Median Income
$46,563
38% lower than US avg
Home Value
$135,000
52% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
128/100K
66% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
8.9%
74% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$643
45% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
38.0%
18% higher than US avg
Unemployment
0.5%
86% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
10.4%
16% lower than US avg
How Spencer Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population1,494
Median Age48.8 yrs
Density228/mi²
Male / Female44% / 57%
Largest GroupWhite 92%
Veterans5.8%
Economy
B+
Median Income$46,563
Per Capita$24,206
Unemployment0.5%
Poverty10.4%
County GDP$134M
Commute29 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$135,000
Rent$643
Ownership71.5%
Zillow$220,239
Housing Units688
Rent Burden26.7%
Crime
F
Violent128/100K
Property702/100K
Health
Obesity38.0%
Uninsured5.8%
Smoking21.1%
Depression32.1%
Heart Disease6.2%
Climate
Avg Temp55°F (13°C)
Rain59.0 in/yr
Elevation1,805 ft (550 m)
Education
D
Bachelor's+8.9%
High School+81.6%
Graduate+2.3%
School Score4.35
Community
2024 VoteR 83% / D 16%
Commute29 min
Broadband90.9%
EV Stations1
Libraries1
Is Spencer a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Spencer receives an overall livability score of 2.9 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C+. Key strengths include low unemployment, low crime rates, affordable housing, high health insurance coverage. Areas to be aware of include below-average incomes. Spencer has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Spencer is $46,563, 38% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 0.5%. 10.4% of residents live in poverty, near the national average of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 29 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Spencer is $135,000, 52% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $643 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 2.9x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Spencer is a very safe community with a violent crime rate of 128 per 100,000 residents / well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 702 per 100,000, 64% below the national average.
Education
8.9% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 81.6% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 4.3/10.
Climate & Weather
Spencer experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 55°F. Winters average 36°F in January while summers reach 74°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 59.0 inches.
Spencer has a population of 1,494 with a density of 228 people per square mile, spread across 6.9 square miles. The median age is 48.8 years, 25% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 56.5% female and 43.5% male. The city is predominantly White (92.2%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 99.5% of residents. 5.8% of the population are veterans. 24.8% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 94.2% have health insurance coverage.
Population
1,494
Total Population
2023 Census
48.8yrs
Median Age
25% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
99.5%
27% above US avg
Spanish
0.0%
100% below US avg
The median household income in Spencer is $46,563, which is 38% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $24,206 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $762, 47% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 0.5% (below the 3.6% US average). 10.4% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 83 business establishments, including 36 restaurants. The cost of living index is 91.9, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 29 minutes. 2.4% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $46,563 |
| 38% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $24,206 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $762 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $56,492 |
| Gini Index | 0.433 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 0.5% |
| 86% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 10.4% |
| 16% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 83 |
| County GDP | $134M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 36 |
| Healthcare | 3 |
| Retail | 11 |
| Manufacturing | 8 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $3,175 |
| 9% below US avg |
| Cost of Living | 91.90 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 2.35% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 29.4 min |
| Drive Alone | 81.2% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 2.4% |
The median home value in Spencer is $135,000, 52% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $220,239, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $643 (45% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $924 for a one-bedroom to $1,118 for a two-bedroom apartment. 71.5% of housing units are owner-occupied. There are 688 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1977. The average annual property tax is $3,175. 26.7% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.9x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $135,000 |
| 52% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $220,239 |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $643 |
| 45% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 26.7% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $882 |
| 1 Bedroom | $924 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,118 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,445 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,644 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 71.5% |
| Owner-Occupied | 71.5% |
| Renter-Occupied | 28.5% |
| Housing Units | 688 |
| Median Year Built | 1977 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $3,175 |
| 9% below US avg |
| Effective Rate | 2.35% |
In Spencer, 38.0% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 11.1% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 6.2% of residents. 35.8% have high blood pressure. 21.1% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 16.2% report binge drinking. 28.0% are physically inactive. 32.1% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 22.5% experience frequent mental distress. 5.8% of residents lack health insurance (below the 8.6% national rate). The dentist ratio is 1:6,429. 10.2% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 7.3 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Spencer vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 38.0% |
| 18% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 11.1% |
| Heart Disease | 6.2% |
| High Blood Pressure | 35.8% |
| Asthma | 11.4% |
| COPD | 8.8% |
| Cancer | 7.5% |
| Stroke | 3.3% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 21.1% |
| 51% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 16.2% |
| Physical Inactivity | 28.0% |
| Depression | 32.1% |
| Mental Distress | 22.5% |
| Physical Distress | 15.7% |
| Short Sleep | 39.7% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 94.2% |
| Uninsured | 5.8% |
| 33% below US avg |
| Dentists | 1:6,429 |
| Mental Health | 1:3,247 |
| Checkup Rate | 74.8% |
| Dental Visits | 52.1% |
| Premature Death | 15,544/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.3/10 |
| Exercise Access | 10.2% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 3 |
Spencer has a violent crime rate of 128 per 100,000 residents, 66% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 702 per 100,000, 64% below the U.S. average. The county recorded 2 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 | 127.7/100K |
| 66% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 702.4/100K |
| 64% below US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 2 |
| Traffic Accidents | 4 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.5 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Spencer experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 55°F (13°C). Winters average 36°F in January while summers reach 74°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 59.0 inches (wetter than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 5.0 inches of snow annually. The city sits at an elevation of 1,805 feet.
Temperature
36°F Jan (2°C)
74°F Jul (23°C)
| Annual Average | 55.3°F |
| 2% above US avg |
| January Average | 36°F (2°C) |
| July Average | 74°F (23°C) |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,805 ft (550 m) |
| Area | 6.9 sq mi (17.8 km²) |
| Population Density | 228/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 35.7392°N, 85.4561°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Van Buren County County |
| Nearest Airport | Tullahoma Regional/Wm Northern Field (THA)
51 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
59.0"
55% above US avg
Wettest Month (Mar)
6.16"
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 2.7 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 25.6 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 13.6 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Very Low |
| Hail |
Very Low |
| Strong Wind |
Very Low |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Low |
| Lightning |
Very Low |
| Ice Storm |
Very Low |
| Drought |
Very Low |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Relatively Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
152 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M4.6. Most recent: M2.6 on Jul 10, 2025.
| Apr 29, 2003 |
8 km S of Valley Head, Alabama |
M4.6 |
139 km |
| May 10, 2025 |
21 km SE of Greenback, Tennessee |
M4.1 |
135 km |
| Dec 8, 2001 |
5 km SW of Pleasant Groves, Alabama |
M3.9 |
134 km |
| Jan 20, 2020 |
2 km NE of Fincastle, Tennessee |
M3.8 |
150 km |
| Jul 5, 1995 |
12 km ESE of Tellico Plains, Tennessee |
M3.7 |
125 km |
| Jun 17, 1998 |
9 km SSE of Coalfield, Tennessee |
M3.6 |
99 km |
| Jun 19, 2007 |
10 km ENE of Spencer, Tennessee |
M3.5 |
10 km |
| Jul 19, 1997 |
12 km E of Cohutta, Georgia |
M3.5 |
105 km |
| Apr 20, 2010 |
4 km SW of Maryville, Tennessee |
M3.3 |
131 km |
| Mar 18, 1995 |
10 km SE of Dayton, Tennessee |
M3.3 |
58 km |
| Apr 11, 2006 |
5 km NE of Etowah, Tennessee |
M3.3 |
98 km |
| Aug 31, 2009 |
2 km NNE of Friendsville, Tennessee |
M3.3 |
120 km |
| Mar 21, 2001 |
7 km ESE of Trenton, Georgia |
M3.2 |
99 km |
| May 10, 2006 |
3 km WNW of Madisonville, Tennessee |
M3.2 |
99 km |
| Apr 5, 1994 |
10 km N of Trenton, Georgia |
M3.2 |
86 km |
| Mar 7, 2001 |
5 km WNW of Decatur, Tennessee |
M3.2 |
60 km |
| Mar 7, 2001 |
6 km NW of Decatur, Tennessee |
M3.2 |
59 km |
| Aug 1, 2009 |
8 km ENE of Ducktown, Tennessee |
M3.2 |
130 km |
| May 10, 2020 |
7 km SSE of Sewanee, Tennessee |
M3.1 |
77 km |
| Apr 29, 2003 |
7 km E of Fort Payne, Alabama |
M3.1 |
145 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990-2025)
Tornado History
419 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 123 fatalities, 1,693 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Mar 3, 2020 |
EF4 |
52 km |
19 |
| Apr 27, 2011 |
EF4 |
99 km |
20 |
| Apr 27, 2011 |
EF4 |
45 km |
4 |
| Jan 24, 1997 |
EF4 |
94 km |
0 |
| Apr 3, 1974 |
EF4 |
34 km |
10 |
| Apr 3, 1974 |
EF4 |
66 km |
7 |
| Apr 3, 1974 |
EF4 |
93 km |
5 |
| May 2, 1953 |
EF4 |
66 km |
4 |
| Feb 13, 1952 |
EF4 |
97 km |
3 |
| Apr 12, 2020 |
EF3 |
91 km |
2 |
| Nov 30, 2016 |
EF3 |
96 km |
2 |
| Mar 2, 2012 |
EF3 |
73 km |
0 |
| May 11, 2003 |
EF3 |
88 km |
0 |
| Nov 10, 2002 |
EF3 |
37 km |
4 |
| Nov 10, 2002 |
EF3 |
84 km |
7 |
| Apr 28, 2002 |
EF3 |
83 km |
0 |
| Apr 16, 1998 |
EF3 |
91 km |
0 |
| Mar 29, 1997 |
EF3 |
83 km |
0 |
| Mar 29, 1997 |
EF3 |
78 km |
0 |
| May 18, 1995 |
EF3 |
24 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950-2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: UNNAMED (4,675 ac, 2003).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2003 |
UNNAMED |
4,675 |
67 km |
| 2001 |
UNNAMED |
4,635 |
77 km |
| 2001 |
UNNAMED |
4,213 |
50 km |
| 2000 |
UNNAMED |
3,539 |
65 km |
| 2016 |
WHITE OAK CIRCLE |
3,182 |
96 km |
| 1999 |
UNNAMED |
2,638 |
28 km |
| 2000 |
UNNAMED |
2,355 |
86 km |
| 2000 |
DARROW RDG |
2,265 |
97 km |
| 2001 |
UNNAMED |
2,084 |
65 km |
| 2016 |
BRIDGE CREEK ROAD |
1,777 |
56 km |
| 2016 |
BENCH BLUFF |
1,715 |
25 km |
| 2001 |
UNNAMED |
1,691 |
50 km |
| 2003 |
UNNAMED |
1,635 |
24 km |
| 2001 |
UNNAMED |
1,491 |
45 km |
| 2001 |
UNNAMED |
1,301 |
66 km |
| 2004 |
UNNAMED |
1,271 |
95 km |
| 2003 |
UNNAMED |
1,259 |
44 km |
| 2001 |
UNNAMED |
1,250 |
28 km |
| 2003 |
UNNAMED |
1,247 |
81 km |
| 2004 |
UNNAMED |
1,236 |
18 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
36°F (2°C) |
5.4 in |
Coldest |
| February |
39°F (4°C) |
5.2 in |
|
| March |
46°F (8°C) |
6.2 in |
Wettest |
| April |
55°F (13°C) |
5.4 in |
|
| May |
63°F (17°C) |
4.8 in |
|
| June |
70°F (21°C) |
5.0 in |
|
| July |
74°F (23°C) |
5.2 in |
Warmest |
| August |
73°F (23°C) |
3.8 in |
|
| September |
67°F (20°C) |
4.3 in |
|
| October |
57°F (14°C) |
3.4 in |
Driest |
| November |
46°F (8°C) |
4.6 in |
|
| December |
39°F (4°C) |
5.7 in |
|
Spencer has a seasonal temperature swing of 38°F / from 36°F in January to 74°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 59.0 inches, with March being the wettest month (6.2") and October the driest (3.4").
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) |
$230 ($138-$368) |
| Specialist Visit |
$322 ($184-$505) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$184 ($92-$322) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$2,022 ($735-$4,595) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$119 ($69-$184) |
| Dental Filling |
$230 ($138-$368) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$41 ($23-$69) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$69 ($46-$110) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$276 ($138-$460) |
| Tire Rotation |
$37 ($18-$69) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$551 ($368-$919) |
| Battery Replacement |
$184 ($92-$322) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$92 ($55-$138) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$83 ($46-$129) |
| HVAC Repair |
$368 ($138-$735) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,433 ($3,676-$11,028) |
| Roof Repair |
$919 ($368-$1,838) |
| Roof Replacement |
$8,271 ($5,055-$13,785) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,379 ($460-$3,217) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$13,785 ($4,595-$27,570) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,595 ($1,838-$9,190) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,379 ($735-$2,757) |
| Will Preparation |
$460 ($184-$919) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,298 ($919-$4,595) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$23 ($14-$41) |
| Women's Haircut |
$51 ($28-$92) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$138 ($69-$230) |
| Manicure |
$23 ($14-$41) |
| Pedicure |
$37 ($23-$60) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$74 ($46-$119) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$3.77 ($2.76-$5.05) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.22 ($2.30-$4.60) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.49 ($2.30-$5.05) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.14 ($2.76-$5.97) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$5.05 ($3.68-$6.89) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.92 ($0.55-$1.65) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$129 ($74-$230) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$64 ($28-$138) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$64 ($37-$110) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$64 ($37-$92) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$60 ($28-$92) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$78 ($46-$138) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$184 ($69-$460) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,838 ($1,103-$3,217) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$64 ($28-$119) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$14 ($7.35-$23) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$92 ($28-$230) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$28 ($14-$69) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,103 ($551-$2,298) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$919 ($460-$1,838) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$368 ($184-$643) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$46 ($23-$92) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$919 ($368-$2,298) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$11,488 ($4,595-$27,570) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$55 ($28-$92) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$92 ($46-$184) |
| Dog Grooming |
$55 ($28-$92) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$37 ($18-$69) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$276 ($138-$460) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$184 ($92-$368) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $567 |
| Toddler | $476 |
| Preschool | $476 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $393 |
| Toddler | $422 |
| Preschool | $422 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Spencer
What is the population of Spencer?
Spencer has a population of 1,494 residents and is located in Tennessee. The population density is 228 people per square mile, spread across 6.9 square miles. The median age of residents is 48.8 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 56.5% female and 43.5% male.
Is Spencer expensive to live in?
Spencer is more affordable than the national average, with a cost of living index of 91.9 / below the baseline of 100. The median household income is $46,563, 38% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $135,000 (52% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $643 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.9x, 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 128 per 100,000 residents, well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 702 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 55°F (13°C). Winter temperatures average 36°F in January, while summers reach an average of 74°F in July. Annual rainfall totals 59.0 inches, with 5.0 inches of snow.
How is the job market in Spencer?
The job market in Spencer is very strong, with unemployment at just 0.5% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $762. There are 83 business establishments in the area, including 36 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 29 minutes, and 2.4% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Spencer?
The median home value in Spencer is $135,000. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $220,239. For renters, the median monthly rent is $643. Fair market rent is $924 for a 1-bedroom and $1,118 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 71.5%. The average annual property tax is $3,175.
How are the schools in Spencer?
Schools in Spencer have an average test score of 4.3 out of 10, below typical national benchmarks. Families may want to research individual school ratings. 8.9% of adults in Spencer hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 81.6% have completed high school. 2.3% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Spencer?
The obesity rate in Spencer is 38.0% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 21.1% of adults are smokers. 28.0% are physically inactive. 32.1% of residents report depression. 5.8% lack health insurance (below the national rate). 10.2% of residents have access to exercise opportunities.
What is transportation like in Spencer?
The average commute in Spencer is 29 minutes. 81.2% of workers drive alone to work, and 2.4% work from home.
What are the demographics of Spencer?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Spencer is 92.2% White. 99.5% of residents speak only English at home. 5.8% of the population are military veterans. 24.8% of residents have a disability. 94.2% have health insurance coverage.