Storm Lake, IA demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
11,428
1.4% year-over-year change
Median household income
$62,765/yr
7.6% year-over-year change
Housing units
4,198
-2.2% year-over-year change

Storm Lake population

How many people live in Storm Lake

Storm Lake is home to 11,428 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 48.3% of Storm Lake locals are male, and 51.7% are female.

Total population
11,428
1.4% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
48.3%
5,523
Female
51.7%
5,905
Value Percent YoY change
Male 5,523 48.3% -1.8%
Female 5,905 51.7% 4.5%
A higher population often means more rental variety and livelier areas. The gender balance—how many men live here compared to women—can reveal a lot about the community and the lifestyles of its residents. Use this info to get a sense of the area's pace and personality.

Age demographics

The median age in Storm Lake is 31, with the population distributed as follows: about 23% are children under 15, then 17.9% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 27.8% of the population, while another 18.8% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 12.5% are 65 or older.

Median age
30.9
Age breakdown
Under 15
23%
15 to 24
17.9%
25 to 44
27.8%
45 to 64
18.8%
Over 65
12.5%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 2,634 23% 2.8%
15 to 24 2,043 17.9% -0.4%
25 to 44 3,174 27.8% 4.5%
45 to 64 2,145 18.8% 0.5%
Over 65 1,432 12.5% -3.9%
The age composition helps you get insight into who lives in the area. A younger population might mean a more active, fast-paced vibe, while an older one could suggest a quieter, slower lifestyle. If there's a balanced makeup, you’re likely to find a variety of services, housing types, and community spaces that cater to different life stages.

Racial makeup

In Storm Lake, 67.7% of the population are US-born citizens, while 12.4% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 19.9% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 46% of locals are Caucasian, 3.8% are African American and 12.9% have Asian roots. Another 0.6% are Indigenous American, 4% are Pacific Islanders, while 16.7% identify as another race. There’s also a share of 16% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
67.7%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
12.4%
Non-citizens
19.9%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 7,740 67.7% 3.2%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 1,411 12.4% -13.7%
Non-citizens 2,277 19.9% 6.2%
Racial breakdown
White
46%
Black or African American
3.8%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0.6%
Asian
12.9%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
4%
Two or more races
16%
Other
16.7%
Value Percent
White 5,261 46%
Black or African American 431 3.8%
American Indian and Alaska Native 70 0.6%
Asian 1,471 12.9%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander 463 4%
Two or more races 1,823 16%
Other 1,909 16.7%

Households in Storm Lake

A peek inside Storm Lake households

Storm Lake has 3,975 households, with an average of 3 members in each. Of these, 61% are families, while the remaining 39% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
3,975
-0.8% year-over-year change
Average people per household
3
Non-family households
1,549
Family households
2,426
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 1,549 39% -12.3%
Family households 2,426 61% 8.2%
The mix between family and non-family households gives a glimpse into daily life. A higher percentage of families might mean more parks and schools, while more non-family setups can mean flexible housing and diverse living styles. For renters, this can signal what kinds of homes are common and can help you figure out if the area matches your lifestyle.

Housing in Storm Lake

The housing landscape of Storm Lake

Storm Lake's housing consists of 4,198 units, with 65.7% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 4.4% and offer a more compact, shared living style. Then there are the multifamily buildings in the area, and for those seeking flexibility, non-traditional options like mobile homes account for 2% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
4,198
-2.2% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 2,759 65.7%
1 unit, attached 185 4.4%
2 units 232 5.5%
3 or 4 units 136 3.2%
5 to 9 units 397 9.5%
10 to 19 units 158 3.8%
20 to 49 units 248 5.9%
Mobile home 83 2%
Homes built since 2020
19
46.1% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Storm Lake

In Storm Lake, the median construction year is 1968. About 22.4% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 4.6% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 1.3% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 13.9% between 2010 and 2019, and 0.4% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 941 22.4% -5.5%
Built between 1940 and 1949 193 4.6% 124.4%
Built between 1950 and 1959 494 11.8% 4.4%
Built between 1960 and 1969 596 14.2% -19.4%
Built between 1970 and 1979 643 15.3% 15.0%
Built between 1980 and 1989 462 11% -29.4%
Built between 1990 and 1999 213 5.1% -9.8%
Built between 2000 and 2009 53 1.3% 32.5%
Built between 2010 and 2019 584 13.9% 18.0%
Built in 2020 or later 19 0.4% 46.1%
As a renter, knowing when homes were built helps you understand the potential condition and design of rental units. Newer builds may have more contemporary layouts, while older homes can offer character or larger lots, depending on the area.

Storm Lake occupancy rates

Out of the 3,975 occupied housing units in Storm Lake, 66.3% are owner-occupied, while 33.7% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 5.3% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
3,975
-0.8% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
1,339
Owner occupied
2,636
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 1,339 33.7% -6.2%
Owner occupied 2,636 66.3% 2.1%
Unoccupied housing units
5.3%
Unoccupied housing units refer to homes that are currently without residents—whether they're waiting for renters or owners, used seasonally, or simply unclaimed. A higher share of empty homes may mean more housing availability, while a low number can reflect a tighter market with more competition. This, along with the renter-vs.-owner mix, helps paint a clearer picture of what types of housing and services are likely to be available in the area.

Storm Lake housing costs

Housing costs in Storm Lake come to a median of $913 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $898.

Median housing costs per month
$913/month
This figure sums up typical monthly housing costs for all households in the area. If you own, it includes mortgage payments in addition to property taxes, insurance and HOA fees. If you rent, it accounts for rent plus extras like utilities. It’s useful for seeing how local living expenses stack up compared to other places.
Median gross rent in Storm Lake
$898/month
Gross rent gives a more complete look at what renters actually pay, including not just base rent, but also utilities and fees. It’s a key number for evaluating rental affordability in your area of interest and understanding how it compares to nearby locations.

Education in Storm Lake

Storm Lake education at a glance

About 41.8% of the population in Storm Lake went to high school, while 18% pursued college studies. Another 8.5% earned an associate degree and 10% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 5.8% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 1,320 15.8% 0.8%
High school diploma 3,484 41.8% 8.1%
College diploma 1,506 18% -3.1%
Associate degree 711 8.5% -6.0%
Bachelor's degree 838 10% -6.0%
Graduate degree 486 5.8% 9.5%
A community’s education mix can offer insights into the local economy and housing market. Higher levels of education often align with more job opportunities and stable incomes, which can increase demand for homes and influence both rent prices and rental availability.

Income in Storm Lake

How much people earn in Storm Lake

The average annual household income in Storm Lake was $89,189 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +5.8% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $62,765, reflecting a +7.6% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Storm Lake
$89,189/year
5.8% year-over-year change
Median household income in Storm Lake
$62,765/year
7.6% year-over-year change

Storm Lake income by age

In Storm Lake, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $72,422. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $57,125 overall. Younger households, where the main provider is under 25 and just starting out, report a median income of $49,913, while those led by someone over 65, many of whom may be retired, have about $39,494 in earnings. Overall, 92.8% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
Under 25 $49,913 -10.2%
25 - 44 $72,422 23.2%
45 - 64 $57,125 -23.7%
Over 65 $39,494 13.6%
Above poverty level
9,676
Below poverty level
745
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 9,676 92.8% 2.8%
Below poverty level 745 7.2% -8.2%

Average renter income in Storm Lake

To get a better sense of what renters earn on average in Storm Lake, their median household income was $46,307 according to 2022 Census data. In addition, the rent-to-income ratio in the area, at 23.3%, shows what portion of their earnings goes toward housing expenses.

Renter median household income
$46,307
Rent-to-income ratio
23.3%
Understanding the rent-to-income ratio can help renters gauge if local housing costs align with their earnings. A ratio under 30% usually signals affordability, while exceeding this mark means rent is taking a larger-than-recommended bite out of income. That could make it harder for you to cover other costs like transportation, healthcare, or child care.

Employment in Storm Lake

Workforce and job types in Storm Lake

The job market in Storm Lake is powered by 5,763 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 47.8% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 52.2% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 7.5% run their own businesses, 75.7% are employed by private companies, and 8.2% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
5,763
3.2% year-over-year change
White collar
2,755
Blue collar
3,008
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 2,755 47.8% 8.5%
Blue collar 3,008 52.2% -1.3%
Employer type
Self employees
7.5%
Private companies
75.7%
Governmental workers
8.2%
Not for profit companies
8.6%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 431 7.5% 28.7%
Private companies 4,362 75.7% 2.2%
Governmental workers 475 8.2% -22.1%
Not for profit companies 495 8.6% 32.7%
Unemployment rate
4.4%
24.1% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Storm Lake stands at 4.4%, representing the share of the workforce currently without a job and actively looking for one.

For renters, the unemployment rate helps paint a picture of job security and financial stability in the area. Rates around 4% to 5% are considered typical. A lower-than-average rate might suggest strong job prospects and a thriving local economy, while a higher rate could hint at fewer opportunities—both useful to consider when planning a move.

Transportation in Storm Lake

How people get around in Storm Lake

Commuting methods vary: 88.1% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 6.1% prefer to walk, while the remaining share relies on public transit or on two wheelers to get from A to B.

Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 4,964 88.1% 7.4%
Bus or trolleybus 57 1% N/A
Bicycle 26 0.5% -18.8%
Walk 343 6.1% -33.1%
Understanding how locals get to work can help you plan your own routine. High car usage might mean you’ll need a vehicle, while strong public transit or walkability could save you the hassle. Commute times also play a big role in quality of life—shorter trips can give you more time for the things you enjoy.

What is the median and average household income in Storm Lake by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
50588 13,431 4,630 $70,906 $94,866

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FAQs about Storm Lake demographics 

What is the total population of Storm Lake?

Storm Lake has a total population of 11,428 residents, according to the latest release from the U.S. Census Bureau: the 2019-2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates. This figure changed by +1.4% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Storm Lake?

The gender ratio in Storm Lake is as follows:
  • 48.3% males (5,523 residents)
  • 51.7% females (5,905 residents)

What is the median age in Storm Lake?

The median age in Storm Lake is 30.9.

What is the age distribution of the population in Storm Lake?

The age distribution in Storm Lake is as follows:
  • Under 15: 23% (2,634 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 17.9% (2,043 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 27.8% (3,174 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 18.8% (2,145 residents)
  • Over 65: 12.5% (1,432 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Storm Lake?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Storm Lake is as follows:
  • White: 46% (5,261 residents)
  • Black or African American: 3.8% (431 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0.6% (70 residents)
  • Asian: 12.9% (1,471 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 4% (463 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 16% (1,823 residents)
  • Other: 16.7% (1,909 residents)

What percentage of the population in Storm Lake are U.S.-born citizens?

U.S.-born citizens represent 67.7% of the population in Storm Lake.

How many housing units are there in Storm Lake?

There are 4,198 housing units in Storm Lake, reflecting a -2.2% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

How many households are in Storm Lake and what is the average household size?

Storm Lake has a total of 3,975 households, with an average of 3 people in each.

What is the median household income in Storm Lake?

Storm Lake has a median household income of $62,765, representing a +7.6% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

What is the employment rate and job market overview for Storm Lake?

The employment rate is 95.6% in Storm Lake, with a workforce of 5,763 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 47.8% (2,755 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 52.2% (3,008 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 7.5% (431 residents)
  • Private companies: 75.7% (4,362 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 8.2% (475 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 8.6% (495 residents)

Data source & methodology

The demographic data on this page was sourced from the latest U.S. Census Bureau release—the 2019–2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates.

The information, issued annually, is compiled and published by the Point2Homes Research Team as soon as new data becomes available.

No representation, guarantee, or warranty is made concerning the accuracy or completeness of modified or aggregated information for particular areas.

Page last updated: September 2025