Median Income
$82,500
10% higher than US avg
Home Value
$86,000
69% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
10.4%
69% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$830
29% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
42.1%
31% higher than US avg
Unemployment
2.5%
31% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
16.0%
29% higher than US avg
How Crystal Lake Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population229
Median Age36.2 yrs
Density916/mi²
Male / Female55% / 45%
Largest GroupWhite 98%
Veterans7.0%
Economy
A
Median Income$82,500
Per Capita$32,259
Unemployment2.5%
Poverty16.0%
County GDP$1,204M
Commute32 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$86,000
Rent$830
Ownership87.0%
Zillow$92,531
Housing Units118
Rent Burden25.0%
Health
Obesity42.1%
Uninsured2.2%
Smoking15.8%
Depression22.0%
Heart Disease5.2%
Climate
Avg Temp46°F (8°C)
Rain34.3 in/yr
Elevation1,277 ft (389 m)
Education
D
Bachelor's+10.4%
High School+92.7%
Graduate+1.2%
School Score5.97
Community
2024 VoteR 73% / D 26%
Commute32 min
Broadband88.0%
EV Stations8
Libraries7
Is Crystal Lake a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Crystal Lake receives an overall livability score of 3.6 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B+. Key strengths include low unemployment, affordable housing, high health insurance coverage. Areas to be aware of include high obesity rates. Crystal Lake offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Crystal Lake is $82,500, roughly in line with the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 2.5%. The poverty rate of 16.0% exceeds the national average of 12.4%, indicating economic hardship for a significant portion of the population. Workers commute an average of 32 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Crystal Lake is $86,000, 69% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $830 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 1x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Education
10.4% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 92.7% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 6/10.
Climate & Weather
Crystal Lake experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 46°F. Winters average 15°F in January while summers reach 72°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 34.3 inches, including 38.1 inches of snow.
Crystal Lake has a population of 229 with a density of 916 people per square mile, spread across 0.3 square miles. The median age is 36.2 years, 7% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 45% female and 55% male. The city is predominantly White (97.8%), with 10% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 90.6% of residents, while 7.4% speak Spanish. 7.0% of the population are veterans. 20.5% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 97.8% have health insurance coverage.
Population
229
Total Population
2023 Census
36.2yrs
Median Age
7% below US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Crystal Lake vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
90.6%
15% above US avg
Spanish
7.4%
45% below US avg
Social Characteristics
Crystal Lake vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Crystal Lake is $82,500, which is 10% above the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $32,259 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,152, 20% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 2.5% (below the 3.6% US average). 16.0% of residents live below the poverty line, higher than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 379 business establishments, including 14 restaurants. The cost of living index is 87.8, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 32 minutes (longer than the 28-minute US average). 6.1% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income: Crystal Lake vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $82,500 |
| 10% above US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $32,259 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,152 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $77,191 |
| Gini Index | 0.410 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 2.5% |
| 31% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 16.0% |
| 29% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 379 |
| County GDP | $1,204M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 14 |
| Healthcare | 25 |
| Retail | 36 |
| Manufacturing | 21 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $3,211 |
| 8% below US avg |
| Cost of Living | 87.80 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 3.73% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 32.2 min |
| Drive Alone | 75.7% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 6.1% |
The median home value in Crystal Lake is $86,000, 69% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $92,531. Monthly rent averages $830 (29% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $788 for a one-bedroom to $989 for a two-bedroom apartment. 87.0% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 118 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1958. The average annual property tax is $3,211. 25.0% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 1x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $86,000 |
| 69% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $92,531 |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $830 |
| 29% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 25.0% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $738 |
| 1 Bedroom | $788 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $989 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,282 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,420 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 87.0% |
| Owner-Occupied | 87.0% |
| Renter-Occupied | 13.0% |
| Housing Units | 118 |
| Median Year Built | 1958 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $3,211 |
| 8% below US avg |
| Effective Rate | 3.73% |
In Crystal Lake, 42.1% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 9.5% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.2% of residents. 30.2% have high blood pressure. 15.8% are current smokers. 23.1% report binge drinking. 26.4% are physically inactive. 22.0% report depression. 17.6% experience frequent mental distress. 2.2% of residents lack health insurance (below the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:10,663. The dentist ratio is 1:1,526. 70.9% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.8 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Crystal Lake vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 42.1% |
| 31% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 9.5% |
| Heart Disease | 5.2% |
| High Blood Pressure | 30.2% |
| Asthma | 10.1% |
| COPD | 6.1% |
| Cancer | 7.2% |
| Stroke | 2.8% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 15.8% |
| 13% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 23.1% |
| Physical Inactivity | 26.4% |
| Depression | 22.0% |
| Mental Distress | 17.6% |
| Physical Distress | 12.4% |
| Short Sleep | 35.0% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 97.8% |
| Uninsured | 2.2% |
| 74% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:10,663 |
| Dentists | 1:1,526 |
| Mental Health | 1:2,123 |
| Checkup Rate | 75.5% |
| Dental Visits | 67.2% |
| Premature Death | 6,876/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.8/10 |
| Exercise Access | 70.9% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 25 |
Crystal Lake experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 46°F (8°C). Winters average 15°F in January while summers reach 72°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 34.3 inches. The area receives 38.1 inches of snow annually, a moderate snowfall amount. The city sits at an elevation of 1,277 feet.
Temperature
15°F Jan (-9°C)
72°F Jul (22°C)
| Annual Average | 45.5°F |
| 16% below US avg |
| January Average | 15°F (-9°C) |
| July Average | 72°F (22°C) |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,277 ft (389 m) |
| Area | 0.3 sq mi (0.6 km²) |
| Population Density | 916/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 43.2230°N, 93.7927°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Hancock County County |
| Nearest Airport | Fort Dodge Regional (FOD)
51 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
34.3"
10% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
5.41"
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 28.8 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 19.7 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 80.6 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Hurricane |
No Rating |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Very Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Moderate |
| Lightning |
Very Low |
| Ice Storm |
Very Low |
| Drought |
Relatively High |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
2 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M2.8. Most recent: M2.7 on Jun 30, 2021.
| Apr 25, 2017 |
Near Mankato, Minnesota |
M2.8 |
109 km |
| Jun 30, 2021 |
4 km E of Rembrandt, Iowa |
M2.7 |
116 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990-2025)
Tornado History
593 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF5. Total: 45 fatalities, 931 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| May 15, 1968 |
EF5 |
74 km |
13 |
| Oct 14, 1966 |
EF5 |
48 km |
6 |
| Jun 17, 2010 |
EF4 |
41 km |
1 |
| Jun 28, 1979 |
EF4 |
93 km |
3 |
| May 4, 1977 |
EF4 |
82 km |
0 |
| Jun 8, 1967 |
EF4 |
84 km |
0 |
| Apr 30, 1967 |
EF4 |
68 km |
6 |
| Apr 30, 1967 |
EF4 |
56 km |
0 |
| Apr 30, 1967 |
EF4 |
49 km |
5 |
| Apr 30, 1967 |
EF4 |
51 km |
0 |
| May 5, 1965 |
EF4 |
79 km |
0 |
| Aug 29, 1964 |
EF4 |
49 km |
0 |
| Sep 1, 1961 |
EF4 |
81 km |
0 |
| May 10, 1953 |
EF4 |
28 km |
0 |
| Jun 12, 2013 |
EF3 |
39 km |
0 |
| Jun 17, 2010 |
EF3 |
89 km |
0 |
| Jun 17, 2010 |
EF3 |
74 km |
0 |
| Jun 17, 2010 |
EF3 |
61 km |
0 |
| Jun 18, 1994 |
EF3 |
20 km |
0 |
| Jun 28, 1990 |
EF3 |
83 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950-2024)
Wildfire History
2 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: DEWEYS PASTURE (641 ac, 2008).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2008 |
DEWEYS PASTURE |
641 |
92 km |
| 2024 |
LINCOLN WPA RX |
575 |
98 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
15°F (-9°C) |
0.8 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
19°F (-7°C) |
1.5 in |
|
| March |
32°F (-0°C) |
2.1 in |
|
| April |
45°F (7°C) |
3.9 in |
|
| May |
58°F (15°C) |
4.5 in |
|
| June |
69°F (20°C) |
5.4 in |
Wettest |
| July |
72°F (22°C) |
4.2 in |
Warmest |
| August |
69°F (21°C) |
3.6 in |
|
| September |
62°F (17°C) |
3.2 in |
|
| October |
49°F (9°C) |
2.6 in |
|
| November |
34°F (1°C) |
1.4 in |
|
| December |
21°F (-6°C) |
1.1 in |
|
Crystal Lake has a seasonal temperature swing of 57°F / from 15°F in January to 72°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 34.3 inches, with June being the wettest month (5.4") and January the driest (0.8").
Average costs for common services in Crystal Lake. Prices are estimated based on regional cost of living data and may vary by provider.
Healthcare
| Doctor Visit (Primary Care) |
$220 ($132-$351) |
| Specialist Visit |
$307 ($176-$483) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$176 ($88-$307) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$1,932 ($702-$4,390) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$114 ($66-$176) |
| Dental Filling |
$220 ($132-$351) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$40 ($22-$66) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$66 ($44-$105) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$263 ($132-$439) |
| Tire Rotation |
$35 ($18-$66) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$527 ($351-$878) |
| Battery Replacement |
$176 ($88-$307) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$88 ($53-$132) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$79 ($44-$123) |
| HVAC Repair |
$351 ($132-$702) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,146 ($3,512-$10,536) |
| Roof Repair |
$878 ($351-$1,756) |
| Roof Replacement |
$7,902 ($4,829-$13,170) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,317 ($439-$3,073) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$13,170 ($4,390-$26,340) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,390 ($1,756-$8,780) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,317 ($702-$2,634) |
| Will Preparation |
$439 ($176-$878) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,195 ($878-$4,390) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$22 ($13-$40) |
| Women's Haircut |
$48 ($26-$88) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$132 ($66-$220) |
| Manicure |
$22 ($13-$40) |
| Pedicure |
$35 ($22-$57) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$70 ($44-$114) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$3.60 ($2.63-$4.83) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.07 ($2.20-$4.39) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.34 ($2.20-$4.83) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$3.95 ($2.63-$5.71) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$4.83 ($3.51-$6.59) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.88 ($0.53-$1.58) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$123 ($70-$220) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$61 ($26-$132) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$61 ($35-$105) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$61 ($35-$88) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$57 ($26-$88) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$75 ($44-$132) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$176 ($66-$439) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,756 ($1,054-$3,073) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$61 ($26-$114) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$13 ($7.02-$22) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$88 ($26-$220) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$26 ($13-$66) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,054 ($527-$2,195) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$878 ($439-$1,756) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$351 ($176-$615) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$44 ($22-$88) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$878 ($351-$2,195) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$10,975 ($4,390-$26,340) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$53 ($26-$88) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$88 ($44-$176) |
| Dog Grooming |
$53 ($26-$88) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$35 ($18-$66) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$263 ($132-$439) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$176 ($88-$351) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $706 |
| Toddler | $609 |
| Preschool | $609 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $464 |
| Toddler | $456 |
| Preschool | $456 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Crystal Lake
What is the population of Crystal Lake?
Crystal Lake has a population of 229 residents and is located in Iowa. The population density is 916 people per square mile, spread across 0.3 square miles. The median age of residents is 36.2 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 45% female and 55% male.
Is Crystal Lake expensive to live in?
Crystal Lake is more affordable than the national average, with a cost of living index of 87.8 / below the baseline of 100. The median household income is $82,500, 10% above the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $86,000 (69% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $830 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 1x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
What is the weather like in Crystal Lake?
Crystal Lake has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 46°F (8°C). Winter temperatures average 15°F in January, while summers reach an average of 72°F in July. Annual rainfall totals 34.3 inches, with 38.1 inches of snow.
How is the job market in Crystal Lake?
The job market in Crystal Lake is very strong, with unemployment at just 2.5% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,152. There are 379 business establishments in the area, including 14 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 32 minutes, and 6.1% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Crystal Lake?
The median home value in Crystal Lake is $86,000. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $92,531. For renters, the median monthly rent is $830. Fair market rent is $788 for a 1-bedroom and $989 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 87.0%. The average annual property tax is $3,211.
How are the schools in Crystal Lake?
Schools in Crystal Lake score 6 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 10.4% of adults in Crystal Lake hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 92.7% have completed high school. 1.2% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Crystal Lake?
The obesity rate in Crystal Lake is 42.1% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 15.8% of adults are smokers. 26.4% are physically inactive. 22.0% of residents report depression. 2.2% lack health insurance (below the national rate). 70.9% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:10,663.
What is transportation like in Crystal Lake?
The average commute in Crystal Lake is 32 minutes, longer than the national average of 28 minutes. 75.7% of workers drive alone to work, and 6.1% work from home.
What are the demographics of Crystal Lake?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Crystal Lake is 97.8% White, 0.9% Black or African American, 10% Hispanic or Latino. 90.6% of residents speak only English at home, while 7.4% speak Spanish. 7.0% of the population are military veterans. 20.5% of residents have a disability. 97.8% have health insurance coverage.