Iowa / County

Moving to Spirit Lake, IA

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

  • 100% Free Moving Quotes
  • No Obligation
  • Vetted & Licensed Movers
  • Secure & Private
Serving Spirit Lake and nearby areas View Nearby Cities Compare Moving Help
Plan smarter before requesting quotes. Use local costs, housing, schools, safety, weather, and DMV details below to compare Spirit Lake before you move.

Moving Help for Your Spirit Lake, IA Relocation

After you review the local facts on this page, use the service links below to compare quote options for the type of Spirit Lake move you are planning, including local, long-distance, apartment, piano, small, and budget-conscious moves.

Local Movers Spirit Lake, IA Piano Movers Spirit Lake, IA Cheap Movers Spirit Lake, IA Small Movers Spirit Lake, IA Apartment Movers Spirit Lake, IA Long Distance Movers Spirit Lake, IA

Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Spirit Lake, IA

Considering a move to Spirit Lake, IA? This welcoming community of 4,500 residents offers a blend of suburban charm and convenience, with median home prices around $255,000 and average rents near $1,050. Commute times average 16 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 Spirit Lake's cost of living, education, and friendly neighborhoods to see if it's the right fit for your next move.

Demographics - Spirit Lake, IA

Spirit Lake has a population of 4,500 residents, offering a diverse community with a median age of nearly 45 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
4,500
Density
1,250 per sq mi
Median Age
44.8
Gender Ratio
96 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage
4.8%

Ethnic Composition

White
94.0%
Black
0.7%
Asian
0.8%
Others
4.5%

Cost Of Living

What is the average cost of living in Spirit Lake, IA?

The cost of living in Spirit Lake is higher than the national average, with a cost of living index of 89.4. Median home values are around $255,000 and average rents for a two-bedroom apartment are approximately $1,050. Utilities, groceries, and transportation costs are also elevated, reflecting the area's desirable location and amenities.

Median House Value
$255,000
Gross Rent
$1,050
Monthly Electricity Charges
$125
Auto Insurance
$1,420
House Owner Cost With Mortgage
$1,620
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage
$520
State Taxes
Low: 4.4%| High: 6.0%
Cost Of Living Index
89.4
Grocery
92.1
Housing
83.5
Utilities
98.6
Transportation
90.4
Health Care
95.8
Miscellaneous
91.0

Crime

Is Spirit Lake, IA a safe place to live?

Spirit Lake 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 65. 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
1,540
Crime Index
1,750
Chance Of Violent Crime
1 in 476
Chance Of Property Crime
1 in 65

Weather

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

Spirit Lake experiences four distinct seasons, with warm summers reaching highs of 84°F and cold winters dipping to 10°F. The area receives about 30 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
10°F
Max
31°F

Summer

Min
62°F
Max
84°F

Spring

Min
38°F
Max
64°F

Fall

Min
42°F
Max
67°F
Average Rainfall Inches
29.5 inches
Sunny Days Percentage
58%

Neighbors

The neighborhood boasts a healthy median household income of $67,800 and a low poverty rate of 8.9%. Over 94% of residents have at least a high school diploma, and nearly 27% hold a bachelor's degree or higher. Commute times average 16 minutes, and almost 2% use public transportation, reflecting the area's accessibility and educated population.

Median Income
$38,500
Household Income
$67,800
Family Income
$84,200
Per Capita Income
$31,900
Income Male
$41,000
Income Female
$32,800
Poverty Rate
8.9%
Non English Speakers
7.5%
Rent
$1,050
Unemployment Rate
3.1%
Public Transport Usage
1.8%
Commute Time
16.4 minutes

Education

High School or Higher
94.2%
Bachelors or More
26.8%

Education

How are the schools in Spirit Lake, IA?

Spirit Lake offers quality education options, with public schools like Spirit Lake Elementary School, Spirit Lake Middle School, and Spirit Lake High 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 Northwest Iowa Community College. The community is committed to educational excellence for all age groups.

Public Schools

Name
Spirit Lake Elementary School
Street
1550 18th St
Phone
712-336-1873
Students
540
Student Teacher Ratio
14.1
Name
Spirit Lake Middle School
Street
1550 18th St
Phone
712-336-3756
Students
350
Student Teacher Ratio
13.6
Name
Spirit Lake High School
Street
1800 Hill Ave
Phone
712-336-3705
Students
410
Student Teacher Ratio
13.9

Private Schools

Name
St. Mary’s School
Street
801 Hill Ave
Phone
712-336-1567
Students
95

Colleges

Name
Iowa Lakes Community College
City
Estherville
State
IA
Distance
28 miles
Students
2,000
Name
Northwest Iowa Community College
City
Sheldon
State
IA
Distance
52 miles
Students
1,400

Healthcare

Spirit Lake residents have access to quality healthcare, with major hospitals like Avera Holy Family Hospital and Lakes Regional Healthcare nearby. The community benefits from a high physician-to-resident ratio of 1.9 per 1,000 people and 92.4% health insurance coverage. Local healthcare services are reliable and comprehensive.

Major Hospitals

Name
Avera Holy Family Hospital
Address
826 N 8th St, Estherville, IA 51334
Phone
(712) 362-2631
Type
General & Surgical
Emergency Services
Yes
Name
Lakes Regional Healthcare
Address
400 9th St NW, Spencer, IA 51301
Phone
(712) 264-6198
Type
General & Surgical
Emergency Services
Yes

Healthcare Access

Physicians Per 1000
1.9
Health Insurance Coverage
92.4%
Health Care Index
71.8

Housing Market

What is the housing market like in Spirit Lake, IA?

The local housing market is strong, with a median home price of $255,000 and an owner-occupied rate of nearly 73%. The market has seen a 4.1% appreciation over the past year, and rental vacancy rates remain moderate at 6.8%. Spirit Lake offers a mix of stability and opportunity for both buyers and renters.

Median Home Price
$255,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom
$1,050
Owner Occupied Rate
72.6%
Rental Vacancy Rate
6.8%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr)
4.1%
New Construction Rate
1.6%
Foreclosure Rate
0.4%

DMV Information

Residents of Spirit Lake handle vehicle services through the Iowa Department of Transportation, conveniently located in Des Moines. 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
Address
100 East Grand Avenue, Des Moines, IA 50309
Phone
1-515-244-8725

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 Spirit Lake, IA

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

Before moving to Spirit Lake, review the core fields on this page: population 4,500, median home value $255,000, average rent for 2 bedroom $1,050, commute time 16.4 minutes, and sunny days percentage 58%.

Ready to Move to Spirit Lake, IA?

When your relocation research is done, request quote options and plan your move with confidence.

Get Free Moving Quotes