Spirit Lake Urban Area, IA

Livability

directions_bike Bikeability 2/10
directions_run Walkability 1/10
directions_bus Transit 1/10
directions_car Commute 8/10
home Housing 7/10
visibility Safety 8/10
local_library Schools 10/10
local_airport Airports 4/10
school Colleges 1/10
accessibility Hospitals 5/10
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
Moderately Priced. The area has a balanced cost of living, with housing and rent costs that are neither particularly high nor low.
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
Limited Accessibility. Getting to the airport requires significant travel time or effort. Not ideal for frequent travel.
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
17,844 332.4M (US)
Median Age
48.1 yr 39 yr (US)
Family Households
56.2% 64% (US)
College-Educated
32.3% 35% (US)

Economy

Median Income
$74,570 $79K (US)
Above Poverty
94.3% 88% (US)
Average Commute
18 mi 29 mi (US)
Moved Recently
11.1% 13% (US)

Housing

Median Home
$251,600 $303K (US)
Median Expenses
$703 $612 (US)
Median Rent
$747 $1,165 (US)
Owner-Occupied
47.2% 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 0 6 20
Mar 2 6 32
Apr 3 3 46
May 4 0 58
Jun 4 0 68
Jul 4 0 72
Aug 4 0 70
Sep 3 0 61
Oct 2 0 48
Nov 1 5 33
Dec 1 9 19

Hazards

Blizzard

Inland Flood Risk

Tornado Risk

Politics

Historical Voting Patterns

This place is a Republican stronghold, with 41% of residents leaning left and 54% leaning right.

Liberal (42%) (55%) Conservative

2016 Presidential Election Results

Donald Trump 63%
Hillary Clinton 33%
Other 4%

Schools

Okoboji Middle School
4 miles, SE 4.6 star
Okoboji High School
5 miles, S 5 star
Spirit Lake High School
5 miles, E 4.6 star
Spirit Lake Middle School
5 miles, E 4.6 star

Colleges

Iowa Lakes Community College
18 miles, E 1.9 star
Northwest Iowa Community College
37 miles, W 2.8 star

Hospitals

Lakes Regional Healthcare
4 miles, E 5 star
Spencer Municipal Hospital
17 miles, S 4.1 star
Avera Holy Family Hospital
18 miles, E 4.1 star

Airports

Joe Foss Field
79 miles, NW 1.4 star
Rochester International Airport
140 miles, E 1 star