Median Income
$70,972
6% lower than US avg
Home Value
$112,500
60% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
174/100K
54% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
36.6%
14% higher than US avg
Unemployment
10.7%
197% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
How Spencer Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population28
Median Age66.5 yrs
Density25/mi²
Male / Female46% / 54%
Largest GroupWhite 93%
Veterans28.0%
Economy
B
Median Income$70,972
Per Capita$47,525
Unemployment10.7%
Poverty0.0%
County GDP$57M
Housing
A+
Home Value$112,500
Ownership89.5%
Zillow$254,828
Housing Units46
Rent Burden31.3%
Crime
F
Violent174/100K
Property1,277/100K
Health
Obesity36.6%
Smoking13.8%
Depression21.5%
Heart Disease6.3%
Climate
Avg Temp45°F (7°C)
AQI33 (Good)
Rain12.2 in/yr
Sunny Days311/yr
Elevation5,876 ft (1,791 m)
Education
A
Bachelor's+0.0%
High School+80.8%
Graduate+0.0%
School Score4.76
Community
2024 VoteR 84% / D 15%
Broadband19.0%
Libraries1
Is Spencer a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Spencer receives an overall livability score of 3.4 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include low crime rates, affordable housing, abundant sunshine, a low poverty rate. Areas to be aware of include above-average unemployment. 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 $70,972, roughly in line with the national average of $75,149. At 10.7%, unemployment is notably high. Only 0.0% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Spencer is $112,500, 60% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. At just 1.6x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Violent crime in Spencer is below the national average at 174 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,277 per 100,000, 35% below the national average.
Education
0.0% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 80.8% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 4.8/10.
Climate & Weather
Spencer has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 45°F. Winters average 22°F in January while summers reach 71°F in July. With 311 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 12.2 inches, including 47.3 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 33.
Spencer has a population of 28 with a density of 25 people per square mile, spread across 1.1 square miles. The median age is 66.5 years, 71% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 53.6% female and 46.4% male. The city is predominantly White (92.9%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 69.6% of residents, while 30.4% speak Spanish. 28.0% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 34.8% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 82.6% have health insurance coverage.
Population
66.5yrs
Median Age
71% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
69.6%
11% below US avg
Spanish
30.4%
127% above US avg
The median household income in Spencer is $70,972, which is 6% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $47,525 (above the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,192, 17% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 10.7% (above the 3.6% US average). 0.0% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 49 business establishments, including 40 restaurants. The cost of living index is 95.5, roughly in line with the national average. 10.5% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $70,972 |
| 6% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $47,525 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,192 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $44,579 |
| Gini Index | 0.331 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 10.7% |
| 197% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 49 |
| County GDP | $57M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 40 |
| Healthcare | 54 |
| Retail | 63 |
| Manufacturing | 30 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| |
| Cost of Living | 95.50 (100=avg) |
Commute & Transportation
| Drive Alone | 31.6% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 10.5% |
The median home value in Spencer is $112,500, 60% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $254,828, higher than the Census estimate. Fair market rent ranges from $950 for a one-bedroom to $1,173 for a two-bedroom apartment. 89.5% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 46 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1976. 31.3% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.6x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $112,500 |
| 60% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $254,828 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $898 |
| 1 Bedroom | $950 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,173 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,619 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,949 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 89.5% |
| Owner-Occupied | 89.5% |
| Renter-Occupied | 10.5% |
| Housing Units | 46 |
| Median Year Built | 1976 |
Property Tax
In Spencer, 36.6% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 11.4% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 6.3% of residents. 30.5% have high blood pressure. 13.8% are current smokers. 14.6% report binge drinking. 29.3% are physically inactive, above the national average. 21.5% report depression. 16.9% experience frequent mental distress. 5.4% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 3.7 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Spencer vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 36.6% |
| 14% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 11.4% |
| Heart Disease | 6.3% |
| High Blood Pressure | 30.5% |
| Asthma | 10.4% |
| COPD | 6.7% |
| Cancer | 6.3% |
| Stroke | 3.4% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 13.8% |
| 1% below US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 14.6% |
| Physical Inactivity | 29.3% |
| Depression | 21.5% |
| Mental Distress | 16.9% |
| Physical Distress | 15.3% |
| Short Sleep | 34.9% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 82.6% |
| |
| Checkup Rate | 70.9% |
| Dental Visits | 56.5% |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 3.7/10 |
| Exercise Access | 5.4% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 54 |
Spencer has a violent crime rate of 174 per 100,000 residents, 54% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 1,277 per 100,000, 35% below the U.S. average. The county recorded 1 fatal traffic crashes. The area has experienced 91 federally declared disasters. Overall, Spencer receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Spencer vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 174.1/100K |
| 54% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 1,276.8/100K |
| 35% below US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 1 |
| Traffic Accidents | 32 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.3 / 4.0 |
| FEMA Disasters | 91 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Spencer has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 45°F (7°C). Winters average 22°F in January while summers reach 71°F in July. The area gets 311 sunny days per year, well above the U.S. average of 205 / making it one of the sunnier locations in the country. Annual precipitation totals 12.2 inches (drier than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 47.3 inches of snow annually, making winter weather a significant factor for residents. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 33. The city sits at an elevation of 5,876 feet, a high-altitude location.
Temperature
22°F Jan (-5°C)
71°F Jul (22°C)
| Annual Average | 45.3°F |
| 16% below US avg |
| January Average | 22°F (-5°C) |
| July Average | 71°F (22°C) |
| Sunny Days | 311 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 5,876 ft (1,791 m) |
| Area | 1.1 sq mi (2.9 km²) |
| Population Density | 25/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 44.3678°N, 112.1843°W |
| Timezone | America/Boise |
| County | Clark County County |
| Nearest Airport | Idaho Falls Regional (IDA)
59 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
12.2"
68% below US avg
Wettest Month (May)
1.77"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 33.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 0.8 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 10.6 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 0.2 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Relatively Low |
| Flood |
Very Low |
| Hail |
Very Low |
| Strong Wind |
Very Low |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Very Low |
| Lightning |
Very Low |
| Ice Storm |
Very Low |
| Drought |
Very Low |
| Cold Wave |
Very Low |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
| Volcano |
Very Low |
| Avalanche |
Relatively Moderate |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
1,067 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M5.6. Most recent: M2.6 on Aug 19, 2025.
| Jul 26, 2005 |
16 km N of Dillon, Montana |
M5.6 |
116 km |
| Aug 20, 1999 |
22 km NW of Lima, Montana |
M5.1 |
67 km |
| Mar 30, 2014 |
22 km S of Mammoth, Wyoming |
M4.8 |
127 km |
| Jun 7, 1994 |
18 km E of Challis, Idaho |
M4.8 |
145 km |
| Apr 9, 2019 |
9 km NE of Lima, Montana |
M4.6 |
45 km |
| May 4, 1992 |
20 km E of Challis, Idaho |
M4.6 |
143 km |
| Feb 5, 2006 |
44 km NE of Spencer, Idaho |
M4.4 |
44 km |
| Apr 5, 2011 |
28 km NNE of Spencer, Idaho |
M4.4 |
28 km |
| May 6, 1992 |
17 km E of Challis, Idaho |
M4.4 |
145 km |
| May 8, 2007 |
8 km NNW of Alder, Montana |
M4.4 |
114 km |
| Jun 16, 2017 |
12 km E of Hebgen Lake Estates, Montana |
M4.4 |
102 km |
| Jun 13, 2016 |
45 km W of Hebgen Lake Estates, Montana |
M4.3 |
52 km |
| Aug 21, 2003 |
53 km N of Kelly, Wyoming |
M4.3 |
136 km |
| Oct 28, 1998 |
18 km S of Whitehall, Montana |
M4.3 |
148 km |
| Nov 24, 2000 |
24 km S of Mammoth, Wyoming |
M4.2 |
126 km |
| Jul 14, 2023 |
3 km S of Lima, Montana |
M4.2 |
42 km |
| Aug 23, 1998 |
9 km N of Alta, Wyoming |
M4.2 |
110 km |
| Aug 30, 1997 |
25 km WNW of Hebgen Lake Estates, Montana |
M4.1 |
76 km |
| Jun 7, 1994 |
21 km E of Challis, Idaho |
M4.1 |
143 km |
| Oct 7, 2024 |
11 km E of Dillon, Montana |
M4.1 |
98 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
47 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF2. Total: 1 injury.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Apr 7, 1978 |
EF2 |
97 km |
0 |
| Sep 26, 1959 |
EF2 |
57 km |
0 |
| Jun 1, 2002 |
EF1 |
74 km |
0 |
| May 31, 1997 |
EF1 |
65 km |
0 |
| Jun 2, 1992 |
EF1 |
78 km |
0 |
| Jun 4, 1991 |
EF1 |
88 km |
0 |
| Mar 25, 1991 |
EF1 |
22 km |
0 |
| Apr 17, 1988 |
EF1 |
88 km |
0 |
| Apr 17, 1988 |
EF1 |
80 km |
0 |
| Mar 23, 1988 |
EF1 |
71 km |
0 |
| Apr 11, 1985 |
EF1 |
53 km |
0 |
| May 15, 1984 |
EF1 |
71 km |
0 |
| Apr 21, 1981 |
EF1 |
79 km |
0 |
| Jul 8, 1980 |
EF1 |
86 km |
0 |
| Jul 27, 1972 |
EF1 |
89 km |
0 |
| Aug 25, 1955 |
EF1 |
64 km |
0 |
| Aug 6, 2023 |
EF0 |
39 km |
0 |
| May 31, 2018 |
EF0 |
82 km |
0 |
| Nov 17, 2017 |
EF0 |
94 km |
0 |
| Jul 11, 2015 |
EF0 |
59 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Nearby Volcanoes
4 volcanoes within 200 km.
Closest: Hell's Half Acre (99 km).
| Name |
Type |
Elevation |
Last Eruption |
Distance |
| Hell's Half Acre |
Shield |
1,631 m (5,351 ft) |
-3250 |
99 km |
| Yellowstone |
Caldera(s) |
2,805 m (9,203 ft) |
-1350 |
121 km |
| Craters of the Moon |
Pyroclastic cone(s) |
2,005 m (6,578 ft) |
-130 |
149 km |
| Wapi Lava Field |
Shield |
1,604 m (5,262 ft) |
-300 |
185 km |
Source: Smithsonian Institution Global Volcanism Program (GVP). Sorted by distance.
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: JEFFERSON (108,542 ac, 2010).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2010 |
JEFFERSON |
108,542 |
83 km |
| 2019 |
SHEEP |
107,233 |
93 km |
| 2018 |
GRASSY RIDGE |
106,164 |
29 km |
| 2011 |
T17 |
45,631 |
83 km |
| 1999 |
INEEL FIRE |
43,547 |
83 km |
| 2003 |
DEEP |
38,701 |
27 km |
| 2017 |
DEER PARK |
17,745 |
58 km |
| 2006 |
CLARKS CANYON |
14,848 |
88 km |
| 2018 |
INDIAN BUTTE |
12,897 |
12 km |
| 2006 |
SNOWSHOE |
11,910 |
31 km |
| 2003 |
WINSLOW |
11,794 |
31 km |
| 2003 |
MENAN |
11,790 |
57 km |
| 2000 |
BEAVER CREEK |
9,568 |
95 km |
| 1994 |
ROBINSON |
8,629 |
95 km |
| 1988 |
SWEETWATER |
8,405 |
78 km |
| 1994 |
UNNAMED |
8,385 |
40 km |
| 2021 |
GOOSE |
7,817 |
61 km |
| 2000 |
CAMAS |
7,249 |
43 km |
| 2018 |
MONUMENT |
6,973 |
77 km |
| 1986 |
CEDAR BT 2 |
6,488 |
30 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
22°F (-5°C) |
1.1 in |
|
| February |
19°F (-7°C) |
0.9 in |
|
| March |
25°F (-4°C) |
0.9 in |
|
| April |
34°F (1°C) |
1.0 in |
|
| May |
43°F (6°C) |
1.8 in |
Wettest |
| June |
51°F (10°C) |
1.7 in |
|
| July |
71°F (22°C) |
0.9 in |
Warmest, Driest |
| August |
58°F (15°C) |
0.9 in |
|
| September |
51°F (10°C) |
1.0 in |
|
| October |
40°F (5°C) |
0.9 in |
|
| November |
27°F (-3°C) |
1.0 in |
|
| December |
18°F (-8°C) |
1.1 in |
Coldest |
Spencer has a seasonal temperature swing of 53°F / from 18°F in December to 71°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 13.1 inches, with May being the wettest month (1.8") and July the driest (0.9").
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) |
$239 ($143–$382) |
| Specialist Visit |
$334 ($191–$525) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$191 ($96–$334) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$2,101 ($764–$4,775) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$124 ($72–$191) |
| Dental Filling |
$239 ($143–$382) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$43 ($24–$72) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$72 ($48–$115) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$287 ($143–$478) |
| Tire Rotation |
$38 ($19–$72) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$573 ($382–$955) |
| Battery Replacement |
$191 ($96–$334) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$96 ($57–$143) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$86 ($48–$134) |
| HVAC Repair |
$382 ($143–$764) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,685 ($3,820–$11,460) |
| Roof Repair |
$955 ($382–$1,910) |
| Roof Replacement |
$8,595 ($5,253–$14,325) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,433 ($478–$3,343) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$14,325 ($4,775–$28,650) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,775 ($1,910–$9,550) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,433 ($764–$2,865) |
| Will Preparation |
$478 ($191–$955) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,388 ($955–$4,775) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$24 ($14–$43) |
| Women's Haircut |
$53 ($29–$96) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$143 ($72–$239) |
| Manicure |
$24 ($14–$43) |
| Pedicure |
$38 ($24–$62) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$76 ($48–$124) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$3.92 ($2.87–$5.25) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.34 ($2.39–$4.78) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.63 ($2.39–$5.25) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.30 ($2.87–$6.21) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$5.25 ($3.82–$7.16) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.96 ($0.57–$1.72) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$134 ($76–$239) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$67 ($29–$143) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$67 ($38–$115) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$67 ($38–$96) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$62 ($29–$96) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$81 ($48–$143) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$191 ($72–$478) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,910 ($1,146–$3,343) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$67 ($29–$124) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$14 ($7.64–$24) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$96 ($29–$239) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$29 ($14–$72) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,146 ($573–$2,388) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$955 ($478–$1,910) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$382 ($191–$669) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$48 ($24–$96) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$955 ($382–$2,388) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$11,938 ($4,775–$28,650) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$57 ($29–$96) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$96 ($48–$191) |
| Dog Grooming |
$57 ($29–$96) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$38 ($19–$72) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$287 ($143–$478) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$191 ($96–$382) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $550 |
| Toddler | $526 |
| Preschool | $488 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $473 |
| Toddler | $470 |
| Preschool | $441 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Spencer
What is the population of Spencer?
Spencer has a population of 28 residents and is located in Idaho. The population density is 25 people per square mile, spread across 1.1 square miles. The median age of residents is 66.5 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 53.6% female and 46.4% male.
Is Spencer expensive to live in?
Spencer has a cost of living roughly in line with the national average, with an index of 95.5 (baseline: 100). The median household income is $70,972, 6% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $112,500 (60% below the U.S. median). The home price-to-income ratio is 1.6x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Spencer safe?
Spencer is safer than the national average, with a violent crime rate of 174 per 100,000 compared to the U.S. rate of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,277 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 cool climate with an average annual temperature of 45°F (7°C). Winter temperatures average 22°F in January, while summers reach an average of 71°F in July. The area receives 311 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 12.2 inches, with 47.3 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 33.
How is the job market in Spencer?
The job market in Spencer faces challenges, with unemployment at 10.7% / significantly above the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,192. There are 49 business establishments in the area, including 40 restaurants and food service locations.
How much does housing cost in Spencer?
The median home value in Spencer is $112,500. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $254,828. The homeownership rate is 89.5%.
How are the schools in Spencer?
Schools in Spencer have an average test score of 4.8 out of 10, below typical national benchmarks. Families may want to research individual school ratings. 0.0% of adults in Spencer hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 80.8% have completed high school. 0.0% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Spencer?
The obesity rate in Spencer is 36.6% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 13.8% of adults are smokers. 29.3% are physically inactive. 21.5% of residents report depression. 5.4% of residents have access to exercise opportunities.
What are the demographics of Spencer?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Spencer is 92.9% White. 69.6% of residents speak only English at home, while 30.4% speak Spanish. 28.0% of the population are military veterans. 34.8% of residents have a disability. 82.6% have health insurance coverage.
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