Living in Lost Nation, Iowa

Cost of living, income, home prices, rent and demographics of Lost Nation · Census data 2020–2024

Lost Nation has 390 residents with a median age of 41.6. The median household income is $57,000 (24% lower than the Iowa median), the median home value is $77,300, the median rent is $492/month.

Lost Nation is a small town, so Census survey estimates have wide margins of error. Treat percentages as approximate.

Lost Nation at a glance

Population
390
Median age
41.6State: 38.6
Median household income
$57,000State: $75,059
Median home value
$77,300State: $208,000
Median rent
$492/moState: $972
Homeowners
68.6%
Bachelor's degree or higher
17%
Average commute
46 min

Is Lost Nation a good place to live?

Pros: Home values 63% lower than the state median; unemployment of 2.8%.

Cons: Median household income 24% lower than the Iowa median; an average commute of 46 minutes; a poverty rate of 14.1%.

The weather is best in May–June and August–September.

Cost of living in Lost Nation

Housing is the biggest part of the cost of living. In Lost Nation the median home value is $77,300, 77% lower than the U.S. median. Renters pay a median of $492 per month, which is 21.4% of household income. Homeowners with a mortgage pay $1,223 a month in housing costs.

Median home value

Lost Nation$77,300
Iowa$208,000
United States$332,700

Median monthly rent

Lost Nation$492
Iowa$972
United States$1,413

Lost Nation median household income

The median household income in Lost Nation is $57,000 and the income per person is $26,640. 14.1% of residents live below the poverty line (Iowa: 11.1%).

Median household income

Lost Nation$57,000
Iowa$75,059
United States$80,734

Housing in Lost Nation: homes for sale and rent

Housing units
213
Owner-occupied
68.6%
Renter-occupied
31.4%
Vacant
19.2%Includes seasonal homes
Median year built
1938
Average household size
2.27

Lost Nation demographics

Population
390
Median age
41.6
Under 18
27.7%
65 and older
21.5%
Households
172
Foreign-born
2.1%
Veterans
8.5%Adults 18+

Race and ethnicity

White92.3%
Hispanic or Latino0%
Black0.8%
Asian0.8%

Hispanic or Latino can be of any race. Population history of Lost Nation ›

Education in Lost Nation

17% of adults 25 and older in Lost Nation have a bachelor's degree or higher (Iowa: 31.4%), and 1.9% have a graduate or professional degree.

Bachelor's degree or higher

Lost Nation17%
Iowa31.4%
United States35.7%

Jobs and commute in Lost Nation

Unemployment rate
2.8%State: 3.6%
Average commute
46 minState: 20 min
Work from home
6.5%
Drive alone
91.2%
Public transit
0%
Walk to work
0%
Homes with broadband
79.1%

Lost Nation vs nearby towns

TownPopulationMedian incomeHome valueRent
Lost Nation390$57,000$77,300$492
Oxford Junction461$37,969$72,500$768
Baldwin153$58,875$57,500—
Monmouth121$51,875$66,700—
Lowden699$56,118$119,800$839
Wheatland925$39,167$119,100$791
Maquoketa6,075$60,240$132,500$795
Calamus417$68,250$148,100$641
Delmar480$68,750$147,500$944

More for people moving to Lost Nation

Lost Nation ZIP code ›Weather and climate ›

Living in Lost Nation: FAQ

What is the median household income in Lost Nation, IA?

The median household income in Lost Nation is $57,000, 24% lower than the Iowa median of $75,059 (U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 5-year estimates 2020–2024).

What is the average home price in Lost Nation?

The median home value in Lost Nation is $77,300, compared with $208,000 in Iowa.

How much is rent in Lost Nation?

The median gross rent in Lost Nation is $492 per month, about 21.4% of household income.

Is Lost Nation, IA a good place to live?

Pluses: home values 63% lower than the state median; unemployment of 2.8%. Minuses: median household income 24% lower than the Iowa median; an average commute of 46 minutes; a poverty rate of 14.1%.

What is the median age in Lost Nation?

The median age in Lost Nation is 41.6 years (Iowa: 38.6).

How long is the commute in Lost Nation?

The average commute to work in Lost Nation is 46 minutes; 6.5% of workers work from home.

What is the unemployment rate in Lost Nation?

The unemployment rate in Lost Nation is 2.8% (U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 5-year estimates 2020–2024).

How educated is Lost Nation?

17% of adults in Lost Nation have a bachelor's degree or higher.

Source: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 5-year estimates 2020–2024 (margins of error apply, especially in small towns). Figures are in 2024 dollars.

Last updated: