Median Income
$73,250
3% lower than US avg
Home Value
$42,300
85% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
254/100K
33% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
3.7%
89% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$850
27% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
41.1%
28% higher than US avg
Unemployment
1.5%
58% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
9.2%
26% lower than US avg
How Lakota Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population249
Median Age46.9 yrs
Density341/mi²
Male / Female50% / 50%
Largest GroupWhite 90%
Veterans11.0%
Economy
A
Median Income$73,250
Per Capita$40,090
Unemployment1.5%
Poverty9.2%
County GDP$1,399M
Commute27 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$42,300
Rent$850
Ownership78.6%
Zillow$123,428
Housing Units129
Rent Burden9.0%
Crime
F
Violent254/100K
Property636/100K
Health
Obesity41.1%
Uninsured8.6%
Smoking18.5%
Depression22.3%
Heart Disease6.3%
Climate
Avg Temp44°F (7°C)
AQI43 (Good)
Rain32.9 in/yr
Sunny Days260/yr
Elevation1,154 ft (352 m)
Education
F
Bachelor's+3.7%
High School+92.1%
Graduate+1.1%
School Score5.67
Community
2024 VoteR 71% / D 27%
Commute27 min
Broadband86.3%
EV Stations2
Libraries11
Is Lakota a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Lakota receives an overall livability score of 2.9 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C+. Key strengths include low unemployment, low crime rates, affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include high obesity rates. Lakota has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Lakota is $73,250, roughly in line with the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 1.5%. 9.2% of residents live in poverty, near the national average of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 27 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Lakota is $42,300, 85% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $850 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 0.6x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Violent crime in Lakota is below the national average at 254 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 636 per 100,000, 68% below the national average.
Education
3.7% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 92.1% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.7/10.
Climate & Weather
Lakota has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 44°F. Winters average 13°F in January while summers reach 70°F in July. With 260 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 32.9 inches, including 39.7 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43.
Lakota has a population of 249 with a density of 341 people per square mile, spread across 0.2 square miles. The median age is 46.9 years, 21% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 49.8% female and 50.2% male. The city is predominantly White (90.4%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 96.1% of residents. 11.0% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 17.5% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 94.8% have health insurance coverage.
Population
46.9yrs
Median Age
21% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
96.1%
22% above US avg
Spanish
3.9%
71% below US avg
The median household income in Lakota is $73,250, which is 3% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $40,090. The average weekly wage is $1,015, 29% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 1.5% (below the 3.6% US average). 9.2% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 644 business establishments, including 33 restaurants. The cost of living index is 87.8, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 27 minutes. 6.9% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $73,250 |
| 3% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $40,090 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,015 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $79,103 |
| Gini Index | 0.406 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 1.5% |
| 58% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 9.2% |
| 26% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 644 |
| County GDP | $1,399M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 33 |
| Healthcare | 33 |
| Retail | 71 |
| Manufacturing | 29 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $4,442 |
| 27% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 87.80 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 10.50% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 26.5 min |
| Drive Alone | 82.8% |
| Public Transit | 4.3% |
| Work from Home | 6.9% |
The median home value in Lakota is $42,300, 85% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $123,428, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $850 (27% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $788 for a one-bedroom to $989 for a two-bedroom apartment. 78.6% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 129 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1938. The average annual property tax is $4,442 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 9.0% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 0.6x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $42,300 |
| 85% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $123,428 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $850 |
| 27% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 9.0% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $738 |
| 1 Bedroom | $788 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $989 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,282 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,420 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 78.6% |
| Owner-Occupied | 78.6% |
| Renter-Occupied | 21.4% |
| Housing Units | 129 |
| Median Year Built | 1938 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $4,442 |
| 27% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 10.50% |
In Lakota, 41.1% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 10.9% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 6.3% of residents. 32.1% have high blood pressure. 18.5% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 22.6% report binge drinking. 27.1% are physically inactive. 22.3% report depression. 18.9% experience frequent mental distress. 8.6% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,076. The dentist ratio is 1:1,809. 61.4% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.6 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Lakota vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 41.1% |
| 28% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 10.9% |
| Heart Disease | 6.3% |
| High Blood Pressure | 32.1% |
| Asthma | 10.4% |
| COPD | 7.4% |
| Cancer | 7.4% |
| Stroke | 3.3% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 18.5% |
| 32% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 22.6% |
| Physical Inactivity | 27.1% |
| Depression | 22.3% |
| Mental Distress | 18.9% |
| Physical Distress | 13.5% |
| Short Sleep | 38.1% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 94.8% |
| Uninsured | 8.6% |
| 0% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:2,076 |
| Dentists | 1:1,809 |
| Mental Health | 1:1,600 |
| Checkup Rate | 75.0% |
| Dental Visits | 58.1% |
| Premature Death | 7,364/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.6/10 |
| Exercise Access | 61.4% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 33 |
Lakota has a violent crime rate of 254 per 100,000 residents, 33% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 636 per 100,000, 68% below the U.S. average. The county recorded 3 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Lakota receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Lakota vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 254.4/100K |
| 33% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 635.9/100K |
| 68% below US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 3 |
| Traffic Accidents | 9 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 3.7 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Lakota has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 44°F (7°C). Winters average 13°F in January while summers reach 70°F in July. The area gets 260 sunny days per year, above the national average. Annual precipitation totals 32.9 inches. The area receives 39.7 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 1,154 feet.
Temperature
13°F Jan (-10°C)
70°F Jul (21°C)
| Annual Average | 43.8°F |
| 19% below US avg |
| January Average | 13°F (-10°C) |
| July Average | 70°F (21°C) |
| Sunny Days | 260 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,154 ft (352 m) |
| Area | 0.2 sq mi (0.5 km²) |
| Population Density | 341/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 43.3786°N, 94.0963°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Kossuth County County |
| Nearest Airport | Fort Dodge Regional (FOD)
57 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
32.9"
14% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
4.33"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 43.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 32.3 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 10.6 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 75.6 / 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 |
Relatively Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively 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 |
90 km |
| Jun 30, 2021 |
4 km E of Rembrandt, Iowa |
M2.7 |
103 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
593 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF5. Total: 32 fatalities, 469 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Oct 14, 1966 |
EF5 |
74 km |
6 |
| Apr 9, 2011 |
EF4 |
95 km |
0 |
| Jun 17, 2010 |
EF4 |
43 km |
1 |
| Jun 28, 1979 |
EF4 |
93 km |
3 |
| May 4, 1977 |
EF4 |
95 km |
0 |
| Jun 8, 1967 |
EF4 |
96 km |
0 |
| Apr 30, 1967 |
EF4 |
75 km |
0 |
| Apr 30, 1967 |
EF4 |
58 km |
5 |
| Apr 30, 1967 |
EF4 |
75 km |
0 |
| Apr 30, 1967 |
EF4 |
66 km |
6 |
| Aug 29, 1964 |
EF4 |
52 km |
0 |
| May 10, 1953 |
EF4 |
58 km |
0 |
| Jun 12, 2013 |
EF3 |
65 km |
0 |
| Jun 17, 2010 |
EF3 |
95 km |
0 |
| Jun 17, 2010 |
EF3 |
65 km |
0 |
| Jun 17, 2010 |
EF3 |
81 km |
0 |
| Aug 1, 2006 |
EF3 |
77 km |
0 |
| Jun 11, 2004 |
EF3 |
93 km |
0 |
| Jun 18, 1994 |
EF3 |
50 km |
0 |
| Jun 7, 1984 |
EF3 |
68 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
3 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: SNAKE TRAIL (1,496 ac, 2024).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2024 |
SNAKE TRAIL |
1,496 |
97 km |
| 2008 |
DEWEYS PASTURE |
641 |
70 km |
| 2024 |
LINCOLN WPA RX |
575 |
74 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
13°F (-10°C) |
0.7 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
20°F (-7°C) |
0.7 in |
|
| March |
32°F (0°C) |
1.7 in |
|
| April |
46°F (8°C) |
2.8 in |
|
| May |
59°F (15°C) |
3.7 in |
|
| June |
69°F (21°C) |
4.3 in |
Wettest |
| July |
70°F (21°C) |
4.2 in |
Warmest |
| August |
70°F (21°C) |
4.1 in |
|
| September |
62°F (17°C) |
3.2 in |
|
| October |
49°F (10°C) |
2.3 in |
|
| November |
33°F (1°C) |
1.5 in |
|
| December |
19°F (-7°C) |
0.9 in |
|
Lakota has a seasonal temperature swing of 57°F / from 13°F in January to 70°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 30.2 inches, with June being the wettest month (4.3") and January the driest (0.7").
Average costs for common services in Lakota. 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 | $691 |
| Toddler | $596 |
| Preschool | $596 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $466 |
| Toddler | $459 |
| Preschool | $459 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Lakota
What is the population of Lakota?
Lakota has a population of 249 residents and is located in Iowa. The population density is 341 people per square mile, spread across 0.2 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 49.8% female and 50.2% male.
Is Lakota expensive to live in?
Lakota 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 $73,250, 3% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $42,300 (85% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $850 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 0.6x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Lakota safe?
Lakota is safer than the national average, with a violent crime rate of 254 per 100,000 compared to the U.S. rate of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 636 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Lakota receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Lakota?
Lakota has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 44°F (7°C). Winter temperatures average 13°F in January, while summers reach an average of 70°F in July. The area receives 260 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 32.9 inches, with 39.7 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 43.
How is the job market in Lakota?
The job market in Lakota is very strong, with unemployment at just 1.5% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,015. There are 644 business establishments in the area, including 33 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 27 minutes, and 6.9% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Lakota?
The median home value in Lakota is $42,300. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $123,428. For renters, the median monthly rent is $850. Fair market rent is $788 for a 1-bedroom and $989 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 78.6%. The average annual property tax is $4,442.
How are the schools in Lakota?
Schools in Lakota score 5.7 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 3.7% of adults in Lakota hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 92.1% have completed high school. 1.1% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Lakota?
The obesity rate in Lakota is 41.1% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 18.5% of adults are smokers. 27.1% are physically inactive. 22.3% of residents report depression. 8.6% lack health insurance. 61.4% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,076.
What is transportation like in Lakota?
The average commute in Lakota is 27 minutes. 82.8% of workers drive alone to work, 4.3% use public transit, and 6.9% work from home.
What are the demographics of Lakota?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Lakota is 90.4% White. 96.1% of residents speak only English at home, while 3.9% speak Spanish. 11.0% of the population are military veterans. 17.5% of residents have a disability. 94.8% have health insurance coverage.
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