Spanish Lake, MO
Population 18,183 · Missouri
About Spanish Lake, MO
Spanish Lake is a mid-sized city located in Missouri with a population of 18,183 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $51,125 per year, which is 32% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 34.5 years is notably younger the US median age of 38.9 years, indicating a younger, often more dynamic population base.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Spanish Lake features a median home value of $121,300, which is 50% below the national median of $244,900. This makes Spanish Lake one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $1,073, 8% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 8,876 total housing units, 49% are owner-occupied (3,561 units) and 51% are renter-occupied (3,706 units). The higher proportion of renters may reflect a transient population, younger demographics, or high housing costs relative to income.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Spanish Lake shows an unemployment rate of 6.8%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 17.3%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Spanish Lake have an average one-way commute time of 23.8 minutes.
Education & Demographics
13.2% of Spanish Lake residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. The lower educational attainment rate may reflect the area's industry mix, with more employment in trades, manufacturing, or agricultural sectors. The community's demographic composition includes 0.2% White, 1.4% Hispanic or Latino, 0.1% Black or African American, and 0.4% Asian residents, with 1.6% of the population being foreign-born.
How Spanish Lake Ranks in Missouri
Cost of Living in Spanish Lake, MO
Compared to national averages, Spanish Lake has a median household income of $51,125 (32% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $121,300, which is 50% below the national median. Monthly rent at $1,073 is 8% below the US average of $1,163. Within Missouri, Spanish Lake's income is 16% below the state average of $61,047, and home values are 20% below the state median of $150,786.
Why Live in Spanish Lake, MO?
Spanish Lake offers affordable housing with a median home value of $121,300, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $1,073/month, and short commute times averaging just 23.8 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($51,125) that falls below the national average. However, Spanish Lake’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Spanish Lake has a population of 18,183 with a median age of 34.5 years. Compare Spanish Lake with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Missouri.
Similar Cities Near Spanish Lake
Cities in Missouri with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Manchester | 18,189 | $92,839 | $298,400 | Compare |
| Concord | 18,028 | $84,389 | $279,400 | Compare |
| Ferguson | 18,350 | $46,106 | $99,300 | Compare |
| Farmington | 17,999 | $49,882 | $187,500 | Compare |
| Creve Coeur | 18,643 | $119,454 | $566,100 | Compare |
| Lake St. Louis | 17,538 | $123,427 | $375,300 | Compare |
| Kirksville | 17,493 | $48,063 | $145,300 | Compare |
| Clayton | 17,282 | $128,898 | $799,200 | Compare |
Demographics
Racial & Ethnic Composition
Economy & Education
Housing
Other Cities in Missouri
Data source: US Census Bureau ACS 5-Year Estimates. Last updated: 2026-04-05.
Compare Spanish Lake With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Spanish Lake
What is the population of Spanish Lake, MO?
The population of Spanish Lake, MO is 18,183 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a mid-sized city in Missouri.
What is the median household income in Spanish Lake?
The median household income in Spanish Lake, MO is $51,125 per year, which is 32% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Spanish Lake?
The median home value in Spanish Lake, MO is $121,300, which is 50% below the national median of $244,900. A significant portion of residents rent their homes.
What is the average rent in Spanish Lake?
The median monthly rent in Spanish Lake, MO is $1,073, which is 8% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Spanish Lake?
The unemployment rate in Spanish Lake, MO is 6.8%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Spanish Lake, MO a good place to live?
Spanish Lake offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 18,183 and a median age of 34.5, the city appeals to young professionals and families.
How educated is Spanish Lake, MO?
13.2% of residents in Spanish 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 Spanish Lake?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Spanish Lake, MO: median home value is $121,300 (50% below national), median rent is $1,073/month, and median household income is $51,125. The home-value-to-income ratio is 2.4x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Spanish Lake?
The poverty rate in Spanish Lake, MO is 17.3%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. Residents and prospective movers should be aware of the economic challenges facing parts of this community.
How diverse is Spanish Lake, MO?
Spanish Lake's population is 0.2% White, 1.4% Hispanic or Latino, 0.1% Black or African American, 0.4% Asian, and 81.3% two or more races. 1.6% of residents are foreign-born.