Median Income
$66,118
12% lower than US avg
Home Value
$154,800
45% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
28.0%
17% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$667
43% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
41.2%
28% higher than US avg
Unemployment
2.6%
28% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
1.8%
85% lower than US avg
How Lake View Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population1,021
Median Age56.0 yrs
Density486/mi²
Male / Female47% / 53%
Largest GroupWhite 99%
Veterans12.1%
Economy
A
Median Income$66,118
Per Capita$41,888
Unemployment2.6%
Poverty1.8%
County GDP$794M
Commute17 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$154,800
Rent$667
Ownership84.1%
Zillow$252,984
Housing Units805
Rent Burden19.8%
Health
Obesity41.2%
Uninsured7.3%
Smoking15.0%
Depression21.9%
Heart Disease5.2%
Climate
Avg Temp47°F (8°C)
Rain33.1 in/yr
Elevation1,224 ft (373 m)
Education
B
Bachelor's+28.0%
High School+97.4%
Graduate+8.1%
School Score5.68
Community
2024 VoteR 75% / D 24%
Commute17 min
Broadband88.7%
EV Stations1
Libraries8
Is Lake View a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Lake View receives an overall livability score of 4.1 out of 5.0, earning a grade of A. Key strengths include low unemployment, affordable housing, a low poverty rate. Areas to be aware of include high obesity rates. Lake View stands out as an excellent place to live, with strong marks across most quality-of-life indicators.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Lake View is $66,118, 12% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 2.6%. Only 1.8% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 17 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Lake View is $154,800, 45% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $667 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 2.3x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Education
28.0% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 97.4% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.7/10.
Climate & Weather
Lake View experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 47°F. Winters average 17°F in January while summers reach 73°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 33.1 inches, including 30.9 inches of snow.
Lake View has a population of 1,021 with a density of 486 people per square mile, spread across 2.1 square miles. The median age is 56.0 years, 44% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 52.9% female and 47.1% male. The city is predominantly White (98.8%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 99.4% of residents. 12.1% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 16.1% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 92.7% have health insurance coverage.
Population
1,021
Total Population
2023 Census
56.0yrs
Median Age
44% above US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Lake View vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
99.4%
27% above US avg
Spanish
0.9%
93% below US avg
Social Characteristics
Lake View vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Lake View is $66,118, which is 12% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $41,888. The average weekly wage is $971, 32% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 2.6% (below the 3.6% US average). 1.8% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 392 business establishments, including 24 restaurants. The cost of living index is 87.8, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 17 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 4.6% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income: Lake View vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $66,118 |
| 12% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $41,888 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $971 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $76,693 |
| Gini Index | 0.440 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 2.6% |
| 28% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 1.8% |
| 85% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 392 |
| County GDP | $794M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 24 |
| Healthcare | 30 |
| Retail | 51 |
| Manufacturing | 19 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $3,713 |
| 6% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 87.80 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 2.40% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 17.4 min |
| Drive Alone | 87.9% |
| Public Transit | 3.2% |
| Work from Home | 4.6% |
The median home value in Lake View is $154,800, 45% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $252,984, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $667 (43% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $788 for a one-bedroom to $989 for a two-bedroom apartment. 84.1% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 805 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1962. The average annual property tax is $3,713. 19.8% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.3x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $154,800 |
| 45% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $252,984 |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $667 |
| 43% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 19.8% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $738 |
| 1 Bedroom | $788 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $989 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,282 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,420 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 84.1% |
| Owner-Occupied | 84.1% |
| Renter-Occupied | 15.9% |
| Housing Units | 805 |
| Median Year Built | 1962 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $3,713 |
| 6% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 2.40% |
In Lake View, 41.2% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 8.8% have diabetes (below the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 5.2% of residents. 29.8% have high blood pressure. 15.0% are current smokers. 23.4% report binge drinking. 22.6% are physically inactive. 21.9% report depression. 17.5% experience frequent mental distress. 7.3% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,625. The dentist ratio is 1:3,224. 61.5% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 9.0 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Lake View vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 41.2% |
| 28% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 8.8% |
| Heart Disease | 5.2% |
| High Blood Pressure | 29.8% |
| Asthma | 10.2% |
| COPD | 5.9% |
| Cancer | 7.6% |
| Stroke | 2.7% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 15.0% |
| 7% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 23.4% |
| Physical Inactivity | 22.6% |
| Depression | 21.9% |
| Mental Distress | 17.5% |
| Physical Distress | 11.7% |
| Short Sleep | 35.6% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 92.7% |
| Uninsured | 7.3% |
| 15% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,625 |
| Dentists | 1:3,224 |
| Mental Health | 1:1,384 |
| Checkup Rate | 75.2% |
| Dental Visits | 67.0% |
| Premature Death | 6,910/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 9.0/10 |
| Exercise Access | 61.5% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 30 |
Lake View 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. Annual precipitation totals 33.1 inches. The area receives 30.9 inches of snow annually, a moderate snowfall amount. The city sits at an elevation of 1,224 feet.
Temperature
17°F Jan (-8°C)
73°F Jul (23°C)
| Annual Average | 46.6°F |
| 14% below US avg |
| January Average | 17°F (-8°C) |
| July Average | 73°F (23°C) |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,224 ft (373 m) |
| Area | 2.1 sq mi (5.4 km²) |
| Population Density | 486/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 42.3020°N, 95.0358°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Sac County County |
| Nearest Airport | Fort Dodge Regional (FOD)
46 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
33.1"
13% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
5.14"
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 27.3 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 10.6 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 90.3 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Hurricane |
No Rating |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Very Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Moderate |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Low |
| 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 |
59 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990-2025)
Tornado History
576 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF5. Total: 8 fatalities, 218 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jun 27, 1953 |
EF5 |
99 km |
1 |
| Oct 4, 2013 |
EF4 |
88 km |
0 |
| Apr 9, 2011 |
EF4 |
50 km |
0 |
| May 27, 1995 |
EF4 |
28 km |
0 |
| May 27, 1995 |
EF4 |
66 km |
0 |
| Jun 28, 1979 |
EF4 |
51 km |
3 |
| May 4, 1977 |
EF4 |
77 km |
0 |
| Jun 8, 1967 |
EF4 |
74 km |
0 |
| May 5, 1965 |
EF4 |
47 km |
0 |
| Aug 29, 1964 |
EF4 |
95 km |
0 |
| May 10, 1959 |
EF4 |
95 km |
0 |
| Jun 9, 1954 |
EF4 |
26 km |
1 |
| Jun 23, 1952 |
EF4 |
83 km |
0 |
| Jul 14, 2021 |
EF3 |
21 km |
0 |
| Apr 9, 2011 |
EF3 |
21 km |
0 |
| Apr 9, 2011 |
EF3 |
25 km |
0 |
| Apr 9, 2011 |
EF3 |
67 km |
0 |
| Nov 12, 2005 |
EF3 |
80 km |
1 |
| Jun 11, 2004 |
EF3 |
67 km |
0 |
| Jun 16, 1992 |
EF3 |
96 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 |
99 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
17°F (-8°C) |
0.7 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
22°F (-6°C) |
1.0 in |
|
| March |
34°F (1°C) |
1.8 in |
|
| April |
47°F (8°C) |
3.5 in |
|
| May |
59°F (15°C) |
4.6 in |
|
| June |
69°F (21°C) |
5.1 in |
Wettest |
| July |
73°F (23°C) |
3.9 in |
Warmest |
| August |
70°F (21°C) |
4.4 in |
|
| September |
62°F (17°C) |
2.9 in |
|
| October |
50°F (10°C) |
2.4 in |
|
| November |
35°F (2°C) |
1.6 in |
|
| December |
23°F (-5°C) |
1.2 in |
|
Lake View has a seasonal temperature swing of 55°F / from 17°F in January to 73°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 33.1 inches, with June being the wettest month (5.1") and January the driest (0.7").
Average costs for common services in Lake View. 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 | $663 |
| Toddler | $572 |
| Preschool | $572 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $436 |
| Toddler | $429 |
| Preschool | $429 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Lake View
What is the population of Lake View?
Lake View has a population of 1,021 residents and is located in Iowa. The population density is 486 people per square mile, spread across 2.1 square miles. The median age of residents is 56.0 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 52.9% female and 47.1% male.
Is Lake View expensive to live in?
Lake View 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 $66,118, 12% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $154,800 (45% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $667 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.3x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
What is the weather like in Lake View?
Lake View 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. Annual rainfall totals 33.1 inches, with 30.9 inches of snow.
How is the job market in Lake View?
The job market in Lake View is very strong, with unemployment at just 2.6% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $971. There are 392 business establishments in the area, including 24 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 17 minutes, and 4.6% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Lake View?
The median home value in Lake View is $154,800. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $252,984. For renters, the median monthly rent is $667. Fair market rent is $788 for a 1-bedroom and $989 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 84.1%. The average annual property tax is $3,713.
How are the schools in Lake View?
Schools in Lake View score 5.7 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 28.0% of adults in Lake View hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 97.4% have completed high school. 8.1% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Lake View?
The obesity rate in Lake View is 41.2% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 15.0% of adults are smokers. 22.6% are physically inactive. 21.9% of residents report depression. 7.3% lack health insurance. 61.5% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,625.
What is transportation like in Lake View?
The average commute in Lake View is 17 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 87.9% of workers drive alone to work, 3.2% use public transit, and 4.6% work from home.
What are the demographics of Lake View?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Lake View is 98.8% White. 99.4% of residents speak only English at home. 12.1% of the population are military veterans. 16.1% of residents have a disability. 92.7% have health insurance coverage.