Median Income
$73,977
2% lower than US avg
Home Value
$153,500
46% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
121/100K
68% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
15.1%
55% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$1,013
13% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
36.8%
15% higher than US avg
Unemployment
0.9%
75% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
5.3%
57% lower than US avg
How Lake Park Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population1,191
Median Age40.1 yrs
Density754/mi²
Male / Female50% / 50%
Largest GroupWhite 95%
Veterans3.6%
Economy
A+
Median Income$73,977
Per Capita$35,370
Unemployment0.9%
Poverty5.3%
County GDP$1,529M
Commute20 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$153,500
Rent$1,013
Ownership88.1%
Zillow$232,467
Housing Units617
Rent Burden28.8%
Crime
F
Violent121/100K
Property2,111/100K
Health
Obesity36.8%
Uninsured5.8%
Smoking13.6%
Depression20.7%
Heart Disease4.7%
Climate
Avg Temp46°F (8°C)
AQI43 (Good)
Rain31.4 in/yr
Sunny Days260/yr
Elevation1,461 ft (445 m)
Education
C
Bachelor's+15.1%
High School+99.0%
Graduate+3.1%
School Score6.40
Community
2024 VoteR 69% / D 29%
Commute20 min
Broadband91.7%
EV Stations3
Libraries5
Is Lake Park a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Lake Park receives an overall livability score of 3.2 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include low unemployment, low crime rates, affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Lake Park offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Lake Park is $73,977, roughly in line with the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 0.9%. Only 5.3% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 20 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Lake Park is $153,500, 46% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $1,013 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 2.1x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Lake Park is a very safe community with a violent crime rate of 121 per 100,000 residents / well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 2,111 per 100,000, near the national average.
Education
15.1% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 99.0% have completed high school. Local schools score 6.4/10 in standardized testing, reflecting strong academic performance.
Climate & Weather
Lake Park experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 46°F. Winters average 15°F in January while summers reach 74°F in July. With 260 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 31.4 inches, including 41.0 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43.
Lake Park has a population of 1,191 with a density of 754 people per square mile, spread across 1.6 square miles. The median age is 40.1 years, 3% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 50.4% female and 49.6% male. The city is predominantly White (95%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 99.5% of residents. 3.6% of the population are veterans, below the national rate of 6.0%. 9.1% of residents have a disability (below the 13.0% national average). 94.5% have health insurance coverage.
Population
40.1yrs
Median Age
3% above US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Lake Park vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
99.5%
27% above US avg
Spanish
0.5%
96% below US avg
Social Characteristics
Lake Park vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Lake Park is $73,977, which is 2% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $35,370. The average weekly wage is $897, 37% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 0.9% (below the 3.6% US average). 5.3% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 958 business establishments, including 107 restaurants. The cost of living index is 87.8, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 20 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 6.4% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income: Lake Park vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $73,977 |
| 2% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $35,370 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $897 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $99,626 |
| Gini Index | 0.441 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 0.9% |
| 75% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 5.3% |
| 57% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 958 |
| County GDP | $1,529M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 107 |
| Healthcare | 59 |
| Retail | 107 |
| Manufacturing | 39 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $7,645 |
| 118% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 87.80 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 4.98% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 20.0 min |
| Drive Alone | 88.1% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 6.4% |
The median home value in Lake Park is $153,500, 46% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $232,467, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $1,013 (13% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $788 for a one-bedroom to $989 for a two-bedroom apartment. 88.1% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 617 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1964. The average annual property tax is $7,645 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 28.8% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.1x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $153,500 |
| 46% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $232,467 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
| $/Sq Ft | $152 |
| Homes Sold | 1 |
| Sale-to-List Ratio | 100.0% |
| Price Drops | 0.0% |
| Inventory | 7 |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $1,013 |
| 13% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 28.8% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $738 |
| 1 Bedroom | $788 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $989 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,282 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,420 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 88.1% |
| Owner-Occupied | 88.1% |
| Renter-Occupied | 11.9% |
| Housing Units | 617 |
| Median Year Built | 1964 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $7,645 |
| 118% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 4.98% |
In Lake Park, 36.8% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 8.0% have diabetes (below the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 4.7% of residents, below the national average. 28.3% have high blood pressure. 13.6% are current smokers. 23.1% report binge drinking. 20.7% are physically inactive, below the national average. 20.7% report depression. 16.6% experience frequent mental distress. 5.8% of residents lack health insurance (below the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,190. The dentist ratio is 1:1,387. 79.7% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 9.2 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Lake Park vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 36.8% |
| 15% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 8.0% |
| Heart Disease | 4.7% |
| High Blood Pressure | 28.3% |
| Asthma | 10.0% |
| COPD | 5.1% |
| Cancer | 7.6% |
| Stroke | 2.4% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 13.6% |
| 3% below US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 23.1% |
| Physical Inactivity | 20.7% |
| Depression | 20.7% |
| Mental Distress | 16.6% |
| Physical Distress | 10.6% |
| Short Sleep | 32.3% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 94.5% |
| Uninsured | 5.8% |
| 33% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,190 |
| Dentists | 1:1,387 |
| Mental Health | 1:860 |
| Checkup Rate | 74.5% |
| Dental Visits | 71.9% |
| Premature Death | 4,872/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 9.2/10 |
| Exercise Access | 79.7% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 59 |
Lake Park has a violent crime rate of 121 per 100,000 residents, 68% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 2,111 per 100,000, 8% above the U.S. average. The county recorded 1 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Lake Park receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Lake Park vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 120.6/100K |
| 68% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 2,111.0/100K |
| 8% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 1 |
| Traffic Accidents | 1 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Lake Park experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 46°F (8°C). Winters average 15°F in January while summers reach 74°F in July. The area gets 260 sunny days per year, above the national average. Annual precipitation totals 31.4 inches. The area receives 41.0 inches of snow annually, making winter weather a significant factor for residents. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43. The city sits at an elevation of 1,461 feet.
Temperature
15°F Jan (-10°C)
74°F Jul (23°C)
| Annual Average | 46.0°F |
| 15% below US avg |
| January Average | 15°F (-10°C) |
| July Average | 74°F (23°C) |
| Sunny Days | 260 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,461 ft (445 m) |
| Area | 1.6 sq mi (4.2 km²) |
| Population Density | 754/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 43.4469°N, 95.3249°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Dickinson County County |
| Nearest Airport | Joe Foss Field (FSD)
72 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
31.4"
17% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
4.21"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 43.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 36.3 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 15.0 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 86.9 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Moderate |
| Lightning |
Very Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Moderate |
| Drought |
Relatively Low |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| 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 |
134 km |
| Jun 30, 2021 |
4 km E of Rembrandt, Iowa |
M2.7 |
71 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
536 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF5. Total: 14 fatalities, 347 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jun 16, 1992 |
EF5 |
68 km |
1 |
| Jun 13, 1968 |
EF5 |
87 km |
9 |
| Apr 9, 2011 |
EF4 |
88 km |
0 |
| Jun 25, 2010 |
EF4 |
51 km |
0 |
| Mar 29, 1998 |
EF4 |
58 km |
1 |
| Jun 16, 1992 |
EF4 |
73 km |
0 |
| Jun 23, 1952 |
EF4 |
88 km |
0 |
| Aug 1, 2006 |
EF3 |
70 km |
0 |
| Jun 11, 2004 |
EF3 |
65 km |
0 |
| Aug 7, 1994 |
EF3 |
43 km |
0 |
| Jun 16, 1992 |
EF3 |
83 km |
0 |
| Jun 16, 1992 |
EF3 |
89 km |
0 |
| Apr 20, 1985 |
EF3 |
80 km |
0 |
| Jun 7, 1984 |
EF3 |
94 km |
0 |
| Sep 20, 1980 |
EF3 |
36 km |
0 |
| Jun 28, 1979 |
EF3 |
90 km |
2 |
| Jul 5, 1978 |
EF3 |
97 km |
0 |
| Jun 10, 1977 |
EF3 |
51 km |
0 |
| Oct 1, 1971 |
EF3 |
48 km |
0 |
| May 31, 1971 |
EF3 |
57 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
1 wildfire (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: DEWEYS PASTURE (641 ac, 2008).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2008 |
DEWEYS PASTURE |
641 |
44 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
15°F (-10°C) |
0.6 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
20°F (-7°C) |
0.7 in |
|
| March |
32°F (-0°C) |
1.8 in |
|
| April |
46°F (8°C) |
2.6 in |
|
| May |
59°F (15°C) |
3.4 in |
|
| June |
68°F (20°C) |
4.2 in |
Wettest |
| July |
74°F (23°C) |
3.8 in |
Warmest |
| August |
70°F (21°C) |
3.7 in |
|
| September |
61°F (16°C) |
3.4 in |
|
| October |
49°F (9°C) |
2.0 in |
|
| November |
32°F (0°C) |
1.3 in |
|
| December |
19°F (-8°C) |
0.8 in |
|
Lake Park has a seasonal temperature swing of 59°F / from 15°F in January to 74°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 28.2 inches, with June being the wettest month (4.2") and January the driest (0.6").
Average costs for common services in Lake Park. 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 | $717 |
| Toddler | $617 |
| Preschool | $617 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $484 |
| Toddler | $476 |
| Preschool | $476 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Lake Park
What is the population of Lake Park?
Lake Park has a population of 1,191 residents and is located in Iowa. The population density is 754 people per square mile, spread across 1.6 square miles. The median age of residents is 40.1 years. The population is 50.4% female and 49.6% male.
Is Lake Park expensive to live in?
Lake Park 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 $73,977, 2% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $153,500 (46% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $1,013 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.1x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Lake Park safe?
Lake Park is considered a very safe city with a violent crime rate of 121 per 100,000 residents, well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 2,111 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Lake Park receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Lake Park?
Lake Park 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 74°F in July. The area receives 260 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 31.4 inches, with 41.0 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 43.
How is the job market in Lake Park?
The job market in Lake Park is very strong, with unemployment at just 0.9% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $897. There are 958 business establishments in the area, including 107 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 20 minutes, and 6.4% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Lake Park?
The median home value in Lake Park is $153,500. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $232,467. For renters, the median monthly rent is $1,013. Fair market rent is $788 for a 1-bedroom and $989 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 88.1%. The average annual property tax is $7,645.
How are the schools in Lake Park?
Schools in Lake Park score 6.4 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 15.1% of adults in Lake Park hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 99.0% have completed high school. 3.1% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Lake Park?
The obesity rate in Lake Park is 36.8% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 13.6% of adults are smokers. 20.7% are physically inactive. 20.7% of residents report depression. 5.8% lack health insurance (below the national rate). 79.7% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,190.
What is transportation like in Lake Park?
The average commute in Lake Park is 20 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 88.1% of workers drive alone to work, and 6.4% work from home.
What are the demographics of Lake Park?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Lake Park is 95% White. 99.5% of residents speak only English at home. 3.6% of the population are military veterans. 9.1% of residents have a disability. 94.5% have health insurance coverage.
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