Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Carter Lake, IA
Considering a move to Carter Lake, IA? This lakeside city of 3,693 offers affordable living, with median home prices around $170,000 and average rents at $960. Residents enjoy short 19.5-minute commutes and a cost of living well below the national average. Carter Lake features a safe, tight-knit community near Omaha's amenities, with decent schools, family-friendly neighborhoods, and four-season Midwestern weather. Explore more about housing, schools, healthcare, and local life below to see if Carter Lake fits your next move.
Demographics - Carter Lake, IA
Demographics - Carter Lake, IA
Carter Lake is a close-knit community of 3,693 residents, with a median age of 35.9 and a nearly even gender ratio. The city has a predominantly White population, with about 84% identifying as White and around 7% speaking a language other than English at home. Its moderate population density creates a welcoming small-town atmosphere while remaining diverse and family-friendly.
Population:
3,693
Density:
1,180 per sq mi
Median Age:
35.9
Gender Ratio:
98 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
6.8%

Ethnic Composition
White:
84.2%
Black:
3.6%
Asian:
1.3%
Others:
10.9%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Carter Lake, IA?
Living in Carter Lake is budget-friendly, with a cost of living index of 85.6—well below the national average. Median home values sit at $170,000, and average rents are about $960, making it an affordable option for both homeowners and renters. Utility and transportation costs are also reasonable, helping residents stretch their dollars further.
Median House Value:
$170,000
Gross Rent:
$960
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$115
Auto Insurance:
$1,190
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,250
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$420
State Taxes:
Low:
4.4%
|
High:
8.53%
Cost Of Living Index:
85.6
Grocery:
94.2
Housing:
78.5
Utilities:
98.7
Transportation:
92.1
Health Care:
92.8
Miscellaneous:
95.0
Crime
Is Carter Lake, IA a safe place to live?
Carter Lake maintains a relatively low violent crime rate, with a 1 in 377 chance of being affected, and most incidents are property-related. The overall crime index reflects a community that is generally safe for families and individuals. Residents appreciate the secure, peaceful environment the city provides.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
265
Property Crimes Per 100k:
1,900
Crime Index:
2,165
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 377
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 53
Weather
What is the weather like in Carter Lake, IA year-round?
Carter Lake experiences four distinct seasons, featuring warm summers with highs near 87°F and cold winters dipping to 15°F. The city receives about 31 inches of rainfall annually and enjoys sunshine 56% of the year. This climate offers residents a classic Midwestern outdoor lifestyle year-round.

Winter
Min:
15°F
Max:
34°F

Spring
Min:
39°F
Max:
65°F

Summer
Min:
64°F
Max:
87°F

Fall
Min:
41°F
Max:
68°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
31.4 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
56%
Neighbors
Households in Carter Lake have a median income of $58,550, and the unemployment rate is a low 3.5%. Most residents commute around 20 minutes to work, and nearly 90% have completed high school or higher education. The community is supportive and diverse, with affordable rental options and a modest poverty rate.
Median Income:
$38,000
Household Income:
$58,550
Family Income:
$65,500
Per Capita Income:
$27,200
Income Male:
$39,800
Income Female:
$32,600
Poverty Rate:
11.7%
Non English Speakers:
6.8%
Rent:
$960
Unemployment Rate:
3.5%
Public Transport Usage:
0.8%
Commute Time:
19.5 minutes

Education
High School or Higher:
89.6%
Bachelors or More:
17.9%
Education
How are the schools in Carter Lake, IA?
Education in Carter Lake is anchored by Carter Lake Elementary School, known for its manageable class sizes and community involvement. The city is also conveniently located near higher education options, including Iowa Western Community College and the University of Nebraska Omaha, both within a ten-mile radius. These resources provide families with quality learning opportunities from early childhood through college.

Public Schools
Name:
Carter Lake Elementary School
Street:
950 Willow Dr
Phone:
712-347-6352
Students:
400
Student Teacher Ratio:
15.6

Colleges
Name:
Iowa Western Community College
City:
Council Bluffs
State:
IA
Distance:
7 miles
Students:
5,500
Name:
University of Nebraska Omaha
City:
Omaha
State:
NE
Distance:
8 miles
Students:
15,800
Healthcare
Residents benefit from access to major hospitals and a high rate of health insurance coverage at nearly 94%. There are about 2.1 physicians per 1,000 residents, ensuring adequate local healthcare options. Carter Lake’s proximity to Omaha also provides quick access to top regional medical centers.

Major Hospitals
Name:
CHI Health Creighton University Medical Center – Bergan Mercy
Address:
7500 Mercy Rd, Omaha, NE 68124
Phone:
(402) 398-6060
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Name:
Nebraska Medicine – Nebraska Medical Center
Address:
4350 Dewey Ave, Omaha, NE 68105
Phone:
(402) 559-4000
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
2.1
Health Insurance Coverage:
93.7%
Health Care Index:
77.2
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Carter Lake, IA?
The Carter Lake housing market is stable and affordable, with a median home price of $170,000 and an owner-occupied rate of 68%. Rental vacancies are moderate at 7.4%, and home values have seen steady appreciation in recent years. This makes the city an appealing choice for both buyers and renters seeking value.
Median Home Price:
$170,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$960
Owner Occupied Rate:
68.2%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
7.4%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
3.6%
New Construction Rate:
1.4%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.5%
DMV Information
Carter Lake residents are served by the Iowa Department of Transportation Motor Vehicle Division, located in Ankeny. The DMV offers services such as licensing, registration, and title transfers, and information can be easily accessed online. Residents benefit from efficient statewide motor vehicle services.
State:
Iowa
Department:
Iowa Department of Transportation Motor Vehicle Division
Address:
6310 SE Convenience Blvd, Ankeny, IA 50021
Phone:
515-244-8725
Website:
Disclaimer: The information provided on this page is based on publicly available sources including AccuWeather, U.S. Census Bureau, local government data, and third-party partners such as Neustar. While we strive to ensure accuracy, all data is provided “as is” and should be independently verified before making any decisions. Movers.com makes no guarantees regarding the completeness or reliability of the information.