Median Income
$76,863
2% higher than US avg
Home Value
$257,800
9% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
28.8%
15% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
43.7%
36% higher than US avg
Unemployment
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
6.3%
49% lower than US avg
How Holiday Lake Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population321
Median Age54.6 yrs
Density120/mi²
Male / Female41% / 59%
Largest GroupWhite 99%
Veterans15.8%
Economy
A+
Median Income$76,863
Per Capita$56,659
Unemployment0.0%
Poverty6.3%
County GDP$1,654M
Commute41 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$257,800
Ownership95.4%
Zillow$188,338
Housing Units472
Rent Burden24.9%
Health
Obesity43.7%
Uninsured0.0%
Smoking19.2%
Depression24.6%
Heart Disease5.9%
Climate
Avg Temp48°F (9°C)
Rain37.7 in/yr
Elevation932 ft (284 m)
Education
B
Bachelor's+28.8%
High School+82.7%
Graduate+8.1%
School Score6.42
Community
2024 VoteR 58% / D 41%
Commute41 min
Broadband82.5%
EV Stations1
Libraries3
Is Holiday Lake a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Holiday Lake receives an overall livability score of 4.2 out of 5.0, earning a grade of A. Key strengths include low unemployment, a low poverty rate, high health insurance coverage. Areas to be aware of include long commute times, high obesity rates. Holiday Lake stands out as an excellent place to live, with strong marks across most quality-of-life indicators.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Holiday Lake is $76,863, roughly in line with the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 0.0%. Only 6.3% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 41 minutes, longer than the typical American commute of 28 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Holiday Lake is $257,800, roughly aligned with the national median of $281,900. A price-to-income ratio of 3.4x indicates a reasonably affordable housing market.
Education
28.8% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 82.7% have completed high school. Local schools score 6.4/10 in standardized testing, reflecting strong academic performance.
Climate & Weather
Holiday Lake experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 48°F. Winters average 19°F in January while summers reach 73°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 37.7 inches, including 29.8 inches of snow.
Holiday Lake has a population of 321 with a density of 120 people per square mile, spread across 1.7 square miles. The median age is 54.6 years, 40% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 58.9% female and 41.1% male. The city is predominantly White (98.8%), with 1.2% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 97.5% of residents. 15.8% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 15.3% of residents have a disability. 100.0% have health insurance coverage.
Population
321
Total Population
2023 Census
54.6yrs
Median Age
40% above US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Holiday Lake vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
97.5%
24% above US avg
Spanish
3.0%
78% below US avg
Social Characteristics
Holiday Lake vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Holiday Lake is $76,863, which is 2% above the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $56,659 (above the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,108, 23% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 0.0% (below the 3.6% US average). 6.3% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 699 business establishments, including 47 restaurants. The cost of living index is 87.8, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 41 minutes (longer than the 28-minute US average). 3.9% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income: Holiday Lake vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $76,863 |
| 2% above US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $56,659 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,108 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $77,315 |
| Gini Index | 0.480 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 6.3% |
| 49% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 699 |
| County GDP | $1,654M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 47 |
| Healthcare | 62 |
| Retail | 80 |
| Manufacturing | 30 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $4,683 |
| 34% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 87.80 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 1.82% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 41.3 min |
| Drive Alone | 91.5% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 3.9% |
The median home value in Holiday Lake is $257,800, 9% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $188,338, lower than the Census estimate. Fair market rent ranges from $788 for a one-bedroom to $989 for a two-bedroom apartment. 95.4% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 472 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1968. The average annual property tax is $4,683 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 24.9% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 3.4x.
Home Values
| Census Median | $257,800 |
| 9% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $188,338 |
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 | 95.4% |
| Owner-Occupied | 95.4% |
| Renter-Occupied | 4.6% |
| Housing Units | 472 |
| Median Year Built | 1968 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $4,683 |
| 34% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 1.82% |
In Holiday Lake, 43.7% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 10.1% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.9% of residents. 32.0% have high blood pressure. 19.2% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 21.0% report binge drinking. 27.4% are physically inactive. 24.6% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 19.8% experience frequent mental distress. 0.0% of residents lack health insurance (below the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,162. The dentist ratio is 1:1,679. 70.8% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.9 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Holiday Lake vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 43.7% |
| 36% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 10.1% |
| Heart Disease | 5.9% |
| High Blood Pressure | 32.0% |
| Asthma | 11.0% |
| COPD | 7.6% |
| Cancer | 7.3% |
| Stroke | 3.2% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 19.2% |
| 37% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 21.0% |
| Physical Inactivity | 27.4% |
| Depression | 24.6% |
| Mental Distress | 19.8% |
| Physical Distress | 13.8% |
| Short Sleep | 34.9% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 100.0% |
| Uninsured | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,162 |
| Dentists | 1:1,679 |
| Mental Health | 1:595 |
| Checkup Rate | 74.1% |
| Dental Visits | 61.6% |
| Premature Death | 6,568/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.9/10 |
| Exercise Access | 70.8% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 62 |
Holiday Lake experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 48°F (9°C). Winters average 19°F in January while summers reach 73°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 37.7 inches. The area receives 29.8 inches of snow annually, a moderate snowfall amount. The city sits at an elevation of 932 feet.
Temperature
19°F Jan (-7°C)
73°F Jul (23°C)
| Annual Average | 48.2°F |
| 11% below US avg |
| January Average | 19°F (-7°C) |
| July Average | 73°F (23°C) |
Geography
| Elevation | 932 ft (284 m) |
| Area | 1.7 sq mi (4.4 km²) |
| Population Density | 120/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 41.8180°N, 92.4535°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Poweshiek County County |
| Nearest Airport | The Eastern Iowa (CID)
39 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
37.7"
1% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
5.56"
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 31.3 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 21.4 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 84.9 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Very Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Moderate |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Moderate |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Low |
| Lightning |
Very Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
Relatively High |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Relatively Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Tornado History
668 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF5. Total: 27 fatalities, 563 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| May 25, 2008 |
EF5 |
89 km |
9 |
| Mar 31, 2023 |
EF4 |
67 km |
0 |
| Mar 13, 1990 |
EF4 |
97 km |
0 |
| May 30, 1989 |
EF4 |
78 km |
0 |
| Sep 28, 1986 |
EF4 |
95 km |
0 |
| Aug 12, 1974 |
EF4 |
24 km |
0 |
| Aug 12, 1974 |
EF4 |
100 km |
0 |
| Jun 18, 1974 |
EF4 |
97 km |
2 |
| Aug 26, 1965 |
EF4 |
58 km |
1 |
| Apr 30, 1954 |
EF4 |
66 km |
0 |
| Mar 31, 2023 |
EF3 |
85 km |
0 |
| Jul 19, 2018 |
EF3 |
57 km |
0 |
| Jul 19, 2018 |
EF3 |
56 km |
0 |
| Jun 22, 2015 |
EF3 |
91 km |
0 |
| May 25, 2008 |
EF3 |
94 km |
0 |
| May 21, 2004 |
EF3 |
58 km |
0 |
| May 11, 2000 |
EF3 |
78 km |
1 |
| May 15, 1998 |
EF3 |
85 km |
0 |
| Mar 22, 1991 |
EF3 |
98 km |
0 |
| Mar 13, 1990 |
EF3 |
80 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950-2024)
Wildfire History
5 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: NEAL SMITH WUI 2016 1 (1,050 ac, 2016).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2016 |
NEAL SMITH WUI 2016 1 |
1,050 |
74 km |
| 2009 |
UNNAMED |
939 |
17 km |
| 2010 |
FOLEY |
786 |
20 km |
| 2011 |
ACE AUTO |
676 |
29 km |
| 2011 |
IRCP WUI ROFAE #2 FY11 |
510 |
13 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
19°F (-7°C) |
1.1 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
24°F (-5°C) |
1.4 in |
|
| March |
36°F (2°C) |
2.2 in |
|
| April |
49°F (9°C) |
3.8 in |
|
| May |
60°F (16°C) |
4.8 in |
|
| June |
70°F (21°C) |
5.6 in |
Wettest |
| July |
73°F (23°C) |
4.2 in |
Warmest |
| August |
71°F (22°C) |
4.4 in |
|
| September |
64°F (18°C) |
3.8 in |
|
| October |
51°F (11°C) |
3.0 in |
|
| November |
37°F (3°C) |
2.1 in |
|
| December |
25°F (-4°C) |
1.6 in |
|
Holiday Lake has a seasonal temperature swing of 54°F / from 19°F in January to 73°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 37.7 inches, with June being the wettest month (5.6") and January the driest (1.1").
Average costs for common services in Holiday 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 | $699 |
| Toddler | $602 |
| Preschool | $602 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $472 |
| Toddler | $464 |
| Preschool | $464 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Holiday Lake
What is the population of Holiday Lake?
Holiday Lake has a population of 321 residents and is located in Iowa. The population density is 120 people per square mile, spread across 1.7 square miles. The median age of residents is 54.6 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 58.9% female and 41.1% male.
Is Holiday Lake expensive to live in?
Holiday 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 $76,863, 2% above the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $257,800 (9% below the U.S. median). The home price-to-income ratio is 3.4x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
What is the weather like in Holiday Lake?
Holiday Lake has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 48°F (9°C). Winter temperatures average 19°F in January, while summers reach an average of 73°F in July. Annual rainfall totals 37.7 inches, with 29.8 inches of snow.
How is the job market in Holiday Lake?
The job market in Holiday Lake is very strong, with unemployment at just 0.0% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,108. There are 699 business establishments in the area, including 47 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 41 minutes, and 3.9% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Holiday Lake?
The median home value in Holiday Lake is $257,800. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $188,338. The homeownership rate is 95.4%. The average annual property tax is $4,683.
How are the schools in Holiday Lake?
Schools in Holiday Lake score 6.4 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 28.8% of adults in Holiday Lake hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 82.7% have completed high school. 8.1% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Holiday Lake?
The obesity rate in Holiday Lake is 43.7% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 19.2% of adults are smokers. 27.4% are physically inactive. 24.6% of residents report depression. 0.0% lack health insurance (below the national rate). 70.8% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,162.
What is transportation like in Holiday Lake?
The average commute in Holiday Lake is 41 minutes, longer than the national average of 28 minutes. 91.5% of workers drive alone to work, and 3.9% work from home.
What are the demographics of Holiday Lake?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Holiday Lake is 98.8% White, 1.2% Hispanic or Latino. 97.5% of residents speak only English at home. 15.8% of the population are military veterans. 15.3% of residents have a disability. 100.0% have health insurance coverage.