City profile
Storm Lake, IA
Buena Vista County · Population 11,428
Storm Lake is a town in Buena Vista County, IA with about 11,428 residents and a typical home value near $172,000. It is 109 miles from Des Moines, IA, which shapes its climate, healthcare access and amenities.
Climate
Climate type
Four seasons
Winter avg
20°F
Summer avg
75°F
Sunny days / yr
200
Home prices & cost of living
Median home price
$172,200
Typical monthly housing
$1,141
Cost of living (100 = U.S.)
81
Taxes
- Property tax
- 1.43%
- State income tax (top)
- 3.8%
- Social Security
- Not taxed
- Pensions
- Not taxed
- Sales tax (state + avg. local)
- 6.94%
FEMA natural hazard risk
Very Low · county score 39/100
Top hazards: Hail, Winter weather, Drought
Nearest major airport
99 mi to Eppley Airfield (OMA)
Political lean (2024 county vote)
Leans Republican · 33% Democratic / 66% Republican
Community
Population
11,428
Black population
3.8%
County
Buena Vista County
Detailed crime figures are available for our 201 hand-researched cities.
2025–2026 trends
2026 market trends
- ▸Home insurance premiums are rising quickly here
- ▸Home prices are still rising in 2026 — good for long-term value, less room to negotiate
- ▸Climate/cost risks to check: hail, derechos
Highlights
- About 11,428 residents
- Typical home value about $172,000
- 109 miles from Des Moines, IA
Trade-offs
- Smaller community with fewer local amenities
- Scores for this place are estimated from Census data and the nearest major city
Figures are estimates from public sources (see How we match). Verify before making decisions.