Median Income
$70,625
6% lower than US avg
Home Value
$125,000
56% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
626/100K
65% higher than US avg
Bachelor's+
22.0%
35% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
39.1%
22% higher than US avg
Unemployment
2.5%
31% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
10.4%
16% lower than US avg
How Goose Lake Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population309
Median Age30.8 yrs
Density936/mi²
Male / Female50% / 51%
Largest GroupWhite 93%
Veterans2.5%
Economy
A
Median Income$70,625
Per Capita$23,677
Unemployment2.5%
Poverty10.4%
County GDP$2,951M
Commute23 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$125,000
Ownership94.6%
Zillow$271,642
Housing Units99
Rent Burden27.7%
Crime
F
Violent626/100K
Property4,618/100K
Health
Obesity39.1%
Uninsured7.1%
Smoking17.3%
Depression22.4%
Heart Disease5.8%
Climate
Avg Temp50°F (10°C)
AQI43 (Good)
Rain34.3 in/yr
Sunny Days275/yr
Elevation699 ft (213 m)
Education
C+
Bachelor's+22.0%
High School+76.3%
Graduate+4.5%
School Score5.78
Community
2024 VoteR 59% / D 40%
Commute23 min
Broadband93.0%
EV Stations2
Libraries7
Is Goose Lake a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Goose Lake receives an overall livability score of 3.2 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include low unemployment, affordable housing, abundant sunshine, high health insurance coverage. Areas to be aware of include elevated crime rates, high obesity rates. Goose Lake offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Goose Lake is $70,625, roughly in line with the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 2.5%. 10.4% of residents live in poverty, near the national average of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 23 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Goose Lake is $125,000, 56% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. At just 1.8x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
With 626 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, public safety is a notable concern / this is significantly above the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 4,618 per 100,000, 136% above the national average.
Education
22.0% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 76.3% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.8/10.
Climate & Weather
Goose Lake experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 50°F. Winters average 21°F in January while summers reach 75°F in July. With 275 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 34.3 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43.
Goose Lake has a population of 309 with a density of 936 people per square mile, spread across 0.3 square miles. The median age is 30.8 years, 21% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 50.5% female and 49.5% male. The city is predominantly White (93.2%), with 1.6% Black. English is the primary language spoken at home by 98.9% of residents. 2.5% of the population are veterans, below the national rate of 6.0%. 8.8% of residents have a disability (below the 13.0% national average). 100.0% have health insurance coverage.
Population
30.8yrs
Median Age
21% below US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Goose Lake vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
98.9%
26% above US avg
Spanish
1.1%
92% below US avg
Social Characteristics
Goose Lake vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Goose Lake is $70,625, which is 6% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $23,677 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,014, 29% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 2.5% (below the 3.6% US average). 10.4% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 1,498 business establishments, including 117 restaurants. The cost of living index is 87.8, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 23 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 1.6% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income: Goose Lake vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $70,625 |
| 6% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $23,677 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,014 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $65,940 |
| Gini Index | 0.432 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 2.5% |
| 31% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 10.4% |
| 16% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 1,498 |
| County GDP | $2,951M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 117 |
| Healthcare | 128 |
| Retail | 162 |
| Manufacturing | 60 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $4,438 |
| 27% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 87.80 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 3.55% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 22.5 min |
| Drive Alone | 96.9% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 1.6% |
The median home value in Goose Lake is $125,000, 56% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $271,642, higher than the Census estimate. Fair market rent ranges from $788 for a one-bedroom to $989 for a two-bedroom apartment. 94.6% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 99 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1956. The average annual property tax is $4,438 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 27.7% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.8x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $125,000 |
| 56% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $271,642 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $738 |
| 1 Bedroom | $788 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $989 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,282 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,420 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 94.6% |
| Owner-Occupied | 94.6% |
| Renter-Occupied | 5.4% |
| Housing Units | 99 |
| Median Year Built | 1956 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $4,438 |
| 27% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 3.55% |
In Goose Lake, 39.1% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 9.7% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.8% of residents. 32.1% have high blood pressure. 17.3% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 23.5% report binge drinking. 25.1% are physically inactive. 22.4% report depression. 18.6% experience frequent mental distress. 7.1% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,112. The dentist ratio is 1:1,716. 76.9% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.0 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Goose Lake vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 39.1% |
| 22% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 9.7% |
| Heart Disease | 5.8% |
| High Blood Pressure | 32.1% |
| Asthma | 10.5% |
| COPD | 6.8% |
| Cancer | 7.4% |
| Stroke | 3.0% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 17.3% |
| 24% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 23.5% |
| Physical Inactivity | 25.1% |
| Depression | 22.4% |
| Mental Distress | 18.6% |
| Physical Distress | 12.8% |
| Short Sleep | 33.6% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 100.0% |
| Uninsured | 7.1% |
| 17% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:2,112 |
| Dentists | 1:1,716 |
| Mental Health | 1:537 |
| Checkup Rate | 74.7% |
| Dental Visits | 66.3% |
| Premature Death | 8,790/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.0/10 |
| Exercise Access | 76.9% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 128 |
Goose Lake has a violent crime rate of 626 per 100,000 residents, 65% above the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 4,618 per 100,000, 136% above the U.S. average. The county recorded 5 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Goose Lake receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Goose Lake vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 625.6/100K |
| 65% above US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 4,618.0/100K |
| 136% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 5 |
| Traffic Accidents | 3 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.3 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Goose Lake experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 50°F (10°C). Winters average 21°F in January while summers reach 75°F in July. The area gets 275 sunny days per year, well above the U.S. average of 205 / making it one of the sunnier locations in the country. Annual precipitation totals 34.3 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43. The city sits at an elevation of 699 feet.
Temperature
21°F Jan (-6°C)
75°F Jul (24°C)
| Annual Average | 49.9°F |
| 8% below US avg |
| January Average | 21°F (-6°C) |
| July Average | 75°F (24°C) |
| Sunny Days | 275 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 699 ft (213 m) |
| Area | 0.3 sq mi (0.8 km²) |
| Population Density | 936/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 41.9676°N, 90.3818°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Clinton County County |
| Nearest Airport | Dubuque Regional (DBQ)
34 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
34.3"
10% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
4.53"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 43.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Air Pollutants (EPA 2023)
| Ozone (O₃) | 0.0477 ppm |
| SO₂ (Sulfur Dioxide) | 1.32 ppb |
| PM2.5 (Fine Particles) | 11.0 μg/m³ |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 64.8 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 34.6 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 87.5 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Moderate |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively High |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Low |
| Lightning |
Relatively Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Moderate |
| Drought |
Relatively High |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Landslide |
Relatively Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
3 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M4.2. Most recent: M3.1 on Jul 15, 2024.
| Jun 28, 2004 |
12 km NW of Dayton, Illinois |
M4.2 |
135 km |
| Sep 2, 1999 |
8 km W of Amboy, Illinois |
M3.5 |
83 km |
| Jul 15, 2024 |
2 km WNW of Somonauk, Illinois |
M3.1 |
143 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
626 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 7 fatalities, 214 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Apr 9, 2015 |
EF4 |
91 km |
2 |
| Mar 13, 1990 |
EF4 |
91 km |
0 |
| Mar 29, 1981 |
EF4 |
48 km |
0 |
| Aug 12, 1974 |
EF4 |
100 km |
0 |
| Apr 11, 1965 |
EF4 |
47 km |
1 |
| May 9, 1995 |
EF3 |
59 km |
0 |
| May 9, 1995 |
EF3 |
89 km |
0 |
| Jun 19, 1993 |
EF3 |
48 km |
0 |
| Jul 13, 1992 |
EF3 |
66 km |
0 |
| Mar 13, 1990 |
EF3 |
42 km |
0 |
| May 8, 1988 |
EF3 |
69 km |
0 |
| May 8, 1988 |
EF3 |
41 km |
0 |
| Aug 5, 1979 |
EF3 |
67 km |
0 |
| Aug 15, 1978 |
EF3 |
84 km |
0 |
| Jun 20, 1974 |
EF3 |
9 km |
1 |
| Jun 14, 1974 |
EF3 |
70 km |
0 |
| May 13, 1974 |
EF3 |
43 km |
0 |
| Sep 9, 1970 |
EF3 |
64 km |
0 |
| Apr 16, 1967 |
EF3 |
72 km |
0 |
| Jan 24, 1967 |
EF3 |
31 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
1 wildfire (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: COLD SPRINGS (552 ac, 2009).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2009 |
COLD SPRINGS |
552 |
100 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
21°F (-6°C) |
1.3 in |
Coldest |
| February |
24°F (-4°C) |
1.2 in |
Driest |
| March |
36°F (2°C) |
2.4 in |
|
| April |
49°F (9°C) |
3.4 in |
|
| May |
61°F (16°C) |
3.9 in |
|
| June |
70°F (21°C) |
4.5 in |
Wettest |
| July |
75°F (24°C) |
3.7 in |
Warmest |
| August |
71°F (22°C) |
4.3 in |
|
| September |
63°F (17°C) |
3.8 in |
|
| October |
52°F (11°C) |
2.7 in |
|
| November |
37°F (3°C) |
2.4 in |
|
| December |
25°F (-4°C) |
1.9 in |
|
Goose Lake has a seasonal temperature swing of 53°F / from 21°F in January to 75°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 35.7 inches, with June being the wettest month (4.5") and February the driest (1.2").
Average costs for common services in Goose 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 | $685 |
| Toddler | $590 |
| Preschool | $590 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $462 |
| Toddler | $455 |
| Preschool | $455 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Goose Lake
What is the population of Goose Lake?
Goose Lake has a population of 309 residents and is located in Iowa. The population density is 936 people per square mile, spread across 0.3 square miles. The median age of residents is 30.8 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 50.5% female and 49.5% male.
Is Goose Lake expensive to live in?
Goose 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 $70,625, 6% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $125,000 (56% below the U.S. median). The home price-to-income ratio is 1.8x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Goose Lake safe?
Public safety is a concern in Goose Lake, with a violent crime rate of 626 per 100,000 / significantly above the national average of 380. However, crime tends to concentrate in certain areas, and many neighborhoods remain relatively safe. Property crime occurs at a rate of 4,618 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Goose Lake receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Goose Lake?
Goose Lake has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 50°F (10°C). Winter temperatures average 21°F in January, while summers reach an average of 75°F in July. The area receives 275 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 34.3 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 43.
How is the job market in Goose Lake?
The job market in Goose Lake is very strong, with unemployment at just 2.5% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,014. There are 1,498 business establishments in the area, including 117 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 23 minutes, and 1.6% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Goose Lake?
The median home value in Goose Lake is $125,000. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $271,642. The homeownership rate is 94.6%. The average annual property tax is $4,438.
How are the schools in Goose Lake?
Schools in Goose Lake score 5.8 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 22.0% of adults in Goose Lake hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 76.3% have completed high school. 4.5% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Goose Lake?
The obesity rate in Goose Lake is 39.1% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 17.3% of adults are smokers. 25.1% are physically inactive. 22.4% of residents report depression. 7.1% lack health insurance (below the national rate). 76.9% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,112.
What is transportation like in Goose Lake?
The average commute in Goose Lake is 23 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 96.9% of workers drive alone to work, and 1.6% work from home.
What are the demographics of Goose Lake?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Goose Lake is 93.2% White, 1.6% Black or African American. 98.9% of residents speak only English at home. 2.5% of the population are military veterans. 8.8% of residents have a disability. 100.0% have health insurance coverage.
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