Cost of Living in Le Mars, IA
Population 10,597 · Iowa · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Le Mars offers a notably favorable income-to-housing ratio for its region. The typical home — $202,000 — costs less than 2.8 times median household income of $72,381, a threshold many coastal markets passed a decade ago. An unemployment rate of 1.5% points to a labor market well on the tight side of the national distribution.
Located 60 miles southeast of Sioux Falls, Le Mars is far enough out that local conditions diverge meaningfully from the big-metro baseline. Median home values run roughly 25% lower than Sioux Falls' $271,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Le Mars
The median home value in Le Mars is $202,200 — 34% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $908/month, 31% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $72,381/year is 3% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 1.5%, 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 59.5°F and lows of 37.4°F, with about 36" of annual snowfall. Overall, Le Mars has a cost of living index of 67 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 33% less expensive.
🏠 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 | 30 | 34 | 48 | 61 | 72 | 82 | 85 | 83 | 77 | 63 | 47 | 33 |
| Low °F | 10 | 15 | 26 | 37 | 49 | 59 | 63 | 61 | 51 | 38 | 25 | 15 |
| Precip" | 0.69 | 0.86 | 1.76 | 3.15 | 3.87 | 4.35 | 3.35 | 3.94 | 2.84 | 2.20 | 1.27 | 0.99 |
| Snow" | 7.7 | 8.7 | 5.7 | 2.3 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.8 | 3.2 | 7.6 |
🏫 Schools
NCES CCD 2019 — public school district data
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Le Mars, IA?
Le Mars has a cost index of 67 (100 = national average). It is 33% below the national average.
What is average rent in Le Mars, IA?
The median gross rent in Le Mars is $908 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Le Mars?
The median home value in Le Mars is $202,200 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Le Mars?
The median household income in Le Mars is $72,381 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Le Mars, IA?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Le Mars is 6.9%. The Iowa state income tax top rate is 5.7%.
Is Le Mars, IA affordable?
Yes, Le Mars is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 67 — about 33% below the US national average of 100.
What is the weather like in Le Mars?
Le Mars has average high temperatures of 59.5°F and average lows of 37.4°F. Annual precipitation is 29.3". Average annual snowfall is 36". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.
Le Mars at a Glance
- Population
- 10,597
- Median Income
- $72,381
- Home Value
- $202,200
- Median Rent
- $908/mo
- Unemployment
- 1.5%
- Avg High Temp
- 59.5°F
- Sales Tax
- 6.9%
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Iowa Rankings
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