Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Clear Lake, IA
Considering a move to Clear Lake, IA? With a friendly population of 7,529, Clear Lake offers affordable living—median home values are around $205,000 and rents average $860—plus short 16-minute commutes. The city enjoys a low violent crime rate, solid public schools, and 60% sunny days each year. With top-notch local healthcare and easy access to lakeside recreation, Clear Lake is an inviting spot for families and retirees alike.
Demographics - Clear Lake, IA
Demographics - Clear Lake, IA
Clear Lake, Iowa has a close-knit community of 7,529 residents, most of whom are White, with a median age of 46.2. The city features a balanced gender ratio and a small but growing diversity, with about 4% of residents speaking a language other than English at home. Its moderate population density provides a relaxed, small-town atmosphere ideal for families and retirees.
Population:
7,529
Density:
950 per sq mi
Median Age:
46.2
Gender Ratio:
96 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
4.1%
Ethnic Composition
White:
94.2%
Black:
0.8%
Asian:
0.7%
Others:
4.3%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Clear Lake, IA?
Clear Lake offers an affordable cost of living, with median home values around $205,000 and average monthly rents at $860. The area's overall cost of living index is lower than the national average, meaning residents enjoy reasonable grocery, utility, and healthcare expenses. Iowa’s state taxes are moderate, making Clear Lake a budget-friendly place to settle down.
Median House Value:
$205,000
Gross Rent:
$860
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$110
Auto Insurance:
$950
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,290
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$485
State Taxes:
Low:
4.4%
|
High:
8.53%
Cost Of Living Index:
84.2
Grocery:
94.0
Housing:
68.1
Utilities:
98.6
Transportation:
92.4
Health Care:
92.0
Miscellaneous:
89.0
Crime
Is Clear Lake, IA a safe place to live?
Clear Lake is a generally safe community, with a low violent crime rate of 174 incidents per 100,000 people and a 1 in 574 chance of violent crime. Property crime rates are also modest, contributing to the city's reputation as a secure environment for families. Most residents find peace of mind in the city’s overall safety profile.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
174
Property Crimes Per 100k:
1,448
Crime Index:
1,622
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 574
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 69
Weather
What is the weather like in Clear Lake, IA year-round?
Residents of Clear Lake enjoy four distinct seasons, with warm summers reaching highs in the low 80s and cold winters averaging lows near 9°F. The city receives about 33 inches of rainfall annually and roughly 60% of days are sunny, offering plenty of opportunities for outdoor activities year-round. Seasonal changes bring scenic beauty to the lakeside community.
Winter
Min:
9°F
Max:
29°F
Spring
Min:
36°F
Max:
64°F
Summer
Min:
61°F
Max:
83°F
Fall
Min:
39°F
Max:
66°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
33.1 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
60%
Neighbors
Households in Clear Lake typically earn a median income of about $64,200, with a low unemployment rate and a poverty rate under 9%. The community is well-educated, as over 94% have at least a high school diploma, and commutes are short at just over 16 minutes on average. Residents enjoy a friendly, neighborly environment with a modest cost of living.
Median Income:
$37,800
Household Income:
$64,200
Family Income:
$81,400
Per Capita Income:
$38,100
Income Male:
$49,000
Income Female:
$36,100
Poverty Rate:
8.7%
Non English Speakers:
4.1%
Rent:
$860
Unemployment Rate:
3.2%
Public Transport Usage:
0.3%
Commute Time:
16.4 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
94.5%
Bachelors or More:
29.3%
Education
How are the schools in Clear Lake, IA?
Clear Lake provides strong educational opportunities through its well-regarded public schools, including Clear Lake High School and Middle School, both known for small class sizes and supportive staff. Private school options and access to North Iowa Area Community College just eight miles away offer a range of academic pathways. Families appreciate the community’s commitment to quality education from kindergarten through college.
Public Schools
Name:
Clear Lake High School
Street:
125 N 20th St
Phone:
641-357-5235
Students:
395
Student Teacher Ratio:
13.7
Name:
Clear Lake Middle School
Street:
1601 3rd Ave N
Phone:
641-357-6114
Students:
320
Student Teacher Ratio:
14.2
Private Schools
Name:
Zion Lutheran School
Street:
112 N 4th St
Phone:
641-357-5260
Students:
85
Colleges
Name:
North Iowa Area Community College
City:
Mason City
State:
IA
Distance:
8 miles
Students:
2,900
Healthcare
Clear Lake residents have convenient access to quality healthcare, with MercyOne North Iowa Medical Center just minutes away in Mason City. The area boasts about 2.1 physicians per 1,000 people and nearly 95% of residents have health insurance coverage. Local hospitals offer comprehensive emergency and surgical services for peace of mind.
Major Hospitals
Name:
MercyOne North Iowa Medical Center
Address:
1000 4th St SW, Mason City, IA 50401
Phone:
(641) 428-7000
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
2.1
Health Insurance Coverage:
94.8%
Health Care Index:
78.2
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Clear Lake, IA?
The housing market in Clear Lake is stable and affordable, with a median home price of $205,000 and an average rent for a two-bedroom apartment at $860. Owner-occupancy rates are high at over 70%, and the area has experienced steady home appreciation in recent years. Low foreclosure and rental vacancy rates reflect a healthy, appealing market for buyers and renters alike.
Median Home Price:
$205,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$860
Owner Occupied Rate:
72.5%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
6.1%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
5.1%
New Construction Rate:
1.2%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.4%
DMV Information
Vehicle services in Clear Lake are managed by the Iowa Department of Transportation, with the main regional office located in Ankeny. Residents can access licensing, registration, and other DMV services both online and in person. The process is streamlined to make vehicle ownership and operation convenient for locals.
State:
Iowa
Department:
Iowa Department of Transportation
Address:
6310 SE Convenience Blvd, Ankeny, IA 50021
Phone:
1-800-532-1121
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.