Spirit Lake, IA
Population 5,469 · Iowa
About Spirit Lake, IA
Spirit Lake is a small town located in Iowa with a population of 5,469 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $73,627 per year, which is 2% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 40.6 years is close to the US median age of 38.9 years.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Spirit Lake features a median home value of $218,400, which is 11% below the national median of $244,900. This positions Spirit Lake in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $885, 24% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 2,930 total housing units, 66% are owner-occupied (1,782 units) and 34% are renter-occupied (910 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Spirit Lake shows an unemployment rate of 2.2%, which is lower than the national rate of 3.7%, indicating a relatively strong job market. The poverty rate stands at 7.0%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Spirit Lake have an average one-way commute time of 13.5 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
32.0% of Spirit Lake residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This is in line with national trends in educational attainment. The community's demographic composition includes 3.3% White, 1.2% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 0.0% Asian residents, with 1.7% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Spirit Lake, IA
Compared to national averages, Spirit Lake has a median household income of $73,627 (2% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $218,400, which is 11% below the national median. Monthly rent at $885 is 24% below the US average of $1,163. Within Iowa, Spirit Lake's income is 8% above the state average of $67,947, and home values are 65% above the state median of $132,237.
Why Live in Spirit Lake, IA?
Spirit Lake offers affordable housing with a median home value of $218,400, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $885/month, and a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 2.2%. Additionally, the city features a low poverty rate of 7.0%, better than the national average, and short commute times averaging just 13.5 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($73,627) that falls below the national average. However, Spirit Lake’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Spirit Lake has a population of 5,469 with a median age of 40.6 years. Compare Spirit Lake with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Iowa.
Similar Cities Near Spirit Lake
Cities in Iowa with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Osceola | 5,495 | $62,363 | $145,300 | Compare |
| Algona | 5,414 | $52,542 | $156,200 | Compare |
| DeWitt | 5,535 | $84,474 | $223,100 | Compare |
| Red Oak | 5,542 | $52,996 | $91,600 | Compare |
| Sheldon | 5,386 | $68,448 | $173,600 | Compare |
| Anamosa | 5,553 | $56,167 | $164,900 | Compare |
| Winterset | 5,384 | $69,268 | $181,500 | Compare |
| Centerville | 5,377 | $41,472 | $99,000 | Compare |
Demographics
Racial & Ethnic Composition
Economy & Education
Housing
Other Cities in Iowa
Data source: US Census Bureau ACS 5-Year Estimates. Last updated: 2026-04-05.
Compare Spirit Lake With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Spirit Lake
What is the population of Spirit Lake, IA?
The population of Spirit Lake, IA is 5,469 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a small town in Iowa.
What is the median household income in Spirit Lake?
The median household income in Spirit Lake, IA is $73,627 per year, which is 2% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Spirit Lake?
The median home value in Spirit Lake, IA is $218,400, which is 11% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Spirit Lake?
The median monthly rent in Spirit Lake, IA is $885, which is 24% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Spirit Lake?
The unemployment rate in Spirit Lake, IA is 2.2%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. This lower-than-average rate suggests a relatively healthy local job market.
Is Spirit Lake, IA a good place to live?
Spirit Lake offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and a strong job market. With a population of 5,469 and a median age of 40.6, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Spirit Lake, IA?
32.0% of residents in Spirit Lake aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. The educational profile reflects the area's industry mix and employment landscape.
What is the cost of living in Spirit Lake?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Spirit Lake, IA: median home value is $218,400 (11% below national), median rent is $885/month, and median household income is $73,627. The home-value-to-income ratio is 3.0x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Spirit Lake?
The poverty rate in Spirit Lake, IA is 7.0%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Spirit Lake, IA?
Spirit Lake's population is 3.3% White, 1.2% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 0.0% Asian, and 0.2% two or more races. 1.7% of residents are foreign-born.