Lost Nation city, Iowa Demographics & Population 2026
As of 2026, Lost Nation city, Iowa has a total population of 393, the 532nd largest city in Iowa, with a median household income of $51,000, which is 30% lower than the state average. The poverty rate is 10.6%.
Key Takeaways
- Household income is 30% below the state average, indicating significant economic challenges.
- Housing is very affordable with a home-value-to-income ratio of just 1.5x.
- Near full employment with an unemployment rate of just 2.3%.
Lost Nation city Quick Facts
How Lost Nation 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+)
Lost Nation city Rankings in Iowa
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Cities Similar to Lost Nation city
These cities in the same state have comparable population and economic profiles.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | Bachelor's+ | Poverty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Casey city | 387 | $51,250 | $90,000 | 18.9% | 28.7% |
| Dow City city | 384 | $46,932 | $130,200 | 3.9% | 15.1% |
| Union city | 391 | $60,000 | $72,600 | 15.8% | 15.1% |
| Bayard city | 399 | $43,750 | $57,700 | 3.3% | 31.5% |
| Farnhamville city | 417 | $55,000 | $69,200 | 10.2% | 17.2% |
Population Overview
Lost Nation city is a small community located in Iowa. The total population is 393. It ranks as the 532nd most populous out of 1,018 cities and towns in Iowa.
Age Demographics
The median age in Lost Nation city is 44.3 years. This is 15% higher than the state median of 38.6 years. 17.3% 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 Lost Nation city is $51,000. This is 30% lower than the state median of $73,147. Compared to the national median of $78,538, household income here is 35% lower. The poverty rate stands at 10.6%. This is 4% lower than the state poverty rate of 11.0%. The unemployment rate is 2.3%. This is 38% lower than the state rate of 3.6%. The median home value is $74,500. Housing costs are 62% lower than the state median of $195,900. With a home-value-to-income ratio of just 1.5x, Lost Nation city is one of the most affordable housing markets in the area. 66.5% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. This homeownership rate is 7% lower than the state average of 71.5%.
Race & Ethnicity
Lost Nation city has a predominantly White (non-Hispanic) population, comprising 95.7% of all residents. Black or African American residents account for 0.5%. The Black or African American population (0.5%) is well below the state average of 3.8%. The Asian population (0.5%) is well below the state average of 2.4%.
Education
18.1% of residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher. This is 41% 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 93.6%.
Data Sources & Methodology
All demographic data for Lost Nation 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 Lost Nation city, Iowa?
Lost Nation city, Iowa has a population of 393 according to the most recent U.S. Census ACS 5-Year Estimates.
What is the median household income in Lost Nation city, IA?
The median household income in Lost Nation city is $51,000, which is 35% lower the national median of $78,538.
What is the poverty rate in Lost Nation city, IA?
The poverty rate in Lost Nation city is 10.6%. This means approximately 41 residents live below the federal poverty line.
What is the racial makeup of Lost Nation city, Iowa?
Lost Nation city's population is 95.7% White, 0.5% Black, 0.0% Hispanic/Latino, and 0.5% Asian.
What is the median home value in Lost Nation city, IA?
The median home value in Lost Nation city is $74,500. The home-value-to-income ratio is 1.5x.
How educated is Lost Nation city, Iowa?
18.1% of adults (25+) in Lost Nation city hold a bachelor's degree or higher, and 2.1% hold a graduate or professional degree.