Median Income
$46,563
38% lower than US avg
Home Value
$135,000
52% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
124/100K
67% 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
0.2%
94% 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%
Veterans5.9%
Economy
B+
Median Income$46,563
Per Capita$24,206
Unemployment0.2%
Poverty10.4%
County GDP$134M
Commute29 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$135,000
Rent$643
OwnershipN/A
Zillow$206,809
Rent Burden26.7%
Crime
F
Violent124/100K
Property1,424/100K
Murder0.0/100K
Assault62/100K
Burglary433/100K
Health
Obesity38.0%
UninsuredN/A
Depression32.1%
Heart Disease6.2%
Climate
Avg Temp55°F
AQI40 (Good)
Rain59.0 in/yr
Elevation1,805 ft
Education
D
Bachelor's+8.9%
High School+81.6%
School Score5.08
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. 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 0.2%. 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 124 per 100,000 residents — well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,424 per 100,000, 27% 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 5.1/10.
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. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 40.
Spencer has a population of 1,494 with a density of 228 people per square mile. The median age is 48.8 years, 25% older than the national median of 38.9. The city is predominantly White (92.2%), with 6.4% Hispanic.
Population
48.8yrs
Median Age
25% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
| English Only | 100.0% |
| 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. The unemployment rate is 0.2% (below the 3.6% US average). 10.4% of residents live below the poverty line. Workers commute an average of 29 minutes.
Income
| Median HH Income | $46,563 |
| 38% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $24,206 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $762 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $56,492 |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 0.2% |
| 94% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 10.4% |
| 16% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 83 |
| County GDP | $134M |
Business (County)
| Healthcare | 3 |
| Retail | 11 |
| Manufacturing | 8 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $3,175 |
| 9% below US 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 average. Monthly rent averages $643 (45% below US avg). Zillow estimates the typical home value at $206,809.
Home Values
| Census Median | $135,000 |
| 52% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $206,809 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
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
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 32.1% national rate). 32.1% report depression. 28.0% are physically inactive.
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% |
| Stroke | 3.3% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| |
| Binge Drinking | 16.2% |
| Physical Inactivity | 28.0% |
| Depression | 32.1% |
| Mental Distress | 22.5% |
| Physical Distress | 15.7% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 90.5% |
| |
| Checkup Rate | 74.8% |
| 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 124 per 100,000 residents, 67% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 1,424 per 100,000 (27% below US avg). The murder rate is 0.0 per 100,000.
Crime Rates: Spencer vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 123.8/100K |
| 67% below US avg |
| Murder | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg |
| Rape | 0.0/100K |
| Robbery | 61.9/100K |
| Assault | 61.9/100K |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 1,424.2/100K |
| 27% below US avg |
| Burglary | 433.4/100K |
| Theft | 928.8/100K |
| Vehicle Theft | 61.9/100K |
| Arson | 0.0/100K |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 2 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Spencer has an average annual temperature of 55°F (13°C). Winters average 36°F in January while summers reach 74°F in July. Annual precipitation is 59.0 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 40.
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) |
Precipitation & Snow
| Annual Rainfall | 59.0 inches |
| 55% above US avg |
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 40.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,805 ft (550 m) |
| Area | 6.6 sq mi (17.0 km²) |
| Population Density | 228/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 35.7392°N, 85.4561°W |
| County FIPS | 47175 |