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Storm Lake, IA

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Storm Lake, IA

Storm Lake is a city in and the county seat of Buena Vista County, Iowa, United States. The population was 11,269 in the 2020 census, an increase from 10,076 in the 2000 census. Located along the northern shore of the Storm Lake reservoir, the city is home to Buena Vista University, King's Pointe Waterpark Resort, the Living Heritage Tree Museum, and the Santa's Castle holiday attraction. It is the principal city of the Storm Lake micropolitan area.

Storm Lake's first European settler, Abner Bell, arrived in 1856, and the city was officially incorporated in 1873. Though early settlers found no natives permanently occupying the land, the area around the lake was likely used for fishing and hunting by natives traveling from the north. Centuries before European colonization, the area was home to the Mill Creek indigenous culture. Railroad magnate John Insley Blair platted out land in Storm Lake in the 1870s. During the same decade, the Illinois Central Railroad was constructed through the town. 

The city of Storm Lake is named for the lake where it is said a trapper experienced a severe storm. An alternate story claims the lake took its name after two star-crossed lovers from opposed Native American bands paddled out for a secret rendezvous, only to be drowned as a sudden storm blew in. 

The 1920s and 1930s saw economic and industrial growth, with the town remaining relatively unaffected by the Great Depression During the 1940s, a prisoner-of-war camp was temporarily established in Storm Lake. In 1956, the main building of the Buena Vista University campus burned down. The central brick archway was salvaged and remains standing. 

Storm Lake was a landing place of Hmong and Tai Dam refugees following the Vietnam War. Meat packing jobs have drawn thousands of migrant workers, predominantly from Latin America. Work vouchers and other factors have also drawn immigration from Micronesia. Storm Lake is currently one of ten cities in the mainland United States to host a polling location for Micronesian elections. A 2017 New York Times profile analyzed the positive effects of immigration on the Storm Lake community. Also that year, journalist Katie Couric interviewed Storm Lake residents for a National Geographic story on the town’s diversity. A 2020 article in Fox News highlighted Storm Lake as an example of the positive economic impacts of immigration on rural communities.

Storm Lake is located in the northwestern part of the state, along the north shore of its namesake Storm Lake, a glacial lake. According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 4.09 square miles (10.59 km²), all land. Due to its location, Storm Lake is a popular campaign trail stop during presidential elections, having drawn visits from Barack Obama, Bill Clinton, Kamala Harris, and Bernie Sanders.

Storm Lake places a strong emphasis on health and wellness to its residents. Kings Pointe Waterpark Resort offers not only fun water activities but also a relaxing spa where guests can enjoy massages and body treatments. Buena Vista Regional Medical Center offers comprehensive health services, including wellness check-ups and preventive care programs. Anytime Fitness offers comprehensive fitness programs including cardio, strength training, and group exercise classes. For yoga enthusiasts, Yoga Okoboji provides classes that enhance flexibility, strength, and mental clarity. Atlas Chiropractic and Massage provides holistic care, including chiropractic treatments and massage therapy. Outdoor activities are abundant at Storm Lake Marina, perfect for boating, fishing, and enjoying the scenic lake views.

Top sites in Storm Lake, IA are King's Pointe Resort, Santa's Castle, Sunset Park, and Sunrise Pointe Golf Course.

Population: 11,434 (2023). ZIP code: 50588. Area code: 712. Elevation: 1,421 ft (433 m). Area: 5.38 sq mi (13.92 km²).

FAQs

Is Storm Lake, IA a good place to live?

Storm Lake is in Buena Vista County. Living in Storm Lake offers residents a dense suburban feel and most residents own their homes. Many families live in Storm Lake and residents tend to have moderate political views.

What county is Storm Lake, IA?

Storm Lake is a city in and the county seat of Buena Vista County, Iowa, United States. The population was 11,269 in the 2020 census, an increase from 10,076 in the 2000 census. Located along the northern shore of the Storm Lake reservoir, the city is home to Buena Vista University, King's Pointe Waterpark Resort, the Living Heritage Tree Museum, and the Santa's Castle holiday attraction. It is the principal city of the Storm Lake micropolitan area.

Is Storm Lake, IA expensive to live in?

The cost of living in Storm Lake, IA is 4% lower than the state average and 9% lower than the national average. Storm Lake, IA housing is 45% cheaper than the U.S average, while utilities are about 3% pricier. When it comes to basic necessities such as food and clothing, groceries are around 5% less in Storm Lake, IA than in the rest of the country, while clothing costs around 5% less . Healthcare services such as doctor check-ups and dentistry cost 53% more here compared to the U.S. average. At the same time, non-necessary expenses such as entertainment and grooming services are 5% cheaper in Storm Lake, IA.

Sources

Wikipedia

City of Storm Lake

Niche

Rentcafe

King's Pointe Resort

Santa's Castle

Sunset Park

Sunrise Pointe Golf Course

Kings Pointe Waterpark Resort

Buena Vista Regional Medical Center

Anytime Fitness

Yoga Okoboji

Atlas Chiropractic and Massage

Storm Lake Marina

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