Median Income
$64,375
14% lower than US avg
Home Value
$103,300
63% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
485/100K
28% higher than US avg
Bachelor's+
21.1%
37% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$761
35% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
39.7%
24% higher than US avg
Unemployment
1.0%
72% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
5.7%
54% lower than US avg
How Lake City Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population1,652
Median Age46.9 yrs
Density343/mi²
Male / Female47% / 53%
Largest GroupWhite 91%
Veterans5.0%
Economy
A
Median Income$64,375
Per Capita$32,810
Unemployment1.0%
Poverty5.7%
County GDP$560M
Commute16 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$103,300
Rent$761
Ownership75.2%
Zillow$142,584
Housing Units756
Rent Burden20.8%
Crime
F
Violent485/100K
Property970/100K
Murder0.0/100K
Assault485/100K
Burglary61/100K
Health
Obesity39.7%
Uninsured7.0%
Smoking16.2%
Depression22.2%
Heart Disease5.4%
Climate
Avg Temp47°F (8°C)
AQI43 (Good)
Rain33.8 in/yr
Sunny Days260/yr
Elevation1,242 ft (379 m)
Education
C+
Bachelor's+21.1%
High School+94.0%
Graduate+7.3%
School Score6.00
Community
2024 VoteR 73% / D 26%
Commute16 min
Broadband86.8%
EV Stations1
Libraries7
Is Lake City a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Lake City 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, a low poverty rate. Areas to be aware of include high obesity rates. Lake City offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Lake City is $64,375, 14% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 1.0%. Only 5.7% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 16 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Lake City is $103,300, 63% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $761 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 1.6x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
The violent crime rate of 485 per 100,000 is above the national average of 380 / something for prospective residents to consider. Property crime occurs at a rate of 970 per 100,000, 50% below the national average.
Education
21.1% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 94.0% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 6/10.
Climate & Weather
Lake City experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 47°F. Winters average 17°F in January while summers reach 73°F in July. With 260 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 33.8 inches, including 32.1 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43.
Lake City has a population of 1,652 with a density of 343 people per square mile, spread across 4.8 square miles. The median age is 46.9 years, 21% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 52.6% female and 47.4% male. The city is predominantly White (90.7%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 98.6% of residents. 5.0% of the population are veterans. 14.5% of residents have a disability. 97.7% have health insurance coverage.
Population
46.9yrs
Median Age
21% above US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Lake City vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
98.6%
26% above US avg
Spanish
1.4%
90% below US avg
Social Characteristics
Lake City vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Lake City is $64,375, which is 14% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $32,810 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $925, 35% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 1.0% (below the 3.6% US average). 5.7% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 325 business establishments, including 15 restaurants. The cost of living index is 87.8, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 16 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 3.8% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income: Lake City vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $64,375 |
| 14% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $32,810 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $925 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $75,557 |
| Gini Index | 0.450 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 1.0% |
| 72% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 5.7% |
| 54% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 325 |
| County GDP | $560M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 15 |
| Healthcare | 31 |
| Retail | 49 |
| Manufacturing | 12 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $3,718 |
| 6% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 87.80 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 3.60% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 15.7 min |
| Drive Alone | 78.9% |
| Public Transit | 1.2% |
| Work from Home | 3.8% |
The median home value in Lake City is $103,300, 63% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $142,584, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $761 (35% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $788 for a one-bedroom to $989 for a two-bedroom apartment. 75.2% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 756 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1956. The average annual property tax is $3,718. 20.8% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.6x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $103,300 |
| 63% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $142,584 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $761 |
| 35% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 20.8% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $738 |
| 1 Bedroom | $788 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $989 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,282 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,420 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 75.2% |
| Owner-Occupied | 75.2% |
| Renter-Occupied | 24.8% |
| Housing Units | 756 |
| Median Year Built | 1956 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $3,718 |
| 6% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 3.60% |
In Lake City, 39.7% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 9.2% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.4% of residents. 29.8% have high blood pressure. 16.2% are current smokers. 22.5% report binge drinking. 24.2% are physically inactive. 22.2% report depression. 18.2% experience frequent mental distress. 7.0% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,416. The dentist ratio is 1:2,431. 43.4% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.3 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Lake City vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 39.7% |
| 24% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 9.2% |
| Heart Disease | 5.4% |
| High Blood Pressure | 29.8% |
| Asthma | 10.3% |
| COPD | 6.3% |
| Cancer | 7.5% |
| Stroke | 2.8% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 16.2% |
| 16% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 22.5% |
| Physical Inactivity | 24.2% |
| Depression | 22.2% |
| Mental Distress | 18.2% |
| Physical Distress | 12.2% |
| Short Sleep | 33.1% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 97.7% |
| Uninsured | 7.0% |
| 19% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,416 |
| Dentists | 1:2,431 |
| Mental Health | 1:2,441 |
| Checkup Rate | 75.0% |
| Dental Visits | 65.3% |
| Premature Death | 7,619/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.3/10 |
| Exercise Access | 43.4% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 31 |
Lake City has a violent crime rate of 485 per 100,000 residents, 28% above the national average of 380. This breaks down to aggravated assault at 485.1 per 100,000, robbery at 0.0, rape at 0.0. The murder rate is 0.0 per 100,000 (below the national rate of 6.3). Property crime stands at 970 per 100,000, 50% below the U.S. average. This includes larceny/theft at 910, burglary at 61, vehicle theft at 0 per 100,000 residents. The county recorded 1 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Lake City receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Lake City vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 485.1/100K |
| 28% above US avg |
| Murder | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg |
| Rape | 0.0/100K |
| Robbery | 0.0/100K |
| Assault | 485.1/100K |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 970.3/100K |
| 50% below US avg |
| Burglary | 60.6/100K |
| Theft | 909.6/100K |
| Vehicle Theft | 0.0/100K |
| Arson | 0.0/100K |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 1 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Lake City experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 47°F (8°C). Winters average 17°F in January while summers reach 73°F in July. The area gets 260 sunny days per year, above the national average. Annual precipitation totals 33.8 inches. The area receives 32.1 inches of snow annually, a moderate snowfall amount. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43. The city sits at an elevation of 1,242 feet.
Temperature
17°F Jan (-8°C)
73°F Jul (23°C)
| Annual Average | 47.2°F |
| 13% below US avg |
| January Average | 17°F (-8°C) |
| July Average | 73°F (23°C) |
| Sunny Days | 260 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,242 ft (379 m) |
| Area | 4.8 sq mi (12.5 km²) |
| Population Density | 343/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 42.2677°N, 94.7311°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Calhoun County County |
| Nearest Airport | Fort Dodge Regional (FOD)
34 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
33.8"
11% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
4.61"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 43.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 44.6 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 48.5 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 87.6 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Very Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Moderate |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Moderate |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Moderate |
| Lightning |
Very Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
Relatively High |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
1 earthquake (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M2.7. Most recent: M2.7 on Jun 30, 2021.
| Jun 30, 2021 |
4 km E of Rembrandt, Iowa |
M2.7 |
69 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
619 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF5. Total: 8 fatalities, 226 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jun 13, 1976 |
EF5 |
80 km |
0 |
| Jun 27, 1953 |
EF5 |
91 km |
1 |
| Apr 9, 2011 |
EF4 |
52 km |
0 |
| May 27, 1995 |
EF4 |
26 km |
0 |
| May 27, 1995 |
EF4 |
55 km |
0 |
| May 24, 1989 |
EF4 |
75 km |
0 |
| Jun 28, 1979 |
EF4 |
42 km |
3 |
| May 4, 1977 |
EF4 |
56 km |
0 |
| Jun 8, 1967 |
EF4 |
53 km |
0 |
| May 5, 1965 |
EF4 |
22 km |
0 |
| Aug 29, 1964 |
EF4 |
83 km |
0 |
| May 10, 1959 |
EF4 |
86 km |
0 |
| Jun 9, 1954 |
EF4 |
2 km |
1 |
| Jul 14, 2021 |
EF3 |
4 km |
0 |
| Apr 9, 2011 |
EF3 |
47 km |
0 |
| Apr 9, 2011 |
EF3 |
91 km |
0 |
| Apr 9, 2011 |
EF3 |
43 km |
0 |
| Nov 12, 2005 |
EF3 |
55 km |
1 |
| Jun 11, 2004 |
EF3 |
74 km |
0 |
| Apr 26, 1991 |
EF3 |
58 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
17°F (-8°C) |
0.8 in |
Coldest |
| February |
24°F (-5°C) |
0.7 in |
Driest |
| March |
36°F (2°C) |
2.1 in |
|
| April |
49°F (9°C) |
3.2 in |
|
| May |
61°F (16°C) |
4.3 in |
|
| June |
70°F (21°C) |
4.6 in |
Wettest |
| July |
73°F (23°C) |
4.1 in |
Warmest |
| August |
71°F (22°C) |
3.9 in |
|
| September |
63°F (17°C) |
3.5 in |
|
| October |
51°F (11°C) |
2.4 in |
|
| November |
35°F (2°C) |
1.5 in |
|
| December |
22°F (-6°C) |
0.9 in |
|
Lake City has a seasonal temperature swing of 56°F / from 17°F in January to 73°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 32.0 inches, with June being the wettest month (4.6") and February the driest (0.7").
Average costs for common services in Lake City. 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 | $682 |
| Toddler | $588 |
| Preschool | $588 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $448 |
| Toddler | $441 |
| Preschool | $441 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Lake City
What is the population of Lake City?
Lake City has a population of 1,652 residents and is located in Iowa. The population density is 343 people per square mile, spread across 4.8 square miles. The median age of residents is 46.9 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 52.6% female and 47.4% male.
Is Lake City expensive to live in?
Lake City 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 $64,375, 14% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $103,300 (63% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $761 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.6x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Lake City safe?
The violent crime rate in Lake City is 485 per 100,000 residents, above the national average of 380. Prospective residents should research specific neighborhoods, as crime rates can vary significantly within the city. Property crime occurs at a rate of 970 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Lake City receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Lake City?
Lake City has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 47°F (8°C). Winter temperatures average 17°F in January, while summers reach an average of 73°F in July. The area receives 260 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 33.8 inches, with 32.1 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 43.
How is the job market in Lake City?
The job market in Lake City is very strong, with unemployment at just 1.0% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $925. There are 325 business establishments in the area, including 15 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 16 minutes, and 3.8% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Lake City?
The median home value in Lake City is $103,300. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $142,584. For renters, the median monthly rent is $761. Fair market rent is $788 for a 1-bedroom and $989 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 75.2%. The average annual property tax is $3,718.
How are the schools in Lake City?
Schools in Lake City score 6 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 21.1% of adults in Lake City hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 94.0% have completed high school. 7.3% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Lake City?
The obesity rate in Lake City is 39.7% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 16.2% of adults are smokers. 24.2% are physically inactive. 22.2% of residents report depression. 7.0% lack health insurance (below the national rate). 43.4% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,416.
What is transportation like in Lake City?
The average commute in Lake City is 16 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 78.9% of workers drive alone to work, 1.2% use public transit, and 3.8% work from home.
What are the demographics of Lake City?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Lake City is 90.7% White. 98.6% of residents speak only English at home. 5.0% of the population are military veterans. 14.5% of residents have a disability. 97.7% have health insurance coverage.
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