Median Income
$57,068
24% lower than US avg
Home Value
$178,300
37% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
64/100K
83% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
28.2%
16% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$795
32% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
35.9%
12% higher than US avg
Unemployment
3.3%
8% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
8.0%
35% lower than US avg
How Spencer Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population11,393
Median Age41.3 yrs
Density1,040/mi²
Male / Female48% / 52%
Largest GroupWhite 94%
Veterans8.0%
Economy
B+
Median Income$57,068
Per Capita$36,456
Unemployment3.3%
Poverty8.0%
County GDP$1,540M
Commute17 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$178,300
Rent$795
Ownership67.7%
Zillow$191,239
Housing Units5,633
Rent Burden26.5%
Crime
F
Violent64/100K
Property1,662/100K
Murder0.0/100K
Assault0/100K
Burglary382/100K
Health
Obesity35.9%
Uninsured7.5%
Smoking16.4%
Depression21.6%
Heart Disease5.5%
Climate
Avg Temp46°F (8°C)
AQI43 (Good)
Rain31.0 in/yr
Sunny Days260/yr
Elevation1,317 ft (401 m)
Education
B
Bachelor's+28.2%
High School+95.2%
Graduate+8.8%
School Score6.02
Community
2024 VoteR 71% / D 28%
Commute17 min
Broadband87.6%
EV Stations3
Libraries5
Is Spencer a Good Place to Live?
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, abundant sunshine. 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.
Economy & Jobs
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.
Cost of Living & Housing
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.
Safety & Crime
Spencer is a very safe community with a violent crime rate of 64 per 100,000 residents / well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,662 per 100,000, near the national average.
Education
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 6/10.
Climate & Weather
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. With 260 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 31.0 inches, including 43.3 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43.
Spencer has a population of 11,393 with a density of 1,040 people per square mile, spread across 11.1 square miles. The median age is 41.3 years, 6% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 52.4% female and 47.6% male. The city is predominantly White (93.7%), with 1.7% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 98.5% of residents. 8.0% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 16.0% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 95.4% have health insurance coverage.
Population
41.3yrs
Median Age
6% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
98.5%
25% above US avg
Spanish
1.5%
89% below US avg
The median household income in Spencer is $57,068, which is 24% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $36,456. The average weekly wage is $1,029, 28% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 3.3% (below the 3.6% US average). 8.0% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 742 business establishments, including 48 restaurants. The cost of living index is 87.8, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 17 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 5.6% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $57,068 |
| 24% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $36,456 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,029 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $77,076 |
| Gini Index | 0.424 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 3.3% |
| 8% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 8.0% |
| 35% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 742 |
| County GDP | $1,540M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 48 |
| Healthcare | 57 |
| Retail | 97 |
| Manufacturing | 25 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $4,811 |
| 37% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 87.80 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 2.70% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 17.4 min |
| Drive Alone | 79.3% |
| Public Transit | 1.6% |
| Work from Home | 5.6% |
The median home value in Spencer is $178,300, 37% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $191,239. Homes sell for 103.2% of their list price, indicating a competitive market where bidding wars are common. Monthly rent averages $795 (32% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $788 for a one-bedroom to $989 for a two-bedroom apartment. 67.7% of housing units are owner-occupied. There are 5,633 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1971. The average annual property tax is $4,811 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 26.5% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 3.1x.
Home Values
| Census Median | $178,300 |
| 37% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $191,239 |
| Median List Price | $258,450 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
| Median List Price | $258,450 |
| $/Sq Ft | $82 |
| Homes Sold | 6 |
| Sale-to-List Ratio | 103.2% |
| Price Drops | 17.4% |
| Inventory | 46 |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $795 |
| 32% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 26.5% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $738 |
| 1 Bedroom | $788 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $989 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,282 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,420 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 67.7% |
| Owner-Occupied | 67.7% |
| Renter-Occupied | 32.3% |
| Housing Units | 5,633 |
| Median Year Built | 1971 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $4,811 |
| 37% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 2.70% |
In Spencer, 35.9% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 9.8% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.5% of residents. 30.9% have high blood pressure. 16.4% are current smokers. 22.1% report binge drinking. 25.3% are physically inactive. 21.6% report depression. 17.8% experience frequent mental distress. 7.5% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,174. The dentist ratio is 1:969. 74.6% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.5 out of 10.
Air Quality (Open-Meteo CAMS — 2026-05-27)
PM2.5
2.2
μg/m³
Fine particulate
PM10
2.9
μg/m³
Coarse particulate
NO₂
1.5
μg/m³
Nitrogen dioxide
SO₂
0.5
μg/m³
Sulphur dioxide
CO
130.0
μg/m³
Carbon monoxide
Health Metrics: Spencer vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| 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% |
| Cancer | 7.4% |
| Stroke | 2.9% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 16.4% |
| 17% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 22.1% |
| Physical Inactivity | 25.3% |
| Depression | 21.6% |
| Mental Distress | 17.8% |
| Physical Distress | 12.5% |
| Short Sleep | 31.6% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 95.4% |
| Uninsured | 7.5% |
| 13% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,174 |
| Dentists | 1:969 |
| Mental Health | 1:246 |
| Checkup Rate | 74.8% |
| Dental Visits | 66.9% |
| Premature Death | 7,924/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.5/10 |
| Exercise Access | 74.6% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 57 |
Spencer has a violent crime rate of 64 per 100,000 residents, 83% below the national average of 380. This breaks down to aggravated assault at 0.0 per 100,000, robbery at 9.1, rape at 54.5. The murder rate is 0.0 per 100,000 (below the national rate of 6.3). Property crime stands at 1,662 per 100,000, 15% below the U.S. average. This includes larceny/theft at 1,226, burglary at 382, vehicle theft at 55 per 100,000 residents. The county recorded 1 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Spencer receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Spencer vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 63.6/100K |
| 83% below US avg |
| Murder | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg |
| Rape | 54.5/100K |
| Robbery | 9.1/100K |
| Assault | 0.0/100K |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 1,662.4/100K |
| 15% below US avg |
| Burglary | 381.5/100K |
| Theft | 1,226.4/100K |
| Vehicle Theft | 54.5/100K |
| Arson | 0.0/100K |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 1 |
| Traffic Accidents | 13 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.6 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Spencer experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 46°F (8°C). Winters average 16°F in January while summers reach 73°F in July. The area gets 260 sunny days per year, above the national average. Annual precipitation totals 31.0 inches. The area receives 43.3 inches of snow annually, making winter weather a significant factor for residents. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43. The city sits at an elevation of 1,317 feet.
Temperature
16°F Jan (-9°C)
73°F Jul (23°C)
| Annual Average | 46.1°F |
| 15% below US avg |
| January Average | 16°F (-9°C) |
| July Average | 73°F (23°C) |
| Sunny Days | 260 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,317 ft (401 m) |
| Area | 11.1 sq mi (28.7 km²) |
| Population Density | 1,040/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 43.1470°N, 95.1527°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Clay County County |
| Nearest Airport | Fort Dodge Regional (FOD)
64 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
31.0"
18% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
4.13"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 43.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 36.4 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 10.6 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 72.0 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Moderate |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Moderate |
| Lightning |
Very Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
Relatively Low |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
2 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M2.8. Most recent: M2.7 on Jun 30, 2021.
| Apr 25, 2017 |
Near Mankato, Minnesota |
M2.8 |
148 km |
| Jun 30, 2021 |
4 km E of Rembrandt, Iowa |
M2.7 |
36 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
554 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 7 fatalities, 177 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Apr 9, 2011 |
EF4 |
52 km |
0 |
| Jun 25, 2010 |
EF4 |
72 km |
0 |
| Mar 29, 1998 |
EF4 |
94 km |
1 |
| Jun 28, 1979 |
EF4 |
73 km |
3 |
| Aug 29, 1964 |
EF4 |
79 km |
0 |
| Jun 23, 1952 |
EF4 |
72 km |
0 |
| Apr 9, 2011 |
EF3 |
70 km |
0 |
| Apr 9, 2011 |
EF3 |
89 km |
0 |
| Aug 1, 2006 |
EF3 |
91 km |
0 |
| Jun 11, 2004 |
EF3 |
29 km |
0 |
| Aug 7, 1994 |
EF3 |
67 km |
0 |
| Jun 7, 1984 |
EF3 |
76 km |
0 |
| Sep 20, 1980 |
EF3 |
0 km |
0 |
| Jun 28, 1979 |
EF3 |
74 km |
2 |
| Jun 10, 1977 |
EF3 |
32 km |
0 |
| Oct 1, 1971 |
EF3 |
30 km |
0 |
| May 31, 1971 |
EF3 |
65 km |
0 |
| May 31, 1971 |
EF3 |
28 km |
0 |
| May 31, 1971 |
EF3 |
37 km |
0 |
| Jul 26, 1969 |
EF3 |
98 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
1 wildfire (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: DEWEYS PASTURE (641 ac, 2008).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2008 |
DEWEYS PASTURE |
641 |
19 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
16°F (-9°C) |
0.5 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
21°F (-6°C) |
0.7 in |
|
| March |
33°F (0°C) |
1.9 in |
|
| April |
47°F (8°C) |
2.8 in |
|
| May |
60°F (15°C) |
3.5 in |
|
| June |
69°F (21°C) |
4.1 in |
Wettest |
| July |
73°F (23°C) |
4.0 in |
Warmest |
| August |
70°F (21°C) |
3.9 in |
|
| September |
62°F (17°C) |
3.4 in |
|
| October |
49°F (10°C) |
2.1 in |
|
| November |
33°F (0°C) |
1.2 in |
|
| December |
19°F (-7°C) |
0.8 in |
|
Spencer has a seasonal temperature swing of 57°F / from 16°F in January to 73°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 29.0 inches, with June being the wettest month (4.1") and January the driest (0.5").
Average costs for common services in Spencer. Prices are estimated based on regional cost of living data and may vary by provider.
Healthcare
| Doctor Visit (Primary Care) |
$220 ($132–$351) |
| Specialist Visit |
$307 ($176–$483) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$176 ($88–$307) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$1,932 ($702–$4,390) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$114 ($66–$176) |
| Dental Filling |
$220 ($132–$351) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$40 ($22–$66) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$66 ($44–$105) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$263 ($132–$439) |
| Tire Rotation |
$35 ($18–$66) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$527 ($351–$878) |
| Battery Replacement |
$176 ($88–$307) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$88 ($53–$132) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$79 ($44–$123) |
| HVAC Repair |
$351 ($132–$702) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,146 ($3,512–$10,536) |
| Roof Repair |
$878 ($351–$1,756) |
| Roof Replacement |
$7,902 ($4,829–$13,170) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,317 ($439–$3,073) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$13,170 ($4,390–$26,340) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,390 ($1,756–$8,780) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,317 ($702–$2,634) |
| Will Preparation |
$439 ($176–$878) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,195 ($878–$4,390) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$22 ($13–$40) |
| Women's Haircut |
$48 ($26–$88) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$132 ($66–$220) |
| Manicure |
$22 ($13–$40) |
| Pedicure |
$35 ($22–$57) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$70 ($44–$114) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$3.60 ($2.63–$4.83) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.07 ($2.20–$4.39) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.34 ($2.20–$4.83) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$3.95 ($2.63–$5.71) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$4.83 ($3.51–$6.59) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.88 ($0.53–$1.58) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$123 ($70–$220) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$61 ($26–$132) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$61 ($35–$105) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$61 ($35–$88) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$57 ($26–$88) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$75 ($44–$132) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$176 ($66–$439) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,756 ($1,054–$3,073) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$61 ($26–$114) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$13 ($7.02–$22) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$88 ($26–$220) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$26 ($13–$66) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,054 ($527–$2,195) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$878 ($439–$1,756) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$351 ($176–$615) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$44 ($22–$88) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$878 ($351–$2,195) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$10,975 ($4,390–$26,340) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$53 ($26–$88) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$88 ($44–$176) |
| Dog Grooming |
$53 ($26–$88) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$35 ($18–$66) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$263 ($132–$439) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$176 ($88–$351) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $674 |
| Toddler | $581 |
| Preschool | $581 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $455 |
| Toddler | $447 |
| Preschool | $447 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Spencer
What is the population of Spencer?
Spencer has a population of 11,393 residents and is located in Iowa. The population density is 1,040 people per square mile, spread across 11.1 square miles. The median age of residents is 41.3 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 52.4% female and 47.6% male.
Is Spencer expensive to live in?
Spencer is more affordable than the national average, with a cost of living index of 87.8 / below the baseline of 100. The median household income is $57,068, 24% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $178,300 (37% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $795 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 3.1x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Spencer safe?
Spencer is considered a very safe city with a violent crime rate of 64 per 100,000 residents, well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,662 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Spencer receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Spencer?
Spencer has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 46°F (8°C). Winter temperatures average 16°F in January, while summers reach an average of 73°F in July. The area receives 260 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 31.0 inches, with 43.3 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 43.
How is the job market in Spencer?
Spencer has a healthy job market with an unemployment rate of 3.3%, near the national average of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,029. There are 742 business establishments in the area, including 48 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 17 minutes, and 5.6% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Spencer?
The median home value in Spencer is $178,300. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $191,239. For renters, the median monthly rent is $795. Fair market rent is $788 for a 1-bedroom and $989 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 67.7%. The average annual property tax is $4,811.
How are the schools in Spencer?
Schools in Spencer score 6 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 28.2% of adults in Spencer hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 95.2% have completed high school. 8.8% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Spencer?
The obesity rate in Spencer is 35.9% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 16.4% of adults are smokers. 25.3% are physically inactive. 21.6% of residents report depression. 7.5% lack health insurance. 74.6% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,174.
What is transportation like in Spencer?
The average commute in Spencer is 17 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 79.3% of workers drive alone to work, 1.6% use public transit, and 5.6% work from home.
What are the demographics of Spencer?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Spencer is 93.7% White, 0.7% Black or African American, 1.7% Hispanic or Latino. 98.5% of residents speak only English at home. 8.0% of the population are military veterans. 16.0% of residents have a disability. 95.4% have health insurance coverage.
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