Cost of Living in Clear Lake, IA
Population 7,603 · Iowa · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Clear Lake is a smaller Iowa community of around 8000 residents, where median household incomes of $70,278 and housing costs ($235,000 for a typical home) give the local cost-of-living profile a distinctly small-town shape. The labor market has been unusually tight, with unemployment around 2.2% — below most comparable cities in the state.
Geographically, Clear Lake lies roughly 75 miles southwest of the nearest major metro, Rochester. Median home values run roughly 18% lower than Rochester's $288,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Clear Lake
The median home value in Clear Lake is $235,100 — 23% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $755/month, 43% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $70,278/year is 6% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 2.2%, 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 56.0°F and lows of 35.2°F, with about 44.4" of annual snowfall. Overall, Clear Lake has a cost of living index of 69 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 31% less expensive.
Clear 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 | 24 | 29 | 42 | 58 | 70 | 80 | 83 | 80 | 74 | 60 | 44 | 30 |
| Low °F | 7 | 11 | 24 | 35 | 47 | 57 | 61 | 58 | 49 | 37 | 24 | 14 |
| Precip" | 0.89 | 1.22 | 2.29 | 4.15 | 5.15 | 5.39 | 4.43 | 3.79 | 3.45 | 2.53 | 1.67 | 1.29 |
| Snow" | 11.3 | 10.0 | 7.0 | 3.0 | 0.3 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.4 | 3.0 | 9.4 |
💨 Air Quality
EPA AQS 2023 — county-level monitoring data
🏫 Schools
NCES CCD 2019 — public school district data
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Clear Lake, IA?
Clear Lake has a cost index of 69 (100 = national average). It is 31% below the national average.
What is average rent in Clear Lake, IA?
The median gross rent in Clear Lake is $755 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Clear Lake?
The median home value in Clear Lake is $235,100 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Clear Lake?
The median household income in Clear Lake is $70,278 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Clear Lake, IA?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Clear Lake is 6.9%. The Iowa state income tax top rate is 5.7%.
Is Clear Lake, IA affordable?
Yes, Clear Lake is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 69 — about 31% below the US national average of 100.
What is the weather like in Clear Lake?
Clear Lake has average high temperatures of 56.0°F and average lows of 35.2°F. Annual precipitation is 36.2". Average annual snowfall is 44.4". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.
Clear Lake at a Glance
- Population
- 7,603
- Median Income
- $70,278
- Home Value
- $235,100
- Median Rent
- $755/mo
- Unemployment
- 2.2%
- Avg High Temp
- 56.0°F
- Sales Tax
- 6.9%
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Iowa Rankings
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