Median Income
$34,341
54% lower than US avg
Home Value
$60,700
78% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
246/100K
35% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
3.6%
89% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$638
45% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
38.4%
20% higher than US avg
Unemployment
2.5%
31% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
8.1%
35% lower than US avg
How Lewis Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population465
Median Age60.5 yrs
Density912/mi²
Male / Female50% / 50%
Largest GroupWhite 95%
Veterans7.5%
Economy
B+
Median Income$34,341
Per Capita$24,616
Unemployment2.5%
Poverty8.1%
County GDP$557M
Commute18 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$60,700
Rent$638
Ownership88.3%
Zillow$151,916
Housing Units244
Rent Burden23.4%
Crime
F
Violent246/100K
Property1,421/100K
Health
Obesity38.4%
Uninsured6.9%
Smoking15.6%
Depression22.6%
Heart Disease5.2%
Climate
Avg Temp49°F (10°C)
AQI43 (Good)
Rain37.1 in/yr
Sunny Days275/yr
Elevation1,168 ft (356 m)
Education
F
Bachelor's+3.6%
High School+87.3%
Graduate+0.5%
School Score5.46
Community
2024 VoteR 69% / D 30%
Commute18 min
Broadband92.2%
EV Stations1
Libraries4
Is Lewis a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Lewis receives an overall livability score of 2.7 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 below-average incomes. Lewis has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Lewis is $34,341, 54% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 2.5%. 8.1% of residents live in poverty, near the national average of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 18 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Lewis is $60,700, 78% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $638 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 Lewis is below the national average at 246 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,421 per 100,000, 28% below the national average.
Education
3.6% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 87.3% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.5/10.
Climate & Weather
Lewis experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 49°F. Winters average 21°F in January while summers reach 75°F in July. With 275 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 37.1 inches, including 27.3 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43.
Lewis has a population of 465 with a density of 912 people per square mile, spread across 0.5 square miles. The median age is 60.5 years, 56% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 49.9% female and 50.1% male. The city is predominantly White (95.3%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 99.3% of residents. 7.5% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 13.8% of residents have a disability. 98.0% have health insurance coverage.
Population
60.5yrs
Median Age
56% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
99.3%
26% above US avg
Spanish
0.7%
95% below US avg
The median household income in Lewis is $34,341, which is 54% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $24,616 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $988, 31% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 2.5% (below the 3.6% US average). 8.1% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 378 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 18 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 1.4% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $34,341 |
| 54% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $24,616 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $988 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $66,041 |
| Gini Index | 0.474 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 2.5% |
| 31% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 8.1% |
| 35% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 378 |
| County GDP | $557M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 24 |
| Healthcare | 34 |
| Retail | 42 |
| Manufacturing | 14 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $3,715 |
| 6% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 87.80 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 6.12% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 18.2 min |
| Drive Alone | 88.0% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 1.4% |
The median home value in Lewis is $60,700, 78% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $151,916, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $638 (45% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $788 for a one-bedroom to $989 for a two-bedroom apartment. 88.3% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 244 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1938. The average annual property tax is $3,715. 23.4% 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 | $60,700 |
| 78% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $151,916 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $638 |
| 45% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 23.4% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $738 |
| 1 Bedroom | $788 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $989 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,282 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,420 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 88.3% |
| Owner-Occupied | 88.3% |
| Renter-Occupied | 11.7% |
| Housing Units | 244 |
| Median Year Built | 1938 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $3,715 |
| 6% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 6.12% |
In Lewis, 38.4% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 9.0% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.2% of residents. 29.6% have high blood pressure. 15.6% are current smokers. 22.6% report binge drinking. 23.1% are physically inactive. 22.6% report depression. 17.9% experience frequent mental distress. 6.9% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,580. The dentist ratio is 1:2,041. 79.0% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 7.9 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Lewis vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 38.4% |
| 20% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 9.0% |
| Heart Disease | 5.2% |
| High Blood Pressure | 29.6% |
| Asthma | 10.3% |
| COPD | 5.9% |
| Cancer | 7.5% |
| Stroke | 2.7% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 15.6% |
| 11% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 22.6% |
| Physical Inactivity | 23.1% |
| Depression | 22.6% |
| Mental Distress | 17.9% |
| Physical Distress | 12.1% |
| Short Sleep | 32.5% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 98.0% |
| Uninsured | 6.9% |
| 20% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:2,580 |
| Dentists | 1:2,041 |
| Mental Health | 1:922 |
| Checkup Rate | 75.5% |
| Dental Visits | 68.6% |
| Premature Death | 8,117/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.9/10 |
| Exercise Access | 79.0% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 34 |
Lewis has a violent crime rate of 246 per 100,000 residents, 35% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 1,421 per 100,000, 28% below the U.S. average. The county recorded 4 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Lewis receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Lewis vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 246.5/100K |
| 35% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 1,420.7/100K |
| 28% below US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 4 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Lewis experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 49°F (10°C). Winters average 21°F in January while summers reach 75°F in July. The area gets 275 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 37.1 inches. The area receives 27.3 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 1,168 feet.
Temperature
21°F Jan (-6°C)
75°F Jul (24°C)
| Annual Average | 49.3°F |
| 9% below US avg |
| January Average | 21°F (-6°C) |
| July Average | 75°F (24°C) |
| Sunny Days | 275 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,168 ft (356 m) |
| Area | 0.5 sq mi (1.3 km²) |
| Population Density | 912/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 41.3064°N, 95.0843°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Montgomery County County |
| Nearest Airport | Eppley Airfield (OMA)
42 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
37.1"
2% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
4.37"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 43.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Air Pollutants (EPA 2023)
| Ozone (O₃) | 0.0459 ppm |
| PM2.5 (Fine Particles) | 8.2 μg/m³ |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 33.7 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 34.2 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 72.0 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Hurricane |
No Rating |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Very Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Low |
| Lightning |
Very Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Low |
| 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: M3.6 on Dec 17, 2009.
| Dec 17, 2009 |
2 km NW of Auburn, Nebraska |
M3.6 |
120 km |
| Jul 16, 2004 |
6 km SSE of Riverton, Iowa |
M3.5 |
84 km |
| Feb 11, 1995 |
6 km E of Clearmont, Missouri |
M3.1 |
90 km |
| Mar 31, 1993 |
2 km SE of Nemaha, Nebraska |
M2.9 |
119 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
634 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF5. Total: 23 fatalities, 464 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jun 27, 1953 |
EF5 |
36 km |
1 |
| May 21, 2024 |
EF4 |
47 km |
5 |
| Mar 5, 2022 |
EF4 |
74 km |
6 |
| Apr 8, 1999 |
EF4 |
53 km |
0 |
| Apr 8, 1999 |
EF4 |
71 km |
0 |
| May 27, 1995 |
EF4 |
62 km |
0 |
| May 27, 1995 |
EF4 |
64 km |
0 |
| May 27, 1995 |
EF4 |
86 km |
0 |
| May 24, 1989 |
EF4 |
47 km |
0 |
| Mar 29, 1979 |
EF4 |
92 km |
0 |
| Jun 26, 1976 |
EF4 |
46 km |
0 |
| May 6, 1975 |
EF4 |
84 km |
3 |
| Jun 22, 1964 |
EF4 |
74 km |
0 |
| Apr 12, 1964 |
EF4 |
72 km |
1 |
| May 10, 1959 |
EF4 |
44 km |
0 |
| Apr 5, 1954 |
EF4 |
88 km |
0 |
| May 21, 2024 |
EF3 |
51 km |
0 |
| Apr 26, 2024 |
EF3 |
68 km |
0 |
| Apr 26, 2024 |
EF3 |
45 km |
1 |
| Apr 26, 2024 |
EF3 |
56 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
2 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: UNNAMED (4,195 ac, 2005).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2005 |
UNNAMED |
4,195 |
18 km |
| 2010 |
UNNAMED |
629 |
66 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
21°F (-6°C) |
0.8 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
26°F (-3°C) |
0.9 in |
|
| March |
38°F (3°C) |
2.2 in |
|
| April |
50°F (10°C) |
3.2 in |
|
| May |
62°F (16°C) |
4.1 in |
|
| June |
71°F (22°C) |
4.4 in |
Wettest |
| July |
75°F (24°C) |
4.0 in |
Warmest |
| August |
73°F (23°C) |
4.0 in |
|
| September |
65°F (18°C) |
4.3 in |
|
| October |
52°F (11°C) |
2.6 in |
|
| November |
37°F (3°C) |
1.6 in |
|
| December |
25°F (-4°C) |
1.1 in |
|
Lewis has a seasonal temperature swing of 54°F / from 21°F in January to 75°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 33.1 inches, with June being the wettest month (4.4") and January the driest (0.8").
Average costs for common services in Lewis. 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 | $665 |
| Toddler | $573 |
| Preschool | $573 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $449 |
| Toddler | $441 |
| Preschool | $441 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Lewis
What is the population of Lewis?
Lewis has a population of 465 residents and is located in Iowa. The population density is 912 people per square mile, spread across 0.5 square miles. The median age of residents is 60.5 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 49.9% female and 50.1% male.
Is Lewis expensive to live in?
Lewis 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 $34,341, 54% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $60,700 (78% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $638 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 Lewis safe?
Lewis is safer than the national average, with a violent crime rate of 246 per 100,000 compared to the U.S. rate of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,421 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Lewis receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Lewis?
Lewis has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 49°F (10°C). Winter temperatures average 21°F in January, while summers reach an average of 75°F in July. The area receives 275 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 37.1 inches, with 27.3 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 43.
How is the job market in Lewis?
The job market in Lewis is very strong, with unemployment at just 2.5% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $988. There are 378 business establishments in the area, including 24 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 18 minutes, and 1.4% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Lewis?
The median home value in Lewis is $60,700. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $151,916. For renters, the median monthly rent is $638. Fair market rent is $788 for a 1-bedroom and $989 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 88.3%. The average annual property tax is $3,715.
How are the schools in Lewis?
Schools in Lewis score 5.5 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 3.6% of adults in Lewis hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 87.3% have completed high school. 0.5% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Lewis?
The obesity rate in Lewis is 38.4% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 15.6% of adults are smokers. 23.1% are physically inactive. 22.6% of residents report depression. 6.9% lack health insurance (below the national rate). 79.0% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,580.
What is transportation like in Lewis?
The average commute in Lewis is 18 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 88% of workers drive alone to work, and 1.4% work from home.
What are the demographics of Lewis?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Lewis is 95.3% White. 99.3% of residents speak only English at home. 7.5% of the population are military veterans. 13.8% of residents have a disability. 98.0% have health insurance coverage.
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