Cost Of Living
Everyday cost of living expenses like goods and services, housing, groceries, transportation, health care and utilities are far below the national average.
Crime
This area boasts a crime rate that is far below the national average, making it a very safe place to live. These crime statistics encompass both property and violent offenses.
Housing
Impressive scores in the housing category characterize this area, potentially attributed to the availability of affordable housing, strong appreciation rates and high home values.
Health & Safety
Accessible health facilities like hospitals, doctors offices, clinics and nursing homes as well as good air quality are all factors that have led to a high score in this category.
Schools
The high score in the schools category can be attributed to outstanding test scores, elevated graduation rates and the convenient placement of elementary and high schools in this area.
Amenities
The majority of amenities will be difficult to reach within a short walk, often requiring residents to use a vehicle or public transportation for access.
Commute
Low commute scores could be due to limited access to public transit in this area, as well as longer-than-average work commute times for residents.
Spencer is a moderately-sized city located in the state of Iowa. The city has a population of 11,038 inhabitants. If we take a look at the last Census, the vast majority of the population falls within one racial group (95% White). Given that fact, Spencer could be considered less diverse than other cities. If you are not a fan of long commutes, you will enjoy living in Spencer. With an average one way commute time of only 15 minutes, getting to and from work is a breeze compared to the national average of 26 minutes.
Whether you’re relocating to a new town to be closer to family, friends or for a new job, living in Spencer could be a positive experience compared to other cities in Iowa if you know where to look. Don't forget to determine what matters most to you in a neighborhood. Consider factors such as safety, proximity to work or school, access to amenities (like parks, fitness facilities, grocery stores, restaurants), public transportation options, community atmosphere and the overall vibe you're looking for. With useful information like cost of living, commute, housing and other key data points, finding the best places to live in Spencer and in the areas around Spencer is a much easier task.
Using data and statistics Spencer has received a livability score of 74/100. This score is ranked in the 87th percentile when compared to all other cities. Based on the scores for each individual category, Spencer has received high marks for crime (A+), cost of living (A+), education (A+) and housing (A-). There is at least one category that does not have great scores in Spencer. The following was graded with a discouraging score: amenities (F) and employment (F).
Low rates of violent crime, encompassing offenses such as murder, rape, robbery and assault, contribute significantly to a safer living environment. This reduction in crime minimizes the chances of personal harm, property theft, or violent incidents. Furthermore, low crime rates can have a positive impact on property values and the overall desirability of an area. There were 122 crimes per 100,000 residents, which signifies that Spencer boasts an impressively low violent crime rate that falls well below the national average.
Test scores can be a good way to measure a school's academic performance and the proficiency of its students. They can be an important metric in deciding if the local area schools can provide a solid educational system for children. The schools in Spencer have an average test score of 79%, which is well above the US average.
A robust real estate market serves as a crucial economic indicator, reflecting the local area's strength, stability and the confidence of its residents. Spencer excels in the housing sector, scoring high marks based on factors such as median home and rental prices, appreciation rates and home affordability. These calculations suggest that the apartment rental and real estate market in the region is exceptionally healthy, highlighting the area's economic vitality and attractiveness to potential homebuyers and renters.
There are many factors that go into deciding if an area is the right fit for your lifestyle. Certain “must haves” like low crime, great schools and nearby amenities are all at the top of most people's lists. But before even considering if those options are attainable, we'll need to know if the real estate in Spencer is actually affordable. Median real estate prices in Spencer come in at $136,400, which is 2.7% higher than the Iowa average. The home price to income ratio compares the median home prices to the median household income. In Spencer, the home price to income ratio is 3, which is 25% higher than the Iowa average.
| Statistic | Spencer | Iowa | National |
| Average one way commute | 15min | 19min | 26min |
| Workers who drive to work | 80.0% | 80.7% | 76.4% |
| Workers who carpool | 10.3% | 8.6% | 9.3% |
| Workers who take public transit | 1.0% | 1.1% | 5.1% |
| Workers who bicycle | 0.6% | 0.5% | 0.6% |
| Workers who walk | 2.9% | 3.5% | 2.8% |
| Working from home | 4.7% | 4.5% | 4.6% |
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