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
Population
| Population | 2000 | 2010 | 2026 | 2031 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Storm Lake | 10,140 | 10,640 | 11,558 | 11,769 |
Source: ESRI, 2026-08-31
Population by Age
| Population | 2026 |
|---|---|
| 0-4 | 810 |
| 5-9 | 802 |
| 10-14 | 866 |
| 15-19 | 1,145 |
| 20-24 | 911 |
| 25-29 | 727 |
| 30-34 | 856 |
| 35-39 | 817 |
| 40-44 | 739 |
| 45-49 | 539 |
| 50-54 | 535 |
| 55-59 | 592 |
| 60-64 | 562 |
| 65-69 | 500 |
| 70-74 | 493 |
| 75-79 | 279 |
| 80-84 | 150 |
| 85+ | 235 |
| 18+ | 8,587 |
| Median Age | 33 |
Source: ESRI, 2026-08-31
Population by Race
| Storm Lake | 2026 |
|---|---|
| Total | 11,558.00 |
| White Alone | 38.45% |
| Black Alone | 5.07% |
| American Indian Alone | 0.89% |
| Asian Alone | 13.53% |
| Pacific Islander Alone | 6.61% |
| Some Other Race | 20.24% |
| Two or More Races | 15.21% |
| Hispanic Origin | 41.84% |
| Diversity Index | 87.80 |
Source: ESRI, 2026-08-31
Growth Rate
| Storm Lake | 2026 - 2031 |
|---|---|
| Population | 0.36% |
| Households | 0.25% |
| Families | 0.21% |
| Median Household Income | 4% |
| Per Capita Income | 3% |
Source: ESRI, 2026-08-31
Housing
Households
| Population | 2000 | 2010 | 2026 | 2031 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Households | 3,493 | 3,555 | 3,695 | 3,741 |
| Housing Units | 3,735 | 3,812 | 4,025 | 4,090 |
| Owner Occupied Units | 2,173 | 2,228 | ||
| Renter Occupied Units | 1,522 | 1,513 | ||
| Vacant Units | 330 | 349 |
Source: ESRI, 2026-08-31
Home Value
| Storm Lake | 2026 | 2031 |
|---|---|---|
| Median Home Value | $202,171 | $227,487 |
| Average Home Value | $260,853 | $302,604 |
| <$50,000 | 28 | 26 |
| $50,000 - $99,999 | 172 | 128 |
| $100,000 - $149,999 | 488 | 402 |
| $150,000 - $199,999 | 382 | 348 |
| $200,000 - $249,999 | 380 | 382 |
| $250,000 - $299,999 | 97 | 90 |
| $300,000 - $399,999 | 289 | 326 |
| $400,000 - $499,999 | 159 | 249 |
| $500,000 - $749,999 | 63 | 109 |
| $1,000,000 + | 0 | 0 |
Source: ESRI, 2026-08-31
Housing Year Built
| Year Range | Houses Built |
|---|---|
| 2010 or Later | 584 |
| 2000-2009 | 53 |
| 1990-1999 | 213 |
| 1980-1989 | 462 |
| 1970-1979 | 643 |
| 1960-1969 | 596 |
| 1950-1959 | 494 |
| 1940-1949 | 193 |
| 1939 or Before | 941 |
Source: ESRI, 2026-08-31
Back To TopIncome
Income
| Storm Lake | 2026 | 2031 |
|---|---|---|
| Median Household | $58,298 | $72,479 |
| Average Household | $86,456 | $99,889 |
| Per Capita | $28,335 | $32,452 |
Source: ESRI, 2026-08-31
Household Income
| Storm Lake | 2026 |
|---|---|
| <$15,000 | 222 |
| $15,000 - $24,999 | 298 |
| $25,000 - $34,999 | 265 |
| $35,000 - $49,999 | 710 |
| $50,000 - $74,999 | 659 |
| $75,000 - $99,999 | 400 |
| $100,000 - $149,999 | 664 |
| $150,000 - $199,999 | 274 |
| $200,000+ | 203 |
Source: ESRI, 2026-08-31
Back To TopEmployees
Commute
| Category | Commuters |
|---|---|
| Workers 16+ | 5,633 |
| In-County Residents | 5,280 |
| Out-of-County Residents | 353 |
| Drive Alone | 3,832 |
| Carpooled | 1,132 |
| Public Transport | 57 |
| Work at Home | 243 |
| Motorcycle | 0 |
| Bicycle | 26 |
| Walked | 343 |
| Other | 0 |
| Less than 5 minutes | 640 |
| 5-9 minutes | 2,549 |
| 10-14 minutes | 1,405 |
| 15-19 minutes | 233 |
| 20-24 minutes | 199 |
| 25-29 minutes | 91 |
| 30-34 minutes | 43 |
| 35-39 minutes | 18 |
| 40-44 minutes | 18 |
| 45-59 minutes | 88 |
| 60-89 minutes | 92 |
| 90+ minutes | 14 |
| Average Travel Time | 0 |
Source: ESRI, 2026-08-31
Source: ESRI, 2026-08-31
Employees by NAICS
| Category | Number |
|---|---|
| Total Employees | 8,364 |
| Agr/Forestry/Fish/Hunt | 18 |
| Mining | 10 |
| Utilities | 62 |
| Construction | 386 |
| Manufacturing | 764 |
| Wholesale Trade | 202 |
| Retail Trade | 2,196 |
| Motor Veh/Parts Dealers | 107 |
| Furn & Home Furnish Str | 12 |
| Electronics & Appl Store | 5 |
| Bldg Matl/Garden Equip | 47 |
| Food & Beverage Stores | 159 |
| Health/Pers Care Stores | 95 |
| Gasoline Stations | 27 |
| Clothing/Accessory Store | 1,353 |
| Sports/Hobby/Book/Music | 77 |
| General Merchandise Str | 314 |
| Transportation/Warehouse | 84 |
| Information | 104 |
| Finance & Insurance | 308 |
| Cntrl Bank/Crdt Intrmdtn | 221 |
| Sec/Cmdty Cntrct/Oth Inv | 25 |
| Insur/Funds/Trusts/Other | 62 |
| Real Estate/Rent/Leasing | 136 |
| Prof/Scientific/Tech Srv | 252 |
| Legal Services | 61 |
| Mgmt of Comp/Enterprises | 99 |
| Admin/Support/Waste Mgmt | 58 |
| Educational Services | 871 |
| HealthCare/Social Assist | 1,146 |
| Arts/Entertainment/Rec | 61 |
| Accommodation/Food Srvcs | 649 |
| Accommodation | 182 |
| Food Srv/Drinking Places | 467 |
| Other Srv excl Pub Admin | 633 |
| Auto Repair/Maintenance | 32 |
| Public Administration Emp | 325 |
Source: ESRI, 2026-08-31
Educational Attainment (25+)
| Storm Lake | 2026 |
|---|---|
| <9th Grade | 1,024 |
| Some High School | 704 |
| GED | 163 |
| Graduated High School | 2,100 |
| Some College/No Degree | 767 |
| Associates Degree | 779 |
| Bachelor's Degree | 924 |
| Graduate Degree | 563 |
Source: ESRI, 2026-08-31
Back To TopBusinesses
Businesses by NAICS
| Category | Number |
|---|---|
| Total Businesses | 530 |
| Agr/Forestry/Fish/Hunt Bus | 2 |
| Mining Bus | 1 |
| Utilities Bus | 1 |
| Construction Bus | 25 |
| Manufacturing Bus | 22 |
| Wholesale Trade Bus | 19 |
| Retail Trade Bus | 96 |
| Motor Veh/Parts Dealers Bus | 14 |
| Furn & Home Furnish Str Bus | 3 |
| Electronics & Appl Store Bus | 2 |
| Bldg Matl/Garden Equip Bus | 8 |
| Food & Beverage Stores Bus | 19 |
| Health/Pers Care Stores Bus | 18 |
| Gasoline Stations Bus | 5 |
| Clothing/Accessory Store Bus | 12 |
| Sports/Hobby/Book/Music Bus | 10 |
| General Merchandise Str Bus | 5 |
| Transportation/Warehouse Bus | 10 |
| Information Bus | 14 |
| Finance & Insurance Bus | 38 |
| Cntrl Bank/Crdt Intrmdtn Bus | 14 |
| Sec/Cmdty Cntrct/Oth Inv Bus | 7 |
| Insur/Funds/Trusts/Other Bus | 17 |
| Real Estate/Rent/Leasing Bus | 22 |
| Prof/Scientific/Tech Srv Bus | 37 |
| Legal Services Bus | 14 |
| Mgmt of Comp/Enterprises Bus | 3 |
| Admin/Support/Waste Mgmt Bus | 11 |
| Educational Services Bus | 14 |
| HealthCare/Social Assist Bus | 46 |
| Arts/Entertainment/Rec Bus | 14 |
| Accommodation/Food Srvcs Bus | 36 |
| Accommodation Bus | 7 |
| Food Srv/Drinking Places Bus | 29 |
| Other Srv excl Pub Admin Bus | 70 |
| Auto Repair/Maintenance Bus | 9 |
| Public Administration Bus | 47 |
Source: ESRI, 2026-08-31
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