Median Income
$45,250
40% lower than US avg
Home Value
$60,000
79% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
14.9%
56% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$609
48% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
41.6%
30% higher than US avg
Unemployment
7.7%
114% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
10.8%
13% lower than US avg
How Lytton Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population325
Median Age45.5 yrs
Density1,413/mi²
Male / Female48% / 52%
Largest GroupWhite 91%
Veterans6.2%
Economy
C+
Median Income$45,250
Per Capita$28,514
Unemployment7.7%
Poverty10.8%
County GDP$560M
Commute26 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$60,000
Rent$609
Ownership64.3%
Zillow$141,118
Housing Units138
Rent Burden18.9%
Health
Obesity41.6%
Uninsured3.1%
Smoking16.1%
Depression22.2%
Heart Disease5.6%
Climate
Avg Temp47°F (8°C)
Rain33.1 in/yr
Elevation1,226 ft (374 m)
Education
C
Bachelor's+14.9%
High School+96.8%
Graduate+3.1%
School Score6.00
Community
2024 VoteR 73% / D 26%
Commute26 min
Broadband86.0%
EV Stations1
Libraries7
Is Lytton a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Lytton receives an overall livability score of 3.3 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include affordable housing, high health insurance coverage. Areas to be aware of include above-average unemployment, below-average incomes, high obesity rates. Lytton offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Lytton is $45,250, 40% below the national average of $75,149. The unemployment rate of 7.7% is somewhat elevated compared to the national rate of 3.6%. 10.8% of residents live in poverty, near the national average of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 26 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Lytton is $60,000, 79% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $609 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 1.3x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Education
14.9% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 96.8% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 6/10.
Climate & Weather
Lytton experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 47°F. Winters average 17°F in January while summers reach 73°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 33.1 inches, including 30.9 inches of snow.
Lytton has a population of 325 with a density of 1,413 people per square mile, spread across 0.2 square miles. The median age is 45.5 years, 17% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 51.7% female and 48.3% male. The city is predominantly White (91.4%), with 5.8% Black. English is the primary language spoken at home by 99.7% of residents. 6.2% of the population are veterans. 21.2% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 96.9% have health insurance coverage.
Population
325
Total Population
2023 Census
45.5yrs
Median Age
17% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
99.7%
27% above US avg
Spanish
0.0%
100% below US avg
The median household income in Lytton is $45,250, which is 40% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $28,514 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $925, 35% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 7.7% (above the 3.6% US average). 10.8% of residents live below the poverty line. The area has 325 business establishments, including 15 restaurants. The cost of living index is 87.8, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 26 minutes. 4.1% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $45,250 |
| 40% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $28,514 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $925 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $75,557 |
| Gini Index | 0.450 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 7.7% |
| 114% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 10.8% |
| 13% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 325 |
| County GDP | $560M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 15 |
| Healthcare | 31 |
| Retail | 49 |
| Manufacturing | 12 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $3,718 |
| 6% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 87.80 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 6.20% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 25.5 min |
| Drive Alone | 84.0% |
| Public Transit | 0.6% |
| Work from Home | 4.1% |
The median home value in Lytton is $60,000, 79% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $141,118, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $609 (48% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $788 for a one-bedroom to $989 for a two-bedroom apartment. 64.3% of housing units are owner-occupied. There are 138 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1952. The average annual property tax is $3,718. 18.9% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.3x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $60,000 |
| 79% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $141,118 |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $609 |
| 48% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 18.9% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $738 |
| 1 Bedroom | $788 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $989 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,282 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,420 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 64.3% |
| Owner-Occupied | 64.3% |
| Renter-Occupied | 35.7% |
| Housing Units | 138 |
| Median Year Built | 1952 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $3,718 |
| 6% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 6.20% |
In Lytton, 41.6% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 9.4% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.6% of residents. 30.3% have high blood pressure. 16.1% are current smokers. 22.7% report binge drinking. 24.3% are physically inactive. 22.2% report depression. 18.2% experience frequent mental distress. 3.1% of residents lack health insurance (below the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,416. The dentist ratio is 1:2,431. 43.4% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.3 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Lytton vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 41.6% |
| 30% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 9.4% |
| Heart Disease | 5.6% |
| High Blood Pressure | 30.3% |
| Asthma | 10.3% |
| COPD | 6.3% |
| Cancer | 7.4% |
| Stroke | 2.9% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 16.1% |
| 15% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 22.7% |
| Physical Inactivity | 24.3% |
| Depression | 22.2% |
| Mental Distress | 18.2% |
| Physical Distress | 12.4% |
| Short Sleep | 34.6% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 96.9% |
| Uninsured | 3.1% |
| 64% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,416 |
| Dentists | 1:2,431 |
| Mental Health | 1:2,441 |
| Checkup Rate | 74.9% |
| Dental Visits | 68.0% |
| Premature Death | 7,619/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.3/10 |
| Exercise Access | 43.4% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 31 |
Lytton experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 47°F (8°C). Winters average 17°F in January while summers reach 73°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 33.1 inches. The area receives 30.9 inches of snow annually, a moderate snowfall amount. The city sits at an elevation of 1,226 feet.
Temperature
17°F Jan (-8°C)
73°F Jul (23°C)
| Annual Average | 46.6°F |
| 14% below US avg |
| January Average | 17°F (-8°C) |
| July Average | 73°F (23°C) |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,226 ft (374 m) |
| Area | 0.2 sq mi (0.5 km²) |
| Population Density | 1,413/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 42.4233°N, 94.8609°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Calhoun County County |
| Nearest Airport | Fort Dodge Regional (FOD)
35 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
33.1"
13% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
5.14"
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 44.6 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 48.5 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 87.6 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Very Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Moderate |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Moderate |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Moderate |
| Lightning |
Very Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
Relatively High |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
1 earthquake (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M2.7. Most recent: M2.7 on Jun 30, 2021.
| Jun 30, 2021 |
4 km E of Rembrandt, Iowa |
M2.7 |
49 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990-2025)
Tornado History
571 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF5. Total: 7 fatalities, 226 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jun 13, 1976 |
EF5 |
98 km |
0 |
| Apr 9, 2011 |
EF4 |
34 km |
0 |
| May 27, 1995 |
EF4 |
74 km |
0 |
| May 27, 1995 |
EF4 |
39 km |
0 |
| May 24, 1989 |
EF4 |
88 km |
0 |
| Jun 28, 1979 |
EF4 |
31 km |
3 |
| May 4, 1977 |
EF4 |
60 km |
0 |
| Jun 8, 1967 |
EF4 |
57 km |
0 |
| May 5, 1965 |
EF4 |
35 km |
0 |
| Aug 29, 1964 |
EF4 |
76 km |
0 |
| Jun 9, 1954 |
EF4 |
20 km |
1 |
| Jun 23, 1952 |
EF4 |
89 km |
0 |
| Jul 14, 2021 |
EF3 |
19 km |
0 |
| Apr 9, 2011 |
EF3 |
36 km |
0 |
| Apr 9, 2011 |
EF3 |
85 km |
0 |
| Apr 9, 2011 |
EF3 |
24 km |
0 |
| Nov 12, 2005 |
EF3 |
70 km |
1 |
| Jun 11, 2004 |
EF3 |
55 km |
0 |
| Apr 26, 1991 |
EF3 |
60 km |
0 |
| Sep 20, 1980 |
EF3 |
84 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950-2024)
Wildfire History
1 wildfire (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: DEWEYS PASTURE (641 ac, 2008).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2008 |
DEWEYS PASTURE |
641 |
85 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
17°F (-8°C) |
0.7 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
22°F (-6°C) |
1.0 in |
|
| March |
34°F (1°C) |
1.8 in |
|
| April |
47°F (8°C) |
3.5 in |
|
| May |
59°F (15°C) |
4.6 in |
|
| June |
69°F (21°C) |
5.1 in |
Wettest |
| July |
73°F (23°C) |
3.9 in |
Warmest |
| August |
70°F (21°C) |
4.4 in |
|
| September |
62°F (17°C) |
2.9 in |
|
| October |
50°F (10°C) |
2.4 in |
|
| November |
35°F (2°C) |
1.6 in |
|
| December |
23°F (-5°C) |
1.2 in |
|
Lytton has a seasonal temperature swing of 55°F / from 17°F in January to 73°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 33.1 inches, with June being the wettest month (5.1") and January the driest (0.7").
Average costs for common services in Lytton. 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 | $682 |
| Toddler | $588 |
| Preschool | $588 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $448 |
| Toddler | $441 |
| Preschool | $441 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Lytton
What is the population of Lytton?
Lytton has a population of 325 residents and is located in Iowa. The population density is 1,413 people per square mile, spread across 0.2 square miles. The median age of residents is 45.5 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 51.7% female and 48.3% male.
Is Lytton expensive to live in?
Lytton 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 $45,250, 40% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $60,000 (79% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $609 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.3x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
What is the weather like in Lytton?
Lytton has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 47°F (8°C). Winter temperatures average 17°F in January, while summers reach an average of 73°F in July. Annual rainfall totals 33.1 inches, with 30.9 inches of snow.
How is the job market in Lytton?
The unemployment rate in Lytton is 7.7%, somewhat above the national average of 3.6%. Job seekers may face moderate competition. The average weekly wage is $925. There are 325 business establishments in the area, including 15 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 26 minutes, and 4.1% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Lytton?
The median home value in Lytton is $60,000. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $141,118. For renters, the median monthly rent is $609. Fair market rent is $788 for a 1-bedroom and $989 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 64.3%. The average annual property tax is $3,718.
How are the schools in Lytton?
Schools in Lytton score 6 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 14.9% of adults in Lytton hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 96.8% have completed high school. 3.1% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Lytton?
The obesity rate in Lytton is 41.6% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 16.1% of adults are smokers. 24.3% are physically inactive. 22.2% of residents report depression. 3.1% lack health insurance (below the national rate). 43.4% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,416.
What is transportation like in Lytton?
The average commute in Lytton is 26 minutes. 84% of workers drive alone to work, and 4.1% work from home.
What are the demographics of Lytton?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Lytton is 91.4% White, 5.8% Black or African American. 99.7% of residents speak only English at home. 6.2% of the population are military veterans. 21.2% of residents have a disability. 96.9% have health insurance coverage.