Storm Lake, IA
Population 11,275 · Iowa
About Storm Lake, IA
Storm Lake is a mid-sized city in Iowa with a population of 11,275 residents. The median household income is $58,341 per year, which is near the national average. The median age in Storm Lake is 31.2 years.
Housing in Storm Lake has a median home value of $163,600 and median monthly rent of $830. Of the 4,291 total housing units, the majority are owner-occupied, with 2,581 owner-occupied and 1,428 renter-occupied units.
The unemployment rate in Storm Lake is 3.7% and the poverty rate is 7.7%. 18.9% of residents hold a bachelor's degree or higher. The average commute time is 11 minutes.
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.
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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 Census data.
What is the median household income in Storm Lake?
The median household income in Storm Lake, IA is $58,341 per year.
What is the median home value in Storm Lake?
The median home value in Storm Lake, IA is $163,600.
What is the average rent in Storm Lake?
The median monthly rent in Storm Lake, IA is $830.
What is the unemployment rate in Storm Lake?
The unemployment rate in Storm Lake, IA is 3.7%.