Median Income
$76,406
2% higher than US avg
Home Value
$278,500
1% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
274/100K
28% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
25.6%
24% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$825
29% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
39.1%
22% higher than US avg
Unemployment
1.4%
61% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
1.1%
91% lower than US avg
How Spicer Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population1,222
Median Age44.5 yrs
Density1,002/mi²
Male / Female54% / 46%
Largest GroupWhite 80%
Veterans4.5%
Economy
A+
Median Income$76,406
Per Capita$44,603
Unemployment1.4%
Poverty1.1%
County GDP$1,586M
Commute17 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$278,500
Rent$825
Ownership67.5%
Zillow$377,543
Housing Units650
Rent Burden26.1%
Crime
F
Violent274/100K
Property2,803/100K
Health
Obesity39.1%
Uninsured7.4%
Smoking13.7%
Depression25.5%
Heart Disease4.9%
Climate
Avg Temp43°F (6°C)
AQI36 (Good)
Rain31.4 in/yr
Sunny Days270/yr
Elevation1,171 ft (357 m)
Education
B
Bachelor's+25.6%
High School+96.6%
Graduate+10.8%
School Score6.49
Community
2024 VoteR 71% / D 28%
Commute17 min
Broadband92.3%
EV Stations1
Libraries4
Is Spicer a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Spicer receives an overall livability score of 3.3 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include low unemployment, low crime rates, abundant sunshine, a low poverty rate. Areas to be aware of include high obesity rates. Spicer offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Spicer is $76,406, roughly in line with the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 1.4%. Only 1.1% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 17 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Spicer is $278,500, roughly aligned with the national median of $281,900. Renters pay a median of $825 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. A price-to-income ratio of 3.6x indicates a reasonably affordable housing market.
Safety & Crime
Violent crime in Spicer is below the national average at 274 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 2,803 per 100,000, 43% above the national average.
Education
25.6% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 96.6% have completed high school. Local schools score 6.5/10 in standardized testing, reflecting strong academic performance.
Climate & Weather
Spicer has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 43°F. Winters average 11°F in January while summers reach 72°F in July. With 270 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 31.4 inches, including 50.2 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 36.
Spicer has a population of 1,222 with a density of 1,002 people per square mile, spread across 1.2 square miles. The median age is 44.5 years, 14% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 46.4% female and 53.6% male. The city is predominantly White (80.1%), with 1.5% Black. English is the primary language spoken at home by 94.4% of residents, while 5.6% speak Spanish. 4.5% of the population are veterans, below the national rate of 6.0%. 22.8% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 94.2% have health insurance coverage.
Population
44.5yrs
Median Age
14% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
94.4%
20% above US avg
Spanish
5.6%
58% below US avg
The median household income in Spicer is $76,406, which is 2% above the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $44,603 (above the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,036, 28% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 1.4% (below the 3.6% US average). 1.1% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 708 business establishments, including 34 restaurants. The cost of living index is 98.6, roughly in line with the national average. Workers commute an average of 17 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 3.9% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $76,406 |
| 2% above US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $44,603 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,036 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $75,478 |
| Gini Index | 0.422 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 1.4% |
| 61% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 1.1% |
| 91% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 708 |
| County GDP | $1,586M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 34 |
| Healthcare | 60 |
| Retail | 68 |
| Manufacturing | 52 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $3,973 |
| 14% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 98.60 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 1.43% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 16.8 min |
| Drive Alone | 84.4% |
| Public Transit | 2.1% |
| Work from Home | 3.9% |
The median home value in Spicer is $278,500, 1% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $377,543, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $825 (29% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $899 for a one-bedroom to $1,125 for a two-bedroom apartment. 67.5% of housing units are owner-occupied. There are 650 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1981. The average annual property tax is $3,973. 26.1% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 3.6x.
Home Values
| Census Median | $278,500 |
| 1% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $377,543 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $825 |
| 29% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 26.1% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $809 |
| 1 Bedroom | $899 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,125 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,483 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,698 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 67.5% |
| Owner-Occupied | 67.5% |
| Renter-Occupied | 32.5% |
| Housing Units | 650 |
| Median Year Built | 1981 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $3,973 |
| 14% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 1.43% |
In Spicer, 39.1% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 8.6% have diabetes (below the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 4.9% of residents, below the national average. 26.6% have high blood pressure. 13.7% are current smokers. 21.1% report binge drinking. 20.6% are physically inactive, below the national average. 25.5% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 16.2% experience frequent mental distress. 7.4% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,948. The dentist ratio is 1:2,350. 40.3% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.7 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Spicer vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 39.1% |
| 22% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 8.6% |
| Heart Disease | 4.9% |
| High Blood Pressure | 26.6% |
| Asthma | 10.3% |
| COPD | 4.8% |
| Cancer | 7.4% |
| Stroke | 2.6% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 13.7% |
| 2% below US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 21.1% |
| Physical Inactivity | 20.6% |
| Depression | 25.5% |
| Mental Distress | 16.2% |
| Physical Distress | 10.8% |
| Short Sleep | 32.1% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 94.2% |
| Uninsured | 7.4% |
| 14% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,948 |
| Dentists | 1:2,350 |
| Mental Health | 1:1,175 |
| Checkup Rate | 72.7% |
| Dental Visits | 66.2% |
| Premature Death | 5,812/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.7/10 |
| Exercise Access | 40.3% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 60 |
Spicer has a violent crime rate of 274 per 100,000 residents, 28% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 2,803 per 100,000, 43% above the U.S. average. The county recorded 2 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Spicer receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Spicer vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 274.2/100K |
| 28% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 2,802.6/100K |
| 43% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 2 |
| Traffic Accidents | 98 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Spicer has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 43°F (6°C). Winters average 11°F in January while summers reach 72°F in July / a wide seasonal temperature swing of 61°F. The area gets 270 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 31.4 inches. The area receives 50.2 inches of snow annually, making winter weather a significant factor for residents. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 36. The city sits at an elevation of 1,171 feet.
Temperature
11°F Jan (-12°C)
72°F Jul (22°C)
| Annual Average | 43.0°F |
| 20% below US avg |
| January Average | 11°F (-12°C) |
| July Average | 72°F (22°C) |
| Sunny Days | 270 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,171 ft (357 m) |
| Area | 1.2 sq mi (3.0 km²) |
| Population Density | 1,002/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 45.2336°N, 94.9400°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Meeker County County |
| Nearest Airport | St Cloud Regional (STC) 48 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
31.4"
17% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
4.57"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 36.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 27.0 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 12.2 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 94.2 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Moderate |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Moderate |
| Lightning |
Relatively Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
Relatively Low |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
4 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M4.1. Most recent: M2.8 on Apr 25, 2017.
| Jun 5, 1993 |
11 km N of Johnson, Minnesota |
M4.1 |
116 km |
| Feb 9, 1994 |
6 km NNE of Blomkest, Minnesota |
M3.1 |
26 km |
| Apr 25, 2017 |
Near Mankato, Minnesota |
M2.8 |
138 km |
| Apr 29, 2011 |
Minnesota |
M2.5 |
96 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
450 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 8 fatalities, 345 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jul 25, 2000 |
EF4 |
68 km |
1 |
| Jun 19, 1951 |
EF4 |
60 km |
1 |
| Jul 11, 2008 |
EF3 |
24 km |
0 |
| Jul 1, 1997 |
EF3 |
73 km |
0 |
| Jun 16, 1992 |
EF3 |
61 km |
0 |
| Jun 16, 1992 |
EF3 |
88 km |
0 |
| Jun 16, 1992 |
EF3 |
84 km |
0 |
| Sep 3, 1980 |
EF3 |
65 km |
1 |
| May 6, 1965 |
EF3 |
86 km |
0 |
| Jun 18, 1964 |
EF3 |
60 km |
0 |
| May 5, 1964 |
EF3 |
41 km |
0 |
| May 30, 2022 |
EF2 |
65 km |
0 |
| Jul 11, 2016 |
EF2 |
42 km |
0 |
| Jul 11, 2016 |
EF2 |
33 km |
0 |
| Jul 14, 2009 |
EF2 |
44 km |
0 |
| Jun 24, 2003 |
EF2 |
68 km |
0 |
| Jun 13, 2001 |
EF2 |
89 km |
0 |
| Jun 11, 2001 |
EF2 |
54 km |
0 |
| Sep 18, 1997 |
EF2 |
88 km |
0 |
| Jul 1, 1997 |
EF2 |
88 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: UNIT 4 (5,887 ac, 2002).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2002 |
UNIT 4 |
5,887 |
96 km |
| 2009 |
BU9 |
4,112 |
96 km |
| 2009 |
BU11 |
3,242 |
97 km |
| 1997 |
BIG |
2,987 |
100 km |
| 2024 |
UNIT 8E RX |
2,551 |
97 km |
| 1992 |
SHARPTAIL |
2,288 |
100 km |
| 2003 |
CHIPPEWA PRAIRIE |
2,067 |
84 km |
| 2010 |
WUI 10 UNIT D |
2,042 |
100 km |
| 2006 |
UNIT 4 |
1,732 |
97 km |
| 1987 |
UNNAMED |
1,655 |
97 km |
| 2009 |
UNIT 23 24 26 |
1,644 |
100 km |
| 1995 |
ANTLER |
1,603 |
100 km |
| 1987 |
UNNAMED |
1,280 |
100 km |
| 1998 |
UNITS 23 A |
1,268 |
94 km |
| 1996 |
CARPENTER |
1,207 |
95 km |
| 1992 |
UNITS 68 |
1,142 |
95 km |
| 1998 |
WEST SKUNK |
1,129 |
97 km |
| 1993 |
UNIT 2 |
1,095 |
94 km |
| 2000 |
UNIT 1 |
1,073 |
93 km |
| 2006 |
UNIT 12 E |
1,068 |
98 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
11°F (-12°C) |
0.8 in |
Coldest |
| February |
18°F (-8°C) |
0.8 in |
Driest |
| March |
29°F (-1°C) |
1.7 in |
|
| April |
45°F (7°C) |
2.4 in |
|
| May |
58°F (15°C) |
3.4 in |
|
| June |
67°F (20°C) |
4.6 in |
Wettest |
| July |
72°F (22°C) |
3.5 in |
Warmest |
| August |
69°F (21°C) |
3.6 in |
|
| September |
60°F (15°C) |
3.1 in |
|
| October |
48°F (9°C) |
2.3 in |
|
| November |
30°F (-1°C) |
1.3 in |
|
| December |
16°F (-9°C) |
0.8 in |
|
Spicer has a seasonal temperature swing of 61°F / from 11°F in January to 72°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 28.2 inches, with June being the wettest month (4.6") and February the driest (0.8").
Average costs for common services in Spicer. Prices are estimated based on regional cost of living data and may vary by provider.
Healthcare
| Doctor Visit (Primary Care) |
$247 ($148–$394) |
| Specialist Visit |
$345 ($197–$542) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$197 ($99–$345) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$2,169 ($789–$4,930) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$128 ($74–$197) |
| Dental Filling |
$247 ($148–$394) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$44 ($25–$74) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$74 ($49–$118) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$296 ($148–$493) |
| Tire Rotation |
$39 ($20–$74) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$592 ($394–$986) |
| Battery Replacement |
$197 ($99–$345) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$99 ($59–$148) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$89 ($49–$138) |
| HVAC Repair |
$394 ($148–$789) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,902 ($3,944–$11,832) |
| Roof Repair |
$986 ($394–$1,972) |
| Roof Replacement |
$8,874 ($5,423–$14,790) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,479 ($493–$3,451) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$14,790 ($4,930–$29,580) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,930 ($1,972–$9,860) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,479 ($789–$2,958) |
| Will Preparation |
$493 ($197–$986) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,465 ($986–$4,930) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$25 ($15–$44) |
| Women's Haircut |
$54 ($30–$99) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$148 ($74–$247) |
| Manicure |
$25 ($15–$44) |
| Pedicure |
$39 ($25–$64) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$79 ($49–$128) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$4.04 ($2.96–$5.42) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.45 ($2.47–$4.93) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.75 ($2.47–$5.42) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.44 ($2.96–$6.41) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$5.42 ($3.94–$7.40) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.99 ($0.59–$1.77) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$138 ($79–$247) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$69 ($30–$148) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$69 ($39–$118) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$69 ($39–$99) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$64 ($30–$99) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$84 ($49–$148) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$197 ($74–$493) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,972 ($1,183–$3,451) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$69 ($30–$128) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$15 ($7.89–$25) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$99 ($30–$247) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$30 ($15–$74) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,183 ($592–$2,465) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$986 ($493–$1,972) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$394 ($197–$690) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$49 ($25–$99) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$986 ($394–$2,465) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$12,325 ($4,930–$29,580) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$59 ($30–$99) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$99 ($49–$197) |
| Dog Grooming |
$59 ($30–$99) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$39 ($20–$74) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$296 ($148–$493) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$197 ($99–$394) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $914 |
| Toddler | $853 |
| Preschool | $787 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $534 |
| Toddler | $541 |
| Preschool | $541 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Spicer
What is the population of Spicer?
Spicer has a population of 1,222 residents and is located in Minnesota. The population density is 1,002 people per square mile, spread across 1.2 square miles. The median age of residents is 44.5 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 46.4% female and 53.6% male.
Is Spicer expensive to live in?
Spicer has a cost of living roughly in line with the national average, with an index of 98.6 (baseline: 100). The median household income is $76,406, 2% above the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $278,500 (1% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $825 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 3.6x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Spicer safe?
Spicer is safer than the national average, with a violent crime rate of 274 per 100,000 compared to the U.S. rate of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 2,803 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Spicer receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Spicer?
Spicer has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 43°F (6°C). Winter temperatures average 11°F in January, while summers reach an average of 72°F in July. The area receives 270 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 31.4 inches, with 50.2 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 36.
How is the job market in Spicer?
The job market in Spicer is very strong, with unemployment at just 1.4% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,036. There are 708 business establishments in the area, including 34 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 17 minutes, and 3.9% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Spicer?
The median home value in Spicer is $278,500. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $377,543. For renters, the median monthly rent is $825. Fair market rent is $899 for a 1-bedroom and $1,125 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 67.5%. The average annual property tax is $3,973.
How are the schools in Spicer?
Schools in Spicer score 6.5 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 25.6% of adults in Spicer hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 96.6% have completed high school. 10.8% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Spicer?
The obesity rate in Spicer is 39.1% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 13.7% of adults are smokers. 20.6% are physically inactive. 25.5% of residents report depression. 7.4% lack health insurance. 40.3% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,948.
What is transportation like in Spicer?
The average commute in Spicer is 17 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 84.4% of workers drive alone to work, 2.1% use public transit, and 3.9% work from home.
What are the demographics of Spicer?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Spicer is 80.1% White, 1.5% Black or African American, 0.7% Hispanic or Latino. 94.4% of residents speak only English at home, while 5.6% speak Spanish. 4.5% of the population are military veterans. 22.8% of residents have a disability. 94.2% have health insurance coverage.