Median Income
$127,188
69% higher than US avg
Home Value
$485,300
72% higher than US avg
Violent Crime
159/100K
58% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
67.1%
99% higher than US avg
Obesity Rate
42.2%
31% higher than US avg
Unemployment
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
How Sun Valley Lake Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population162
Median Age69.7 yrs
Density79/mi²
Male / Female57% / 43%
Largest GroupWhite 94%
Veterans15.5%
Economy
A+
Median Income$127,188
Per Capita$76,883
Unemployment0.0%
Poverty0.0%
County GDP$234M
Commute35 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$485,300
Ownership95.5%
Zillow$350,865
Housing Units549
Rent Burden28.4%
Crime
F
Violent159/100K
Property1,746/100K
Health
Obesity42.2%
Uninsured6.6%
Smoking14.7%
Depression21.8%
Heart Disease5.0%
Climate
Avg Temp49°F (10°C)
AQI43 (Good)
Rain38.0 in/yr
Sunny Days275/yr
Elevation1,139 ft (347 m)
Education
A+
Bachelor's+67.1%
High School+97.4%
Graduate+19.4%
School Score6.06
Community
2024 VoteR 75% / D 24%
Commute35 min
Broadband89.0%
EV Stations2
Libraries1
Is Sun Valley Lake a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Sun Valley Lake receives an overall livability score of 3.9 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B+. Key strengths include above-average household incomes, low unemployment, low crime rates, a highly educated population. Areas to be aware of include high housing costs, high obesity rates. Sun Valley Lake offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Sun Valley Lake is $127,188, which is significantly higher than the national average / 69% above $75,149. This places Sun Valley Lake among higher-income communities. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 0.0%. Only 0.0% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 35 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Sun Valley Lake is $485,300, making it a premium housing market at 72% above the U.S. median of $281,900. A price-to-income ratio of 3.8x indicates a reasonably affordable housing market.
Safety & Crime
Violent crime in Sun Valley Lake is below the national average at 159 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,746 per 100,000, near the national average.
Education
Sun Valley Lake is a highly educated community / 67.1% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher, well above the national average of 33.7%. 97.4% have completed high school. Local schools score 6.1/10 in standardized testing, reflecting strong academic performance.
Climate & Weather
Sun Valley Lake experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 49°F. Winters average 21°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 38.0 inches, including 26.5 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43.
Sun Valley Lake has a population of 162 with a density of 79 people per square mile, spread across 3.1 square miles. The median age is 69.7 years, 79% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 43.2% female and 56.8% male. The city is predominantly White (94.4%), with 5.6% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 100% of residents. 15.5% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 28.2% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 100.0% have health insurance coverage.
Population
69.7yrs
Median Age
79% above US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Sun Valley Lake vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
100.0%
27% above US avg
Spanish
0.0%
100% below US avg
Social Characteristics
Sun Valley Lake vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Sun Valley Lake is $127,188, which is 69% above the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $76,883 (above the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $889, 38% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 0.0% (below the 3.6% US average). 0.0% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 182 business establishments, including 13 restaurants. The cost of living index is 87.8, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 35 minutes (longer than the 28-minute US average). 29.0% of workers work from home (above the 15.2% national rate).
Income: Sun Valley Lake vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $127,188 |
| 69% above US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $76,883 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $889 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $60,255 |
| Gini Index | 0.424 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 182 |
| County GDP | $234M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 13 |
| Healthcare | 11 |
| Retail | 18 |
| Manufacturing | 4 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $6,583 |
| 88% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 87.80 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 1.36% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 34.7 min |
| Drive Alone | 71.0% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 29.0% |
The median home value in Sun Valley Lake is $485,300, 72% above the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $350,865, lower than the Census estimate. Fair market rent ranges from $788 for a one-bedroom to $989 for a two-bedroom apartment. 95.5% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 549 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1993. The average annual property tax is $6,583 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 28.4% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 3.8x.
Home Values
| Census Median | $485,300 |
| 72% above US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $350,865 |
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 | 95.5% |
| Owner-Occupied | 95.5% |
| Renter-Occupied | 4.5% |
| Housing Units | 549 |
| Median Year Built | 1993 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $6,583 |
| 88% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 1.36% |
In Sun Valley Lake, 42.2% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 8.5% have diabetes (below the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 5.0% of residents. 29.7% have high blood pressure. 14.7% are current smokers. 24.6% report binge drinking. 21.7% are physically inactive. 21.8% report depression. 17.1% experience frequent mental distress. 6.6% of residents lack health insurance (below the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:928. 53.7% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.9 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Sun Valley Lake vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 42.2% |
| 31% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 8.5% |
| Heart Disease | 5.0% |
| High Blood Pressure | 29.7% |
| Asthma | 10.1% |
| COPD | 5.5% |
| Cancer | 7.5% |
| Stroke | 2.6% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 14.7% |
| 5% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 24.6% |
| Physical Inactivity | 21.7% |
| Depression | 21.8% |
| Mental Distress | 17.1% |
| Physical Distress | 11.4% |
| Short Sleep | 34.5% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 100.0% |
| Uninsured | 6.6% |
| 23% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:928 |
| Checkup Rate | 74.9% |
| Dental Visits | 67.4% |
| Premature Death | 8,711/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.9/10 |
| Exercise Access | 53.7% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 11 |
Sun Valley Lake has a violent crime rate of 159 per 100,000 residents, 58% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 1,746 per 100,000, 11% below the U.S. average. The county recorded 1 fatal traffic crashes. The area has experienced 91 federally declared disasters. Overall, Sun Valley Lake receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Sun Valley Lake vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 158.7/100K |
| 58% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 1,745.7/100K |
| 11% below US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 1 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
| FEMA Disasters | 91 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Sun Valley Lake experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 49°F (10°C). Winters average 21°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 38.0 inches. The area receives 26.5 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 1,139 feet.
Temperature
21°F Jan (-6°C)
74°F Jul (23°C)
| Annual Average | 49.2°F |
| 9% below US avg |
| January Average | 21°F (-6°C) |
| July Average | 74°F (23°C) |
| Sunny Days | 275 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,139 ft (347 m) |
| Area | 3.1 sq mi (8.0 km²) |
| Population Density | 79/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 40.8492°N, 94.0675°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Ringgold County County |
| Nearest Airport | Des Moines International (DSM)
49 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
38.0"
0% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jul)
4.37"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 43.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 14.2 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 10.6 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 47.6 / 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 |
Very Low |
| Drought |
Relatively High |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
3 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.5. Most recent: M3.5 on Jul 16, 2004.
| Jul 16, 2004 |
6 km SSE of Riverton, Iowa |
M3.5 |
127 km |
| Feb 11, 1995 |
6 km E of Clearmont, Missouri |
M3.1 |
84 km |
| Mar 31, 1993 |
2 km SE of Nemaha, Nebraska |
M2.9 |
146 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
580 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF5. Total: 21 fatalities, 257 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jun 27, 1953 |
EF5 |
85 km |
1 |
| May 21, 2024 |
EF4 |
73 km |
5 |
| Mar 5, 2022 |
EF4 |
44 km |
6 |
| Apr 8, 1999 |
EF4 |
29 km |
0 |
| Apr 8, 1999 |
EF4 |
70 km |
0 |
| May 27, 1995 |
EF4 |
39 km |
0 |
| May 24, 1989 |
EF4 |
57 km |
0 |
| Jun 7, 1984 |
EF4 |
48 km |
3 |
| Jun 2, 1980 |
EF4 |
28 km |
0 |
| Apr 21, 1973 |
EF4 |
72 km |
0 |
| Apr 12, 1964 |
EF4 |
100 km |
1 |
| May 20, 1959 |
EF4 |
79 km |
0 |
| May 10, 1959 |
EF4 |
86 km |
0 |
| May 10, 1953 |
EF4 |
62 km |
0 |
| May 21, 2024 |
EF3 |
95 km |
0 |
| Mar 5, 2022 |
EF3 |
58 km |
1 |
| Aug 20, 2019 |
EF3 |
64 km |
0 |
| Jun 22, 2015 |
EF3 |
87 km |
0 |
| Apr 11, 2001 |
EF3 |
58 km |
0 |
| Apr 8, 1999 |
EF3 |
52 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
21°F (-6°C) |
0.9 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
27°F (-3°C) |
1.0 in |
|
| March |
39°F (4°C) |
2.2 in |
|
| April |
51°F (10°C) |
3.4 in |
|
| May |
61°F (16°C) |
4.3 in |
|
| June |
71°F (21°C) |
4.3 in |
|
| July |
74°F (23°C) |
4.4 in |
Warmest, Wettest |
| August |
73°F (23°C) |
4.0 in |
|
| September |
65°F (18°C) |
4.3 in |
|
| October |
53°F (12°C) |
2.8 in |
|
| November |
38°F (3°C) |
2.1 in |
|
| December |
26°F (-3°C) |
1.3 in |
|
Sun Valley Lake has a seasonal temperature swing of 53°F / from 21°F in January to 74°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 34.7 inches, with July being the wettest month (4.4") and January the driest (0.9").
Average costs for common services in Sun Valley Lake. 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 | $684 |
| Toddler | $589 |
| Preschool | $589 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $449 |
| Toddler | $442 |
| Preschool | $442 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Sun Valley Lake
What is the population of Sun Valley Lake?
Sun Valley Lake has a population of 162 residents and is located in Iowa. The population density is 79 people per square mile, spread across 3.1 square miles. The median age of residents is 69.7 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 43.2% female and 56.8% male.
Is Sun Valley Lake expensive to live in?
Sun Valley Lake 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 $127,188, 69% above the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $485,300 (72% above the U.S. median). The home price-to-income ratio is 3.8x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Sun Valley Lake safe?
Sun Valley Lake is safer than the national average, with a violent crime rate of 159 per 100,000 compared to the U.S. rate of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,746 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Sun Valley Lake receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Sun Valley Lake?
Sun Valley Lake 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 74°F in July. The area receives 275 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 38.0 inches, with 26.5 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 43.
How is the job market in Sun Valley Lake?
The job market in Sun Valley Lake is very strong, with unemployment at just 0.0% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $889. There are 182 business establishments in the area, including 13 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 35 minutes, and 29.0% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Sun Valley Lake?
The median home value in Sun Valley Lake is $485,300. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $350,865. The homeownership rate is 95.5%. The average annual property tax is $6,583.
How are the schools in Sun Valley Lake?
Schools in Sun Valley Lake score 6.1 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 67.1% of adults in Sun Valley Lake hold a bachelor's degree or higher, above the national average of 33.7%. 97.4% have completed high school. 19.4% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Sun Valley Lake?
The obesity rate in Sun Valley Lake is 42.2% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 14.7% of adults are smokers. 21.7% are physically inactive. 21.8% of residents report depression. 6.6% lack health insurance (below the national rate). 53.7% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:928.
What is transportation like in Sun Valley Lake?
The average commute in Sun Valley Lake is 35 minutes, longer than the national average of 28 minutes. 71% of workers drive alone to work, and 29.0% work from home.
What are the demographics of Sun Valley Lake?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Sun Valley Lake is 94.4% White, 5.6% Hispanic or Latino. 100% of residents speak only English at home. 15.5% of the population are military veterans. 28.2% of residents have a disability. 100.0% have health insurance coverage.
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