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.
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.
Ratings
According to recent surveys and polls, locals had excellent ratings for walkability to nearby amenities, safety, access to public transit and the overall sense of community in the 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.
Spirit Lake is a small city located in the state of Iowa. The city has a population of 5,130 residents. According to the most recent Census, 97% of Spirit Lake residents are White, 0% Black and 0% Asian. If you're not a fan of traffic congestion and long commute times to work, Spirit Lake is the place to be. Commutes to work here are shorter, with an average one-way commute time taking only 12 minutes, significantly lower than the national average of 26 minutes.
Living in Spirit Lake can be a fulfilling experience for anyone moving to the city. Having said that, in the state of Iowa, there are many incredible places to live, so choose wisely! When searching for a new neighborhood, several factors play a vital role in determining its suitability. Safety should be a top priority, ensuring a secure environment with low crime rates. Proximity to your workplace or school helps minimize commuting time and allows for a better work-life balance. Availability of essential amenities such as parks, coffee shops, restaurants, grocery stores, and healthcare facilities contributes to convenience and well-being. Access to reliable public transportation options facilitates easy commuting and connectivity. Additionally, considering the sense of community and the overall atmosphere that resonates with your lifestyle and preferences fosters a harmonious living experience. The best areas in Spirit Lake and in surrounding cities are easier to find when you are able to make informed decisions. Using data from amenities, cost of living, commute, employment, housing, you will see a detailed breakdown of the most important information as well as comparisons to the Iowa and national averages.
With a livability score of 80 out of 100, Spirit Lake is ranked #1,158 in the United States and #40 in Iowa. Compared to the national average, Spirit Lake ranks among some of the best places to live in the country! Spirit Lake also ranks in the top 10 percent of all cities, which is no small feat! If we examine each of the categories individually, we see that Spirit Lake ranks well for crime (A), cost of living (A+), education (A+) and housing (A-). Spirit Lake does not rank well for the following: amenities (F). It might be wise to take a closer look at each category to find out why.
Unemployment rates can vary significantly among cities, impacting job prospects, wage levels and the overall economic health of an area. In Spirit Lake, the unemployment rate stands at 0.32%, suggesting increased job opportunities and a heightened demand for workers. This scenario can lead to higher wages, as the demand for employees outpaces job availability. Importantly, a low unemployment rate often signifies a robust and flourishing local economy.
Test scores serve as a vital gauge of a school's academic prowess and the proficiency of its students. They play a pivotal role in assessing whether local schools can deliver a robust educational foundation for children. In Spirit Lake, the schools boast an impressive average test score of 82%, significantly higher than the national average. This outstanding academic achievement not only reflects the excellence of the local educational system, but also indicates the potential for students to thrive academically, making it an attractive destination for families seeking a high-quality education for their children.
Finding affordable real estate and housing in Spirit Lake can be tricky. Having said that, this area might be the place to get the best of both worlds. Based on factors like home/rental affordability and appreciation rates, this area has received an above average score in the housing category. A healthy real estate market can lead to wealth appreciation for property owners, as rising property values can contribute to homeowners' equity, financial stability and the ability to build long-term wealth.
Certain items on your wish list like shopping, restaurants, nightlife, parks and proximity to public transportation are all important things to look for. Having said that, perhaps the most important metric to consider when contemplating a move to Spirit Lake is real estate affordability. The median home price for Spirit Lake homes is $163,600, which is 23.2% higher than the Iowa average. If we take a closer look at the affordability of homes in Spirit Lake, we’ll see that the home price to income ratio is 3.1, which is 29.2% higher than the Iowa average.
| Statistic | Spirit Lake | Iowa | National |
| Average one way commute | 12min | 19min | 26min |
| Workers who drive to work | 82.7% | 80.7% | 76.4% |
| Workers who carpool | 8.5% | 8.6% | 9.3% |
| Workers who take public transit | 0.0% | 1.1% | 5.1% |
| Workers who bicycle | 0.0% | 0.5% | 0.6% |
| Workers who walk | 1.9% | 3.5% | 2.8% |
| Working from home | 6.4% | 4.5% | 4.6% |
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