Lost Nation, IA
Population 393 · Iowa
About Lost Nation, IA
Lost Nation is a small community located in Iowa with a population of 393 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $51,000 per year, which is 32% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 44.3 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 Lost Nation features a median home value of $74,500, which is 70% below the national median of $244,900. This makes Lost Nation one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $658, 43% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 208 total housing units, 66% are owner-occupied (121 units) and 34% are renter-occupied (61 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Lost Nation shows an unemployment rate of 2.3%, which is lower than the national rate of 3.7%, indicating a relatively strong job market. The poverty rate stands at 10.6%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Lost Nation have an average one-way commute time of 45 minutes, suggesting many residents commute to jobs in a nearby metro area.
Education & Demographics
18.1% of Lost Nation 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 0.0% White, 0.8% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 0.0% Asian residents, with 1.5% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Lost Nation, IA
Compared to national averages, Lost Nation has a median household income of $51,000 (32% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $74,500, which is 70% below the national median. Monthly rent at $658 is 43% below the US average of $1,163. Within Iowa, Lost Nation's income is 25% below the state average of $67,947, and home values are 44% below the state median of $132,237.
Why Live in Lost Nation, IA?
Lost Nation offers affordable housing with a median home value of $74,500, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $658/month, and a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 2.3%. Additionally, the city features a low poverty rate of 10.6%, better than the national average.
Potential considerations include median household income ($51,000) that falls below the national average. However, Lost Nation’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Lost Nation has a population of 393 with a median age of 44.3 years. Compare Lost Nation 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 Lost Nation
What is the population of Lost Nation, IA?
The population of Lost Nation, IA is 393 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 Lost Nation?
The median household income in Lost Nation, IA is $51,000 per year, which is 32% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Lost Nation?
The median home value in Lost Nation, IA is $74,500, which is 70% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Lost Nation?
The median monthly rent in Lost Nation, IA is $658, which is 43% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Lost Nation?
The unemployment rate in Lost Nation, IA is 2.3%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. This lower-than-average rate suggests a relatively healthy local job market.
Is Lost Nation, IA a good place to live?
Lost Nation offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and a strong job market. With a population of 393 and a median age of 44.3, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Lost Nation, IA?
18.1% of residents in Lost Nation 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 Lost Nation?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Lost Nation, IA: median home value is $74,500 (70% below national), median rent is $658/month, and median household income is $51,000. The home-value-to-income ratio is 1.5x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Lost Nation?
The poverty rate in Lost Nation, IA is 10.6%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Lost Nation, IA?
Lost Nation's population is 0.0% White, 0.8% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 0.0% Asian, and 0.5% two or more races. 1.5% of residents are foreign-born.