Median Income
$51,000
32% lower than US avg
Home Value
$74,500
74% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
165/100K
56% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
18.1%
46% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$658
43% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
38.2%
19% higher than US avg
Unemployment
1.3%
64% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
6.8%
45% lower than US avg
How Lost Nation Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population393
Median Age44.3 yrs
Density517/mi²
Male / Female47% / 53%
Largest GroupWhite 96%
Veterans10.8%
Economy
B+
Median Income$51,000
Per Capita$26,517
Unemployment1.3%
Poverty6.8%
County GDP$2,951M
Commute45 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$74,500
Rent$658
Ownership66.5%
Zillow$148,718
Housing Units215
Rent Burden26.1%
Crime
F
Violent165/100K
Property3,111/100K
Health
Obesity38.2%
Uninsured7.2%
Smoking16.9%
Depression21.8%
Heart Disease5.5%
Climate
Avg Temp49°F (9°C)
AQI43 (Good)
Rain39.6 in/yr
Sunny Days275/yr
Elevation753 ft (230 m)
Education
C
Bachelor's+18.1%
High School+93.6%
Graduate+1.4%
School Score5.78
Community
2024 VoteR 59% / D 40%
Commute45 min
Broadband70.9%
EV Stations1
Libraries7
Is Lost Nation a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Lost Nation receives an overall livability score of 3.1 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include low unemployment, low crime rates, affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include below-average incomes, long commute times. Lost Nation offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Lost Nation is $51,000, 32% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 1.3%. Only 6.8% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 45 minutes, longer than the typical American commute of 28 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Lost Nation is $74,500, 74% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $658 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 1.5x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Violent crime in Lost Nation is below the national average at 165 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 3,111 per 100,000, 59% above the national average.
Education
18.1% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 93.6% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.8/10.
Climate & Weather
Lost Nation experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 49°F. Winters average 20°F in January while summers reach 74°F in July. With 275 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 39.6 inches, including 39.8 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43.
Lost Nation has a population of 393 with a density of 517 people per square mile, spread across 0.6 square miles. The median age is 44.3 years, 14% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 52.9% female and 47.1% male. The city is predominantly White (95.7%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 98.7% of residents. 10.8% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 21.9% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 99.3% have health insurance coverage.
Population
44.3yrs
Median Age
14% above US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Lost Nation vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
98.7%
26% above US avg
Spanish
1.3%
90% below US avg
Social Characteristics
Lost Nation vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Lost Nation is $51,000, which is 32% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $26,517 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,014, 29% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 1.3% (below the 3.6% US average). 6.8% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 1,498 business establishments, including 117 restaurants. The cost of living index is 87.8, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 45 minutes (longer than the 28-minute US average). 5.8% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income: Lost Nation vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $51,000 |
| 32% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $26,517 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,014 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $65,940 |
| Gini Index | 0.432 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 1.3% |
| 64% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 6.8% |
| 45% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 1,498 |
| County GDP | $2,951M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 117 |
| Healthcare | 128 |
| Retail | 162 |
| Manufacturing | 60 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $4,438 |
| 27% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 87.80 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 5.96% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 45.0 min |
| Drive Alone | 93.0% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 5.8% |
The median home value in Lost Nation is $74,500, 74% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $148,718, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $658 (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. 66.5% of housing units are owner-occupied. There are 215 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1938. The average annual property tax is $4,438 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 26.1% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.5x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $74,500 |
| 74% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $148,718 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $658 |
| 43% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 26.1% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $738 |
| 1 Bedroom | $788 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $989 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,282 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,420 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 66.5% |
| Owner-Occupied | 66.5% |
| Renter-Occupied | 33.5% |
| Housing Units | 215 |
| Median Year Built | 1938 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $4,438 |
| 27% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 5.96% |
In Lost Nation, 38.2% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 9.4% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.5% of residents. 31.6% have high blood pressure. 16.9% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 23.9% report binge drinking. 24.4% are physically inactive. 21.8% report depression. 18.2% experience frequent mental distress. 7.2% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,112. The dentist ratio is 1:1,716. 76.9% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.0 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Lost Nation vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 38.2% |
| 19% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 9.4% |
| Heart Disease | 5.5% |
| High Blood Pressure | 31.6% |
| Asthma | 10.3% |
| COPD | 6.5% |
| Cancer | 7.3% |
| Stroke | 2.9% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 16.9% |
| 21% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 23.9% |
| Physical Inactivity | 24.4% |
| Depression | 21.8% |
| Mental Distress | 18.2% |
| Physical Distress | 12.5% |
| Short Sleep | 34.7% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 99.3% |
| Uninsured | 7.2% |
| 16% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:2,112 |
| Dentists | 1:1,716 |
| Mental Health | 1:537 |
| Checkup Rate | 74.3% |
| Dental Visits | 65.2% |
| Premature Death | 8,790/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.0/10 |
| Exercise Access | 76.9% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 128 |
Lost Nation has a violent crime rate of 165 per 100,000 residents, 56% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 3,111 per 100,000, 59% above the U.S. average. The county recorded 5 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Lost Nation receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Lost Nation vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 165.5/100K |
| 56% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 3,110.5/100K |
| 59% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 5 |
| Traffic Accidents | 1 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Lost Nation experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 49°F (9°C). Winters average 20°F in January while summers reach 74°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 39.6 inches. The area receives 39.8 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 753 feet.
Temperature
20°F Jan (-7°C)
74°F Jul (23°C)
| Annual Average | 49.0°F |
| 9% below US avg |
| January Average | 20°F (-7°C) |
| July Average | 74°F (23°C) |
| Sunny Days | 275 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 753 ft (230 m) |
| Area | 0.6 sq mi (1.7 km²) |
| Population Density | 517/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 41.9675°N, 90.8181°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Clinton County County |
| Nearest Airport | Monticello Regional (MXO)
25 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
39.6"
4% above US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
4.45"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 43.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Air Pollutants (EPA 2023)
| Ozone (O₃) | 0.0477 ppm |
| SO₂ (Sulfur Dioxide) | 1.32 ppb |
| PM2.5 (Fine Particles) | 11.0 μg/m³ |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 64.8 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 34.6 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 87.5 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Moderate |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively High |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Low |
| Lightning |
Relatively Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Moderate |
| Drought |
Relatively High |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Landslide |
Relatively Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
1 earthquake (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.5. Most recent: M3.5 on Sep 2, 1999.
| Sep 2, 1999 |
8 km W of Amboy, Illinois |
M3.5 |
118 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
654 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 5 fatalities, 221 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Mar 13, 1990 |
EF4 |
58 km |
0 |
| Mar 29, 1981 |
EF4 |
79 km |
0 |
| Aug 12, 1974 |
EF4 |
69 km |
0 |
| Apr 11, 1965 |
EF4 |
16 km |
1 |
| Apr 30, 1954 |
EF4 |
78 km |
0 |
| Jun 1, 2007 |
EF3 |
84 km |
0 |
| May 21, 2004 |
EF3 |
83 km |
0 |
| Jul 27, 1995 |
EF3 |
100 km |
0 |
| May 9, 1995 |
EF3 |
43 km |
0 |
| Jun 19, 1993 |
EF3 |
77 km |
0 |
| Jun 19, 1993 |
EF3 |
40 km |
0 |
| Jul 13, 1992 |
EF3 |
35 km |
0 |
| Mar 13, 1990 |
EF3 |
61 km |
0 |
| May 8, 1988 |
EF3 |
84 km |
0 |
| May 8, 1988 |
EF3 |
24 km |
0 |
| Aug 15, 1978 |
EF3 |
78 km |
0 |
| Jun 20, 1974 |
EF3 |
45 km |
1 |
| Jun 14, 1974 |
EF3 |
67 km |
0 |
| May 13, 1974 |
EF3 |
43 km |
0 |
| Jul 12, 1971 |
EF3 |
69 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
5 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: UNIT 3 (1,206 ac, 1999).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 1999 |
UNIT 3 |
1,206 |
98 km |
| 2002 |
HSB 03 2 |
1,130 |
98 km |
| 2000 |
DESTRUST A |
756 |
97 km |
| 2006 |
HSB 003 |
674 |
98 km |
| 2004 |
HSB 009 |
608 |
97 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
20°F (-7°C) |
1.3 in |
Coldest |
| February |
24°F (-4°C) |
1.1 in |
Driest |
| March |
36°F (2°C) |
2.3 in |
|
| April |
49°F (10°C) |
3.4 in |
|
| May |
61°F (16°C) |
3.9 in |
|
| June |
70°F (21°C) |
4.5 in |
Wettest |
| July |
74°F (23°C) |
3.9 in |
Warmest |
| August |
71°F (22°C) |
4.2 in |
|
| September |
63°F (17°C) |
4.1 in |
|
| October |
52°F (11°C) |
2.6 in |
|
| November |
37°F (3°C) |
2.3 in |
|
| December |
24°F (-4°C) |
1.8 in |
|
Lost Nation has a seasonal temperature swing of 53°F / from 20°F in January to 74°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 35.4 inches, with June being the wettest month (4.5") and February the driest (1.1").
Average costs for common services in Lost Nation. 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 | $685 |
| Toddler | $590 |
| Preschool | $590 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $462 |
| Toddler | $455 |
| Preschool | $455 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Lost Nation
What is the population of Lost Nation?
Lost Nation has a population of 393 residents and is located in Iowa. The population density is 517 people per square mile, spread across 0.6 square miles. The median age of residents is 44.3 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 52.9% female and 47.1% male.
Is Lost Nation expensive to live in?
Lost Nation 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 $51,000, 32% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $74,500 (74% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $658 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.5x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Lost Nation safe?
Lost Nation is safer than the national average, with a violent crime rate of 165 per 100,000 compared to the U.S. rate of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 3,111 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Lost Nation receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Lost Nation?
Lost Nation has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 49°F (9°C). Winter temperatures average 20°F in January, while summers reach an average of 74°F in July. The area receives 275 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 39.6 inches, with 39.8 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 43.
How is the job market in Lost Nation?
The job market in Lost Nation is very strong, with unemployment at just 1.3% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,014. There are 1,498 business establishments in the area, including 117 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 45 minutes, and 5.8% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Lost Nation?
The median home value in Lost Nation is $74,500. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $148,718. For renters, the median monthly rent is $658. Fair market rent is $788 for a 1-bedroom and $989 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 66.5%. The average annual property tax is $4,438.
How are the schools in Lost Nation?
Schools in Lost Nation score 5.8 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 18.1% of adults in Lost Nation hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 93.6% have completed high school. 1.4% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Lost Nation?
The obesity rate in Lost Nation is 38.2% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 16.9% of adults are smokers. 24.4% are physically inactive. 21.8% of residents report depression. 7.2% lack health insurance (below the national rate). 76.9% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,112.
What is transportation like in Lost Nation?
The average commute in Lost Nation is 45 minutes, longer than the national average of 28 minutes. 93% of workers drive alone to work, and 5.8% work from home.
What are the demographics of Lost Nation?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Lost Nation is 95.7% White, 0.8% Hispanic or Latino. 98.7% of residents speak only English at home. 10.8% of the population are military veterans. 21.9% of residents have a disability. 99.3% have health insurance coverage.
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