Median Income
$25,897
66% lower than US avg
Home Value
$108,700
61% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
7.3%
78% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$658
43% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
44.0%
37% higher than US avg
Unemployment
6.6%
83% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
33.6%
171% higher than US avg
How Spencer Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population2,137
Median Age43.5 yrs
Density1,710/mi²
Male / Female49% / 51%
Largest GroupWhite 96%
Economy
D
Median Income$25,897
Per Capita$20,334
Unemployment6.6%
Poverty33.6%
County GDP$367M
Commute22 min
Housing
A
Home Value$108,700
Rent$658
OwnershipN/A
Zillow$110,866
Health
Obesity44.0%
UninsuredN/A
Depression35.9%
Heart Disease8.8%
Climate
Avg Temp52°F
AQI39 (Good)
Rain47.4 in/yr
Elevation830 ft
Education
D
Bachelor's+7.3%
High School+77.7%
School Score4.81
Community
2024 VoteR 76% / D 22%
Commute22 min
Libraries3
Is Spencer a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Spencer receives an overall livability score of 2.5 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C+. Key strengths include affordable housing, high health insurance coverage. Areas to be aware of include above-average unemployment, an elevated poverty rate, 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 $25,897, 66% below the national average of $75,149. The unemployment rate of 6.6% is somewhat elevated compared to the national rate of 3.6%. The poverty rate of 33.6% exceeds the national average of 12.4%, indicating economic hardship for a significant portion of the population. Workers commute an average of 22 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Spencer is $108,700, 61% below the national median — offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $658 per month, below the national average — a plus for affordability. A price-to-income ratio of 4.2x indicates a reasonably affordable housing market.
Education
7.3% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 77.7% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 4.8/10.
Climate & Weather
Spencer experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 52°F. Winters average 31°F in January while summers reach 73°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 47.4 inches, including 24.2 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 39.
Spencer has a population of 2,137 with a density of 1,710 people per square mile. The median age is 43.5 years, 12% older than the national median of 38.9. The city is predominantly White (95.8%).
Population
43.5yrs
Median Age
12% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
| English Only | 97.6% |
| 24% above US avg |
| Spanish | 2.4% |
| 82% below US avg |
The median household income in Spencer is $25,897, which is 66% below the national average of $75,149. The unemployment rate is 6.6% (above the 3.6% US average). 33.6% of residents live below the poverty line. Workers commute an average of 22 minutes.
Income
| Median HH Income | $25,897 |
| 66% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $20,334 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $888 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $50,612 |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 6.6% |
| 83% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 33.6% |
| 171% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 357 |
| County GDP | $367M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 13 |
| Healthcare | 23 |
| Retail | 38 |
| Manufacturing | 9 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $1,333 |
| 62% below US avg |
| Effective Tax Rate | 1.23% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 22.1 min |
| Work from Home | 3.9% |
The median home value in Spencer is $108,700, 61% below the national average. Monthly rent averages $658 (43% below US avg). Zillow estimates the typical home value at $110,866.
Home Values
| Census Median | $108,700 |
| 61% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $110,866 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $658 |
| 43% below US avg |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $714 |
| 1 Bedroom | $766 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $945 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,231 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,380 |
Ownership & Property
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $1,333 |
| 62% below US avg |
| Effective Rate | 1.23% |
In Spencer, 44.0% of adults are obese (above the 32.1% national rate). 35.9% report depression. 41.9% are physically inactive.
Health Metrics: Spencer vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 44.0% |
| 37% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 16.6% |
| Heart Disease | 8.8% |
| High Blood Pressure | 43.2% |
| Asthma | 13.8% |
| COPD | 14.0% |
| Stroke | 4.6% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| |
| Binge Drinking | 14.0% |
| Physical Inactivity | 41.9% |
| Depression | 35.9% |
| Mental Distress | 27.0% |
| Physical Distress | 21.1% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 93.2% |
| |
| Checkup Rate | 76.8% |
| Premature Death | 12,745/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 6.2/10 |
| Exercise Access | 43.3% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 23 |
Crime Rates: Spencer vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 3 |
Safety Score
Spencer has an average annual temperature of 52°F (11°C). Winters average 31°F in January while summers reach 73°F in July. Annual precipitation is 47.4 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 39.
Temperature
31°F Jan (-1°C)
73°F Jul (23°C)
| Annual Average | 52.3°F |
| 3% below US avg |
| January Average | 31°F (-1°C) |
| July Average | 73°F (23°C) |
Precipitation & Snow
| Annual Rainfall | 47.4 inches |
| 25% above US avg |
| Snowfall | 24.2 inches/yr |
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 39.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Geography
| Elevation | 830 ft (253 m) |
| Area | 1.3 sq mi (3.2 km²) |
| Population Density | 1,710/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 38.8000°N, 81.3534°W |
| County FIPS | 54087 |