Clear Lake, IA Eviction Risk Score Cerro Gordo County · Iowa · Population 7,607 · Updated April 18, 2026

Clear Lake, IA has an eviction risk score of 4.2 out of 10, placing it in the moderate-risk tier for landlords operating in Cerro Gordo County and the state of Iowa. The score combines local political climate, court disposition patterns, cost-of-eviction estimates, tenant organizing strength, and the likelihood of new tenant-protective legislation in the next legislative cycle.

Census ACS 2023 5-year estimates show median gross rent as a percentage of household income is 23.8% — a core driver of eviction filings, because households above 30% of income on rent are statistically more likely to miss a payment after any income shock. Median gross rent in Clear Lake is $808/month. About 23.7% of occupied units here are renter-occupied.

Economic stress: poverty rate 7.3%, unemployment 2.2%. Higher values correlate with higher eviction filing rates and longer court timelines.

Political climate: In 2020, Cerro Gordo County voted Republican by 6.3 points — classified as moderately landlord-leaning for purposes of rent-control or just-cause expansion risk.

What this score means for landlords

At 4.2/10, Clear Lake is a lower-risk environment. Standard screening, documented notices, and prompt action on non-payment typically resolve quickly. Still follow your state's specific notice and service requirements.

Nearby Cities — Eviction Risk Comparison

Landlord Guides & Research Tools

Deepen your market research with these ACS-data guides. The metrics powering this score feed directly into each ranking.

• Rent Control Cities 2026 — Full National List & Map
• Best Cities for Landlords 2026 — see where Clear Lake ranks nationally
• Most Rent-Burdened Cities in America — ACS 2023 leaderboard
• Iowa Eviction Risk Overview — all counties & cities in Iowa
• Cerro Gordo County — compare every city in the county