate in Crystal Lake, IA is 10.9%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Crystal Lake, IA?
Crystal Lake's population is 10.0% White, 0.4% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 0.0% Asian, and 0.9% two or more races. 0.0% of residents are foreign-born.