Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Lost Nation, IA
Thinking about moving to Lost Nation, IA? This welcoming town of 429 residents offers affordable living, with median home prices around $79,000 and average rents at $650. Lost Nation enjoys low crime rates and a neighborly feel, while average commutes are a quick 24 minutes. You'll find solid educational options, a safe small-town atmosphere, and classic Midwest seasonal weather—perfect for anyone looking for peaceful, affordable country living.
Demographics - Lost Nation, IA
Demographics - Lost Nation, IA
Lost Nation is a small, close-knit community of 429 residents, with a median age of nearly 47 years and a population density of 765 people per square mile. The town is predominantly White, and most households speak English, contributing to a welcoming small-town atmosphere.
Population:
429
Density:
765 per sq mi
Median Age:
46.8
Gender Ratio:
102 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
2.1%

Ethnic Composition
White:
96.9%
Black:
0.5%
Asian:
0.2%
Others:
2.4%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Lost Nation, IA?
Living in Lost Nation is notably budget-friendly, with median home values at just $79,000 and rents averaging $650 per month. The overall cost of living index is well below the national average, making it an attractive option for those seeking affordability without sacrificing quality of life.
Median House Value:
$79,000
Gross Rent:
$650
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$110
Auto Insurance:
$1,020
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$890
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$360
State Taxes:
Low:
0.33%
|
High:
8.53%
Cost Of Living Index:
82.5
Grocery:
94.0
Housing:
58.0
Utilities:
96.5
Transportation:
89.2
Health Care:
92.4
Miscellaneous:
85.0
Crime
Is Lost Nation, IA a safe place to live?
Lost Nation experiences low crime rates, with violent incidents being quite rare and property crime chances at about 1 in 90. Residents benefit from a safe, peaceful environment typical of small-town Iowa.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
152
Property Crimes Per 100k:
1,110
Crime Index:
1,262
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 658
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 90
Weather
What is the weather like in Lost Nation, IA year-round?
Residents enjoy four distinct seasons, with warm summers reaching into the 80s and winters dipping to around 10°F. The area receives about 35 inches of annual rainfall and sees sunshine more than half the year, making for pleasant and varied weather year-round.

Winter
Min:
10°F
Max:
31°F

Spring
Min:
36°F
Max:
67°F

Summer
Min:
62°F
Max:
84°F

Fall
Min:
38°F
Max:
66°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
35.4 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
52%
Neighbors
The community features a median household income of $53,200 and a low unemployment rate of 3.7%. Most residents commute about 24 minutes to work, and the area boasts strong high school graduation rates, reflecting a stable and well-educated population.
Median Income:
$32,700
Household Income:
$53,200
Family Income:
$60,400
Per Capita Income:
$25,300
Income Male:
$32,000
Income Female:
$27,500
Poverty Rate:
12.3%
Non English Speakers:
2.1%
Rent:
$650
Unemployment Rate:
3.7%
Public Transport Usage:
0%
Commute Time:
24.2 minutes

Education
High School or Higher:
93.8%
Bachelors or More:
16.9%
Education
How are the schools in Lost Nation, IA?
Lost Nation offers quality education through Midland Elementary School, featuring small class sizes and a close-knit learning environment. Nearby community colleges in Clinton and Cedar Rapids provide accessible higher education opportunities for residents.

Public Schools
Name:
Midland Elementary School
Street:
510 7th Ave, Lost Nation, IA 52254
Phone:
563-678-2236
Students:
175
Student Teacher Ratio:
13:1

Colleges
Name:
Clinton Community College
City:
Clinton
State:
IA
Distance:
34 miles
Students:
1,500
Name:
Kirkwood Community College
City:
Cedar Rapids
State:
IA
Distance:
53 miles
Students:
12,000
Healthcare
Access to healthcare is convenient, with major hospitals like Genesis Medical Center in nearby DeWitt and a high rate of health insurance coverage among residents. With 1.4 physicians per 1,000 people, essential medical services are readily available.

Major Hospitals
Name:
Genesis Medical Center – DeWitt
Address:
1118 11th St, DeWitt, IA 52742
Phone:
(563) 659-4200
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Name:
Jackson County Regional Health Center
Address:
700 W Grove St, Maquoketa, IA 52060
Phone:
(563) 652-2474
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
1.4
Health Insurance Coverage:
92.8%
Health Care Index:
71.2
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Lost Nation, IA?
The housing market is highly affordable, with a median home price of $79,000 and an owner-occupancy rate of over 78%. Home values have seen modest appreciation, and rental vacancies remain low, making it easy for newcomers to find housing options.
Median Home Price:
$79,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$650
Owner Occupied Rate:
78.3%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
6.7%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
3.1%
New Construction Rate:
0.4%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.2%
DMV Information
Residents are served by the Iowa Department of Transportation, with DMV services provided in nearby Ankeny and accessible online. Essential licensing and registration needs are efficiently handled through the state’s centralized system.
State:
Iowa
Department:
Iowa Department of Transportation
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.