Lewis, IA
Population 465 · Iowa
About Lewis, IA
Lewis is a small community located in Iowa with a population of 465 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $34,341 per year, which is 54% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 60.5 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 Lewis features a median home value of $60,700, which is 75% below the national median of $244,900. This makes Lewis one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $638, 45% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 250 total housing units, 88% are owner-occupied (204 units) and 12% are renter-occupied (27 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Lewis shows an unemployment rate of 6.6%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 14.4%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Lewis have an average one-way commute time of 18.2 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
3.6% of Lewis 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 6.2% 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 Lewis, IA
Compared to national averages, Lewis has a median household income of $34,341 (54% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $60,700, which is 75% below the national median. Monthly rent at $638 is 45% below the US average of $1,163. Within Iowa, Lewis's income is 49% below the state average of $67,947, and home values are 54% below the state median of $132,237.
Why Live in Lewis, IA?
Lewis offers affordable housing with a median home value of $60,700, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $638/month, and short commute times averaging just 18.2 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($34,341) that falls below the national average. However, Lewis’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Lewis has a population of 465 with a median age of 60.5 years. Compare Lewis 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 Lewis
What is the population of Lewis, IA?
The population of Lewis, IA is 465 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 Lewis?
The median household income in Lewis, IA is $34,341 per year, which is 54% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Lewis?
The median home value in Lewis, IA is $60,700, which is 75% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Lewis?
The median monthly rent in Lewis, IA is $638, which is 45% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Lewis?
The unemployment rate in Lewis, IA is 6.6%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Lewis, IA a good place to live?
Lewis offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 465 and a median age of 60.5, the city appeals to established professionals and retirees.
How educated is Lewis, IA?
3.6% of residents in Lewis 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 Lewis?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Lewis, IA: median home value is $60,700 (75% below national), median rent is $638/month, and median household income is $34,341. The home-value-to-income ratio is 1.8x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Lewis?
The poverty rate in Lewis, IA is 14.4%, 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 Lewis, IA?
Lewis's population is 6.2% White, 0.4% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 0.0% Asian, and 0.0% two or more races. 0.0% of residents are foreign-born.