Cost of Living in Carter Lake, IA
Population 3,773 · Iowa · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Housing costs in Carter Lake stay well under national norms: a median home value of $161,000 against median household incomes of $75,037 gives the city one of the more comfortable price-to-income ratios in Iowa.
Geographically, Carter Lake sits roughly 7 miles east of Omaha. Median home values run roughly 30% lower than Omaha's $230,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Carter Lake
The median home value in Carter Lake is $161,200 — 47% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,115/month, 15% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $75,037/year is 1% higher than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 4.7%, below the national average of 4.8%. Iowa's top state income tax rate is 5.7% and the combined sales tax is 6.9%. The climate averages highs of 62.8°F and lows of 42.1°F, with about 27.1" of annual snowfall. Overall, Carter Lake has a cost of living index of 66 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 34% less expensive.
Carter Lake has limited residential data
Detailed housing and income data is limited for this location. Here are the nearest cities with full cost of living data:
🏠 Housing
HUD Fair Market Rents by Bedroom
💰 Estimated Monthly Budget
Estimates based on median data and national averages. Actual costs vary.
🛒 Food & Groceries
National BLS average prices (2023). Local prices may vary.
🚗 Transportation
Commute Mode
⚡ Utilities
📋 Taxes
💼 Income & Employment
🎓 Education
👥 Demographics
🌤 Climate
NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High °F | 34 | 39 | 52 | 64 | 75 | 84 | 88 | 86 | 79 | 66 | 50 | 38 |
| Low °F | 15 | 19 | 30 | 41 | 53 | 63 | 68 | 66 | 56 | 43 | 30 | 20 |
| Precip" | 0.75 | 0.95 | 1.79 | 3.17 | 4.66 | 4.44 | 3.55 | 4.60 | 2.96 | 2.32 | 1.45 | 1.22 |
| Snow" | 7.2 | 7.8 | 3.0 | 1.0 | 0.1 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.5 | 1.7 | 5.8 |
💨 Air Quality
EPA AQS 2023 — county-level monitoring data
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Carter Lake, IA?
Carter Lake has a cost index of 66 (100 = national average). It is 34% below the national average.
What is average rent in Carter Lake, IA?
The median gross rent in Carter Lake is $1,115 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Carter Lake?
The median home value in Carter Lake is $161,200 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Carter Lake?
The median household income in Carter Lake is $75,037 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Carter Lake, IA?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Carter Lake is 6.9%. The Iowa state income tax top rate is 5.7%.
Is Carter Lake, IA affordable?
Yes, Carter Lake is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 66 — about 34% below the US national average of 100.
What is the weather like in Carter Lake?
Carter Lake has average high temperatures of 62.8°F and average lows of 42.1°F. Annual precipitation is 31.9". Average annual snowfall is 27.1". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.
Carter Lake at a Glance
- Population
- 3,773
- Median Income
- $75,037
- Home Value
- $161,200
- Median Rent
- $1,115/mo
- Unemployment
- 4.7%
- Avg High Temp
- 62.8°F
- Sales Tax
- 6.9%
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Iowa Rankings
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