Iowa / Clay County

Moving to Spencer, IA

Thinking of making a move to Spencer, IA? Get helpful local information about living costs, neighborhoods, schools, weather, housing, DMV details, and practical relocation details before you plan your move.

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Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Spencer, IA

Considering a move to Spencer, IA? This welcoming community of 11,200 residents offers a blend of suburban charm and convenience, with median home prices around $168,000 and average rents near $820. Commute times average 18 minutes and public transport is accessible, making it great for professionals. The area boasts low violent crime, strong schools, and plenty of sunny days (58% annually), ideal for families and commuters alike. Explore Spencer's cost of living, education, and friendly neighborhoods to see if it's the right fit for your next move.

Demographics - Spencer, IA

Spencer has a population of 11,200 residents, offering a diverse community with a median age of nearly 42 and a balanced gender ratio. The area features a strong blend of backgrounds, with about 94% White, 1% Black, and 1% Asian residents, and over 5% speaking a language other than English at home. Its high population density contributes to a lively suburban atmosphere.

Population
11,200
Density
1,900 per sq mi
Median Age
42.1
Gender Ratio
97 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage
4.8%

Ethnic Composition

White
93.5%
Black
1.2%
Asian
1.1%
Others
4.2%

Cost Of Living

What is the average cost of living in Spencer, IA?

The cost of living in Spencer is higher than the national average, with a cost of living index of 84.7. Median home values are around $168,000 and average rents for a two-bedroom apartment are approximately $820. Utilities, groceries, and transportation costs are also elevated, reflecting the area's desirable location and amenities.

Median House Value
$168,000
Gross Rent
$820
Monthly Electricity Charges
$128
Auto Insurance
$1,420
House Owner Cost With Mortgage
$1,280
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage
$520
State Taxes
Low: 4.4%| High: 6.0%
Cost Of Living Index
84.7
Grocery
92.1
Housing
71.4
Utilities
98.3
Transportation
88.5
Health Care
97.2
Miscellaneous
90.6

Crime

Is Spencer, IA a safe place to live?

Spencer is considered a safe community, with a low violent crime rate of 210 incidents per 100,000 residents and a property crime chance of 1 in 68. Most residents enjoy peace of mind, making it an attractive choice for families. The crime index remains below many urban areas in Iowa.

Violent Crimes Per 100k
210
Property Crimes Per 100k
1,460
Crime Index
1,670
Chance Of Violent Crime
1 in 476
Chance Of Property Crime
1 in 68

Weather

What is the weather like in Spencer, IA year-round?

Spencer experiences four distinct seasons, with warm summers reaching highs of 84°F and cold winters dipping to 11°F. The area receives about 32 inches of rainfall annually and enjoys sunshine on 58% of days. This climate offers residents a balanced mix of outdoor opportunities year-round.

Winter

Min
11°F
Max
29°F

Summer

Min
63°F
Max
84°F

Spring

Min
38°F
Max
65°F

Fall

Min
41°F
Max
67°F
Average Rainfall Inches
31.5 inches
Sunny Days Percentage
58%

Neighbors

The neighborhood boasts a healthy median household income of $63,200 and a low poverty rate of 11.8%. Over 92% of residents have at least a high school diploma, and nearly 22% hold a bachelor's degree or higher. Commute times average 18 minutes, and almost 2% use public transportation, reflecting the area's accessibility and educated population.

Median Income
$38,500
Household Income
$63,200
Family Income
$78,900
Per Capita Income
$31,600
Income Male
$42,800
Income Female
$33,900
Poverty Rate
11.8%
Non English Speakers
6.1%
Rent
$820
Unemployment Rate
3.7%
Public Transport Usage
1.9%
Commute Time
17.8 minutes

Education

High School or Higher
91.8%
Bachelors or More
22.4%

Education

How are the schools in Spencer, IA?

Spencer offers quality education options, with public schools like Spencer High School and Spencer Middle School known for favorable student-to-teacher ratios. Families also have access to private schools and several nearby colleges, including Iowa Lakes Community College and Waldorf University. The community is committed to educational excellence for all age groups.

Public Schools

Name
Spencer High School
Street
800 E 4th St
Phone
712-264-9449
Students
520
Student Teacher Ratio
14.1
Name
Spencer Middle School
Street
1101 W 18th St
Phone
712-264-2009
Students
430
Student Teacher Ratio
13.7

Private Schools

Name
Spencer Sacred Heart School
Street
905 Grand Ave
Phone
712-262-6840
Students
150

Colleges

Name
Iowa Lakes Community College
City
Emmetsburg
State
IA
Distance
31 miles
Students
2,000
Name
Waldorf University
City
Forest City
State
IA
Distance
52 miles
Students
3,000

Healthcare

Spencer residents have access to quality healthcare, with major hospitals like Spencer Hospital and Avera Merrill Pioneer Hospital nearby. The community benefits from a high physician-to-resident ratio of 1.8 per 1,000 people and 92.4% health insurance coverage. Local healthcare services are reliable and comprehensive.

Major Hospitals

Name
Spencer Hospital
Address
1200 1st Ave E, Spencer, IA 51301
Phone
(712) 264-6198
Type
General & Surgical
Emergency Services
Yes
Name
Avera Merrill Pioneer Hospital
Address
1000 N Lincoln St, Rock Rapids, IA 51246
Phone
(712) 472-3311
Type
General & Surgical
Emergency Services
Yes

Healthcare Access

Physicians Per 1000
1.8
Health Insurance Coverage
92.4%
Health Care Index
68.9

Housing Market

What is the housing market like in Spencer, IA?

The local housing market is strong, with a median home price of $168,000 and an owner-occupied rate of nearly 68%. The market has seen a 3.9% appreciation over the past year, and rental vacancy rates remain moderate at 7.1%. Spencer offers a mix of stability and opportunity for both buyers and renters.

Median Home Price
$168,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom
$820
Owner Occupied Rate
67.8%
Rental Vacancy Rate
7.1%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr)
3.9%
New Construction Rate
1.2%
Foreclosure Rate
0.8%

DMV Information

Residents of Spencer handle vehicle services through the Iowa Department of Transportation, Motor Vehicle Division, conveniently located in Ankeny. The state DMV provides driver licensing, vehicle registration, and other essential services both in person and online. Information and resources are easily accessible for new and existing residents.

State
Iowa
Department
Iowa Department of Transportation, Motor Vehicle Division
Address
6310 SE Convenience Blvd, Ankeny, IA 50021
Phone
(515) 244-8725

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.

FAQs About Moving to Spencer, IA

Answers use the same city data shown on this page, including costs, housing, schools, safety, weather, healthcare, and DMV details.

Before moving to Spencer, review the core fields on this page: population 11,200, median home value $168,000, average rent for 2 bedroom $820, commute time 17.8 minutes, and sunny days percentage 58%.

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