Spencer

spencer, ia

Spencer, Iowa, is A Destination for Entrepreneurs and Families Alike

Spencer, Iowa, is known for its natural beauty and friendly atmosphere. This town is perfect for those looking for opportunities for growth while escaping the fast-paced city atmosphere. The town offers many recreational activities, such as camping, biking, fishing, golfing, and more. There are several local parks and trails to explore and many lakes nearby.

The never-ending hum of business presents continued growth and guides the City of Spencer into the future. This future is where history remains alive, and the quality of life increases yearly. Living is easy in Spencer. The pace of life is leisurely yet purposeful. A wave, a smile, and a friendly hello are commonplace, even among strangers.


county fair

Business and Entrepreneurial Culture

At the crossroads of U.S. Highways 18 and 71, the City of Spencer is part of the Iowa Lakes Corridor in Northwest Iowa. It is among 550 designated Micropolitan Statistical Areas (μSAs) in the United States. U.S. Highway 71 travels through Spencer’s historic downtown (referred to locally as Grand Avenue), and the City is surrounded by beltways on its western and eastern boundaries, offering truck traffic alternate routes.

Spencer is focused on growing its population and enhancing the experiences of its young professionals and entrepreneurs. Spencer YP (Young Professionals) is a group of young and middle-aged professionals that provides networking, community services, and fundraising opportunities.  
 

Top Reasons for Families to Move Here

  • High Livability Ratings: Spencer’s overall livability score is above average, with high educational ratings, low crime and cost of living, and overall resident happiness. 
  • Low Cost of Living: The overall cost is lower for housing, utilities, groceries, transportation, healthcare, and other recreational activities than surrounding areas and states. 
  • Low Crime Rates: The crime rate is lower than the national average and other cities of similar size. Spencer is a safe place to live, work, and raise a family.

Top Reasons for Businesses to Relocate Here

  • Large Labor Force: Businesses can draw from a laborshed of 68,513 within a 50-mile radius of Spencer. 
  • Public and Private Partnerships: Collaboration with government agencies, chambers of commerce, and economic development organizations gives Spencer businesses a competitive advantage. 

Join us in Spencer, Iowa

Spencer, Iowa, is a community dedicated to providing residents with a high quality of life and businesses opportunities for growth. Whether you’re a lifelong resident, a first-time visitor, or moving for work, Spencer is a place to call home.

Population

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Population

Population2000201020232028
Spencer11,36611,22611,31911,303

Source: ESRI, 2023-10-17

Population by Age

Population201020232028
0-4763666688
5-9693668662
10-14704680688
15-19693662653
20-24588632641
25-29702641656
30-34691686628
35-39630676688
40-44606635658
45-49784601660
50-54811647585
55-59780696629
60-64614787651
65-69478712724
70-74432623657
75-79380462520
80-84394370406
85+485475509
18+8,6368,8858,850
Median Age414343

Source: ESRI, 2023-10-17

Population by Race

Spencer2023
Total11,319.00
White Alone91.13
Black Alone0.86
American Indian Alone0.43
Asian Alone0.85
Pacific Islander Alone0.05
Some Other Race2.18
Two or More Races4.50
Hispanic Origin5.49
Diversity Index25.30

Source: ESRI, 2023-10-17

Growth Rate

Spencer2023 - 2028
Population-0.03%
Households0.12%
Families0.03%
Median Household Income2%
Per Capita Income2%

Source: ESRI, 2023-10-17

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Housing

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Households

Population2000201020232028
Households4,8615,0145,0675,097
Housing Units5,1565,4265,6785,720
Owner Occupied Units3,3543,429
Renter Occupied Units1,7131,668
Vacant Units611623

Source: ESRI, 2023-10-17

Home Value

Spencer20232028
Median Home Value$158,559$166,956
Average Home Value$191,995$203,099
<$50,0009191
$50,000 - $99,999525501
$100,000 - $149,999941898
$150,000 - $199,999701662
$200,000 - $249,999412446
$250,000 - $299,99993104
$300,000 - $399,999305380
$400,000 - $499,999243292
$500,000 - $749,9994052
$1,000,000 +00

Source: ESRI, 2023-10-17

Housing Year Built

Year RangeHouses Built
2010 or Later221
2000-2009495
1990-1999443
1980-1989559
1970-19791,003
1960-1969543
1950-1959518
1940-1949307
1939 or Before1,412

Source: ESRI, 2023-10-17

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Income

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Income

Spencer20232028
Median Household$50,737$54,951
Average Household$73,422$81,367
Per Capita$32,907$36,731

Source: ESRI, 2023-10-17

Household Income Base

Spencer2023
<$15,000613
$15,000 - $24,999634
$25,000 - $34,999585
$35,000 - $49,999670
$50,000 - $74,999744
$75,000 - $99,999687
$100,000 - $149,999731
$150,000 - $199,999224
$200,000+179

Source: ESRI, 2023-10-17

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Employees

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Commute

CategoryCommuters
Workers 16+5,255
In-County Residents4,193
Out-of-County Residents1,030
Drive Alone4,133
Carpooled395
Public Transport51
Work at Home428
Less than 5 minutes638
5-9 minutes1,508
10-14 minutes960
15-19 minutes358
20-24 minutes168
25-29 minutes161
30-34 minutes418
35-39 minutes16
40-44 minutes122
45-59 minutes257
60-89 minutes118
90+ minutes101
Average Travel Time0

Source: ESRI, 2023-10-17

Source: ESRI, 2023-10-17

Employees by NAICS

CategoryNumber
Total Employees9,297
Agr/Forestry/Fish/Hunt152
Mining0
Utilities40
Construction459
Manufacturing620
Wholesale Trade464
  
Retail Trade1,516
Motor Veh/Parts Dealers170
Furn & Home Furnish Str18
Electronics & Appl Store45
Bldg Matl/Garden Equip200
Food & Beverage Stores332
Health/Pers Care Stores72
Gasoline Stations19
Clothing/Accessory Store68
Sports/Hobby/Book/Music126
General Merchandise Str466
Misc Store Retailers0
Nonstore Retailers0
  
Transportation/Warehouse163
Information245
  
Finance & Insurance279
Cntrl Bank/Crdt Intrmdtn181
Sec/Cmdty Cntrct/Oth Inv27
Insur/Funds/Trusts/Other71
  
Real Estate/Rent/Leasing121
Prof/Scientific/Tech Srv449
Legal Services66
Mgmt of Comp/Enterprises41
Admin/Support/Waste Mgmt229
Educational Services451
HealthCare/Social Assist2,323
Arts/Entertainment/Rec106
  
Accommodation/Food Srvcs544
Accommodation66
Food Srv/Drinking Places478
  
Other Srv excl Pub Admin534
Auto Repair/Maintenance85
Public Administration Emp434

Source: ESRI, 2023-10-17

Educational Attainment (25+)

Spencer2023
Some High School241
Graduated High School2,164
Associates Degree1,186
Bachelor's Degree1,452
Graduate Degree622

Source: ESRI, 2023-10-17

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Businesses

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Businesses by NAICS

CategoryNumber
Total Businesses731
Agr/Forestry/Fish/Hunt Bus9
Mining Bus0
Utilities Bus1
Construction Bus40
Manufacturing Bus31
Wholesale Trade Bus33
  
Retail Trade Bus108
Motor Veh/Parts Dealers Bus17
Furn & Home Furnish Str Bus3
Electronics & Appl Store Bus5
Bldg Matl/Garden Equip Bus12
Food & Beverage Stores Bus13
Health/Pers Care Stores Bus12
Gasoline Stations Bus3
Clothing/Accessory Store Bus14
Sports/Hobby/Book/Music Bus17
General Merchandise Str Bus12
Misc Store Retailers Bus0
Nonstore Retailers Bus0
  
Transportation/Warehouse Bus13
Information Bus16
  
Finance & Insurance Bus42
Cntrl Bank/Crdt Intrmdtn Bus13
Sec/Cmdty Cntrct/Oth Inv Bus10
Insur/Funds/Trusts/Other Bus19
  
Real Estate/Rent/Leasing Bus29
Prof/Scientific/Tech Srv Bus48
Legal Services Bus13
Mgmt of Comp/Enterprises Bus4
Admin/Support/Waste Mgmt Bus19
Educational Services Bus12
HealthCare/Social Assist Bus76
Arts/Entertainment/Rec Bus14
  
Accommodation/Food Srvcs Bus47
Accommodation Bus9
Food Srv/Drinking Places Bus38
  
Other Srv excl Pub Admin Bus113
Auto Repair/Maintenance Bus16
Public Administration Bus54

Source: ESRI, 2023-10-17

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