Median Income
$55,469
26% lower than US avg
Home Value
$85,800
70% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
8.4%
75% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$683
41% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
39.1%
22% higher than US avg
Unemployment
0.6%
83% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
5.2%
58% lower than US avg
How Spencer Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population298
Median Age59.3 yrs
Density497/mi²
Male / Female46% / 54%
Largest GroupWhite 95%
Veterans8.8%
Economy
A
Median Income$55,469
Per Capita$31,546
Unemployment0.6%
Poverty5.2%
County GDP$140M
Commute19 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$85,800
Rent$683
Ownership67.6%
Zillow$176,037
Housing Units243
Rent Burden33.3%
Health
Obesity39.1%
Uninsured9.1%
Smoking16.5%
Depression19.1%
Heart Disease5.7%
Climate
Avg Temp48°F (9°C)
Rain23.2 in/yr
Elevation1,681 ft (512 m)
Education
D
Bachelor's+8.4%
High School+94.7%
Graduate+2.5%
School Score5.23
Community
2024 VoteR 87% / D 12%
Commute19 min
Broadband88.4%
EV Stations2
Libraries1
Is Spencer a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Spencer receives an overall livability score of 3.6 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B+. Key strengths include low unemployment, affordable housing, a low poverty rate. Areas to be aware of include below-average incomes, high obesity rates. 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 $55,469, 26% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 0.6%. Only 5.2% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 19 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Spencer is $85,800, 70% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $683 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 1.5x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Education
8.4% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 94.7% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.2/10.
Climate & Weather
Spencer experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 48°F. Winters average 21°F in January while summers reach 74°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 23.2 inches, including 30.9 inches of snow.
Spencer has a population of 298 with a density of 497 people per square mile, spread across 0.5 square miles. The median age is 59.3 years, 52% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 54.4% female and 45.6% male. The city is predominantly White (95.3%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 97.3% of residents. 8.8% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 18.5% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 90.9% have health insurance coverage.
Population
298
Total Population
2023 Census
59.3yrs
Median Age
52% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
97.3%
24% above US avg
Spanish
2.8%
79% below US avg
The median household income in Spencer is $55,469, which is 26% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $31,546 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $711, 50% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 0.6% (below the 3.6% US average). 5.2% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 92 business establishments, including 3 restaurants. The cost of living index is 90.1, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 19 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 1.2% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $55,469 |
| 26% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $31,546 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $711 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $49,049 |
| Gini Index | 0.425 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 0.6% |
| 83% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 5.2% |
| 58% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 92 |
| County GDP | $140M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 3 |
| Healthcare | 5 |
| Retail | 12 |
| Manufacturing | 5 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| |
| Cost of Living | 90.10 (100=avg) |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 19.4 min |
| Drive Alone | 74.4% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 1.2% |
The median home value in Spencer is $85,800, 70% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $176,037, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $683 (41% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $791 for a one-bedroom to $1,001 for a two-bedroom apartment. 67.6% of housing units are owner-occupied. There are 243 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1959. 33.3% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.5x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $85,800 |
| 70% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $176,037 |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $683 |
| 41% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 33.3% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $706 |
| 1 Bedroom | $791 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,001 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,274 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,409 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 67.6% |
| Owner-Occupied | 67.6% |
| Renter-Occupied | 32.4% |
| Housing Units | 243 |
| Median Year Built | 1959 |
Property Tax
In Spencer, 39.1% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 9.8% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.7% of residents. 31.5% have high blood pressure. 16.5% are current smokers. 22.8% report binge drinking. 26.7% are physically inactive. 19.1% report depression. 16.3% experience frequent mental distress. 9.1% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,789. 1.9% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 7.1 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Spencer vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 39.1% |
| 22% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 9.8% |
| Heart Disease | 5.7% |
| High Blood Pressure | 31.5% |
| Asthma | 9.8% |
| COPD | 6.6% |
| Cancer | 7.4% |
| Stroke | 3.0% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 16.5% |
| 18% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 22.8% |
| Physical Inactivity | 26.7% |
| Depression | 19.1% |
| Mental Distress | 16.3% |
| Physical Distress | 12.3% |
| Short Sleep | 30.1% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 90.9% |
| Uninsured | 9.1% |
| 6% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,789 |
| Checkup Rate | 73.0% |
| Dental Visits | 63.6% |
| Premature Death | 9,953/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.1/10 |
| Exercise Access | 1.9% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 5 |
Spencer experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 48°F (9°C). Winters average 21°F in January while summers reach 74°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 23.2 inches (drier than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 30.9 inches of snow annually, a moderate snowfall amount. The city sits at an elevation of 1,681 feet.
Temperature
21°F Jan (-6°C)
74°F Jul (23°C)
| Annual Average | 47.5°F |
| 12% below US avg |
| January Average | 21°F (-6°C) |
| July Average | 74°F (23°C) |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,681 ft (512 m) |
| Area | 0.5 sq mi (1.3 km²) |
| Population Density | 497/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 42.8756°N, 98.6999°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Boyd County County |
| Nearest Airport | Ainsworth Regional (ANW)
69 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
23.2"
39% below US avg
Wettest Month (May)
3.79"
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 3.4 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 10.6 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 32.4 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Very Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind |
Very Low |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Low |
| Lightning |
Very Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
Relatively Moderate |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
17 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M4.3. Most recent: M2.5 on Apr 27, 2025.
| Nov 3, 2002 |
16 km SSW of Butte, Nebraska |
M4.3 |
20 km |
| Jun 4, 2021 |
10 km NE of Anoka, Nebraska |
M3.7 |
15 km |
| Feb 6, 1996 |
1 km N of Wausa, Nebraska |
M3.6 |
103 km |
| Oct 25, 1990 |
8 km N of Plankinton, South Dakota |
M3.6 |
104 km |
| Jan 25, 1994 |
8 km E of Wood Lake, Nebraska |
M3.3 |
121 km |
| Jun 18, 2015 |
15 km SSE of Valentine, Nebraska |
M3.3 |
145 km |
| Jun 4, 2021 |
9 km ENE of Anoka, Nebraska |
M3.1 |
14 km |
| Jan 4, 2021 |
5 km N of Tyndall, South Dakota |
M3.1 |
71 km |
| Feb 7, 2014 |
11 km NE of Bijou Hills, South Dakota |
M3.0 |
86 km |
| Feb 1, 2006 |
6 km ENE of Bassett, Nebraska |
M2.9 |
70 km |
| Jul 3, 1995 |
9 km SSW of Fort Thompson, South Dakota |
M2.8 |
141 km |
| Jan 1, 2020 |
2 km E of Chambers, Nebraska |
M2.8 |
75 km |
| Mar 20, 2010 |
9 km NNW of Springview, Nebraska |
M2.7 |
90 km |
| Feb 5, 2025 |
8 km SSE of Tilden, Nebraska |
M2.7 |
124 km |
| Apr 27, 2025 |
9 km NE of Burke, South Dakota |
M2.5 |
59 km |
| Jan 16, 2022 |
9 km NE of Plankinton, South Dakota |
M2.5 |
102 km |
| Mar 6, 2024 |
6 km SSE of Santee, Nebraska |
M2.5 |
73 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990-2025)
Tornado History
389 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF5. Total: 2 fatalities, 158 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| May 8, 1965 |
EF5 |
84 km |
0 |
| May 29, 1962 |
EF4 |
30 km |
0 |
| Oct 4, 2013 |
EF3 |
83 km |
0 |
| May 5, 2007 |
EF3 |
92 km |
0 |
| Jun 9, 2003 |
EF3 |
39 km |
0 |
| Jun 26, 1965 |
EF3 |
72 km |
0 |
| Jun 21, 1965 |
EF3 |
75 km |
0 |
| May 8, 1965 |
EF3 |
92 km |
0 |
| May 8, 1965 |
EF3 |
61 km |
0 |
| Jun 5, 1962 |
EF3 |
65 km |
0 |
| May 21, 1962 |
EF3 |
2 km |
0 |
| May 16, 1962 |
EF3 |
30 km |
0 |
| May 15, 1962 |
EF3 |
67 km |
0 |
| May 14, 1962 |
EF3 |
64 km |
0 |
| May 14, 1962 |
EF3 |
99 km |
0 |
| Jun 18, 1954 |
EF3 |
67 km |
0 |
| Jun 18, 1954 |
EF3 |
99 km |
0 |
| May 12, 2023 |
EF2 |
89 km |
0 |
| May 10, 2015 |
EF2 |
46 km |
0 |
| Oct 4, 2013 |
EF2 |
86 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950-2024)
Wildfire History
9 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: UNNAMED (6,910 ac, 2012).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2012 |
UNNAMED |
6,910 |
72 km |
| 2023 |
LOWERY |
4,881 |
100 km |
| 1995 |
UNNAMED |
3,145 |
92 km |
| 1995 |
UNNAMED |
2,911 |
97 km |
| 2012 |
UNNAMED |
2,875 |
61 km |
| 2002 |
UNNAMED |
2,130 |
94 km |
| 2012 |
KAYLKOWSKI |
1,966 |
18 km |
| 2012 |
SIX PACK |
1,649 |
68 km |
| 2023 |
SDLDR-HFR-FY23-RX-BROKEN ARROW UNITS B-C-D-E-G-H-I |
1,185 |
67 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
21°F (-6°C) |
0.4 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
25°F (-4°C) |
0.5 in |
|
| March |
35°F (2°C) |
1.0 in |
|
| April |
46°F (8°C) |
2.7 in |
|
| May |
57°F (14°C) |
3.8 in |
Wettest |
| June |
68°F (20°C) |
3.1 in |
|
| July |
74°F (23°C) |
3.0 in |
Warmest |
| August |
72°F (22°C) |
2.9 in |
|
| September |
63°F (17°C) |
2.5 in |
|
| October |
49°F (10°C) |
2.0 in |
|
| November |
35°F (2°C) |
0.7 in |
|
| December |
24°F (-4°C) |
0.5 in |
|
Spencer has a seasonal temperature swing of 53°F / from 21°F in January to 74°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 23.2 inches, with May being the wettest month (3.8") and January the driest (0.4").
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) |
$225 ($135-$360) |
| Specialist Visit |
$315 ($180-$496) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$180 ($90-$315) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$1,982 ($721-$4,505) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$117 ($68-$180) |
| Dental Filling |
$225 ($135-$360) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$41 ($23-$68) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$68 ($45-$108) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$270 ($135-$451) |
| Tire Rotation |
$36 ($18-$68) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$541 ($360-$901) |
| Battery Replacement |
$180 ($90-$315) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$90 ($54-$135) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$81 ($45-$126) |
| HVAC Repair |
$360 ($135-$721) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,307 ($3,604-$10,812) |
| Roof Repair |
$901 ($360-$1,802) |
| Roof Replacement |
$8,109 ($4,956-$13,515) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,352 ($451-$3,154) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$13,515 ($4,505-$27,030) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,505 ($1,802-$9,010) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,352 ($721-$2,703) |
| Will Preparation |
$451 ($180-$901) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,253 ($901-$4,505) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$23 ($14-$41) |
| Women's Haircut |
$50 ($27-$90) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$135 ($68-$225) |
| Manicure |
$23 ($14-$41) |
| Pedicure |
$36 ($23-$59) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$72 ($45-$117) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$3.69 ($2.70-$4.96) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.15 ($2.25-$4.51) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.42 ($2.25-$4.96) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.05 ($2.70-$5.86) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$4.96 ($3.60-$6.76) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.90 ($0.54-$1.62) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$126 ($72-$225) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$63 ($27-$135) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$63 ($36-$108) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$63 ($36-$90) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$59 ($27-$90) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$77 ($45-$135) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$180 ($68-$451) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,802 ($1,081-$3,154) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$63 ($27-$117) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$14 ($7.21-$23) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$90 ($27-$225) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$27 ($14-$68) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,081 ($541-$2,253) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$901 ($451-$1,802) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$360 ($180-$631) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$45 ($23-$90) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$901 ($360-$2,253) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$11,263 ($4,505-$27,030) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$54 ($27-$90) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$90 ($45-$180) |
| Dog Grooming |
$54 ($27-$90) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$36 ($18-$68) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$270 ($135-$451) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$180 ($90-$360) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $811 |
| Toddler | $769 |
| Preschool | $704 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $465 |
| Toddler | $487 |
| Preschool | $498 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Spencer
What is the population of Spencer?
Spencer has a population of 298 residents and is located in Nebraska. The population density is 497 people per square mile, spread across 0.5 square miles. The median age of residents is 59.3 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 54.4% female and 45.6% male.
Is Spencer expensive to live in?
Spencer is more affordable than the national average, with a cost of living index of 90.1 / below the baseline of 100. The median household income is $55,469, 26% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $85,800 (70% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $683 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.5x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
What is the weather like in Spencer?
Spencer has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 48°F (9°C). Winter temperatures average 21°F in January, while summers reach an average of 74°F in July. Annual rainfall totals 23.2 inches, with 30.9 inches of snow.
How is the job market in Spencer?
The job market in Spencer is very strong, with unemployment at just 0.6% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $711. There are 92 business establishments in the area, including 3 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 19 minutes, and 1.2% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Spencer?
The median home value in Spencer is $85,800. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $176,037. For renters, the median monthly rent is $683. Fair market rent is $791 for a 1-bedroom and $1,001 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 67.6%.
How are the schools in Spencer?
Schools in Spencer score 5.2 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 8.4% of adults in Spencer hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 94.7% have completed high school. 2.5% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Spencer?
The obesity rate in Spencer is 39.1% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 16.5% of adults are smokers. 26.7% are physically inactive. 19.1% of residents report depression. 9.1% lack health insurance. 1.9% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,789.
What is transportation like in Spencer?
The average commute in Spencer is 19 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 74.4% of workers drive alone to work, and 1.2% work from home.
What are the demographics of Spencer?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Spencer is 95.3% White, 1% Black or African American. 97.3% of residents speak only English at home. 8.8% of the population are military veterans. 18.5% of residents have a disability. 90.9% have health insurance coverage.