Lester city, Iowa Demographics & Population 2026
As of 2026, Lester city, Iowa has a total population of 308, the 596th largest city in Iowa, with a median household income of $91,875, which is 26% higher than the state average. The poverty rate is 2.3%.
Key Takeaways
- An exceptionally low poverty rate of 2.3% — among the lowest in Iowa.
- Housing is very affordable with a home-value-to-income ratio of just 2.0x.
- Near full employment with an unemployment rate of just 0.0%.
Lester city Quick Facts
How Lester city Compares
Median Household Income
Median Home Value
Economy & Housing
Household Income Distribution
Employment
Housing Overview
People & Demographics
Age Distribution
Race & Ethnicity
Diversity Index
A less diverse community where one racial or ethnic group represents a large majority.
State average: 30 | National average: 60
Education
Educational Attainment (Adults 25+)
Lester city Rankings in Iowa
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Cities Similar to Lester city
These cities in the same state have comparable population and economic profiles.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | Bachelor's+ | Poverty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Halbur city | 307 | $83,333 | $148,400 | 25.9% | 0.7% |
| Lambs Grove city | 296 | $94,479 | $193,000 | 16.2% | 4.0% |
| Columbus City city | 306 | $82,500 | $104,400 | 3.4% | 4.9% |
| Bronson city | 302 | $83,500 | $164,600 | 21.3% | 3.6% |
| Liscomb city | 323 | $81,336 | $94,800 | 20.1% | 5.3% |
Population Overview
Lester city is a small community located in Iowa. The total population is 308. It ranks as the 596th most populous out of 1,018 cities and towns in Iowa.
Age Demographics
The median age in Lester city is 38.9 years. This is about average than the state median of 38.6 years. 11.0% of residents are 75 or older, suggesting a significant retirement-age population with implications for healthcare services and senior housing.
Economy, Income & Housing
The median household income in Lester city is $91,875. This is 26% higher than the state median of $73,147. Compared to the national median of $78,538, household income here is 17% higher. The poverty rate stands at 2.3%. This is 79% lower than the state poverty rate of 11.0%. This exceptionally low poverty rate indicates strong economic prosperity across the community. The unemployment rate is 0.0%. This is 100% lower than the state rate of 3.6%. The median home value is $185,200. Housing costs are 5% lower than the state median of $195,900. With a home-value-to-income ratio of just 2.0x, Lester city is one of the most affordable housing markets in the area. 97.1% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. This homeownership rate is 36% higher than the state average of 71.5%.
Race & Ethnicity
Lester city has a predominantly White (non-Hispanic) population, comprising 87.0% of all residents. Hispanic or Latino residents account for 10.7%. The Hispanic or Latino population is significantly higher than the state average (10.7% vs 7.0%). The Asian population (1.0%) is well below the state average of 2.4%.
Education
20.2% of residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher. This is 35% lower than the state rate of 30.9%. Nationally, 35.0% of adults hold at least a bachelor's degree. The high school graduation rate (or equivalent) is 95.0%.
Data Sources & Methodology
All demographic data for Lester city, Iowa is sourced from the U.S. Census Bureau's American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year Estimates (2019-2023). The ACS collects data from approximately 3.5 million households annually, providing reliable estimates for communities of all sizes. Comparisons are made against Iowa state averages and national averages calculated from the same dataset. Rankings reflect the city's position among all 1,018 Census-designated places in Iowa. For official data, visit data.census.gov.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the population of Lester city, Iowa?
Lester city, Iowa has a population of 308 according to the most recent U.S. Census ACS 5-Year Estimates.
What is the median household income in Lester city, IA?
The median household income in Lester city is $91,875, which is 17% higher the national median of $78,538.
What is the poverty rate in Lester city, IA?
The poverty rate in Lester city is 2.3%. This means approximately 7 residents live below the federal poverty line.
What is the racial makeup of Lester city, Iowa?
Lester city's population is 87.0% White, 0.0% Black, 10.7% Hispanic/Latino, and 1.0% Asian.
What is the median home value in Lester city, IA?
The median home value in Lester city is $185,200. The home-value-to-income ratio is 2.0x.
How educated is Lester city, Iowa?
20.2% of adults (25+) in Lester city hold a bachelor's degree or higher, and 4.1% hold a graduate or professional degree.