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Storm Lake, Iowa

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Current weather forecast for Storm Lake, IA

Population in 2022: 11,307 (100% urban, 0% rural).
Population change since 2000: +12.2%
 
Males: 5,651  (50.0%)
Females: 5,656  (50.0%)
Median resident age:

31.4 years
Iowa median age:

38.9 years

Zip codes: 50588.

Estimated median household income in 2022: $53,854 (it was $35,270 in 2000)
Storm Lake:

$53,854
IA:

$69,588

Estimated per capita income in 2022: $29,569 (it was $15,150 in 2000)

Storm Lake city income, earnings, and wages data

Estimated median house or condo value in 2022: $159,559 (it was $70,300 in 2000)
Storm Lake:

$159,559
IA:

$194,600

Mean prices in 2022: all housing units: $195,295; detached houses: $200,070; townhouses or other attached units: $163,879; in 2-unit structures: $183,855; in 3-to-4-unit structures: $138,370; in 5-or-more-unit structures: $80,639; mobile homes: $34,248

Median gross rent in 2022: $762.

March 2022 cost of living index in Storm Lake: 76.7 (low, U.S. average is 100)
Percentage of residents living in poverty in 2022: 6.4%
(2.3% for White Non-Hispanic residents, 5.0% for Black residents, 9.9% for Hispanic or Latino residents, 8.7% for Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander residents, 12.5% for other race residents, 4.2% for two or more races residents)

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  • Races in Storm Lake, IA (2022)
    • 4,61841.1%Hispanic
    • 3,83334.1%White alone
    • 1,64114.6%Asian alone
    • 7917.0%Native Hawaiian and Other
      Pacific Islander alone
    • 4724.2%Black alone
    • 2962.6%Two or more races
    • 920.8%Other race alone
    • 120.1%American Indian alone

Races in Storm Lake detailed stats: ancestries, foreign born residents, place of birth



According to our research of Iowa and other state lists, there were 19 registered sex offenders living in Storm Lake, Iowa as of April 28, 2024.
The ratio of all residents to sex offenders in Storm Lake is 572 to 1.
The ratio of registered sex offenders to all residents in this city is lower than the state average.


Crime rates in Storm Lake by year

Type

2009

2010

2011

2012

2013

2014

2015

2016

2017

2018

2019

2020

2021

2022
Murders
(per 100,000)		0
(0.0)		0
(0.0)		0
(0.0)		0
(0.0)		0
(0.0)		1
(9.2)		0
(0.0)		0
(0.0)		0
(0.0)		0
(0.0)		0
(0.0)		0
(0.0)		0
(0.0)		0
(0.0)
Rapes
(per 100,000)		2
(21.0)		1
(9.4)		5
(46.9)		2
(18.7)		4
(37.0)		4
(37.0)		4
(36.5)		8
(73.0)		16
(148.3)		15
(141.5)		10
(95.9)		8
(77.8)		3
(28.8)		4
(35.5)
Robberies
(per 100,000)		1
(10.5)		2
(18.9)		1
(9.4)		0
(0.0)		0
(0.0)		2
(18.5)		1
(9.1)		0
(0.0)		0
(0.0)		1
(9.4)		0
(0.0)		1
(9.7)		1
(9.6)		0
(0.0)
Assaults
(per 100,000)		30
(314.4)		42
(396.2)		60
(563.1)		46
(429.3)		55
(508.7)		44
(406.7)		44
(401.8)		51
(465.4)		56
(519.0)		46
(433.9)		36
(345.2)		32
(311.2)		26
(249.7)		36
(319.3)
Burglaries
(per 100,000)		63
(660.2)		87
(820.8)		53
(497.4)		57
(532.0)		50
(462.4)		40
(369.7)		87
(794.4)		107
(976.4)		50
(463.4)		20
(188.6)		27
(258.9)		23
(223.7)		30
(288.1)		27
(239.5)
Thefts
(per 100,000)		236
(2,473)		182
(1,717)		179
(1,680)		183
(1,708)		218
(2,016)		176
(1,627)		195
(1,781)		207
(1,889)		229
(2,122)		113
(1,066)		132
(1,266)		125
(1,216)		101
(969.8)		114
(1,011)
Auto thefts
(per 100,000)		6
(62.9)		8
(75.5)		2
(18.8)		11
(102.7)		12
(111.0)		1
(9.2)		12
(109.6)		7
(63.9)		6
(55.6)		3
(28.3)		11
(105.5)		10
(97.3)		12
(115.2)		8
(71.0)
Arson
(per 100,000)		8
(83.8)		8
(75.5)		9
(84.5)		2
(18.7)		11
(101.7)		4
(37.0)		0
(0.0)		2
(18.2)		3
(27.8)		1
(9.4)		6
(57.5)		4
(38.9)		2
(19.2)		0
(0.0)
City-Data.com crime index233.0224.6256.5214.6253.2226.6247.9300.5344.2260.9222.9199.5144.0155.1

The City-Data.com crime index weighs serious crimes and violent crimes more heavily. Higher means more crime, U.S. average is 246.1. It adjusts for the number of visitors and daily workers commuting into cities.

Click on a table row to update graph
City-data.com crime index in Storm Lake, IA

Crime rate in Storm Lake detailed stats: murders, rapes, robberies, assaults, burglaries, thefts, arson

Full-time law enforcement employees in 2021, including police officers: 23 (19 officers - 15 male; 4 female).
Officers per 1,000 residents here:

1.82
Iowa average:

1.76
Recent articles from our blog. Our writers, many of them Ph.D. graduates or candidates, create easy-to-read articles on a wide variety of topics.
Storm Lake, IA forum
Recent posts about Storm Lake, Iowa on our local forum with over 2,400,000 registered users. Storm Lake is mentioned 74 times on our forum:
Is Iowa right for me?  (12 replies)
looks like we're moving to Centerville  (9 replies)
What was this lake/park along the highway that was further along from Pony Creek/Pacific Junction?  (3 replies)
Ames, Cedar Rapids, or Dubuque: Which one is the best city for blue-collar jobs?  (3 replies)
Iowa, a racist state  (36 replies)
Carroll IA  (4 replies)

Latest news from Storm Lake, IA collected exclusively by city-data.com from local newspapers, TV, and radio stations

Ancestries: German (12.2%), Ethiopian (2.0%), Irish (1.9%), American (1.9%), Norwegian (1.4%), English (1.2%).

Current Local Time: CST time zone

Incorporated on 02/28/1873

Elevation: 1434 feet

Land area: 4.00 square miles.

Population density: 2,829 people per square mile   (average).

Storm Lake, Iowa map

3,647 residents are foreign born (18.1% Latin America, 9.2% Asia).

This city:

32.5%
Iowa:

5.6%

Median real estate property taxes paid for housing units with mortgages in 2022: $2,118 (1.4%)
Median real estate property taxes paid for housing units with no mortgage in 2022: $2,265 (1.3%)

Nearest city with pop. 50,000+: Sioux City, IA (61.6 miles , pop. 85,013).

Nearest city with pop. 200,000+: Omaha, NE (104.4 miles , pop. 390,007).

Nearest city with pop. 1,000,000+: Chicago, IL (389.0 miles , pop. 2,896,016).

Nearest cities:

Lakeside, IA (1.5 miles ),
Alta, IA (2.4 miles ),
Truesdale, IA (2.4 miles),
Newell, IA (3.2 miles ),
Nemaha, IA (3.3 miles),
Schaller, IA (3.3 miles ),
Rembrandt, IA (3.6 miles ),
Aurelia, IA (3.6 miles )

Latitude: 42.64 N, Longitude: 95.20 W

Daytime population change due to commuting: +2,714 (+24.2%)
Workers who live and work in this city: 4,775 (85.4%)

Area code: 712

Distribution of median household income in Storm Lake, IA in 2022
Distribution of house value in Storm Lake, IA in 2022
Storm Lake satellite photo by USGS

Single-family new house construction building permits:

  • 2022: 77 buildings, average cost: $109,100
  • 2021: 11 buildings, average cost: $168,000
  • 2020: 16 buildings, average cost: $165,600
  • 2019: 8 buildings, average cost: $148,800
  • 2018: 14 buildings, average cost: $139,300
  • 2017: 7 buildings, average cost: $149,200
  • 2016: 1 building, cost: $205,000
  • 2015: 3 buildings, average cost: $258,500
  • 2014: 4 buildings, average cost: $282,900
  • 2013: 48 buildings, average cost: $133,500
  • 2012: 4 buildings, average cost: $299,000
  • 2011: 3 buildings, average cost: $184,700
  • 2010: 5 buildings, average cost: $128,700
  • 2009: 6 buildings, average cost: $187,500
  • 2008: 8 buildings, average cost: $84,300
  • 2007: 13 buildings, average cost: $102,600
  • 2006: 10 buildings, average cost: $104,600
  • 2005: 7 buildings, average cost: $103,900
  • 2004: 5 buildings, average cost: $67,800
  • 2003: 4 buildings, average cost: $123,700
  • 2001: 5 buildings, average cost: $106,400
  • 2000: 5 buildings, average cost: $106,400
  • 1999: 2 buildings, average cost: $299,300
  • 1998: 5 buildings, average cost: $130,000
  • 1997: 5 buildings, average cost: $80,600
Number of permits per 10,000 Storm Lake, IA residents
Average permit cost in Storm Lake, IA
Unemployment in December 2023:
Here:

2.0%
Iowa:

2.7%
Historical population in Storm Lake, IA
Historical housing units in Storm Lake, IA

Population change in the 1990s: +1,122 (+12.5%).
Most common industries in Storm Lake, IA (%)
Both Males Females
Most common industries in 2000
  • Food (24.9%)
  • Educational services (15.0%)
  • Health care (6.9%)
  • Accommodation & food services (5.6%)
  • Food & beverage stores (4.3%)
  • Construction (4.2%)
  • Public administration (3.9%)
Most common industries for males in 2000
  • Food (31.9%)
  • Educational services (10.4%)
  • Construction (6.8%)
  • Food & beverage stores (4.4%)
  • Accommodation & food services (3.3%)
  • Health care (2.9%)
  • Machinery (2.8%)
Most common industries for females in 2000
  • Educational services (20.2%)
  • Food (17.1%)
  • Health care (11.4%)
  • Accommodation & food services (8.1%)
  • Public administration (5.7%)
  • Finance & insurance (4.7%)
  • Food & beverage stores (4.2%)
Most common occupations in Storm Lake, IA (%)
Both Males Females
Most common occupations in 2000
  • Food processing workers (11.6%)
  • Other production occupations, including supervisors (8.6%)
  • Laborers and material movers, hand (4.4%)
  • Other office and administrative support workers, including supervisors (4.3%)
  • Building and grounds cleaning and maintenance occupations (4.2%)
  • Secretaries and administrative assistants (4.0%)
  • Other management occupations, except farmers and farm managers (3.5%)
Most common occupations for males in 2000
  • Food processing workers (15.4%)
  • Other production occupations, including supervisors (10.3%)
  • Laborers and material movers, hand (5.1%)
  • Electrical equipment mechanics and other installation, maintenance, and repair workers, including supervisors (5.0%)
  • Material recording, scheduling, dispatching, and distributing workers (4.6%)
  • Other management occupations, except farmers and farm managers (4.2%)
  • Building and grounds cleaning and maintenance occupations (4.2%)
Most common occupations for females in 2000
  • Secretaries and administrative assistants (7.9%)
  • Food processing workers (7.4%)
  • Other office and administrative support workers, including supervisors (6.8%)
  • Other production occupations, including supervisors (6.7%)
  • Waiters and waitresses (4.6%)
  • Preschool, kindergarten, elementary, and middle school teachers (4.4%)
  • Building and grounds cleaning and maintenance occupations (4.2%)

Average climate in Storm Lake, Iowa

Based on data reported by over 4,000 weather stations

Storm Lake, Iowa average temperatures Storm Lake, Iowa average precipitation Storm Lake, Iowa humidity Storm Lake, Iowa wind speed Storm Lake, Iowa snowfall Storm Lake, Iowa sunshine Storm Lake, Iowa clear and cloudy days

Storm Lake, Iowa environmental map by EPA

Map Legend

Tornado activity:

Storm Lake-area historical tornado activity is near Iowa state average. It is 78% greater than the overall U.S. average.

On 5/27/1995, a category F4 (max. wind speeds 207-260 mph) tornado 19.4 miles away from the Storm Lake city center caused between $500,000 and $5,000,000 in damages.

On 6/23/1952, a category F4 tornado 20.9 miles away from the city center injured 4 people and caused between $500,000 and $5,000,000 in damages.

Earthquake activity:

Storm Lake-area historical earthquake activity is significantly above Iowa state average. It is 197% greater than the overall U.S. average.

On 7/9/1975 at 14:54:15, a magnitude 4.6 (4.6 MB, Class: Light, Intensity: IV - V) earthquake occurred 213.4 miles away from Storm Lake center
On 9/3/2016 at 12:02:44, a magnitude 5.8 (5.8 MW, Depth: 3.5 mi, Class: Moderate, Intensity: VI - VII) earthquake occurred 439.8 miles away from the city center
On 3/4/1983 at 06:32:18, a magnitude 4.6 (4.4 MB, 4.6 LG, 4.4 ML) earthquake occurred 237.6 miles away from the city center
On 11/3/2002 at 20:41:56, a magnitude 4.3 (4.3 MB, Depth: 3.1 mi) earthquake occurred 187.9 miles away from the city center
On 2/6/1996 at 15:10:28, a magnitude 3.6 (3.6 LG, Depth: 3.1 mi, Class: Light, Intensity: II - III) earthquake occurred 119.5 miles away from Storm Lake center
On 6/5/1993 at 01:24:53, a magnitude 4.1 (4.1 LG, Depth: 6.2 mi) earthquake occurred 216.5 miles away from the city center
Magnitude types: regional Lg-wave magnitude (LG), body-wave magnitude (MB), local magnitude (ML), moment magnitude (MW)

Natural disasters:

The number of natural disasters in Buena Vista County (18) is near the US average (15).
Major Disasters (Presidential) Declared: 14
Emergencies Declared: 2

Causes of natural disasters: Floods: 11, Storms: 8, Tornadoes: 7, Winds: 3, Winter Storms: 2, Heavy Rain: 1, Hurricane: 1, Ice Storm: 1, Snow: 1, Snowstorm: 1, Other: 1 (Note: some incidents may be assigned to more than one category).
Storm Lake topographic map

Main business address for: META FINANCIAL GROUP INC (SAVINGS INSTITUTIONS, NOT FEDERALLY CHARTERED).

Hospitals and medical centers in Storm Lake:

  • BUENA VISTA REGIONAL MEDICAL CENTER (Government - Local, provides emergency services, 1525 WEST 5TH STREET)
  • FAITH, HOPE, AND CHARITY (1815 WEST MILWAUKEE STREET)
  • METHODIST MANOR RETIREMENT COM (1206 WEST FOURTH STREET)
  • NORTH LAKE MANOR (1325 NORTH LAKE AVENUE)
  • RENAL CENTER OF STORM LAKE, LLC (1426 N LAKE AVE)
  • BUENA VISTA COUNTY PUBLIC HEALTH AND HOME CARE (1709 EAST RICHLAND STREET)
  • BUENA VISTA REGIONAL MEDICAL CENTER HOME CARE (1305 WEST MILWAUKEE AVENUE)

Airports located in Storm Lake:

Colleges/Universities in Storm Lake:

  • Buena Vista University (Full-time enrollment: 2,522; Location: 610 W 4th St; Private, not-for-profit; Website: www.bvu.edu; Offers Master's degree)
  • Faust Institute of Cosmetology-Storm Lake (Full-time enrollment: 36; Location: 1290 N. Lake Avenue; Private, for-profit; Website: www.faustinstitute.com)

Other colleges/universities with over 2000 students near Storm Lake:

  • Iowa Central Community College (about 53 miles; Fort Dodge, IA; Full-time enrollment: 4,682)
  • Iowa Lakes Community College (about 56 miles; Estherville, IA; FT enrollment: 2,311)
  • Western Iowa Tech Community College (about 60 miles; Sioux City, IA; FT enrollment: 3,544)
  • University of South Dakota (about 89 miles; Vermillion, SD; FT enrollment: 7,328)
  • Iowa State University (about 91 miles; Ames, IA; FT enrollment: 28,662)
  • Wayne State College (about 97 miles; Wayne, NE; FT enrollment: 3,121)
  • Iowa Western Community College (about 100 miles; Council Bluffs, IA; FT enrollment: 5,344)

Public high schools in Storm Lake:

  • STORM LAKE HIGH SCHOOL (Students: 623, Location: 621 TORNADO DR, Grades: 9-12)
  • ST LAKE/IA CNTRL/BUENA VISTA EARLY COLLEGE HS (Location: 621 TORNADO DR, Grades: 9-12, Charter school)

Private high school in Storm Lake:

Public elementary/middle schools in Storm Lake:

  • STORM LAKE MIDDLE SCHOOL (Students: 640, Location: 1811 HYLAND DRIVE, Grades: 5-8)
  • STORM LAKE ELEMENTARY (Location: 1810 HYLAND DRIVE, Grades: PK-4)
See full list of schools located in Storm Lake

Library in Storm Lake:

  • STORM LAKE PUBLIC LIBRARY (Operating income: $282,208; Location: 609 CAYUGA ST; 44,140 books; 2,106 audio materials; 1,915 video materials; 7 local licensed databases; 25 state licensed databases; 83 print serial subscriptions)

User-submitted facts and corrections:

  • Storm Lake is the home of the Tornadoes added by a person

Points of interest:

Click to draw/clear city borders

Notable locations in Storm Lake: Storm Lake Golf Course (A), Storm Lake (B), Peavey Company Elevator (C), Dixon-Eilers Hall (D), Information Technology Center (E), Ballou Library Building (F), Harold Walter Siebens School of Business (G), Edson Hall (H), Pierce Hall (I), White Hall (J), Smith Hall (K), Swope Hall (L), Estelle Siebens Science Center (M), Lage Communication Center (N), Siebens Fieldhouse (O), Finkbine Natatorium (P), Constitution Hall (Q), Briscoe Honor Hall (R), Heritage Hall (S), Storm Lake City Hall (T). Display/hide their locations on the map

Main business address in Storm Lake: META FINANCIAL GROUP INC (A). Display/hide its location on the map

Churches in Storm Lake include: First Baptist Church (A), Lakeside Presbyterian Church (B), Presbyterian Church (C), United Methodist Church (D), Jehovahs Witnesses Kingdom Hall (E), Grace Lutheran Church (F), Saint Mark Lutheran Church (G), Church of Christ (H), Saint John Lutheran Church (I). Display/hide their locations on the map

Cemetery: Storm Lake Municipal Cemetery (1). Display/hide its location on the map

Parks in Storm Lake include: Chautauqua Park (1), Circle Park (2), Sunset Park (3), Living Heritage Tree Museum (4), Dedication to Pioneers Historical Marker (5), Frank Starr Park (6), Scout Park (7), Radio Park (8), Emerald Park (9). Display/hide their locations on the map

Tourist attractions: Historical Museum-Buena Vista County (214 West 5th Street), Harker House (Cultural Attractions- Events- & Facilities; 328 Lake Avenue).

Hotels: Storm Lake Super 8 Motel (101 W. Milwaukee Ave Jct 7 & 71 On W. Milwaukee Ave), Lighthouse Inn (1601 East Lakeshore Drive), 3 & 71 Crossroads Motel (Hwys 3 & 71), Budget Host Vista Inn (1504 Lake Avenue), Amerihost Inn Storm Lake (1726 Lake Ave), Budget Inn (1504 Lake Avenue), Sail Inn (1015 East Lakeshore Drive), Budget Inn Motel (1504 Lake Avenue).

Court: Storm Lake Iowa - Buena Vista County Court House (5th Erie).

Birthplace of: Janet Dailey - Romantic fiction writer, Steve King - (born 1949), Edmund B. Gregory - General, Eric Wordekemper - Baseball pitcher, Winton Hoch - Cinematographer, George B. French - Actor, Joe Decker - Baseball player.

Buena Vista County has a predicted average indoor radon screening level greater than 4 pCi/L (pico curies per liter) - Highest Potential

Drinking water stations with addresses in Storm Lake and their reported violations in the past:

ARTHUR MUNICIPAL WATER SUPPLY (Population served: 209, Purch groundwater):
Past monitoring violations:
  • Monitoring and Reporting (DBP) - Between OCT-2005 and DEC-2005, Contaminant: Chlorine. Follow-up actions: St Formal NOV issued (FEB-15-2006), St Public Notif requested (FEB-15-2006), St Public Notif received (JUN-05-2006), St Compliance achieved (DEC-31-2006)
  • Monitoring and Reporting (DBP) - Between OCT-2005 and DEC-2005, Contaminant: Chlorine. Follow-up actions: St Formal NOV issued (FEB-15-2006), St Public Notif requested (FEB-15-2006), St Public Notif received (JUN-05-2006), St Compliance achieved (DEC-31-2006)
  • One routine major monitoring violation
LAKE CREEK HOMEOWNERS ASSOCIATION (Population served: 140, Purch groundwater):
Past health violations:
  • MCL, Monthly (TCR) - In JUN-2012, Contaminant: Coliform. Follow-up actions: St Violation/Reminder Notice (JUN-07-2012), St Formal NOV issued (JUN-08-2012), St Public Notif requested (JUN-08-2012), St Compliance achieved (JUL-11-2012), St Public Notif received (JUL-17-2012)
HILLTOP VILLAGE MHC, INC. (Population served: 80, Groundwater):
Past health violations:
  • MCL, Monthly (TCR) - In AUG-2007, Contaminant: Coliform. Follow-up actions: St Violation/Reminder Notice (AUG-20-2007), St Formal NOV issued (AUG-22-2007), St Public Notif requested (AUG-22-2007), St Public Notif received (SEP-06-2007), St Compliance achieved (FEB-19-2008)

Drinking water stations with addresses in Storm Lake that have no violations reported:

  • CLEGHORN WATER SUPPLY (Population served: 247, Primary Water Source Type: Groundwater)
Average household size:
This city:

2.8 people
Iowa:

2.4 people

Percentage of family households:
This city:

64.5%
Whole state:

64.7%

Percentage of households with unmarried partners:
This city:

6.9%
Whole state:

6.7%


Likely homosexual households (counted as self-reported same-sex unmarried-partner households)
  • Lesbian couples: 0.4% of all households
  • Gay men: 0.1% of all households

People in group quarters in Storm Lake in 2010:

  • 730 people in college/university student housing
  • 104 people in nursing facilities/skilled-nursing facilities
  • 20 people in local jails and other municipal confinement facilities
  • 16 people in group homes intended for adults
  • 8 people in mental (psychiatric) hospitals and psychiatric units in other hospitals

People in group quarters in Storm Lake in 2000:

  • 942 people in college dormitories (includes college quarters off campus)
  • 192 people in nursing homes
  • 15 people in hospitals/wards and hospices for chronically ill
  • 15 people in other hospitals or wards for chronically ill
  • 13 people in homes for the mentally retarded
  • 11 people in local jails and other confinement facilities (including police lockups)

Banks with branches in Storm Lake (2011 data):

  • The Citizens First National Bank of Storm Lake: North Branch, East Branch, The Citizens First National Bank Of. Info updated 2006/11/03: Bank assets: $198.9 mil, Deposits: $175.8 mil, local headquarters, positive income, Agricultural Specialization, 4 total offices, Holding Company: Fnc., Inc.
  • Security Trust & Savings Bank: at 601 Lake Street, branch established on 1908/01/01; Auto Branch at 300 West 5th Street, branch established on 1961/03/13. Info updated 2006/11/03: Bank assets: $154.8 mil, Deposits: $133.5 mil, local headquarters, positive income, Agricultural Specialization, 2 total offices, Holding Company: Storm Lake Security Bancorporation
  • MetaBank: Metabank at 121 East Fifth St, branch established on 1954/01/01; S L Plaza Shopping Cneter Branch at 1413 North Lake Avenue, branch established on 1954/01/01. Info updated 2011/07/21: Bank assets: $1,358.3 mil, Deposits: $1,225.7 mil, local headquarters, positive income, Mortgage Lending Specialization, 12 total offices
  • Central Bank: Drive-In Branch at 1237 Lake Avenue, branch established on 1978/06/28; at 600 Lake Avenue, branch established on 1879/01/01. Info updated 2006/11/03: Bank assets: $459.8 mil, Deposits: $392.7 mil, local headquarters, positive income, Commercial Lending Specialization, 9 total offices, Holding Company: Commercial Financial Corp
  • Heritage Bank National Association: Storm Lake Branch at 210 East 5th Street, branch established on 2006/03/06. Info updated 2011/07/27: Bank assets: $463.2 mil, Deposits: $380.6 mil, headquarters in Spicer, MN, positive income, Agricultural Specialization, 13 total offices, Holding Company: Heritage Bancshares Group, Inc.
  • Northwest Bank: Storm Lake Branch at 730 Lake Avenue, branch established on 1994/03/18. Info updated 2012/03/07: Bank assets: $863.8 mil, Deposits: $728.0 mil, headquarters in Spencer, IA, positive income, Commercial Lending Specialization, 15 total offices, Holding Company: Northwest Financial Corp.
  • United Bank of Iowa: Storm Lake Branch at 1270 Lake Avenue, branch established on 2007/05/15. Info updated 2011/01/04: Bank assets: $1,153.6 mil, Deposits: $906.0 mil, headquarters in Ida Grove, IA, positive income, Agricultural Specialization, 25 total offices, Holding Company: Ida Grove Bancshares, Inc.

For population 15 years and over in Storm Lake:

Marital status in Storm Lake, IA
  • Never married: 35.5%
  • Now married: 44.8%
  • Separated: 4.5%
  • Widowed: 6.9%
  • Divorced: 8.3%

For population 25 years and over in Storm Lake:

  • High school or higher: 68.2%
  • Bachelor's degree or higher: 18.1%
  • Graduate or professional degree: 6.6%
  • Unemployed: 4.2%
  • Mean travel time to work (commute): 9.6 minutes
Educational Attainment in 2022
School Enrollment by Level of School in 2022
Education Gini index (Inequality in education)
Here:

23.4
Iowa average:

10.5

Travel time (in minutes) to work in 2022
Means of transportation to work in 2022 - Storm Lake
Presidential Elections Results

Graphs represent county-level data. Detailed 2008 Election Results

Religion statistics for Storm Lake, IA (based on Buena Vista County data)

Religions Adherents in 2010
Religions Adherents - Change between 2000 and 2010
ReligionAdherentsCongregations
Mainline Protestant5,25323
Evangelical Protestant3,87821
Catholic3,1942
Other3382
None7,597-
Source: Clifford Grammich, Kirk Hadaway, Richard Houseal, Dale E.Jones, Alexei Krindatch, Richie Stanley and Richard H.Taylor. 2012. 2010 U.S.Religion Census: Religious Congregations & Membership Study. Association of Statisticians of American Religious Bodies. Jones, Dale E., et al. 2002. Congregations and Membership in the United States 2000. Nashville, TN: Glenmary Research Center. Graphs represent county-level data

Food Environment Statistics:

Number of grocery stores: 5
Buena Vista County:

2.55 / 10,000 pop.
Iowa:

2.14 / 10,000 pop.
Number of supercenters and club stores: 1
This county:

0.51 / 10,000 pop.
Iowa:

0.23 / 10,000 pop.
Number of convenience stores (with gas): 12
Buena Vista County:

6.13 / 10,000 pop.
State:

5.55 / 10,000 pop.
Number of full-service restaurants: 19
Here:

9.70 / 10,000 pop.
State:

8.01 / 10,000 pop.
Adult diabetes rate:
This county:

8.3%
Iowa:

7.8%
Adult obesity rate:
This county:

28.2%
State:

27.3%
Low-income preschool obesity rate:
Buena Vista County:

18.4%
Iowa:

14.5%

Health and Nutrition:

Healthy diet rate:
This city:

46.7%
Iowa:

49.5%

Average overall health of teeth and gums:
Storm Lake:

43.5%
Iowa:

46.1%

Average BMI:
This city:

27.8
Iowa:

28.6

People feeling badly about themselves:
This city:

22.2%
Iowa:

21.4%

People not drinking alcohol at all:
Storm Lake:

11.4%
Iowa:

10.4%

Average hours sleeping at night:
Storm Lake:

6.8
State:

6.8

Overweight people:
Storm Lake:

28.7%
State:

33.8%

General health condition:
This city:

53.4%
State:

55.9%

Average condition of hearing:
Here:

77.9%
Iowa:

77.7%

More about Health and Nutrition of Storm Lake, IA Residents
Local government employment and payroll (March 2022)
Function Full-time employees Monthly full-time payroll Average yearly full-time wage Part-time employees Monthly part-time payroll
Police Protection - Officers 20$111,764$67,0580$0
Other Government Administration 12$40,257$40,2570$0
Streets and Highways 10$46,162$55,3940$0
Water Supply 9$42,001$56,0010$0
Sewerage 6$30,429$60,8581$743
Police - Other 5$18,423$44,2150$0
Financial Administration 4$20,331$60,9930$0
Local Libraries 3$10,001$40,0043$3,521
Other and Unallocable 3$17,243$68,9720$0
Parks and Recreation 2$8,640$51,8400$0
Firefighters 2$13,490$80,9409$4,783
Totals for Government 76$358,739$56,64313$9,047

Storm Lake government finances - Expenditure in 2021 (per resident):

  • Current Operations - General - Other: $5,314,000 ($469.97)
    Water Utilities: $3,909,000 ($345.72)
    Sewerage: $3,433,000 ($303.62)
    Police Protection: $2,364,000 ($209.07)
    Regular Highways: $1,622,000 ($143.45)
    Parks and Recreation: $1,327,000 ($117.36)
    Local Fire Protection: $537,000 ($47.49)
    Solid Waste Management: $455,000 ($40.24)
    Libraries: $327,000 ($28.92)
    Air Transportation: $240,000 ($21.23)
    Financial Administration: $128,000 ($11.32)
    Protective Inspection and Regulation - Other: $109,000 ($9.64)
    Central Staff Services: $71,000 ($6.28)
    Judicial and Legal Services: $50,000 ($4.42)
    General Public Buildings: $29,000 ($2.56)
    Health - Other: $5,000 ($0.44)
    Public Welfare - Other: $1,000 ($0.09)
  • General - Interest on Debt: $628,000 ($55.54)
  • Other Capital Outlay - Sewerage: $2,081,000 ($184.05)
  • Total Salaries and Wages: $3,855,000 ($340.94)
  • Water Utilities - Interest on Debt: $66,000 ($5.84)

Storm Lake government finances - Revenue in 2021 (per resident):

  • Charges - Sewerage: $5,781,000 ($511.28)
    Parks and Recreation: $920,000 ($81.37)
    Solid Waste Management: $464,000 ($41.04)
    Other: $268,000 ($23.70)
  • Local Intergovernmental - Other: $24,000 ($2.12)
  • Miscellaneous - General Revenue - Other: $4,476,000 ($395.86)
    Sale of Property: $308,000 ($27.24)
    Interest Earnings: $179,000 ($15.83)
    Rents: $96,000 ($8.49)
    Fines and Forfeits: $12,000 ($1.06)
  • Revenue - Water Utilities: $4,300,000 ($380.30)
  • State Intergovernmental - Highways: $1,587,000 ($140.36)
    Other: $257,000 ($22.73)
  • Tax - Property: $5,409,000 ($478.38)
    General Sales and Gross Receipts: $1,817,000 ($160.70)
    Public Utilities Sales: $1,013,000 ($89.59)
    Other Selective Sales: $252,000 ($22.29)
    Other License: $202,000 ($17.87)

Storm Lake government finances - Debt in 2021 (per resident):

  • Long Term Debt - Beginning Outstanding - Unspecified Public Purpose: $28,049,000 ($2480.68)
    Outstanding Unspecified Public Purpose: $27,245,000 ($2409.57)
    Retired Unspecified Public Purpose: $14,322,000 ($1266.65)
    Issue, Unspecified Public Purpose: $13,518,000 ($1195.54)
    Beginning Outstanding - Public Debt for Private Purpose: $3,295,000 ($291.41)
    Outstanding Nonguaranteed - Industrial Revenue: $2,140,000 ($189.26)
    Retired Nonguaranteed - Public Debt for Private Purpose: $1,155,000 ($102.15)

Storm Lake government finances - Cash and Securities in 2021 (per resident):

  • Other Funds - Cash and Securities: $16,894,000 ($1494.12)
  • Sinking Funds - Cash and Securities: $7,000,000 ($619.09)
Businesses in Storm Lake, IA
NameCountNameCount
Ace Hardware1MasterBrand Cabinets4
Arby's1Maurices1
Baymont Inn1McDonald's1
Burger King1New Balance1
Chevrolet1Nike1
Dairy Queen1Payless1
Domino's Pizza2Pizza Hut1
FedEx1Sears1
Ford1Subway1
GameStop1Super 81
Goodwill2U-Haul1
H&R Block1U.S. Cellular1
Hardee's1UPS4
KFC1Walgreens1
La-Z-Boy1Walmart1
Lane Furniture1

Strongest AM radio stations in Storm Lake:

  • KAYL (990 AM; 0 kW; STORM LAKE, IA; Owner: WMMP, LLC)
  • KOIL (1020 AM; 50 kW; PLATTSMOUTH, NE; Owner: WAITT RADIO, INC.)
  • KFAB (1110 AM; 50 kW; OMAHA, NE; Owner: CAPSTAR TX LIMITED PARTNERSHIP)
  • WHO (1040 AM; 50 kW; DES MOINES, IA; Owner: CITICASTERS LICENSES, L.P.)
  • KKAR (1290 AM; 50 kW; OMAHA, NE; Owner: WAITT RADIO, INC.)
  • KWMT (540 AM; 5 kW; FORT DODGE, IA; Owner: CLEAR CHANNEL BROADCASTING LICENSES, INC.)
  • KYDZ (1180 AM; 25 kW; BELLEVUE, NE; Owner: WAITT RADIO, INC.)
  • KFAN (1130 AM; 50 kW; MINNEAPOLIS, MN; Owner: AMFM RADIO LICENSES, L.L.C.)
  • WCCO (830 AM; 50 kW; MINNEAPOLIS, MN; Owner: INFINITY MEDIA CORPORATION)
  • KXEL (1540 AM; 50 kW; WATERLOO, IA; Owner: KXEL BROADCASTING COMPANY, INC.)
  • WCTS (1030 AM; 50 kW; MAPLEWOOD, MN; Owner: CNTL. BAPT. THEO/AL SEMI MINNEAPOLIS)
  • KXRB (1000 AM; 10 kW; SIOUX FALLS, SD)
  • KSCJ (1360 AM; 5 kW; SIOUX CITY, IA; Owner: KSUX/KSCJ RADIO BROADCASTING CO)

Strongest FM radio stations in Storm Lake:

  • KAYL-FM (101.7 FM; STORM LAKE, IA; Owner: WMMP, LLC)
  • KBVU-FM (97.5 FM; ALTA, IA; Owner: BUENA VISTA UNIVERSITY)
  • KTFG (102.9 FM; SIOUX RAPIDS, IA; Owner: DONALD A. SWANSON)
  • KTPR (91.1 FM; FORT DODGE, IA; Owner: IOWA STATE UNIVERSITY OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY)
  • KKIA (92.9 FM; IDA GROVE, IA; Owner: JIM DANDY BROADCASTING, INC.)
  • K242AM (96.3 FM; NEWELL, IA; Owner: GOOD NEWS NETWORK, INC.)
  • KCHE-FM (92.1 FM; CHEROKEE, IA; Owner: CHEROKEE BROADCASTING COMPANY)

TV broadcast stations around Storm Lake:

  • K47FZ (Channel 47; STORM LAKE, IA; Owner: WAITT BROADCASTING, INC.)
  • KMEG (Channel 14; SIOUX CITY, IA; Owner: WAITT BROADCASTING, INC.)
  • KPTH (Channel 44; SIOUX CITY, IA; Owner: PAPPAS TELECASTING OF SIOUX CITY)
  • KTIV (Channel 4; SIOUX CITY, IA; Owner: KTIV TELEVISION, INC.)
  • KSIN-TV (Channel 27; SIOUX CITY, IA; Owner: IOWA PUBLIC BROADCASTING BOARD)
  • KTIN (Channel 21; FORT DODGE, IA; Owner: IOWA PUBLIC BROADCASTING BOARD)
Fatal accident count
See more detailed statistics of Storm Lake fatal car crashes and road traffic accidents for 1975 - 2021 here
  • National Bridge Inventory (NBI) Statistics
  • 22Number of bridges
  • 72ft / 21.8mTotal length
  • 22,370Total average daily traffic
  • 2,681Total average daily truck traffic
  • 22,370Total future (year 2038) average daily traffic
New bridges in Storm Lake, IA - historical statistics
  • New bridges - historical statistics
  • 11910-1919
  • 41930-1939
  • 31960-1969
  • 71970-1979
  • 11980-1989
  • 31990-1999
  • 12000-2009
  • 12010-2019
  • 12020-2022
See full National Bridge Inventory statistics for Storm Lake, IA
FCC Registered Cell Phone Towers: 2 (See the full list of FCC Registered Cell Phone Towers in Storm Lake)
FCC Registered Antenna Towers: 73 (See the full list of FCC Registered Antenna Towers)
FCC Registered Commercial Land Mobile Towers: 2 (See the full list of FCC Registered Commercial Land Mobile Towers in Storm Lake, IA)
FCC Registered Private Land Mobile Towers: 3 (See the full list of FCC Registered Private Land Mobile Towers)
FCC Registered Broadcast Land Mobile Towers: 24 (See the full list of FCC Registered Broadcast Land Mobile Towers)
FCC Registered Microwave Towers: 31 (See the full list of FCC Registered Microwave Towers in this town)
FCC Registered Paging Towers: 2 (See the full list of FCC Registered Paging Towers)
FCC Registered Maritime Coast & Aviation Ground Towers: 4 (See the full list of FCC Registered Maritime Coast & Aviation Ground Towers)
FCC Registered Amateur Radio Licenses: 38 (See the full list of FCC Registered Amateur Radio Licenses in Storm Lake)

FAA Registered Aircraft: 30 (See the full list of FAA Registered Aircraft in Storm Lake)

2002 - 2017 National Fire Incident Reporting System (NFIRS) incidents

    Fire incident distribution by year Based on the data from the years 2002 - 2017 the average number of fires per year is 24. The highest number of reported fires - 46 took place in 2003, and the least - 0 in 2006. The data has a decreasing trend.
    Fire incident types in Storm Lake, IA When looking into fire subcategories, the most reports belonged to: Structure Fires (52.4%), and Outside Fires (28.8%).

    • Fire incident types reported to NFIRS in Storm Lake, IA
    • 20452.4%Structure Fires
    • 11228.8%Outside Fires
    • 6817.5%Mobile Property/Vehicle Fires
    • 51.3%Other
See full National Fire Incident Reporting System statistics for Storm Lake, IA

Fire-safe hotels and motels in Storm Lake, Iowa:

  • Super 8 Motel Storm Lake, 101 W Milwaukee Ave, Storm Lake, Iowa 50588 , Phone: (712) 732-3063, Fax: (712) 732-2409
  • Quality Inn, 1726 Lake Ave, Storm Lake, Iowa 50588 , Phone: (712) 732-1000, Fax: (712) 732-3548
  • King's Pointe Resort, 1520 E Lakeshore, Storm Lake, Iowa 50588 , Phone: (712) 213-4500, Fax: (712) 213-4400
All 3 fire-safe hotels and motels in Storm Lake, Iowa
Houses and condos Apartments
Most commonly used house heating fuel in houses and condos in Storm Lake, IA
  • 83.3%Utility gas
  • 16.7%Electricity
Most commonly used house heating fuel in apartments in Storm Lake, IA
  • 62.8%Electricity
  • 35.0%Utility gas
  • 1.6%Bottled, tank, or LP gas
  • 0.6%No fuel used


Storm Lake compared to Iowa state average:

  • Unemployed percentage significantly below state average.
  • Hispanic race population percentage significantly above state average.
  • Median age significantly below state average.
  • Foreign-born population percentage significantly above state average.
  • Number of rooms per house below state average.

Storm Lake on our top lists:

  • #8 on the list of "Top 101 cities with largest percentage of females in occupations: production occupations (population 5,000+)"
  • #17 on the list of "Top 101 cities with largest percentage of females in industries: manufacturing (population 5,000+)"
  • #30 on the list of "Top 101 cities with the most residents born in Thailand (population 500+)"
  • #35 on the list of "Top 101 cities with the most residents born in Laos (population 500+)"
  • #40 on the list of "Top 100 cities with shortest commuting times (pop. 5,000+)"
  • #53 on the list of "Top 101 cities with the most residents born in Oceania, n.e.c. (population 500+)"
  • #59 on the list of "Top 101 cities with largest percentage of males in industries: manufacturing (population 5,000+)"
  • #65 on the list of "Top 101 cities with largest percentage of males in occupations: production occupations (population 5,000+)"
  • #82 on the list of "Top 101 cities with the most residents born in Oceania (population 500+)"
There are 22 pilots and 6 other airmen in this city.
Cost of Living Calculator
Top Patent Applicants
Top Patent Applicants
  • Garry D. Friesen (4)
  • Byron James Friesen (2)
  • Daniel L. Frederick (2)
  • Stephen J. Anderson (2)
  • Byron J. Friesen (2)
  • Kevin D. Kottke (2)
  • Cordell R. Burton (2)
  • David L. Christensen (1)
  • Jane M. Caldwell (1)
  • James Boettcher (1)

Total of 16 patent applications in 2008-2024.

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