Median Income
$73,627
2% lower than US avg
Home Value
$218,400
23% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
589/100K
55% higher than US avg
Bachelor's+
32.0%
5% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$885
24% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
39.1%
22% higher than US avg
Unemployment
1.5%
58% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
2.5%
80% lower than US avg
How Spirit Lake Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population5,469
Median Age40.6 yrs
Density1,210/mi²
Male / Female50% / 50%
Largest GroupWhite 92%
Veterans6.7%
Economy
A+
Median Income$73,627
Per Capita$41,566
Unemployment1.5%
Poverty2.5%
County GDP$1,529M
Commute14 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$218,400
Rent$885
Ownership66.2%
Zillow$321,161
Housing Units2,834
Rent Burden20.2%
Crime
F
Violent589/100K
Property1,413/100K
Murder0.0/100K
Assault510/100K
Burglary255/100K
Health
Obesity39.1%
Uninsured6.6%
Smoking15.6%
Depression21.5%
Heart Disease5.4%
Climate
Avg Temp46°F (8°C)
AQI43 (Good)
Rain29.1 in/yr
Sunny Days291/yr
Elevation1,461 ft (445 m)
Education
B+
Bachelor's+32.0%
High School+97.2%
Graduate+7.8%
School Score6.40
Community
2024 VoteR 69% / D 29%
Commute14 min
Broadband84.4%
EV Stations3
Libraries5
Is Spirit Lake a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Spirit Lake receives an overall livability score of 3.5 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 elevated crime rates, high obesity rates. Spirit Lake offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Spirit Lake is $73,627, roughly in line with the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 1.5%. Only 2.5% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 14 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Spirit Lake is $218,400, 23% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $885 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 3x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
The violent crime rate of 589 per 100,000 is above the national average of 380 / something for prospective residents to consider. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,413 per 100,000, 28% below the national average.
Education
32.0% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 97.2% have completed high school. Local schools score 6.4/10 in standardized testing, reflecting strong academic performance.
Climate & Weather
Spirit Lake experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 46°F. Winters average 16°F in January while summers reach 73°F in July. With 291 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 29.1 inches, including 41.5 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43.
Spirit Lake has a population of 5,469 with a density of 1,210 people per square mile, spread across 4.5 square miles. The median age is 40.6 years, 4% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 50.1% female and 49.9% male. The city is predominantly White (91.5%), with 1.2% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 96.6% of residents. 6.7% of the population are veterans. 15.1% of residents have a disability. 98.8% have health insurance coverage.
Population
40.6yrs
Median Age
4% above US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Spirit Lake vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
96.6%
23% above US avg
Spanish
3.4%
75% below US avg
Social Characteristics
Spirit Lake vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Spirit Lake is $73,627, which is 2% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $41,566. The average weekly wage is $897, 37% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 1.5% (below the 3.6% US average). 2.5% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 958 business establishments, including 107 restaurants. The cost of living index is 87.8, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 14 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 10.2% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income: Spirit Lake vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $73,627 |
| 2% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $41,566 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $897 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $99,626 |
| Gini Index | 0.441 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 1.5% |
| 58% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 2.5% |
| 80% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 958 |
| County GDP | $1,529M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 107 |
| Healthcare | 59 |
| Retail | 107 |
| Manufacturing | 39 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $7,645 |
| 118% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 87.80 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 3.50% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 13.5 min |
| Drive Alone | 79.4% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 10.2% |
The median home value in Spirit Lake is $218,400, 23% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $321,161, higher than the Census estimate. Homes sell for 91.8% of their list price, suggesting buyers have room to negotiate. Monthly rent averages $885 (24% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $788 for a one-bedroom to $989 for a two-bedroom apartment. 66.2% of housing units are owner-occupied. There are 2,834 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1977. The average annual property tax is $7,645 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 20.2% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 3x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $218,400 |
| 23% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $321,161 |
| Median List Price | $412,000 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
| Median List Price | $412,000 |
| $/Sq Ft | $159 |
| Homes Sold | 4 |
| Sale-to-List Ratio | 91.8% |
| Price Drops | 0.0% |
| Inventory | 24 |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $885 |
| 24% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 20.2% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $738 |
| 1 Bedroom | $788 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $989 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,282 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,420 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 66.2% |
| Owner-Occupied | 66.2% |
| Renter-Occupied | 33.8% |
| Housing Units | 2,834 |
| Median Year Built | 1977 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $7,645 |
| 118% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 3.50% |
In Spirit Lake, 39.1% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 9.2% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.4% of residents. 30.5% have high blood pressure. 15.6% are current smokers. 21.8% report binge drinking. 23.5% are physically inactive. 21.5% report depression. 17.5% experience frequent mental distress. 6.6% of residents lack health insurance (below the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,190. The dentist ratio is 1:1,387. 79.7% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 9.2 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Spirit Lake vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 39.1% |
| 22% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 9.2% |
| Heart Disease | 5.4% |
| High Blood Pressure | 30.5% |
| Asthma | 10.3% |
| COPD | 6.2% |
| Cancer | 7.5% |
| Stroke | 2.8% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 15.6% |
| 11% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 21.8% |
| Physical Inactivity | 23.5% |
| Depression | 21.5% |
| Mental Distress | 17.5% |
| Physical Distress | 11.8% |
| Short Sleep | 33.9% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 98.8% |
| Uninsured | 6.6% |
| 23% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,190 |
| Dentists | 1:1,387 |
| Mental Health | 1:860 |
| Checkup Rate | 74.7% |
| Dental Visits | 68.2% |
| Premature Death | 4,872/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 9.2/10 |
| Exercise Access | 79.7% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 59 |
Spirit Lake has a violent crime rate of 589 per 100,000 residents, 55% above the national average of 380. This breaks down to aggravated assault at 510.1 per 100,000, robbery at 0.0, rape at 78.5. The murder rate is 0.0 per 100,000 (below the national rate of 6.3). Property crime stands at 1,413 per 100,000, 28% below the U.S. average. This includes larceny/theft at 1,040, burglary at 255, vehicle theft at 118 per 100,000 residents. The county recorded 1 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Spirit Lake receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Spirit Lake vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 588.6/100K |
| 55% above US avg |
| Murder | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg |
| Rape | 78.5/100K |
| Robbery | 0.0/100K |
| Assault | 510.1/100K |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 1,412.6/100K |
| 28% below US avg |
| Burglary | 255.1/100K |
| Theft | 1,039.8/100K |
| Vehicle Theft | 117.7/100K |
| Arson | 0.0/100K |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 1 |
| Traffic Accidents | 18 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.4 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Spirit Lake experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 46°F (8°C). Winters average 16°F in January while summers reach 73°F in July. The area gets 291 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 29.1 inches (drier than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 41.5 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 1,461 feet.
Temperature
16°F Jan (-9°C)
73°F Jul (23°C)
| Annual Average | 45.7°F |
| 15% below US avg |
| January Average | 16°F (-9°C) |
| July Average | 73°F (23°C) |
| Sunny Days | 291 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,461 ft (445 m) |
| Area | 4.5 sq mi (11.7 km²) |
| Population Density | 1,210/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 43.4167°N, 95.1131°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Dickinson County County |
| Nearest Airport | Fort Dodge Regional (FOD)
76 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
29.1"
24% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
4.21"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 43.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 36.3 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 15.0 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 86.9 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Moderate |
| Lightning |
Very Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Moderate |
| Drought |
Relatively Low |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
2 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M2.8. Most recent: M2.7 on Jun 30, 2021.
| Apr 25, 2017 |
Near Mankato, Minnesota |
M2.8 |
124 km |
| Jun 30, 2021 |
4 km E of Rembrandt, Iowa |
M2.7 |
66 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
543 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF5. Total: 17 fatalities, 380 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jun 16, 1992 |
EF5 |
85 km |
1 |
| Jun 13, 1968 |
EF5 |
98 km |
9 |
| Apr 9, 2011 |
EF4 |
79 km |
0 |
| Jun 25, 2010 |
EF4 |
68 km |
0 |
| Mar 29, 1998 |
EF4 |
68 km |
1 |
| Jun 16, 1992 |
EF4 |
87 km |
0 |
| Jun 28, 1979 |
EF4 |
97 km |
3 |
| Aug 29, 1964 |
EF4 |
90 km |
0 |
| Jun 23, 1952 |
EF4 |
95 km |
0 |
| Apr 9, 2011 |
EF3 |
100 km |
0 |
| Aug 1, 2006 |
EF3 |
62 km |
0 |
| Jun 11, 2004 |
EF3 |
58 km |
0 |
| Aug 7, 1994 |
EF3 |
60 km |
0 |
| Jun 16, 1992 |
EF3 |
95 km |
0 |
| Jun 16, 1992 |
EF3 |
98 km |
0 |
| Apr 20, 1985 |
EF3 |
96 km |
0 |
| Jun 7, 1984 |
EF3 |
76 km |
0 |
| Sep 20, 1980 |
EF3 |
30 km |
0 |
| Jun 28, 1979 |
EF3 |
72 km |
2 |
| Jun 10, 1977 |
EF3 |
35 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
2 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: DEWEYS PASTURE (641 ac, 2008).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2008 |
DEWEYS PASTURE |
641 |
30 km |
| 2024 |
LINCOLN WPA RX |
575 |
96 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
16°F (-9°C) |
0.6 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
20°F (-7°C) |
0.7 in |
|
| March |
32°F (-0°C) |
1.8 in |
|
| April |
46°F (8°C) |
2.8 in |
|
| May |
59°F (15°C) |
3.4 in |
|
| June |
68°F (20°C) |
4.2 in |
Wettest |
| July |
73°F (23°C) |
3.9 in |
Warmest |
| August |
70°F (21°C) |
3.7 in |
|
| September |
61°F (16°C) |
3.3 in |
|
| October |
49°F (9°C) |
2.1 in |
|
| November |
32°F (0°C) |
1.3 in |
|
| December |
19°F (-7°C) |
0.8 in |
|
Spirit Lake has a seasonal temperature swing of 57°F / from 16°F in January to 73°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 28.6 inches, with June being the wettest month (4.2") and January the driest (0.6").
Average costs for common services in Spirit Lake. Prices are estimated based on regional cost of living data and may vary by provider.
Healthcare
| Doctor Visit (Primary Care) |
$220 ($132–$351) |
| Specialist Visit |
$307 ($176–$483) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$176 ($88–$307) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$1,932 ($702–$4,390) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$114 ($66–$176) |
| Dental Filling |
$220 ($132–$351) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$40 ($22–$66) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$66 ($44–$105) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$263 ($132–$439) |
| Tire Rotation |
$35 ($18–$66) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$527 ($351–$878) |
| Battery Replacement |
$176 ($88–$307) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$88 ($53–$132) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$79 ($44–$123) |
| HVAC Repair |
$351 ($132–$702) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,146 ($3,512–$10,536) |
| Roof Repair |
$878 ($351–$1,756) |
| Roof Replacement |
$7,902 ($4,829–$13,170) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,317 ($439–$3,073) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$13,170 ($4,390–$26,340) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,390 ($1,756–$8,780) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,317 ($702–$2,634) |
| Will Preparation |
$439 ($176–$878) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,195 ($878–$4,390) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$22 ($13–$40) |
| Women's Haircut |
$48 ($26–$88) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$132 ($66–$220) |
| Manicure |
$22 ($13–$40) |
| Pedicure |
$35 ($22–$57) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$70 ($44–$114) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$3.60 ($2.63–$4.83) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.07 ($2.20–$4.39) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.34 ($2.20–$4.83) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$3.95 ($2.63–$5.71) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$4.83 ($3.51–$6.59) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.88 ($0.53–$1.58) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$123 ($70–$220) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$61 ($26–$132) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$61 ($35–$105) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$61 ($35–$88) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$57 ($26–$88) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$75 ($44–$132) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$176 ($66–$439) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,756 ($1,054–$3,073) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$61 ($26–$114) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$13 ($7.02–$22) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$88 ($26–$220) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$26 ($13–$66) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,054 ($527–$2,195) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$878 ($439–$1,756) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$351 ($176–$615) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$44 ($22–$88) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$878 ($351–$2,195) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$10,975 ($4,390–$26,340) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$53 ($26–$88) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$88 ($44–$176) |
| Dog Grooming |
$53 ($26–$88) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$35 ($18–$66) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$263 ($132–$439) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$176 ($88–$351) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $717 |
| Toddler | $617 |
| Preschool | $617 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $484 |
| Toddler | $476 |
| Preschool | $476 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Spirit Lake
What is the population of Spirit Lake?
Spirit Lake has a population of 5,469 residents and is located in Iowa. The population density is 1,210 people per square mile, spread across 4.5 square miles. The median age of residents is 40.6 years. The population is 50.1% female and 49.9% male.
Is Spirit Lake expensive to live in?
Spirit Lake is more affordable than the national average, with a cost of living index of 87.8 / below the baseline of 100. The median household income is $73,627, 2% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $218,400 (23% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $885 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 3x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Spirit Lake safe?
The violent crime rate in Spirit Lake is 589 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 1,413 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Spirit Lake receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Spirit Lake?
Spirit Lake has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 46°F (8°C). Winter temperatures average 16°F in January, while summers reach an average of 73°F in July. The area receives 291 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 29.1 inches, with 41.5 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 43.
How is the job market in Spirit Lake?
The job market in Spirit Lake is very strong, with unemployment at just 1.5% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $897. There are 958 business establishments in the area, including 107 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 14 minutes, and 10.2% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Spirit Lake?
The median home value in Spirit Lake is $218,400. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $321,161. For renters, the median monthly rent is $885. Fair market rent is $788 for a 1-bedroom and $989 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 66.2%. The average annual property tax is $7,645.
How are the schools in Spirit Lake?
Schools in Spirit Lake score 6.4 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 32.0% of adults in Spirit Lake hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 97.2% have completed high school. 7.8% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Spirit Lake?
The obesity rate in Spirit Lake is 39.1% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 15.6% of adults are smokers. 23.5% are physically inactive. 21.5% of residents report depression. 6.6% lack health insurance (below the national rate). 79.7% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,190.
What is transportation like in Spirit Lake?
The average commute in Spirit Lake is 14 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 79.4% of workers drive alone to work, and 10.2% work from home.
What are the demographics of Spirit Lake?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Spirit Lake is 91.5% White, 1.2% Hispanic or Latino. 96.6% of residents speak only English at home, while 3.4% speak Spanish. 6.7% of the population are military veterans. 15.1% of residents have a disability. 98.8% have health insurance coverage.
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