Home Value
$34,200
88% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
236/100K
38% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
4.0%
88% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
38.2%
19% higher than US avg
Unemployment
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
16.0%
29% higher than US avg
How Lucas Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population137
Median Age41.6 yrs
Density140/mi²
Male / Female49% / 51%
Largest GroupWhite 98%
Veterans95.0%
Economy
Per Capita$23,007
Unemployment0.0%
Poverty16.0%
County GDP$362M
Commute20 min
Housing
Home Value$34,200
Ownership92.5%
Zillow$262,372
Housing Units77
Rent Burden35.0%
Crime
F
Violent236/100K
Property2,973/100K
Health
Obesity38.2%
Uninsured7.9%
Smoking17.6%
Depression22.4%
Heart Disease5.8%
Climate
Avg Temp48°F (9°C)
AQI43 (Good)
Rain37.3 in/yr
Sunny Days275/yr
Elevation974 ft (297 m)
Education
F
Bachelor's+4.0%
High School+80.0%
Graduate+0.0%
School Score5.31
Community
2024 VoteR 73% / D 25%
Commute20 min
Broadband67.0%
EV Stations3
Libraries1
Is Lucas a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Lucas receives an overall livability score of 1.2 out of 5.0, earning a grade of F. Key strengths include low unemployment, low crime rates, affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Lucas faces significant challenges across several quality-of-life categories.
Economy & Jobs
The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 0.0%. The poverty rate of 16.0% exceeds the national average of 12.4%, indicating economic hardship for a significant portion of the population. Workers commute an average of 20 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Lucas is $34,200, 88% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership.
Safety & Crime
Violent crime in Lucas is below the national average at 236 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 2,973 per 100,000, 52% above the national average.
Education
4.0% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 80.0% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.3/10.
Climate & Weather
Lucas experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 48°F. Winters average 21°F in January while summers reach 73°F in July. With 275 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 37.3 inches, including 24.1 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43.
Lucas has a population of 137 with a density of 140 people per square mile, spread across 1.0 square miles. The median age is 41.6 years, 7% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 51.1% female and 48.9% male. The city is predominantly White (97.8%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 99% of residents. 95.0% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 38.3% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 90.7% have health insurance coverage.
Population
41.6yrs
Median Age
7% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
99.0%
26% above US avg
Spanish
1.0%
93% below US avg
Per capita income is $23,007 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $975, 32% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 0.0% (below the 3.6% US average). 16.0% of residents live below the poverty line, higher than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 252 business establishments, including 20 restaurants. The cost of living index is 87.8, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 20 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 20.0% of workers work from home (above the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| |
| Per Capita Income | $23,007 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $975 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $60,757 |
| Gini Index | 0.439 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 16.0% |
| 29% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 252 |
| County GDP | $362M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 20 |
| Healthcare | 18 |
| Retail | 30 |
| Manufacturing | 9 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $4,364 |
| 25% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 87.80 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 12.76% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 20.4 min |
| Drive Alone | 75.6% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 20.0% |
The median home value in Lucas is $34,200, 88% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $262,372, higher than the Census estimate. Fair market rent ranges from $743 for a one-bedroom to $975 for a two-bedroom apartment. 92.5% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 77 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1943. The average annual property tax is $4,364 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 35.0% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing.
Home Values
| Census Median | $34,200 |
| 88% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $262,372 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $724 |
| 1 Bedroom | $743 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $975 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,250 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,302 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 92.5% |
| Owner-Occupied | 92.5% |
| Renter-Occupied | 7.5% |
| Housing Units | 77 |
| Median Year Built | 1943 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $4,364 |
| 25% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 12.76% |
In Lucas, 38.2% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 9.8% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.8% of residents. 31.3% have high blood pressure. 17.6% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 22.7% report binge drinking. 24.5% are physically inactive. 22.4% report depression. 18.6% experience frequent mental distress. 7.9% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:968. The dentist ratio is 1:2,172. 63.0% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 7.5 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Lucas vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 38.2% |
| 19% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 9.8% |
| Heart Disease | 5.8% |
| High Blood Pressure | 31.3% |
| Asthma | 10.7% |
| COPD | 6.9% |
| Cancer | 7.3% |
| Stroke | 3.1% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 17.6% |
| 26% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 22.7% |
| Physical Inactivity | 24.5% |
| Depression | 22.4% |
| Mental Distress | 18.6% |
| Physical Distress | 13.0% |
| Short Sleep | 35.2% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 90.7% |
| Uninsured | 7.9% |
| 8% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:968 |
| Dentists | 1:2,172 |
| Mental Health | 1:875 |
| Checkup Rate | 74.7% |
| Dental Visits | 63.5% |
| Premature Death | 9,105/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.5/10 |
| Exercise Access | 63.0% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 18 |
Lucas has a violent crime rate of 236 per 100,000 residents, 38% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 2,973 per 100,000, 52% above the U.S. average. The county recorded 1 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Lucas receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Lucas vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 236.0/100K |
| 38% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 2,973.1/100K |
| 52% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 1 |
| Traffic Accidents | 12 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.8 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Lucas experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 48°F (9°C). Winters average 21°F in January while summers reach 73°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 37.3 inches. The area receives 24.1 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 974 feet.
Temperature
21°F Jan (-6°C)
73°F Jul (23°C)
| Annual Average | 48.3°F |
| 11% below US avg |
| January Average | 21°F (-6°C) |
| July Average | 73°F (23°C) |
| Sunny Days | 275 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 974 ft (297 m) |
| Area | 1.0 sq mi (2.5 km²) |
| Population Density | 140/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 41.0324°N, 93.4616°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Lucas County County |
| Nearest Airport | Des Moines International (DSM)
35 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
37.3"
2% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
4.57"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 43.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 29.7 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 69.1 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 81.3 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Very Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Very Low |
| Lightning |
Very Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
Relatively High |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Relatively Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
1 earthquake (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.1. Most recent: M3.1 on Feb 11, 1995.
| Feb 11, 1995 |
6 km E of Clearmont, Missouri |
M3.1 |
139 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
565 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 18 fatalities, 250 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Mar 5, 2022 |
EF4 |
66 km |
6 |
| Apr 8, 1999 |
EF4 |
72 km |
0 |
| May 27, 1995 |
EF4 |
81 km |
0 |
| Sep 28, 1986 |
EF4 |
81 km |
0 |
| Jun 7, 1984 |
EF4 |
83 km |
3 |
| Jun 2, 1980 |
EF4 |
60 km |
0 |
| Jun 18, 1974 |
EF4 |
79 km |
2 |
| Apr 21, 1973 |
EF4 |
79 km |
0 |
| May 20, 1959 |
EF4 |
45 km |
0 |
| May 10, 1953 |
EF4 |
21 km |
0 |
| Mar 31, 2023 |
EF3 |
95 km |
0 |
| Mar 5, 2022 |
EF3 |
12 km |
1 |
| Aug 20, 2019 |
EF3 |
26 km |
0 |
| Jul 19, 2018 |
EF3 |
65 km |
0 |
| Jun 22, 2015 |
EF3 |
33 km |
0 |
| Apr 8, 1999 |
EF3 |
93 km |
0 |
| Apr 8, 1999 |
EF3 |
6 km |
0 |
| May 27, 1995 |
EF3 |
69 km |
0 |
| Mar 22, 1991 |
EF3 |
98 km |
0 |
| Mar 29, 1979 |
EF3 |
83 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
1 wildfire (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: NEAL SMITH WUI 2016 1 (1,050 ac, 2016).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2016 |
NEAL SMITH WUI 2016 1 |
1,050 |
63 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
21°F (-6°C) |
1.1 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
27°F (-3°C) |
1.2 in |
|
| March |
39°F (4°C) |
2.5 in |
|
| April |
51°F (10°C) |
3.5 in |
|
| May |
61°F (16°C) |
4.1 in |
|
| June |
71°F (21°C) |
4.6 in |
Wettest |
| July |
73°F (23°C) |
4.4 in |
|
| August |
73°F (23°C) |
3.9 in |
Warmest |
| September |
65°F (18°C) |
4.4 in |
|
| October |
53°F (12°C) |
3.0 in |
|
| November |
38°F (4°C) |
2.2 in |
|
| December |
26°F (-3°C) |
1.5 in |
|
Lucas has a seasonal temperature swing of 52°F / from 21°F in January to 73°F in August. Total annual precipitation is 36.5 inches, with June being the wettest month (4.6") and January the driest (1.1").
Average costs for common services in Lucas. 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 | $680 |
| Toddler | $586 |
| Preschool | $586 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $459 |
| Toddler | $451 |
| Preschool | $451 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Lucas
What is the population of Lucas?
Lucas has a population of 137 residents and is located in Iowa. The population density is 140 people per square mile, spread across 1.0 square miles. The median age of residents is 41.6 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 51.1% female and 48.9% male.
Is Lucas expensive to live in?
Lucas is more affordable than the national average, with a cost of living index of 87.8 / below the baseline of 100. The median home value is $34,200 (88% below the U.S. median).
Is Lucas safe?
Lucas is safer than the national average, with a violent crime rate of 236 per 100,000 compared to the U.S. rate of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 2,973 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Lucas receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Lucas?
Lucas has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 48°F (9°C). Winter temperatures average 21°F in January, while summers reach an average of 73°F in July. The area receives 275 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 37.3 inches, with 24.1 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 43.
How is the job market in Lucas?
The job market in Lucas is very strong, with unemployment at just 0.0% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $975. There are 252 business establishments in the area, including 20 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 20 minutes, and 20.0% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Lucas?
The median home value in Lucas is $34,200. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $262,372. The homeownership rate is 92.5%. The average annual property tax is $4,364.
How are the schools in Lucas?
Schools in Lucas score 5.3 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 4.0% of adults in Lucas hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 80.0% have completed high school. 0.0% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Lucas?
The obesity rate in Lucas is 38.2% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 17.6% of adults are smokers. 24.5% are physically inactive. 22.4% of residents report depression. 7.9% lack health insurance. 63.0% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:968.
What is transportation like in Lucas?
The average commute in Lucas is 20 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 75.6% of workers drive alone to work, and 20.0% work from home.
What are the demographics of Lucas?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Lucas is 97.8% White. 99% of residents speak only English at home. 95.0% of the population are military veterans. 38.3% of residents have a disability. 90.7% have health insurance coverage.
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