Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Spirit Lake, IA
Considering a move to Spirit Lake, IA? This scenic city of 5,500 residents offers affordable living with a median home price around $270,000 and average rents at $900. Enjoy a relaxed lifestyle with short 13-minute commutes, low violent crime (178 per 100K), and strong educational opportunities in highly rated schools. Spirit Lake boasts four distinct seasons, 62% sunny days, and proximity to lakes and outdoor recreation, making it a safe and welcoming choice for families and retirees alike.
Demographics - Spirit Lake, IA
Demographics - Spirit Lake, IA
Spirit Lake is a close-knit community of about 5,500 residents, with a median age of 45 and a population density of 1,100 people per square mile. The city is predominantly White, with a small but growing diversity, and around 4.5% of residents speak a language other than English at home. The gender ratio is nearly balanced, making it a welcoming place for people of all backgrounds.
Population:
5,500
Density:
1,100 per sq mi
Median Age:
45.0
Gender Ratio:
97 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
4.5%
Ethnic Composition
White:
94.7%
Black:
0.8%
Asian:
0.7%
Others:
3.8%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Spirit Lake, IA?
Living in Spirit Lake is affordable, with a median home value of $270,000 and average rents near $900 per month. The overall cost of living index is below the national average, and essentials like groceries, utilities, and transportation remain budget-friendly. Iowa’s moderate state tax rates also contribute to a manageable cost of living for families and retirees.
Median House Value:
$270,000
Gross Rent:
$900
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$110
Auto Insurance:
$1,050
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,350
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$520
State Taxes:
Low:
4.4%
|
High:
8.53%
Cost Of Living Index:
91.0
Grocery:
95.2
Housing:
88.9
Utilities:
92.1
Transportation:
90.7
Health Care:
94.3
Miscellaneous:
89.5
Crime
Is Spirit Lake, IA a safe place to live?
Spirit Lake experiences low crime rates, with only 178 violent crimes per 100,000 residents and a 1 in 561 chance of being a victim of violent crime. Property crime is also lower than many cities, making Spirit Lake a safe place to call home. Residents appreciate the community’s sense of security and peace of mind.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
178
Property Crimes Per 100k:
1,260
Crime Index:
1,438
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 561
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 79
Weather
What is the weather like in Spirit Lake, IA year-round?
Spirit Lake enjoys all four seasons, with warm summers reaching highs around 82°F and cold winters dipping to 8°F. The area receives about 29.5 inches of rainfall annually and experiences 62% sunny days, offering plenty of opportunities for outdoor recreation. Mild springs and crisp autumns add to the city’s seasonal charm.
Winter
Min:
8°F
Max:
28°F
Spring
Min:
37°F
Max:
64°F
Summer
Min:
59°F
Max:
82°F
Fall
Min:
38°F
Max:
66°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
29.5 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
62%
Neighbors
Residents of Spirit Lake benefit from a median household income of $70,100 and a low unemployment rate of 2.9%. Neighbors are well-educated, with over 95% holding a high school diploma and 33% earning a bachelor's degree or higher. The short average commute of 13 minutes and strong sense of community create a friendly, connected atmosphere.
Median Income:
$36,000
Household Income:
$70,100
Family Income:
$84,700
Per Capita Income:
$37,800
Income Male:
$47,900
Income Female:
$38,200
Poverty Rate:
7.9%
Non English Speakers:
4.5%
Rent:
$900
Unemployment Rate:
2.9%
Public Transport Usage:
0.8%
Commute Time:
13.2 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
95.4%
Bachelors or More:
33.2%
Education
How are the schools in Spirit Lake, IA?
Spirit Lake offers quality education through its public schools, where low student-teacher ratios foster personalized learning and strong academic outcomes. The city also features a private school option and is just 20 miles from Iowa Lakes Community College, expanding opportunities for higher education and lifelong learning. Families in Spirit Lake benefit from a supportive and well-rounded educational environment.
Public Schools
Name:
Spirit Lake High School
Street:
2701 Hill Ave
Phone:
712-336-3707
Students:
430
Student Teacher Ratio:
13.0
Name:
Spirit Lake Middle School
Street:
609 28th St
Phone:
712-336-3609
Students:
370
Student Teacher Ratio:
14.2
Private Schools
Name:
St. Mary’s Catholic School
Street:
410 Hill Ave
Phone:
712-336-1874
Students:
125
Colleges
Name:
Iowa Lakes Community College
City:
Estherville
State:
IA
Distance:
20 miles
Students:
2,000
Healthcare
Healthcare in Spirit Lake is anchored by Lakes Regional Healthcare, which provides comprehensive general and surgical services with emergency care available. With 2.3 physicians per 1,000 residents and over 94% of people insured, the city ensures accessible and reliable medical support. The healthcare index reflects above-average service quality for a city of its size.
Major Hospitals
Name:
Lakes Regional Healthcare
Address:
2301 Hwy 71 S, Spirit Lake, IA 51360
Phone:
(712) 336-1230
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
2.3
Health Insurance Coverage:
94.1%
Health Care Index:
78.2
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Spirit Lake, IA?
The Spirit Lake housing market offers stability and value, with a median home price of $270,000 and a 5.2% annual appreciation rate. Around 71% of homes are owner-occupied, and rental options remain accessible with average two-bedroom rents at $900. Low foreclosure and vacancy rates highlight the area’s strong housing demand and community investment.
Median Home Price:
$270,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$900
Owner Occupied Rate:
70.8%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
5.9%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
5.2%
New Construction Rate:
1.5%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.4%
DMV Information
Residents can handle vehicle registration and licensing through the Iowa Department of Transportation’s Motor Vehicle Division. The nearest regional office is located in Eldora, with online resources available for added convenience. Iowa's DMV services are straightforward and designed to meet the needs of Spirit Lake residents.
State:
Iowa
Department:
Iowa Department of Transportation – Motor Vehicle Division
Address:
1900 Highway 175 West, Eldora, IA 50627
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.