Median Income
$120,699
61% higher than US avg
Home Value
$543,400
93% higher than US avg
Bachelor's+
52.5%
56% higher than US avg
Obesity Rate
38.4%
20% higher than US avg
Unemployment
9.6%
167% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
3.4%
73% lower than US avg
How Twin Lakes Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population535
Median Age61.3 yrs
Density405/mi²
Male / Female54% / 46%
Largest GroupWhite 98%
Veterans9.1%
Economy
B+
Median Income$120,699
Per Capita$69,811
Unemployment9.6%
Poverty3.4%
County GDP$560M
Commute28 min
Housing
A
Home Value$543,400
Ownership90.0%
Zillow$138,143
Housing Units502
Rent Burden22.8%
Health
Obesity38.4%
Uninsured1.7%
Smoking14.3%
Depression22.1%
Heart Disease5.1%
Climate
Avg Temp47°F (8°C)
Rain33.8 in/yr
Elevation1,220 ft (372 m)
Education
A+
Bachelor's+52.5%
High School+98.3%
Graduate+24.4%
School Score6.00
Community
2024 VoteR 73% / D 26%
Commute28 min
Broadband82.8%
EV Stations4
Libraries7
Is Twin Lakes a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Twin Lakes receives an overall livability score of 4.3 out of 5.0, earning a grade of A. Key strengths include above-average household incomes, a highly educated population, a low poverty rate, high health insurance coverage. Areas to be aware of include high housing costs, above-average unemployment. Twin Lakes stands out as an excellent place to live, with strong marks across most quality-of-life indicators.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Twin Lakes is $120,699, which is significantly higher than the national average / 61% above $75,149. This places Twin Lakes among higher-income communities. At 9.6%, unemployment is notably high. Only 3.4% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 28 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Twin Lakes is $543,400, making it a premium housing market at 93% above the U.S. median of $281,900. A price-to-income ratio of 4.5x indicates a reasonably affordable housing market.
Education
Twin Lakes is a highly educated community / 52.5% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher, well above the national average of 33.7%. 98.3% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 6/10.
Climate & Weather
Twin Lakes 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 33.8 inches, including 32.1 inches of snow.
Twin Lakes has a population of 535 with a density of 405 people per square mile, spread across 2.9 square miles. The median age is 61.3 years, 58% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 45.8% female and 54.2% male. The city is predominantly White (98.1%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 100% of residents. 9.1% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 18.5% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 98.3% have health insurance coverage.
Population
535
Total Population
2023 Census
61.3yrs
Median Age
58% above US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Twin Lakes 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
Twin Lakes vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Twin Lakes is $120,699, which is 61% above the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $69,811 (above the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $925, 35% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 9.6% (above the 3.6% US average). 3.4% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. 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 28 minutes. 6.2% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income: Twin Lakes vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $120,699 |
| 61% above US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $69,811 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $925 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $75,557 |
| Gini Index | 0.450 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 9.6% |
| 167% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 3.4% |
| 73% 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 | 0.68% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 27.9 min |
| Drive Alone | 93.8% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 6.2% |
The median home value in Twin Lakes is $543,400, 93% above the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $138,143, lower than the Census estimate. Fair market rent ranges from $788 for a one-bedroom to $989 for a two-bedroom apartment. 90.0% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 502 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1984. The average annual property tax is $3,718. 22.8% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 4.5x.
Home Values
| Census Median | $543,400 |
| 93% above US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $138,143 |
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 | 90.0% |
| Owner-Occupied | 90.0% |
| Renter-Occupied | 10.0% |
| Housing Units | 502 |
| Median Year Built | 1984 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $3,718 |
| 6% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 0.68% |
In Twin Lakes, 38.4% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 8.5% have diabetes (below the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 5.1% of residents. 28.7% have high blood pressure. 14.3% are current smokers. 22.8% report binge drinking. 21.8% are physically inactive. 22.1% report depression. 17.4% experience frequent mental distress. 1.7% 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: Twin Lakes vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 38.4% |
| 20% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 8.5% |
| Heart Disease | 5.1% |
| High Blood Pressure | 28.7% |
| Asthma | 10.2% |
| COPD | 5.6% |
| Cancer | 7.6% |
| Stroke | 2.6% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 14.3% |
| 2% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 22.8% |
| Physical Inactivity | 21.8% |
| Depression | 22.1% |
| Mental Distress | 17.4% |
| Physical Distress | 11.3% |
| Short Sleep | 31.5% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 98.3% |
| Uninsured | 1.7% |
| 80% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,416 |
| Dentists | 1:2,431 |
| Mental Health | 1:2,441 |
| Checkup Rate | 75.6% |
| Dental Visits | 69.9% |
| Premature Death | 7,619/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.3/10 |
| Exercise Access | 43.4% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 31 |
Twin Lakes 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 33.8 inches. The area receives 32.1 inches of snow annually, a moderate snowfall amount. The city sits at an elevation of 1,220 feet.
Temperature
17°F Jan (-8°C)
73°F Jul (23°C)
| Annual Average | 47.2°F |
| 13% below US avg |
| January Average | 17°F (-8°C) |
| July Average | 73°F (23°C) |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,220 ft (372 m) |
| Area | 2.9 sq mi (7.4 km²) |
| Population Density | 405/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 42.4810°N, 94.6298°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Calhoun County County |
| Nearest Airport | Fort Dodge Regional (FOD)
23 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
33.8"
11% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
5.04"
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 |
55 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990-2025)
Tornado History
596 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF5. Total: 14 fatalities, 413 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jun 13, 1976 |
EF5 |
88 km |
0 |
| Oct 14, 1966 |
EF5 |
88 km |
6 |
| Apr 9, 2011 |
EF4 |
33 km |
0 |
| May 27, 1995 |
EF4 |
78 km |
0 |
| May 27, 1995 |
EF4 |
51 km |
0 |
| May 24, 1989 |
EF4 |
72 km |
0 |
| Jun 28, 1979 |
EF4 |
17 km |
3 |
| May 4, 1977 |
EF4 |
40 km |
0 |
| Jun 8, 1967 |
EF4 |
37 km |
0 |
| May 5, 1965 |
EF4 |
24 km |
0 |
| Aug 29, 1964 |
EF4 |
59 km |
0 |
| Jun 9, 1954 |
EF4 |
24 km |
1 |
| Jul 14, 2021 |
EF3 |
28 km |
0 |
| Jun 12, 2013 |
EF3 |
89 km |
0 |
| Apr 9, 2011 |
EF3 |
56 km |
0 |
| Apr 9, 2011 |
EF3 |
41 km |
0 |
| Nov 12, 2005 |
EF3 |
57 km |
1 |
| Jun 11, 2004 |
EF3 |
57 km |
0 |
| Apr 26, 1991 |
EF3 |
78 km |
0 |
| Jun 7, 1984 |
EF3 |
87 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 |
82 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
17°F (-8°C) |
0.8 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
22°F (-6°C) |
1.0 in |
|
| March |
35°F (2°C) |
2.0 in |
|
| April |
47°F (9°C) |
3.8 in |
|
| May |
59°F (15°C) |
5.0 in |
|
| June |
70°F (21°C) |
5.0 in |
Wettest |
| July |
73°F (23°C) |
3.5 in |
Warmest |
| August |
71°F (21°C) |
4.5 in |
|
| September |
63°F (17°C) |
3.0 in |
|
| October |
50°F (10°C) |
2.4 in |
|
| November |
36°F (2°C) |
1.5 in |
|
| December |
23°F (-5°C) |
1.3 in |
|
Twin Lakes has a seasonal temperature swing of 56°F / from 17°F in January to 73°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 33.8 inches, with June being the wettest month (5.0") and January the driest (0.8").
Average costs for common services in Twin Lakes. 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 Twin Lakes
What is the population of Twin Lakes?
Twin Lakes has a population of 535 residents and is located in Iowa. The population density is 405 people per square mile, spread across 2.9 square miles. The median age of residents is 61.3 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 45.8% female and 54.2% male.
Is Twin Lakes expensive to live in?
Twin Lakes 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 $120,699, 61% above the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $543,400 (93% above the U.S. median). The home price-to-income ratio is 4.5x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
What is the weather like in Twin Lakes?
Twin Lakes 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 33.8 inches, with 32.1 inches of snow.
How is the job market in Twin Lakes?
The job market in Twin Lakes faces challenges, with unemployment at 9.6% / significantly above the national rate of 3.6%. 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 28 minutes, and 6.2% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Twin Lakes?
The median home value in Twin Lakes is $543,400. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $138,143. The homeownership rate is 90.0%. The average annual property tax is $3,718.
How are the schools in Twin Lakes?
Schools in Twin Lakes score 6 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 52.5% of adults in Twin Lakes hold a bachelor's degree or higher, above the national average of 33.7%. 98.3% have completed high school. 24.4% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Twin Lakes?
The obesity rate in Twin Lakes is 38.4% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 14.3% of adults are smokers. 21.8% are physically inactive. 22.1% of residents report depression. 1.7% 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 Twin Lakes?
The average commute in Twin Lakes is 28 minutes. 93.8% of workers drive alone to work, and 6.2% work from home.
What are the demographics of Twin Lakes?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Twin Lakes is 98.1% White. 100% of residents speak only English at home. 9.1% of the population are military veterans. 18.5% of residents have a disability. 98.3% have health insurance coverage.