Storm Lake

Northwest Iowa’s Best Kept Secret: Storm Lake, Iowa

Storm Lake is a dynamic community with culture, recreation, and a thriving business scene. This lively town boasts local shops, diverse dining experiences, exciting events, and numerous recreational opportunities. Storm Lake’s breathtaking natural resources, including boating, fishing, hiking, and beautiful beaches, create an exceptional quality of life. Storm Lake is extraordinarily diverse, with over 35 native languages represented. It hosts one of Iowa’s great private universities.

“We used to say that Storm Lake was Iowa’s best-kept secret, but it’s no secret anymore. We’re one of Iowa’s fastest-growing rural cities, with Iowa’s most diverse population and a rapidly growing tourism appeal. It’s kind of nice to be noticed.” 

– Storm Lake Communications Coordinator Dana Larsen

Business and Entrepreneurial Culture

Storm Lake’s business community is both strong and unique. It offers a bustling downtown; active business districts along Milwaukee Avenue, North Lake Avenue, and Awaysis Park; and a robust industrial park. Storm Lake’s cultural diversity adds to its flourishing entrepreneurship, with immigrant entrepreneurs from cultures around the world establishing shops and restaurants.

Top Reasons for Families to Move Here

  • Education Excellence: From preschool to master’s degree, Storm Lake offers modern, quality educational options.
  • Quality of Life: The town’s parks and recreational activities ensure an active and enjoyable lifestyle.
  • Inclusive Community: Storm Lake is a safe, welcoming, and tolerant community where diverse backgrounds come together.

Top Reasons for Businesses to Relocate Here

  • Shovel-Ready Business Sites: Storm Lake offers cost-effective, prime locations for businesses.
  • Skilled Workforce: A well-educated workforce with a strong work ethic is readily available.
  • Thriving Business Network: An established business community encourages entrepreneurship and networking.

Experience Storm Lake

Storm Lake, Iowa, isn’t just a place to visit; it’s a great place to live and an ideal destination for a weekend getaway. Explore the culture, businesses, and recreational opportunities that make Storm Lake stand out.

 

 

 

Population

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Population

Population2000201020252030
Storm Lake10,14010,64011,38911,567

Source: ESRI, 2025-08-25

Population by Age

Population2025
0-4816
5-9811
10-14862
15-191,105
20-24891
25-29711
30-34828
35-39777
40-44693
45-49542
50-54544
55-59589
60-64571
65-69521
70-74462
75-79259
80-84165
85+242
18+8,411
Median Age33

Source: ESRI, 2025-08-25

Population by Race

Storm Lake2025
Total11,389.00
White Alone38.37%
Black Alone5.5%
American Indian Alone0.83%
Asian Alone14.44%
Pacific Islander Alone5.92%
Some Other Race20.32%
Two or More Races14.63%
Hispanic Origin41.20%
Diversity Index87.80

Source: ESRI, 2025-08-25

Growth Rate

Storm Lake2025 - 2030
Population0.31%
Households0.11%
Families-0.31%
Median Household Income3%
Per Capita Income2%

Source: ESRI, 2025-08-25

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Housing

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Households

Population2000201020252030
Households3,4933,5553,5903,610
Housing Units3,7353,8123,9363,956
Owner Occupied Units2,2532,253
Renter Occupied Units1,3371,357
Vacant Units346346

Source: ESRI, 2025-08-25

Home Value

Storm Lake20252030
Median Home Value$198,461$228,298
Average Home Value$270,800$312,922
<$50,0003728
$50,000 - $99,999206134
$100,000 - $149,999500376
$150,000 - $199,999396374
$200,000 - $249,999363379
$250,000 - $299,9999085
$300,000 - $399,999256317
$400,000 - $499,999155231
$500,000 - $749,99991121
$1,000,000 +00

Source: ESRI, 2025-08-25

Housing Year Built

Year RangeHouses Built
2010 or Later495
2000-200940
1990-1999236
1980-1989654
1970-1979559
1960-1969739
1950-1959473
1940-194986
1939 or Before996

Source: ESRI, 2025-08-25

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Income

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Income

Storm Lake20252030
Median Household$60,132$69,211
Average Household$88,297$97,724
Per Capita$28,112$30,774

Source: ESRI, 2025-08-25

Household Income

Storm Lake2025
<$15,000191
$15,000 - $24,999336
$25,000 - $34,999260
$35,000 - $49,999630
$50,000 - $74,999655
$75,000 - $99,999433
$100,000 - $149,999584
$150,000 - $199,999277
$200,000+224

Source: ESRI, 2025-08-25

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Employees

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Commute

CategoryCommuters
Workers 16+5,472
In-County Residents5,106
Out-of-County Residents366
Drive Alone3,350
Carpooled1,272
Public Transport0
Work at Home305
Motorcycle0
Bicycle32
Walked513
Other0
Less than 5 minutes797
5-9 minutes2,248
10-14 minutes1,229
15-19 minutes169
20-24 minutes214
25-29 minutes116
30-34 minutes79
35-39 minutes120
40-44 minutes0
45-59 minutes79
60-89 minutes93
90+ minutes23
Average Travel Time0

Source: ESRI, 2025-08-25

Source: ESRI, 2025-08-25

Employees by NAICS

CategoryNumber
Total Employees8,163
Agr/Forestry/Fish/Hunt18
Mining0
Utilities55
Construction392
Manufacturing865
Wholesale Trade205
  
Retail Trade2,183
Motor Veh/Parts Dealers101
Furn & Home Furnish Str12
Electronics & Appl Store5
Bldg Matl/Garden Equip43
Food & Beverage Stores153
Health/Pers Care Stores97
Gasoline Stations29
Clothing/Accessory Store1,353
Sports/Hobby/Book/Music77
General Merchandise Str313
  
Transportation/Warehouse81
Information113
  
Finance & Insurance303
Cntrl Bank/Crdt Intrmdtn220
Sec/Cmdty Cntrct/Oth Inv21
Insur/Funds/Trusts/Other62
  
Real Estate/Rent/Leasing133
Prof/Scientific/Tech Srv238
Legal Services62
Mgmt of Comp/Enterprises99
Admin/Support/Waste Mgmt58
Educational Services883
HealthCare/Social Assist775
Arts/Entertainment/Rec79
  
Accommodation/Food Srvcs645
Accommodation185
Food Srv/Drinking Places460
  
Other Srv excl Pub Admin683
Auto Repair/Maintenance34
Public Administration Emp355

Source: ESRI, 2025-08-25

Educational Attainment (25+)

Storm Lake2025
<9th Grade1,271
Some High School653
GED118
Graduated High School1,992
Some College/No Degree753
Associates Degree690
Bachelor's Degree932
Graduate Degree495

Source: ESRI, 2025-08-25

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Businesses

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Businesses by NAICS

CategoryNumber
Total Businesses538
Agr/Forestry/Fish/Hunt Bus2
Mining Bus0
Utilities Bus1
Construction Bus26
Manufacturing Bus22
Wholesale Trade Bus20
  
Retail Trade Bus97
Motor Veh/Parts Dealers Bus15
Furn & Home Furnish Str Bus3
Electronics & Appl Store Bus2
Bldg Matl/Garden Equip Bus7
Food & Beverage Stores Bus18
Health/Pers Care Stores Bus19
Gasoline Stations Bus6
Clothing/Accessory Store Bus12
Sports/Hobby/Book/Music Bus10
General Merchandise Str Bus5
  
Transportation/Warehouse Bus10
Information Bus15
  
Finance & Insurance Bus37
Cntrl Bank/Crdt Intrmdtn Bus14
Sec/Cmdty Cntrct/Oth Inv Bus6
Insur/Funds/Trusts/Other Bus17
  
Real Estate/Rent/Leasing Bus22
Prof/Scientific/Tech Srv Bus37
Legal Services Bus14
Mgmt of Comp/Enterprises Bus3
Admin/Support/Waste Mgmt Bus11
Educational Services Bus14
HealthCare/Social Assist Bus48
Arts/Entertainment/Rec Bus13
  
Accommodation/Food Srvcs Bus37
Accommodation Bus7
Food Srv/Drinking Places Bus30
  
Other Srv excl Pub Admin Bus72
Auto Repair/Maintenance Bus10
Public Administration Bus48

Source: ESRI, 2025-08-25

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