Median Income
$55,250
26% lower than US avg
Home Value
$154,400
45% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
394/100K
4% higher than US avg
Bachelor's+
10.8%
68% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$832
28% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
36.2%
13% higher than US avg
Unemployment
1.7%
53% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
6.0%
52% lower than US avg
How Spencer Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population603
Median Age35.9 yrs
Density609/mi²
Male / Female49% / 51%
Largest GroupWhite 94%
Veterans7.9%
Economy
A
Median Income$55,250
Per Capita$27,837
Unemployment1.7%
Poverty6.0%
County GDP$15,029M
Commute32 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$154,400
Rent$832
Ownership78.3%
Zillow$302,357
Housing Units256
Rent Burden29.9%
Crime
F
Violent394/100K
Property3,227/100K
Health
Obesity36.2%
Uninsured7.7%
Smoking15.2%
Depression26.4%
Heart Disease5.3%
Climate
Avg Temp50°F (10°C)
AQI43 (Good)
Rain40.0 in/yr
Sunny Days275/yr
Elevation919 ft (280 m)
Education
D
Bachelor's+10.8%
High School+91.0%
Graduate+0.5%
School Score5.85
Community
2024 VoteR 52% / D 47%
Commute32 min
Broadband78.4%
EV Stations6
Libraries16
Is Spencer a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Spencer receives an overall livability score of 3.0 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include low unemployment, affordable housing, abundant sunshine, 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.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Spencer is $55,250, 26% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 1.7%. Only 6.0% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 32 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Spencer is $154,400, 45% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $832 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 2.8x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
The violent crime rate of 394 per 100,000 is above the national average of 380 / something for prospective residents to consider. Property crime occurs at a rate of 3,227 per 100,000, 65% above the national average.
Education
10.8% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 91.0% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.9/10.
Climate & Weather
Spencer experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 50°F. Winters average 26°F in January while summers reach 73°F in July. With 275 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 40.0 inches, including 47.0 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43.
Spencer has a population of 603 with a density of 609 people per square mile, spread across 1.0 square miles. The median age is 35.9 years, 8% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 50.6% female and 49.4% male. The city is predominantly White (93.7%), with 2.2% Black. English is the primary language spoken at home by 99.6% of residents. 7.9% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 14.9% of residents have a disability. 97.5% have health insurance coverage.
Population
35.9yrs
Median Age
8% below US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
99.6%
27% above US avg
Spanish
0.4%
97% below US avg
The median household income in Spencer is $55,250, which is 26% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $27,837 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,072, 25% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 1.7% (below the 3.6% US average). 6.0% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 6,969 business establishments, including 542 restaurants. The cost of living index is 92.8, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 32 minutes. 4.2% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $55,250 |
| 26% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $27,837 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,072 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $73,723 |
| Gini Index | 0.462 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 1.7% |
| 53% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 6.0% |
| 52% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 6,969 |
| County GDP | $15,029M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 542 |
| Healthcare | 693 |
| Retail | 775 |
| Manufacturing | 341 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $6,154 |
| 76% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 92.80 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 3.99% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 31.6 min |
| Drive Alone | 83.0% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 4.2% |
The median home value in Spencer is $154,400, 45% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $302,357, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $832 (28% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $873 for a one-bedroom to $1,092 for a two-bedroom apartment. 78.3% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 256 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1941. The average annual property tax is $6,154 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 29.9% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.8x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $154,400 |
| 45% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $302,357 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $832 |
| 28% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 29.9% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $816 |
| 1 Bedroom | $873 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,092 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,388 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,550 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 78.3% |
| Owner-Occupied | 78.3% |
| Renter-Occupied | 21.7% |
| Housing Units | 256 |
| Median Year Built | 1941 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $6,154 |
| 76% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 3.99% |
In Spencer, 36.2% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 9.5% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.3% of residents. 31.4% have high blood pressure. 15.2% are current smokers. 20.0% report binge drinking. 24.5% are physically inactive. 26.4% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 18.7% experience frequent mental distress. 7.7% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,936. The dentist ratio is 1:2,040. 95.1% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 7.6 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Spencer vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 36.2% |
| 13% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 9.5% |
| Heart Disease | 5.3% |
| High Blood Pressure | 31.4% |
| Asthma | 11.0% |
| COPD | 6.4% |
| Cancer | 7.7% |
| Stroke | 2.7% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 15.2% |
| 9% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 20.0% |
| Physical Inactivity | 24.5% |
| Depression | 26.4% |
| Mental Distress | 18.7% |
| Physical Distress | 12.4% |
| Short Sleep | 35.7% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 97.5% |
| Uninsured | 7.7% |
| 10% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,936 |
| Dentists | 1:2,040 |
| Mental Health | 1:447 |
| Checkup Rate | 76.5% |
| Dental Visits | 67.8% |
| Premature Death | 9,275/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.6/10 |
| Exercise Access | 95.1% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 693 |
Spencer has a violent crime rate of 394 per 100,000 residents, 4% above the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 3,227 per 100,000, 65% above the U.S. average. The county recorded 20 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 | 394.4/100K |
| 4% above US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 3,227.0/100K |
| 65% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 20 |
| Traffic Accidents | 9 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 3.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Spencer experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 50°F (10°C). Winters average 26°F in January while summers reach 73°F in July. The area gets 275 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 40.0 inches. The area receives 47.0 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 919 feet.
Temperature
26°F Jan (-3°C)
73°F Jul (23°C)
| Annual Average | 50.1°F |
| 7% below US avg |
| January Average | 26°F (-3°C) |
| July Average | 73°F (23°C) |
| Sunny Days | 275 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 919 ft (280 m) |
| Area | 1.0 sq mi (2.6 km²) |
| Population Density | 609/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 41.0978°N, 82.1218°W |
| Timezone | America/New_York |
| County | Lorain County County |
| Nearest Airport | Cleveland-Hopkins International (CLE)
26 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
40.0"
5% above US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
3.94"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 43.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Air Pollutants (EPA 2023)
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Moderate |
| Risk Score | 86.3 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 30.1 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 95.9 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively High |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Relatively Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hail |
Relatively Moderate |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively High |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively High |
| Lightning |
Relatively Moderate |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively High |
| Drought |
No Rating |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
| Coastal Flood |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
52 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M4.0. Most recent: M2.5 on May 12, 2025.
| Jun 10, 2019 |
1 km NW of Timberlake, Ohio |
M4.0 |
85 km |
| Jan 26, 2001 |
8 km NNW of Edgewood, Ohio |
M3.9 |
145 km |
| Mar 12, 2007 |
Ohio |
M3.7 |
65 km |
| Jun 30, 2003 |
6 km NW of Perry, Ohio |
M3.6 |
110 km |
| Oct 16, 1993 |
8 km SSE of Madison, Ohio |
M3.6 |
114 km |
| Aug 28, 2023 |
7 km SE of Madison, Ohio |
M3.6 |
119 km |
| Jun 20, 2006 |
9 km WNW of North Perry, Ohio |
M3.5 |
111 km |
| Mar 15, 1992 |
15 km NW of North Perry, Ohio |
M3.5 |
116 km |
| Apr 20, 2018 |
Michigan |
M3.4 |
136 km |
| Jun 3, 2017 |
1 km WNW of Batesville, Ohio |
M3.4 |
149 km |
| Jan 26, 1991 |
1 km NNE of Mayfield Heights, Ohio |
M3.4 |
74 km |
| Jun 3, 2001 |
3 km N of Edgewood, Ohio |
M3.4 |
144 km |
| Jun 30, 2004 |
2 km WNW of Madison, Ohio |
M3.3 |
115 km |
| Jul 1, 2013 |
5 km NNW of Fairport Harbor, Ohio |
M3.2 |
104 km |
| Jan 9, 2008 |
6 km WNW of Mentor-on-the-Lake, Ohio |
M3.1 |
90 km |
| Apr 24, 2025 |
3 km S of Pleasant City, Ohio |
M3.1 |
144 km |
| Apr 22, 2025 |
3 km ESE of Buffalo, Ohio |
M3.1 |
144 km |
| Mar 11, 2006 |
8 km NNW of Mentor-on-the-Lake, Ohio |
M3.1 |
97 km |
| Feb 23, 2011 |
18 km NE of Leamington, Canada |
M3.0 |
121 km |
| Jun 5, 2011 |
5 km W of Lodi, Ohio |
M3.0 |
8 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
355 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF5. Total: 54 fatalities, 854 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| May 31, 1985 |
EF5 |
82 km |
18 |
| Apr 11, 1965 |
EF4 |
18 km |
18 |
| Nov 10, 2002 |
EF3 |
88 km |
1 |
| Jul 12, 1992 |
EF3 |
54 km |
0 |
| Jul 12, 1992 |
EF3 |
18 km |
0 |
| May 2, 1983 |
EF3 |
47 km |
1 |
| Jun 13, 1981 |
EF3 |
93 km |
4 |
| Jun 3, 1973 |
EF3 |
59 km |
0 |
| Sep 29, 1966 |
EF3 |
62 km |
0 |
| Apr 11, 1965 |
EF3 |
85 km |
4 |
| Mar 14, 2024 |
EF2 |
61 km |
0 |
| Aug 24, 2023 |
EF2 |
63 km |
0 |
| Aug 24, 2023 |
EF2 |
97 km |
0 |
| Jun 15, 2023 |
EF2 |
51 km |
0 |
| Jun 15, 2023 |
EF2 |
95 km |
0 |
| Apr 14, 2019 |
EF2 |
56 km |
0 |
| Nov 5, 2017 |
EF2 |
70 km |
0 |
| Nov 5, 2017 |
EF2 |
72 km |
0 |
| Sep 4, 2017 |
EF2 |
72 km |
0 |
| Sep 16, 2010 |
EF2 |
39 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
26°F (-3°C) |
2.2 in |
Coldest |
| February |
27°F (-3°C) |
2.1 in |
Driest |
| March |
37°F (3°C) |
2.8 in |
|
| April |
47°F (9°C) |
3.4 in |
|
| May |
58°F (15°C) |
3.7 in |
|
| June |
67°F (19°C) |
3.9 in |
Wettest |
| July |
73°F (23°C) |
3.8 in |
Warmest |
| August |
70°F (21°C) |
3.6 in |
|
| September |
63°F (17°C) |
3.4 in |
|
| October |
52°F (11°C) |
2.5 in |
|
| November |
41°F (5°C) |
3.2 in |
|
| December |
31°F (-1°C) |
2.8 in |
|
Spencer has a seasonal temperature swing of 47°F / from 26°F in January to 73°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 37.4 inches, with June being the wettest month (3.9") and February the driest (2.1").
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) |
$232 ($139–$371) |
| Specialist Visit |
$325 ($186–$510) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$186 ($93–$325) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$2,042 ($742–$4,640) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$121 ($70–$186) |
| Dental Filling |
$232 ($139–$371) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$42 ($23–$70) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$70 ($46–$111) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$278 ($139–$464) |
| Tire Rotation |
$37 ($19–$70) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$557 ($371–$928) |
| Battery Replacement |
$186 ($93–$325) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$93 ($56–$139) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$84 ($46–$130) |
| HVAC Repair |
$371 ($139–$742) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,496 ($3,712–$11,136) |
| Roof Repair |
$928 ($371–$1,856) |
| Roof Replacement |
$8,352 ($5,104–$13,920) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,392 ($464–$3,248) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$13,920 ($4,640–$27,840) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,640 ($1,856–$9,280) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,392 ($742–$2,784) |
| Will Preparation |
$464 ($186–$928) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,320 ($928–$4,640) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$23 ($14–$42) |
| Women's Haircut |
$51 ($28–$93) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$139 ($70–$232) |
| Manicure |
$23 ($14–$42) |
| Pedicure |
$37 ($23–$60) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$74 ($46–$121) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$3.80 ($2.78–$5.10) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.25 ($2.32–$4.64) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.53 ($2.32–$5.10) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.18 ($2.78–$6.03) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$5.10 ($3.71–$6.96) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.93 ($0.56–$1.67) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$130 ($74–$232) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$65 ($28–$139) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$65 ($37–$111) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$65 ($37–$93) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$60 ($28–$93) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$79 ($46–$139) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$186 ($70–$464) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,856 ($1,114–$3,248) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$65 ($28–$121) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$14 ($7.42–$23) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$93 ($28–$232) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$28 ($14–$70) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,114 ($557–$2,320) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$928 ($464–$1,856) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$371 ($186–$650) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$46 ($23–$93) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$928 ($371–$2,320) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$11,600 ($4,640–$27,840) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$56 ($28–$93) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$93 ($46–$186) |
| Dog Grooming |
$56 ($28–$93) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$37 ($19–$70) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$278 ($139–$464) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$186 ($93–$371) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $1,277 |
| Toddler | $1,147 |
| Preschool | $1,005 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $866 |
| Toddler | $823 |
| Preschool | $758 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Spencer
What is the population of Spencer?
Spencer has a population of 603 residents and is located in Ohio. The population density is 609 people per square mile, spread across 1.0 square miles. The median age of residents is 35.9 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 50.6% female and 49.4% male.
Is Spencer expensive to live in?
Spencer is more affordable than the national average, with a cost of living index of 92.8 / below the baseline of 100. The median household income is $55,250, 26% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $154,400 (45% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $832 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.8x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Spencer safe?
The violent crime rate in Spencer is 394 per 100,000 residents, above the national average of 380. Prospective residents should research specific neighborhoods, as crime rates can vary significantly within the city. Property crime occurs at a rate of 3,227 per 100,000 (above 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 50°F (10°C). Winter temperatures average 26°F in January, while summers reach an average of 73°F in July. The area receives 275 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 40.0 inches, with 47.0 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 43.
How is the job market in Spencer?
The job market in Spencer is very strong, with unemployment at just 1.7% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,072. There are 6,969 business establishments in the area, including 542 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 32 minutes, and 4.2% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Spencer?
The median home value in Spencer is $154,400. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $302,357. For renters, the median monthly rent is $832. Fair market rent is $873 for a 1-bedroom and $1,092 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 78.3%. The average annual property tax is $6,154.
How are the schools in Spencer?
Schools in Spencer score 5.9 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 10.8% of adults in Spencer hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 91.0% have completed high school. 0.5% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Spencer?
The obesity rate in Spencer is 36.2% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 15.2% of adults are smokers. 24.5% are physically inactive. 26.4% of residents report depression. 7.7% lack health insurance. 95.1% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,936.
What is transportation like in Spencer?
The average commute in Spencer is 32 minutes, longer than the national average of 28 minutes. 83% of workers drive alone to work, and 4.2% work from home.
What are the demographics of Spencer?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Spencer is 93.7% White, 2.2% Black or African American, 0.8% Hispanic or Latino. 99.6% of residents speak only English at home. 7.9% of the population are military veterans. 14.9% of residents have a disability. 97.5% have health insurance coverage.
All Countries
