Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Spencer, IA
Considering a move to Spencer, IA? With a friendly population of around 11,300, Spencer is an affordable Midwest city with a median home price of $167,000 and average rent near $770. Residents enjoy short commutes averaging just 14 minutes, low cost of living, and a strong sense of community. The city features quality schools, a major local hospital, and four distinct seasons with 60% sunny days yearly. Spencer’s low crime rates and welcoming atmosphere make it a great choice for families and anyone seeking small-town charm with modern conveniences.
Demographics - Spencer, IA
Demographics - Spencer, IA
Spencer, Iowa, is home to approximately 11,300 residents, with a median age of just over 41, reflecting a balanced and mature community. The city is predominantly White, with smaller Black, Asian, and other minority populations, and nearly 5% of residents speak a language other than English at home. Its population density and gender ratio offer a welcoming small-town feel for newcomers.
Population:
11,317
Density:
1,155 per sq mi
Median Age:
41.2
Gender Ratio:
95 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
4.8%
Ethnic Composition
White:
94.2%
Black:
0.9%
Asian:
0.7%
Others:
4.2%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Spencer, IA?
Spencer offers a notably affordable cost of living, with a median home value of $167,000 and average rent around $770. Utility and insurance costs remain modest, and the city’s cost of living index is well below the national average. Residents benefit from reasonable housing expenses and overall budget-friendly living.
Median House Value:
$167,000
Gross Rent:
$770
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$110
Auto Insurance:
$950
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,050
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$385
State Taxes:
Low:
0.33%
|
High:
8.53%
Cost Of Living Index:
80.1
Grocery:
94.0
Housing:
67.3
Utilities:
97.7
Transportation:
86.5
Health Care:
92.1
Miscellaneous:
90.5
Crime
Is Spencer, IA a safe place to live?
Spencer maintains a low crime environment, with violent crime rates significantly below national averages and property crime chances about 1 in 53. The city's safe neighborhoods and small-town atmosphere contribute to its appeal for families and retirees. Residents can enjoy peace of mind while living and raising children here.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
204
Property Crimes Per 100k:
1,892
Crime Index:
2,096
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 490
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 53
Weather
What is the weather like in Spencer, IA year-round?
Spencer experiences all four seasons, including cold winters with lows near 8°F and warm summers reaching up to 83°F. The city receives about 29 inches of rainfall annually and enjoys sunshine 60% of the year, making for pleasant seasonal changes and outdoor opportunities. Residents should be prepared for both snowy winters and mild, sunny summers.
Winter
Min:
8°F
Max:
28°F
Spring
Min:
36°F
Max:
64°F
Summer
Min:
59°F
Max:
83°F
Fall
Min:
38°F
Max:
66°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
29.2 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
60%
Neighbors
Spencer’s households have a median income of $56,100, with a family income close to $75,000 and a low unemployment rate of just 2.7%. Most residents have at least a high school diploma, and the average commute is a short 14 minutes. The community is friendly, with a modest poverty rate and strong local engagement.
Median Income:
$34,200
Household Income:
$56,100
Family Income:
$74,900
Per Capita Income:
$31,100
Income Male:
$44,400
Income Female:
$29,200
Poverty Rate:
11.2%
Non English Speakers:
4.8%
Rent:
$770
Unemployment Rate:
2.7%
Public Transport Usage:
0.2%
Commute Time:
13.7 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
93.4%
Bachelors or More:
23.7%
Education
How are the schools in Spencer, IA?
Spencer offers quality educational opportunities, featuring several public and private schools with favorable student-teacher ratios and a supportive learning environment. The city is also home to the Iowa Lakes Community College campus, providing higher education and workforce training locally. Families benefit from accessible, well-regarded schools at every level.
Public Schools
Name:
Spencer High School
Street:
800 E 3rd St
Phone:
712-262-1700
Students:
650
Student Teacher Ratio:
14.5
Name:
Johnson Elementary School
Street:
724 W 9th St
Phone:
712-262-2710
Students:
350
Student Teacher Ratio:
15.1
Private Schools
Name:
Sacred Heart School
Street:
1111 4th Ave W
Phone:
712-262-6428
Students:
110
Colleges
Name:
Iowa Lakes Community College - Spencer Campus
City:
Spencer
State:
IA
Distance:
0 miles
Students:
350
Healthcare
Spencer provides quality healthcare services, anchored by Spencer Hospital which offers emergency care and general surgical services. With 2 physicians per 1,000 residents and over 94% health insurance coverage, the city ensures accessible and reliable healthcare for its population. Residents benefit from comprehensive medical resources within city limits.
Major Hospitals
Name:
Spencer Hospital
Address:
1200 1st Ave E, Spencer, IA 51301
Phone:
(712) 264-6198
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
2.0
Health Insurance Coverage:
94.2%
Health Care Index:
78.7
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Spencer, IA?
The housing market in Spencer is stable and affordable, with a median home price of $167,000 and a high owner-occupancy rate of nearly 68%. Rental options are available with average rates at $770 for a two-bedroom, and vacancy rates remain moderate. Home values have appreciated in the past year, reflecting steady local demand.
Median Home Price:
$167,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$770
Owner Occupied Rate:
67.8%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
7.2%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
4.5%
New Construction Rate:
0.7%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.3%
DMV Information
Spencer residents are served by the Iowa Department of Transportation’s local office, conveniently located on South Grand Avenue. Essential services such as licensing and vehicle registration are easily accessed, with up-to-date information available on the Iowa DOT website. This ensures smooth and efficient vehicle and driver services for locals.
State:
Iowa
Department:
Iowa Department of Transportation
Address:
1306 S. Grand Ave, Spencer, IA 51301
Phone:
515-244-8725
Website:
Disclaimer: The information provided on this page is based on publicly available sources including AccuWeather, U.S. Census Bureau, local government data, and third-party partners such as Neustar. While we strive to ensure accuracy, all data is provided “as is” and should be independently verified before making any decisions. Movers.com makes no guarantees regarding the completeness or reliability of the information.