Spencer Urban Area, IA

Livability

directions_bike Bikeability 2/10
directions_run Walkability 2/10
directions_bus Transit 2/10
directions_car Commute 8/10
home Housing 8/10
visibility Safety 9/10
local_library Schools 10/10
local_airport Airports 3/10
school Colleges 3/10
accessibility Hospitals 4/10
directions_bike Bikeability
Not Bikeable. The area lacks biking infrastructure and has unsafe or impractical conditions for cyclists, requiring alternative transportation methods.
directions_run Walkability
Not Walkable. The area is heavily car-dependent, with almost no amenities within walking distance or pedestrian-friendly infrastructure.
directions_car Commute
Convenient Commutes. Commutes are manageable, with reasonable travel times and access to reliable transportation options.
directions_bus Transit
Very Limited Access. The area has little to no public transportation infrastructure, making it difficult to travel without a personal vehicle.
home Housing
Relatively Affordable. Housing and rent are moderately priced, and the overall cost of living is manageable for the average household.
visibility Safety
Generally Safe. Crime rates are below average, with only occasional incidents, making the area a relatively secure place to live.
local_airport Airports
Remote. Airport access is highly inconvenient or impractical, requiring extensive travel arrangements.
accessibility Hospitals
Limited Access. Few healthcare facilities are nearby, and travel may be necessary for specialized or higher-quality care.
school Colleges
Higher Education Desert. The area has little to no access to colleges, requiring significant travel or relocation for education.
local_library Schools
Nationally Distinguished. Exceptional public schools with nationally recognized achievements, near-perfect test scores, and standout college placement. Families benefit from elite education close to home.

Residents

Population
16,446 332.4M (US)
Median Age
41.8 yr 39 yr (US)
Family Households
55.4% 64% (US)
College-Educated
26.0% 35% (US)

Economy

Median Income
$64,082 $79K (US)
Above Poverty
88.7% 88% (US)
Average Commute
20 mi 29 mi (US)
Moved Recently
12.6% 13% (US)

Housing

Median Home
$171,500 $303K (US)
Median Expenses
$594 $612 (US)
Median Rent
$636 $1,165 (US)
Owner-Occupied
64.7% 58% (US)

Crime

Violent Crime Score

Likelihood of experiencing crime involving violence or threats.

How the Violent Crime Score here compares with other places

Iowa
3
United States
4

Property Crime Score

Likelihood of experiencing theft, burglary, or property damage.

How the Property Crime Score here compares with other places

Iowa
4
United States
4

Climate

Month Rain (in) Snow (in) Temp (°F)
Jan 1 7 16
Feb 1 5 21
Mar 2 6 33
Apr 3 2 47
May 4 0 59
Jun 5 0 69
Jul 4 0 73
Aug 4 0 70
Sep 3 0 61
Oct 2 0 49
Nov 1 4 33
Dec 1 8 19

Hazards

Blizzard

Inland Flood Risk

Tornado Risk

Politics

Historical Voting Patterns

This place is deep red country, with 37% of residents leaning left and 58% leaning right.

Liberal (38%) (59%) Conservative

2016 Presidential Election Results

Donald Trump 71%
Hillary Clinton 24%
Other 5%

Schools

Lincoln Elementary School
4 miles, N 4.6 star
Spencer High School
4 miles, NE 4.6 star

Colleges

Iowa Lakes Community College
27 miles, NE 1.9 star
Buena Vista University
30 miles, SW 2.3 star

Hospitals

Spencer Municipal Hospital
5 miles, NE 4.1 star
Lakes Regional Healthcare
23 miles, NE 5 star

Airports

Joe Foss Field
87 miles, NW 1.4 star
Eppley Airfield
129 miles, SW 2.8 star
Des Moines International Airport
131 miles, S 2.3 star