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

Population2000201020242029
Storm Lake10,13810,64011,02911,272

Source: ESRI, 2024-09-27

Population by Age

Population2024
0-4805
5-9785
10-14828
15-191,102
20-24864
25-29676
30-34783
35-39740
40-44658
45-49526
50-54587
55-59584
60-64580
65-69494
70-74355
75-79232
80-84164
85+266
18+8,123
Median Age33

Source: ESRI, 2024-09-27

Population by Race

Storm Lake2024
Total11,029.00
White Alone39.4%
Black Alone5.39%
American Indian Alone0.69%
Asian Alone14.9%
Pacific Islander Alone5.2%
Some Other Race20.21%
Two or More Races14.21%
Hispanic Origin40.67%
Diversity Index87.40

Source: ESRI, 2024-09-27

Growth Rate

Storm Lake2024 - 2029
Population0.44%
Households0.31%
Families0.27%
Median Household Income3%
Per Capita Income3%

Source: ESRI, 2024-09-27

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Housing

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Households

Population2000201020242029
Households3,4923,5553,5183,573
Housing Units3,7353,8123,9033,970
Owner Occupied Units2,2502,283
Renter Occupied Units1,2681,290
Vacant Units385397

Source: ESRI, 2024-09-27

Home Value

Storm Lake20242029
Median Home Value$191,768$204,497
Average Home Value$247,744$257,994
<$50,0004035
$50,000 - $99,999224200
$100,000 - $149,999516471
$150,000 - $199,999413389
$200,000 - $249,999477517
$250,000 - $299,9997784
$300,000 - $399,999182234
$400,000 - $499,999127153
$500,000 - $749,9996879
$1,000,000 +22

Source: ESRI, 2024-09-27

Housing Year Built

Year RangeHouses Built
2010 or Later478
2000-200973
1990-1999243
1980-1989548
1970-1979728
1960-1969461
1950-1959508
1940-1949195
1939 or Before1,023

Source: ESRI, 2024-09-27

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Income

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Income

Storm Lake20242029
Median Household$60,741$69,504
Average Household$84,937$97,086
Per Capita$27,119$30,799

Source: ESRI, 2024-09-27

Household Income

Storm Lake2024
<$15,000166
$15,000 - $24,999329
$25,000 - $34,999244
$35,000 - $49,999633
$50,000 - $74,999728
$75,000 - $99,999425
$100,000 - $149,999499
$150,000 - $199,999332
$200,000+162

Source: ESRI, 2024-09-27

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Employees

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Commute

CategoryCommuters
Workers 16+5,478
In-County Residents5,106
Out-of-County Residents372
Drive Alone3,271
Carpooled1,305
Public Transport29
Work at Home282
Motorcycle0
Bicycle36
Walked546
Other9
Less than 5 minutes848
5-9 minutes2,215
10-14 minutes1,140
15-19 minutes141
20-24 minutes213
25-29 minutes124
30-34 minutes102
35-39 minutes161
40-44 minutes52
45-59 minutes82
60-89 minutes89
90+ minutes29
Average Travel Time0

Source: ESRI, 2024-09-27

Source: ESRI, 2024-09-27

Employees by NAICS

CategoryNumber
Total Employees8,672
Agr/Forestry/Fish/Hunt17
Mining0
Utilities7
Construction193
Manufacturing1,086
Wholesale Trade217
  
Retail Trade2,433
Motor Veh/Parts Dealers140
Furn & Home Furnish Str10
Electronics & Appl Store1
Bldg Matl/Garden Equip31
Food & Beverage Stores369
Health/Pers Care Stores85
Gasoline Stations25
Clothing/Accessory Store1,353
Sports/Hobby/Book/Music89
General Merchandise Str330
  
Transportation/Warehouse95
Information123
  
Finance & Insurance315
Cntrl Bank/Crdt Intrmdtn234
Sec/Cmdty Cntrct/Oth Inv20
Insur/Funds/Trusts/Other61
  
Real Estate/Rent/Leasing166
Prof/Scientific/Tech Srv177
Legal Services49
Mgmt of Comp/Enterprises99
Admin/Support/Waste Mgmt63
Educational Services997
HealthCare/Social Assist743
Arts/Entertainment/Rec78
  
Accommodation/Food Srvcs694
Accommodation182
Food Srv/Drinking Places512
  
Other Srv excl Pub Admin757
Auto Repair/Maintenance48
Public Administration Emp402

Source: ESRI, 2024-09-27

Educational Attainment (25+)

Storm Lake2024
<9th Grade939
Some High School709
GED91
Graduated High School1,890
Some College/No Degree742
Associates Degree701
Bachelor's Degree979
Graduate Degree594

Source: ESRI, 2024-09-27

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Businesses

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Businesses by NAICS

CategoryNumber
Total Businesses545
Agr/Forestry/Fish/Hunt Bus2
Mining Bus0
Utilities Bus1
Construction Bus26
Manufacturing Bus23
Wholesale Trade Bus20
  
Retail Trade Bus89
Motor Veh/Parts Dealers Bus15
Furn & Home Furnish Str Bus2
Electronics & Appl Store Bus1
Bldg Matl/Garden Equip Bus6
Food & Beverage Stores Bus14
Health/Pers Care Stores Bus17
Gasoline Stations Bus5
Clothing/Accessory Store Bus12
Sports/Hobby/Book/Music Bus11
General Merchandise Str Bus6
  
Transportation/Warehouse Bus12
Information Bus18
  
Finance & Insurance Bus38
Cntrl Bank/Crdt Intrmdtn Bus14
Sec/Cmdty Cntrct/Oth Inv Bus7
Insur/Funds/Trusts/Other Bus17
  
Real Estate/Rent/Leasing Bus21
Prof/Scientific/Tech Srv Bus36
Legal Services Bus13
Mgmt of Comp/Enterprises Bus3
Admin/Support/Waste Mgmt Bus11
Educational Services Bus16
HealthCare/Social Assist Bus45
Arts/Entertainment/Rec Bus14
  
Accommodation/Food Srvcs Bus38
Accommodation Bus7
Food Srv/Drinking Places Bus31
  
Other Srv excl Pub Admin Bus76
Auto Repair/Maintenance Bus12
Public Administration Bus50

Source: ESRI, 2024-09-27

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