Cost Of Living
Everyday cost of living expenses like goods and services, housing, groceries, transportation, health care and utilities are far below the national average.
Housing
Impressive scores in the housing category characterize this area, potentially attributed to the availability of affordable housing, strong appreciation rates and high home values.
Health & Safety
Accessible health facilities like hospitals, doctors offices, clinics and nursing homes as well as good air quality are all factors that have led to a high score in this category.
Ratings
According to recent surveys and polls, locals had excellent ratings for walkability to nearby amenities, safety, access to public transit and the overall sense of community in the area.
Amenities
The majority of amenities will be difficult to reach within a short walk, often requiring residents to use a vehicle or public transportation for access.
Commute
Low commute scores could be due to limited access to public transit in this area, as well as longer-than-average work commute times for residents.
Employment
This area earns a low score in the employment category due to low household income levels and high unemployment rates, which may pose challenges in seeking job opportunities.
Located in the state of Iowa, Storm Lake is a mid-sized city with a population of 10,898 people. More than a quarter of the residents of Storm Lake identify themselves as Hispanic or Latino, and 35% of the population speak Spanish as their primary or secondary language. Storm Lake could be a great place for young adults and students as the average age of 31 years old is below the nation’s average. If you're not a fan of traffic congestion and long commute times to work, Storm Lake is the place to be. Commutes to work here are shorter, with an average one-way commute time taking only 10 minutes, significantly lower than the national average of 26 minutes.
Whether you’re relocating to a new city to be closer to family, friends or for a new job, living in Storm Lake could be a positive experience compared to other cities in Iowa if you know where to look. Don't forget to determine what matters most to you in a neighborhood. Consider factors such as safety, proximity to work or school, access to amenities (like parks, fitness facilities, grocery stores, restaurants), public transportation options, community atmosphere and the overall vibe you're looking for. The best areas in Storm Lake and in surrounding cities are easier to find when you are able to make informed decisions. Using data from cost of living, employment, housing, you will see a detailed breakdown of the most important information as well as comparisons to the Iowa and national averages.
The livability score in Storm Lake is 76/100 and the city is ranked in the 88th percentile of all cities across America. Pack your bags! This is a very high score in comparison to other US cities. Living in Storm Lake could be a great choice! There are nine total categories that generate the livability score. Storm Lake ranks well for cost of living (A+) and housing (A+) Storm Lake does not do well for the following: amenities (F) and employment (D-). It might be a good idea to take a closer look at each category to find out why.
A robust real estate market serves as a crucial economic indicator, reflecting the local area's strength, stability and the confidence of its residents. Storm Lake excels in the housing sector, scoring high marks based on factors such as median home and rental prices, appreciation rates and home affordability. These calculations suggest that the apartment rental and real estate market in the region is exceptionally healthy, highlighting the area's economic vitality and attractiveness to potential homebuyers and renters.
Certain items on your wish list like shopping, restaurants, nightlife, parks and proximity to public transportation are all important things to look for. Having said that, perhaps the most important metric to consider when contemplating a move to Storm Lake is real estate affordability. Median real estate prices in Storm Lake come in at $261,887, which is 9.1% higher than the Iowa average. The home price to income ratio compares the median home prices to the median household income. In Storm Lake, the home price to income ratio is 3.7, which is 23.3% higher than the Iowa average.
Why stop at city-to-city? With Local Insights, you can compare neighborhoods, zip codes, or even exact addresses. Access 300+ hyperlocal data points—from schools and crime to housing and amenities—to see which area is the better fit.
| Statistic | Storm Lake | Iowa | National |
| Average one way commute | 10min | 19min | 26min |
| Workers who drive to work | 61.8% | 80.7% | 76.4% |
| Workers who carpool | 21.0% | 8.6% | 9.3% |
| Workers who take public transit | 0.5% | 1.1% | 5.1% |
| Workers who bicycle | 3.0% | 0.5% | 0.6% |
| Workers who walk | 10.1% | 3.5% | 2.8% |
| Working from home | 3.2% | 4.5% | 4.6% |
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