Iowa
Spencer is a small city in Iowa with a population of 11,393. Residents earn $57,068 per year, which is 24% below the national average.
Based on current data, Spencer receives an overall livability score of 3.2 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include low unemployment, low crime rates, affordable housing, a low poverty rate. Areas to be aware of include below-average incomes. Spencer offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
The median household income in Spencer is $57,068, 24% below the national average of $75,149. Unemployment stands at 3.3%, indicating a healthy job market. 8.0% of residents live in poverty, near the national average of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 17 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
The median home value in Spencer is $178,300, 37% below the national median — offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $795 per month, below the national average — a plus for affordability. A price-to-income ratio of 3.1x indicates a reasonably affordable housing market.
Spencer is a very safe community with a violent crime rate of 144 per 100,000 residents — well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 2,334 per 100,000, near the national average.
28.2% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 95.2% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.7/10.
Spencer experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 46°F. Winters average 16°F in January while summers reach 73°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 31.0 inches, including 43.3 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43.
| English Only | 98.5% |
| 25% above US avg | |
| Spanish | 1.5% |
| 89% below US avg |
| Median HH Income | $57,068 |
| 24% below US avg | |
| Per Capita Income | $36,456 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,029 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $77,076 |
| Unemployment | 3.3% |
| 8% below US avg | |
| Poverty Rate | 8.0% |
| 35% below US avg | |
| Establishments (County) | 742 |
| County GDP | $1,540M |
| Restaurants | 48 |
| Healthcare | 57 |
| Retail | 97 |
| Manufacturing | 25 |
| Property Tax (IRS) | $4,811 |
| 37% above US avg | |
| Effective Tax Rate | 2.70% |
| Commute Time | 17.4 min |
| Work from Home | 5.6% |
| Census Median | $178,300 |
| 37% below US avg | |
| Zillow ZHVI | $191,239 |
| Median List Price | $258,450 |
| Median List Price | $258,450 |
| $/Sq Ft | $82 |
| Homes Sold | 6 |
| Sale-to-List Ratio | 103.2% |
| Price Drops | 17.4% |
| Inventory | 46 |
| Census Median Rent | $795 |
| 32% below US avg |
| Studio | $738 |
| 1 Bedroom | $788 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $989 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,282 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,420 |
| Owner-Occupied | 67.7% |
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $4,811 |
| 37% above US avg | |
| Effective Rate | 2.70% |
| Obesity | 35.9% |
| 12% above US avg | |
| Diabetes | 9.8% |
| Heart Disease | 5.5% |
| High Blood Pressure | 30.9% |
| Asthma | 10.3% |
| COPD | 6.5% |
| Stroke | 2.9% |
| Binge Drinking | 22.1% |
| Physical Inactivity | 25.3% |
| Depression | 21.6% |
| Mental Distress | 17.8% |
| Physical Distress | 12.5% |
| Insurance Rate | 95.4% |
| Checkup Rate | 74.8% |
| Premature Death | 7,924/100K |
| Food Environment | 8.5/10 |
| Exercise Access | 74.6% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 57 |
| Total Violent | 143.7/100K |
| 62% below US avg | |
| Murder | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg | |
| Rape | 143.7/100K |
| Robbery | 0.0/100K |
| Assault | 0.0/100K |
| Total Property | 2,334.4/100K |
| 19% above US avg | |
| Burglary | 808.0/100K |
| Theft | 1,463.5/100K |
| Vehicle Theft | 62.9/100K |
| Arson | 9.0/100K |
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 1 |
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
| Annual Average | 46.1°F |
| 15% below US avg | |
| January Average | 16°F (-9°C) |
| July Average | 73°F (23°C) |
| Annual Rainfall | 31.0 inches |
| 18% below US avg | |
| Snowfall | 43.3 inches/yr |
| AQI Median | 43.0 |
| Rating | Good |
| Elevation | 1,317 ft (401 m) |
| Area | 11.0 sq mi (28.4 km²) |
| Population Density | 1,040/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 43.1470°N, 95.1527°W |
| County FIPS | 19041 |
Winner: Republican by 43.2 points
| Bachelor's Degree+ | 28.2% |
| 16% below US avg | |
| High School+ | 95.2% |
| School Test Score | 5.73 |
| RUCC Code 7 | Nonmetro — Urban 2.5K–20K |
| Population Density | 1,040/sq mi |
| Total Area | 11.0 sq mi |
| Alt Fuel Stations | 6 |
| Public Libraries | 5 |
| Healthcare Facilities | 57 |
| Restaurants | 48 |
| Retail Stores | 97 |
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 1 |
| Avg Commute | 17.4 min |
| Work from Home | 5.6% |