Cost of Living in Storm Lake, IA
Population 11,275 · Iowa · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Storm Lake sits on the smaller end of the Iowa city distribution. That scale shapes the housing market, the labor pool, and the services available to residents in ways the data below makes visible.
Storm Lake lies roughly 100 miles southeast of the nearest major metro, Sioux Falls — close enough that regional housing and labor patterns are shaped largely by the larger market. Median home values run roughly 40% lower than Sioux Falls' $271,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Storm Lake
The median home value in Storm Lake is $163,600 — 46% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $830/month, 37% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $58,341/year is 22% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 3.7%, 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%. Overall, Storm Lake has a cost of living index of 57 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 43% 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
🏫 Schools
NCES CCD 2019 — public school district data
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Storm Lake, IA?
Storm Lake has a cost index of 57 (100 = national average). It is 43% below the national average.
What is average rent in Storm Lake, IA?
The median gross rent in Storm Lake is $830 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Storm Lake?
The median home value in Storm Lake is $163,600 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Storm Lake?
The median household income in Storm Lake is $58,341 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Storm Lake, IA?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Storm Lake is 6.9%. The Iowa state income tax top rate is 5.7%.
Is Storm Lake, IA affordable?
Yes, Storm Lake is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 57 — about 43% below the US national average of 100.
Storm Lake at a Glance
- Population
- 11,275
- Median Income
- $58,341
- Home Value
- $163,600
- Median Rent
- $830/mo
- Unemployment
- 3.7%
- Sales Tax
- 6.9%
Nearby Cities
Explore county-level cost of living data
Iowa Rankings
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