Median Income
$91,875
22% higher than US avg
Home Value
$185,200
34% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
78/100K
79% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
20.2%
40% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
38.2%
19% higher than US avg
Unemployment
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
2.4%
81% lower than US avg
How Lester Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population308
Median Age38.9 yrs
Density168/mi²
Male / Female49% / 51%
Largest GroupWhite 87%
Veterans8.3%
Economy
A+
Median Income$91,875
Per Capita$40,950
Unemployment0.0%
Poverty2.4%
County GDP$1,425M
Commute19 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$185,200
Ownership97.1%
Zillow$244,607
Housing Units136
Rent Burden20.8%
Crime
F
Violent78/100K
Property940/100K
Health
Obesity38.2%
Uninsured7.9%
Smoking14.6%
Depression20.2%
Heart Disease5.3%
Climate
Avg Temp46°F (8°C)
AQI43 (Good)
Rain29.3 in/yr
Sunny Days291/yr
Elevation1,409 ft (429 m)
Education
C+
Bachelor's+20.2%
High School+95.0%
Graduate+3.7%
School Score6.18
Community
2024 VoteR 84% / D 15%
Commute19 min
Broadband91.4%
EV Stations1
Libraries6
Is Lester a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Lester receives an overall livability score of 3.4 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include above-average household incomes, low unemployment, low crime rates, affordable housing. Lester offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Lester is $91,875, 22% above the national average of $75,149. Residents generally enjoy above-average earning potential. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 0.0%. Only 2.4% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 19 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Lester is $185,200, 34% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. At just 2x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Lester is a very safe community with a violent crime rate of 78 per 100,000 residents / well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 940 per 100,000, 52% below the national average.
Education
20.2% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 95.0% have completed high school. Local schools score 6.2/10 in standardized testing, reflecting strong academic performance.
Climate & Weather
Lester experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 46°F. Winters average 16°F in January while summers reach 73°F in July. With 291 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 29.3 inches, including 34.9 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43.
Lester has a population of 308 with a density of 168 people per square mile, spread across 1.8 square miles. The median age is 38.9 years, 0% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 51.3% female and 48.7% male. The city is predominantly White (87%), with 1.3% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 91% of residents, while 9% speak Spanish. 8.3% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 13.8% of residents have a disability. 92.3% have health insurance coverage.
Population
38.9yrs
Median Age
0% below US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
91.0%
16% above US avg
Spanish
9.0%
33% below US avg
The median household income in Lester is $91,875, which is 22% above the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $40,950. The average weekly wage is $956, 33% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 0.0% (below the 3.6% US average). 2.4% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 553 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 19 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 3.4% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $91,875 |
| 22% above US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $40,950 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $956 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $84,809 |
| Gini Index | 0.388 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 2.4% |
| 81% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 553 |
| County GDP | $1,425M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 24 |
| Healthcare | 26 |
| Retail | 48 |
| Manufacturing | 27 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $4,342 |
| 24% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 87.80 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 2.34% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 18.5 min |
| Drive Alone | 70.5% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 3.4% |
The median home value in Lester is $185,200, 34% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $244,607, higher than the Census estimate. Fair market rent ranges from $788 for a one-bedroom to $989 for a two-bedroom apartment. 97.1% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 136 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1975. The average annual property tax is $4,342 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 20.8% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 2x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $185,200 |
| 34% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $244,607 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $738 |
| 1 Bedroom | $788 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $989 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,282 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,420 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 97.1% |
| Owner-Occupied | 97.1% |
| Renter-Occupied | 2.9% |
| Housing Units | 136 |
| Median Year Built | 1975 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $4,342 |
| 24% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 2.34% |
In Lester, 38.2% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 9.1% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.3% of residents. 30.0% have high blood pressure. 14.6% are current smokers. 24.1% report binge drinking. 23.3% are physically inactive. 20.2% report depression. 17.1% experience frequent mental distress. 7.9% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:3,003. The dentist ratio is 1:2,436. 53.1% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 9.5 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Lester vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 38.2% |
| 19% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 9.1% |
| Heart Disease | 5.3% |
| High Blood Pressure | 30.0% |
| Asthma | 9.7% |
| COPD | 5.5% |
| Cancer | 7.4% |
| Stroke | 2.6% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 14.6% |
| 4% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 24.1% |
| Physical Inactivity | 23.3% |
| Depression | 20.2% |
| Mental Distress | 17.1% |
| Physical Distress | 11.5% |
| Short Sleep | 31.5% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 92.3% |
| Uninsured | 7.9% |
| 8% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:3,003 |
| Dentists | 1:2,436 |
| Mental Health | 1:6,162 |
| Checkup Rate | 74.8% |
| Dental Visits | 70.0% |
| Premature Death | 4,025/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 9.5/10 |
| Exercise Access | 53.1% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 26 |
Lester has a violent crime rate of 78 per 100,000 residents, 79% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 940 per 100,000, 52% below the U.S. average. The county recorded 1 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Lester receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Lester vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 78.3/100K |
| 79% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 940.1/100K |
| 52% below US avg |
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 |
Lester experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 46°F (8°C). Winters average 16°F in January while summers reach 73°F in July. The area gets 291 sunny days per year, well above the U.S. average of 205 / making it one of the sunnier locations in the country. Annual precipitation totals 29.3 inches (drier than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 34.9 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 1,409 feet.
Temperature
16°F Jan (-9°C)
73°F Jul (23°C)
| Annual Average | 46.0°F |
| 15% below US avg |
| January Average | 16°F (-9°C) |
| July Average | 73°F (23°C) |
| Sunny Days | 291 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,409 ft (429 m) |
| Area | 1.8 sq mi (4.7 km²) |
| Population Density | 168/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 43.4403°N, 96.3314°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Lyon County County |
| Nearest Airport | Joe Foss Field (FSD)
23 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
29.3"
23% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
4.09"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 43.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 19.2 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 10.6 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 79.4 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Very Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Moderate |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Moderate |
| Lightning |
Very Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Moderate |
| Drought |
Relatively Moderate |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
4 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.6. Most recent: M2.5 on Mar 6, 2024.
| Feb 6, 1996 |
1 km N of Wausa, Nebraska |
M3.6 |
143 km |
| Jan 4, 2021 |
5 km N of Tyndall, South Dakota |
M3.1 |
132 km |
| Jun 30, 2021 |
4 km E of Rembrandt, Iowa |
M2.7 |
121 km |
| Mar 6, 2024 |
6 km SSE of Santee, Nebraska |
M2.5 |
140 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
640 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF5. Total: 15 fatalities, 308 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jun 16, 1992 |
EF5 |
47 km |
1 |
| Jun 13, 1968 |
EF5 |
94 km |
9 |
| Jun 25, 2010 |
EF4 |
31 km |
0 |
| Mar 29, 1998 |
EF4 |
86 km |
1 |
| Jun 7, 1993 |
EF4 |
57 km |
0 |
| Jun 7, 1993 |
EF4 |
91 km |
0 |
| Jun 16, 1992 |
EF4 |
66 km |
0 |
| Jul 28, 1986 |
EF4 |
99 km |
0 |
| Jun 7, 1965 |
EF4 |
79 km |
1 |
| Jun 23, 1952 |
EF4 |
86 km |
0 |
| Aug 7, 1994 |
EF3 |
39 km |
0 |
| Jun 7, 1993 |
EF3 |
81 km |
0 |
| Jun 7, 1993 |
EF3 |
86 km |
0 |
| Jun 7, 1993 |
EF3 |
71 km |
0 |
| May 7, 1993 |
EF3 |
80 km |
0 |
| Jun 16, 1992 |
EF3 |
84 km |
0 |
| Apr 20, 1985 |
EF3 |
54 km |
0 |
| Aug 3, 1981 |
EF3 |
69 km |
0 |
| Jul 5, 1978 |
EF3 |
31 km |
0 |
| Oct 1, 1971 |
EF3 |
83 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
16°F (-9°C) |
0.5 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
21°F (-6°C) |
0.6 in |
|
| March |
33°F (0°C) |
1.8 in |
|
| April |
47°F (8°C) |
2.6 in |
|
| May |
59°F (15°C) |
3.2 in |
|
| June |
69°F (21°C) |
4.1 in |
Wettest |
| July |
73°F (23°C) |
3.4 in |
Warmest |
| August |
70°F (21°C) |
3.5 in |
|
| September |
61°F (16°C) |
2.7 in |
|
| October |
49°F (9°C) |
2.0 in |
|
| November |
32°F (-0°C) |
1.4 in |
|
| December |
19°F (-7°C) |
0.7 in |
|
Lester has a seasonal temperature swing of 58°F / from 16°F in January to 73°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 26.5 inches, with June being the wettest month (4.1") and January the driest (0.5").
Average costs for common services in Lester. 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 | $707 |
| Toddler | $609 |
| Preschool | $609 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $464 |
| Toddler | $457 |
| Preschool | $457 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Lester
What is the population of Lester?
Lester has a population of 308 residents and is located in Iowa. The population density is 168 people per square mile, spread across 1.8 square miles. The median age of residents is 38.9 years. The population is 51.3% female and 48.7% male.
Is Lester expensive to live in?
Lester 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 $91,875, 22% above the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $185,200 (34% below the U.S. median). The home price-to-income ratio is 2x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Lester safe?
Lester is considered a very safe city with a violent crime rate of 78 per 100,000 residents, well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 940 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Lester receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Lester?
Lester has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 46°F (8°C). Winter temperatures average 16°F in January, while summers reach an average of 73°F in July. The area receives 291 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 29.3 inches, with 34.9 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 43.
How is the job market in Lester?
The job market in Lester is very strong, with unemployment at just 0.0% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $956. There are 553 business establishments in the area, including 24 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 19 minutes, and 3.4% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Lester?
The median home value in Lester is $185,200. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $244,607. The homeownership rate is 97.1%. The average annual property tax is $4,342.
How are the schools in Lester?
Schools in Lester score 6.2 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 20.2% of adults in Lester hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 95.0% have completed high school. 3.7% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Lester?
The obesity rate in Lester is 38.2% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 14.6% of adults are smokers. 23.3% are physically inactive. 20.2% of residents report depression. 7.9% lack health insurance. 53.1% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:3,003.
What is transportation like in Lester?
The average commute in Lester is 19 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 70.5% of workers drive alone to work, and 3.4% work from home.
What are the demographics of Lester?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Lester is 87% White, 1.3% Hispanic or Latino. 91% of residents speak only English at home, while 9% speak Spanish. 8.3% of the population are military veterans. 13.8% of residents have a disability. 92.3% have health insurance coverage.
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