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

Population2000201020232028
Storm Lake10,24210,63911,22011,443

Source: ESRI, 2023-10-17

Population by Age

Population201020232028
0-4801778813
5-9751767786
10-14672783788
15-191,0379941,007
20-241,112844867
25-29682762713
30-34557793740
35-39576658780
40-44616562647
45-49696546561
50-54689642541
55-59632670642
60-64415648590
65-69285528585
70-74245387451
75-79255313336
80-84271227261
85+346318335
18+7,9228,4018,551
Median Age323435

Source: ESRI, 2023-10-17

Population by Race

Storm Lake2023
Total11,220.00
White Alone40.60
Black Alone4.82
American Indian Alone0.68
Asian Alone14.65
Pacific Islander Alone5.20
Some Other Race19.96
Two or More Races14.08
Hispanic Origin40.55
Diversity Index87.00

Source: ESRI, 2023-10-17

Growth Rate

Storm Lake2023 - 2028
Population0.39%
Households0.38%
Families0.28%
Median Household Income1%
Per Capita Income2%

Source: ESRI, 2023-10-17

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Housing

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Households

Population2000201020232028
Households3,4883,5613,5793,647
Housing Units3,7293,8113,9384,026
Owner Occupied Units2,0052,056
Renter Occupied Units1,5741,591
Vacant Units359379

Source: ESRI, 2023-10-17

Home Value

Storm Lake20232028
Median Home Value$162,591$168,202
Average Home Value$197,793$214,518
<$50,0004948
$50,000 - $99,999388370
$100,000 - $149,999393369
$150,000 - $199,999685662
$200,000 - $249,999119134
$250,000 - $299,9994244
$300,000 - $399,999115136
$400,000 - $499,99999152
$500,000 - $749,999106126
$1,000,000 +00

Source: ESRI, 2023-10-17

Housing Year Built

Year RangeHouses Built
2010 or Later319
2000-2009134
1990-1999273
1980-1989457
1970-1979741
1960-1969523
1950-1959559
1940-1949150
1939 or Before1,000

Source: ESRI, 2023-10-17

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Income

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Income

Storm Lake20232028
Median Household$52,962$56,074
Average Household$79,781$88,668
Per Capita$25,476$28,286

Source: ESRI, 2023-10-17

Household Income Base

Storm Lake2023
<$15,000228
$15,000 - $24,999389
$25,000 - $34,999354
$35,000 - $49,999717
$50,000 - $74,999609
$75,000 - $99,999360
$100,000 - $149,999415
$150,000 - $199,999385
$200,000+122

Source: ESRI, 2023-10-17

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Employees

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Commute

CategoryCommuters
Workers 16+5,448
In-County Residents5,146
Out-of-County Residents302
Drive Alone3,489
Carpooled1,188
Public Transport19
Work at Home316
Less than 5 minutes829
5-9 minutes2,029
10-14 minutes1,292
15-19 minutes151
20-24 minutes208
25-29 minutes155
30-34 minutes100
35-39 minutes199
40-44 minutes88
45-59 minutes41
60-89 minutes37
90+ minutes1
Average Travel Time0

Source: ESRI, 2023-10-17

Source: ESRI, 2023-10-17

Employees by NAICS

CategoryNumber
Total Employees8,756
Agr/Forestry/Fish/Hunt2
Mining0
Utilities7
Construction213
Manufacturing1,093
Wholesale Trade220
  
Retail Trade2,412
Motor Veh/Parts Dealers138
Furn & Home Furnish Str10
Electronics & Appl Store3
Bldg Matl/Garden Equip31
Food & Beverage Stores366
Health/Pers Care Stores79
Gasoline Stations27
Clothing/Accessory Store1,357
Sports/Hobby/Book/Music71
General Merchandise Str330
Misc Store Retailers0
Nonstore Retailers0
  
Transportation/Warehouse90
Information124
  
Finance & Insurance310
Cntrl Bank/Crdt Intrmdtn228
Sec/Cmdty Cntrct/Oth Inv22
Insur/Funds/Trusts/Other60
  
Real Estate/Rent/Leasing105
Prof/Scientific/Tech Srv190
Legal Services53
Mgmt of Comp/Enterprises99
Admin/Support/Waste Mgmt63
Educational Services1,032
HealthCare/Social Assist730
Arts/Entertainment/Rec123
  
Accommodation/Food Srvcs718
Accommodation184
Food Srv/Drinking Places534
  
Other Srv excl Pub Admin712
Auto Repair/Maintenance44
Public Administration Emp478

Source: ESRI, 2023-10-17

Educational Attainment (25+)

Storm Lake2023
Some High School732
Graduated High School1,951
Associates Degree769
Bachelor's Degree1,057
Graduate Degree526

Source: ESRI, 2023-10-17

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Businesses

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Businesses by NAICS

CategoryNumber
Total Businesses551
Agr/Forestry/Fish/Hunt Bus1
Mining Bus0
Utilities Bus1
Construction Bus28
Manufacturing Bus25
Wholesale Trade Bus21
  
Retail Trade Bus91
Motor Veh/Parts Dealers Bus15
Furn & Home Furnish Str Bus2
Electronics & Appl Store Bus2
Bldg Matl/Garden Equip Bus6
Food & Beverage Stores Bus14
Health/Pers Care Stores Bus16
Gasoline Stations Bus5
Clothing/Accessory Store Bus13
Sports/Hobby/Book/Music Bus12
General Merchandise Str Bus6
Misc Store Retailers Bus0
Nonstore Retailers Bus0
  
Transportation/Warehouse Bus11
Information Bus17
  
Finance & Insurance Bus39
Cntrl Bank/Crdt Intrmdtn Bus14
Sec/Cmdty Cntrct/Oth Inv Bus8
Insur/Funds/Trusts/Other Bus17
  
Real Estate/Rent/Leasing Bus18
Prof/Scientific/Tech Srv Bus39
Legal Services Bus14
Mgmt of Comp/Enterprises Bus3
Admin/Support/Waste Mgmt Bus11
Educational Services Bus15
HealthCare/Social Assist Bus47
Arts/Entertainment/Rec Bus16
  
Accommodation/Food Srvcs Bus39
Accommodation Bus8
Food Srv/Drinking Places Bus31
  
Other Srv excl Pub Admin Bus64
Auto Repair/Maintenance Bus12
Public Administration Bus54

Source: ESRI, 2023-10-17

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