Median Income
$70,333
6% lower than US avg
Home Value
$127,100
55% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
302/100K
20% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
17.3%
49% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$615
47% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
39.2%
22% higher than US avg
Unemployment
1.9%
47% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
17.7%
43% higher than US avg
How Lake Mills Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population2,054
Median Age43.8 yrs
Density758/mi²
Male / Female45% / 55%
Largest GroupWhite 90%
Veterans6.0%
Economy
B+
Median Income$70,333
Per Capita$33,609
Unemployment1.9%
Poverty17.7%
County GDP$690M
Commute16 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$127,100
Rent$615
Ownership67.1%
Zillow$165,001
Housing Units971
Rent Burden21.3%
Crime
F
Violent302/100K
Property1,260/100K
Health
Obesity39.2%
Uninsured7.5%
Smoking15.3%
Depression21.7%
Heart Disease5.2%
Climate
Avg Temp45°F (7°C)
AQI43 (Good)
Rain35.9 in/yr
Sunny Days260/yr
Elevation1,291 ft (393 m)
Education
C
Bachelor's+17.3%
High School+94.9%
Graduate+4.6%
School Score5.84
Community
2024 VoteR 65% / D 34%
Commute16 min
Broadband87.5%
EV Stations8
Libraries5
Is Lake Mills a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Lake Mills receives an overall livability score of 3.0 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include low unemployment, low crime rates, affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include an elevated poverty rate, high obesity rates. Lake Mills offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Lake Mills is $70,333, roughly in line with the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 1.9%. The poverty rate of 17.7% exceeds the national average of 12.4%, indicating economic hardship for a significant portion of the population. Workers commute an average of 16 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Lake Mills is $127,100, 55% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $615 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 1.8x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Violent crime in Lake Mills is below the national average at 302 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,260 per 100,000, 36% below the national average.
Education
17.3% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 94.9% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.8/10.
Climate & Weather
Lake Mills has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 45°F. Winters average 14°F in January while summers reach 71°F in July. With 260 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 35.9 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43.
Lake Mills has a population of 2,054 with a density of 758 people per square mile, spread across 2.7 square miles. The median age is 43.8 years, 13% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 55.2% female and 44.8% male. The city is predominantly White (90.2%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 92.3% of residents, while 7.7% speak Spanish. 6.0% of the population are veterans. 12.9% of residents have a disability. 95.8% have health insurance coverage.
Population
43.8yrs
Median Age
13% above US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Lake Mills vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
92.3%
18% above US avg
Spanish
7.7%
43% below US avg
Social Characteristics
Lake Mills vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Lake Mills is $70,333, which is 6% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $33,609 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $904, 37% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 1.9% (below the 3.6% US average). 17.7% of residents live below the poverty line, higher than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 393 business establishments, including 21 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 Mills vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $70,333 |
| 6% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $33,609 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $904 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $70,658 |
| Gini Index | 0.439 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 1.9% |
| 47% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 17.7% |
| 43% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 393 |
| County GDP | $690M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 21 |
| Healthcare | 31 |
| Retail | 49 |
| Manufacturing | 17 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $3,053 |
| 13% below US avg |
| Cost of Living | 87.80 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 2.40% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 15.7 min |
| Drive Alone | 87.4% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 3.8% |
The median home value in Lake Mills is $127,100, 55% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $165,001, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $615 (47% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $788 for a one-bedroom to $989 for a two-bedroom apartment. 67.1% of housing units are owner-occupied. There are 971 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1963. The average annual property tax is $3,053. 21.3% 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 | $127,100 |
| 55% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $165,001 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $615 |
| 47% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 21.3% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $738 |
| 1 Bedroom | $788 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $989 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,282 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,420 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 67.1% |
| Owner-Occupied | 67.1% |
| Renter-Occupied | 32.9% |
| Housing Units | 971 |
| Median Year Built | 1963 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $3,053 |
| 13% below US avg |
| Effective Rate | 2.40% |
In Lake Mills, 39.2% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 9.1% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.2% of residents. 30.6% have high blood pressure. 15.3% are current smokers. 22.7% report binge drinking. 23.4% are physically inactive. 21.7% report depression. 17.5% experience frequent mental distress. 7.5% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:3,552. The dentist ratio is 1:1,517. 85.3% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 9.1 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Lake Mills vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 39.2% |
| 22% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 9.1% |
| Heart Disease | 5.2% |
| High Blood Pressure | 30.6% |
| Asthma | 10.1% |
| COPD | 5.9% |
| Cancer | 7.4% |
| Stroke | 2.7% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 15.3% |
| 9% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 22.7% |
| Physical Inactivity | 23.4% |
| Depression | 21.7% |
| Mental Distress | 17.5% |
| Physical Distress | 11.9% |
| Short Sleep | 31.3% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 95.8% |
| Uninsured | 7.5% |
| 13% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:3,552 |
| Dentists | 1:1,517 |
| Mental Health | 1:5,285 |
| Checkup Rate | 75.4% |
| Dental Visits | 71.3% |
| Premature Death | 5,991/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 9.1/10 |
| Exercise Access | 85.3% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 31 |
Lake Mills has a violent crime rate of 302 per 100,000 residents, 20% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 1,260 per 100,000, 36% below the U.S. average. The county recorded 2 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Lake Mills receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Lake Mills vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 302.3/100K |
| 20% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 1,259.8/100K |
| 36% below US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 2 |
| Traffic Accidents | 2 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 4.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Lake Mills has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 45°F (7°C). Winters average 14°F in January while summers reach 71°F in July. The area gets 260 sunny days per year, above the national average. Annual precipitation totals 35.9 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43. The city sits at an elevation of 1,291 feet.
Temperature
14°F Jan (-10°C)
71°F Jul (22°C)
| Annual Average | 44.9°F |
| 17% below US avg |
| January Average | 14°F (-10°C) |
| July Average | 71°F (22°C) |
| Sunny Days | 260 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,291 ft (393 m) |
| Area | 2.7 sq mi (7.0 km²) |
| Population Density | 758/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 43.4171°N, 93.5316°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Winnebago County County |
| Nearest Airport | Owatonna Degner Regional (OWA)
51 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
35.9"
5% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
4.53"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 43.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 30.7 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 45.7 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 83.3 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| 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 |
94 km |
| Jun 30, 2021 |
4 km E of Rembrandt, Iowa |
M2.7 |
144 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
593 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF5. Total: 44 fatalities, 900 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| May 15, 1968 |
EF5 |
79 km |
13 |
| Oct 14, 1966 |
EF5 |
69 km |
6 |
| Jun 17, 2010 |
EF4 |
20 km |
1 |
| Jul 12, 1971 |
EF4 |
90 km |
0 |
| Apr 30, 1967 |
EF4 |
29 km |
0 |
| Apr 30, 1967 |
EF4 |
19 km |
5 |
| Apr 30, 1967 |
EF4 |
43 km |
6 |
| Apr 30, 1967 |
EF4 |
32 km |
0 |
| May 5, 1965 |
EF4 |
60 km |
0 |
| Aug 29, 1964 |
EF4 |
79 km |
0 |
| Sep 1, 1961 |
EF4 |
83 km |
0 |
| May 10, 1953 |
EF4 |
39 km |
0 |
| May 10, 1953 |
EF4 |
91 km |
2 |
| Jun 12, 2013 |
EF3 |
61 km |
0 |
| Jun 17, 2010 |
EF3 |
33 km |
0 |
| Jun 17, 2010 |
EF3 |
59 km |
0 |
| Jun 17, 2010 |
EF3 |
45 km |
0 |
| Jun 11, 2004 |
EF3 |
79 km |
0 |
| Jun 18, 1994 |
EF3 |
36 km |
0 |
| Jun 28, 1990 |
EF3 |
92 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
2 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: SNAKE TRAIL (1,496 ac, 2024).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2024 |
SNAKE TRAIL |
1,496 |
78 km |
| 2024 |
LINCOLN WPA RX |
575 |
91 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
14°F (-10°C) |
0.8 in |
Coldest |
| February |
19°F (-7°C) |
0.7 in |
Driest |
| March |
32°F (-0°C) |
1.9 in |
|
| April |
46°F (8°C) |
3.1 in |
|
| May |
59°F (15°C) |
3.7 in |
|
| June |
69°F (20°C) |
4.5 in |
Wettest |
| July |
71°F (22°C) |
4.3 in |
Warmest |
| August |
69°F (21°C) |
4.2 in |
|
| September |
61°F (16°C) |
3.2 in |
|
| October |
49°F (9°C) |
2.4 in |
|
| November |
33°F (0°C) |
1.7 in |
|
| December |
19°F (-7°C) |
1.0 in |
|
Lake Mills has a seasonal temperature swing of 57°F / from 14°F in January to 71°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 31.4 inches, with June being the wettest month (4.5") and February the driest (0.7").
Average costs for common services in Lake Mills. 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 | $653 |
| Toddler | $562 |
| Preschool | $562 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $440 |
| Toddler | $433 |
| Preschool | $433 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Lake Mills
What is the population of Lake Mills?
Lake Mills has a population of 2,054 residents and is located in Iowa. The population density is 758 people per square mile, spread across 2.7 square miles. The median age of residents is 43.8 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 55.2% female and 44.8% male.
Is Lake Mills expensive to live in?
Lake Mills 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 $70,333, 6% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $127,100 (55% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $615 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.8x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Lake Mills safe?
Lake Mills is safer than the national average, with a violent crime rate of 302 per 100,000 compared to the U.S. rate of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,260 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Lake Mills receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Lake Mills?
Lake Mills has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 45°F (7°C). Winter temperatures average 14°F in January, while summers reach an average of 71°F in July. The area receives 260 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 35.9 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 43.
How is the job market in Lake Mills?
The job market in Lake Mills is very strong, with unemployment at just 1.9% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $904. There are 393 business establishments in the area, including 21 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 Mills?
The median home value in Lake Mills is $127,100. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $165,001. For renters, the median monthly rent is $615. Fair market rent is $788 for a 1-bedroom and $989 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 67.1%. The average annual property tax is $3,053.
How are the schools in Lake Mills?
Schools in Lake Mills score 5.8 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 17.3% of adults in Lake Mills hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 94.9% have completed high school. 4.6% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Lake Mills?
The obesity rate in Lake Mills is 39.2% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 15.3% of adults are smokers. 23.4% are physically inactive. 21.7% of residents report depression. 7.5% lack health insurance. 85.3% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:3,552.
What is transportation like in Lake Mills?
The average commute in Lake Mills is 16 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 87.4% of workers drive alone to work, and 3.8% work from home.
What are the demographics of Lake Mills?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Lake Mills is 90.2% White. 92.3% of residents speak only English at home, while 7.7% speak Spanish. 6.0% of the population are military veterans. 12.9% of residents have a disability. 95.8% have health insurance coverage.
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