Spirit Lake, IA
Population 5,469 · Iowa
About Spirit Lake, IA
Spirit Lake is a small community in Iowa with a population of 5,469 residents. The median household income is $73,627 per year, which is above the national average. The median age in Spirit Lake is 40.6 years.
Housing in Spirit Lake has a median home value of $218,400 and median monthly rent of $885. Of the 2,930 total housing units, the majority are owner-occupied, with 1,782 owner-occupied and 910 renter-occupied units.
The unemployment rate in Spirit Lake is 2.2% and the poverty rate is 7.0%. 32.0% of residents hold a bachelor's degree or higher. The average commute time is 13.5 minutes.
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.
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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 Census data.
What is the median household income in Spirit Lake?
The median household income in Spirit Lake, IA is $73,627 per year.
What is the median home value in Spirit Lake?
The median home value in Spirit Lake, IA is $218,400.
What is the average rent in Spirit Lake?
The median monthly rent in Spirit Lake, IA is $885.
What is the unemployment rate in Spirit Lake?
The unemployment rate in Spirit Lake, IA is 2.2%.