Storm Lake, IA
Population 11,275 · Iowa
About Storm Lake, IA
Storm Lake is a mid-sized city located in Iowa with a population of 11,275 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $58,341 per year, which is 22% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 31.2 years is notably younger the US median age of 38.9 years, indicating a younger, often more dynamic population base.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Storm Lake features a median home value of $163,600, which is 33% below the national median of $244,900. This positions Storm Lake in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $830, 29% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 4,291 total housing units, 64% are owner-occupied (2,581 units) and 36% are renter-occupied (1,428 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Storm Lake shows an unemployment rate of 3.7%, which is near the national rate of 3.7%. The poverty rate stands at 7.7%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Storm Lake have an average one-way commute time of 11 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
18.9% of Storm 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 29.5% White, 0.6% Hispanic or Latino, 0.1% Black or African American, and 7.8% Asian residents, with 31.5% of the population being foreign-born.
How Storm Lake Ranks in Iowa
Cost of Living in Storm Lake, IA
Compared to national averages, Storm Lake has a median household income of $58,341 (22% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $163,600, which is 33% below the national median. Monthly rent at $830 is 29% below the US average of $1,163. Within Iowa, Storm Lake's income is 14% below the state average of $67,947, and home values are 24% above the state median of $132,237.
Why Live in Storm Lake, IA?
Storm Lake offers affordable housing with a median home value of $163,600, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $830/month, and a low poverty rate of 7.7%, better than the national average. Additionally, the city features short commute times averaging just 11 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($58,341) that falls below the national average. However, Storm Lake’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Storm Lake has a population of 11,275 with a median age of 31.2 years. Compare Storm Lake with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Iowa.
Similar Cities Near Storm Lake
Cities in Iowa with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Spencer | 11,393 | $57,068 | $178,300 | Compare |
| Oskaloosa | 11,492 | $62,172 | $128,900 | Compare |
| Pleasant Hill | 10,796 | $86,890 | $284,100 | Compare |
| Pella | 10,624 | $81,201 | $259,600 | Compare |
| Le Mars | 10,597 | $72,381 | $202,200 | Compare |
| Waverly | 10,446 | $78,429 | $215,200 | Compare |
| Carroll | 10,261 | $59,323 | $184,100 | Compare |
| Fort Madison | 10,221 | $49,359 | $95,900 | 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 Storm Lake With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Storm Lake
What is the population of Storm Lake, IA?
The population of Storm Lake, IA is 11,275 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a mid-sized city in Iowa.
What is the median household income in Storm Lake?
The median household income in Storm Lake, IA is $58,341 per year, which is 22% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Storm Lake?
The median home value in Storm Lake, IA is $163,600, which is 33% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Storm Lake?
The median monthly rent in Storm Lake, IA is $830, which is 29% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Storm Lake?
The unemployment rate in Storm Lake, IA is 3.7%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Storm Lake, IA a good place to live?
Storm Lake offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 11,275 and a median age of 31.2, the city appeals to young professionals and families.
How educated is Storm Lake, IA?
18.9% of residents in Storm 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 Storm Lake?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Storm Lake, IA: median home value is $163,600 (33% below national), median rent is $830/month, and median household income is $58,341. The home-value-to-income ratio is 2.8x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Storm Lake?
The poverty rate in Storm Lake, IA is 7.7%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Storm Lake, IA?
Storm Lake's population is 29.5% White, 0.6% Hispanic or Latino, 0.1% Black or African American, 7.8% Asian, and 3.8% two or more races. 31.5% of residents are foreign-born.