City profile
Spencer, IA
Clay County · Population 11,400
Spencer is a town in Clay County, IA with about 11,400 residents and a typical home value near $185,000. It is 133 miles from Des Moines, IA, which shapes its climate, healthcare access and amenities.
Climate
Climate type
Four seasons
Winter avg
19°F
Summer avg
75°F
Sunny days / yr
200
Home prices & cost of living
Median home price
$184,800
Typical monthly housing
$1,224
Cost of living (100 = U.S.)
83
Taxes
- Property tax
- 1.43%
- State income tax (top)
- 3.8%
- Social Security
- Not taxed
- Pensions
- Not taxed
- Sales tax (state + avg. local)
- 6.94%
FEMA natural hazard risk
Very Low · county score 36/100
Top hazards: Hail, Winter weather
Nearest major airport
133 mi to Eppley Airfield (OMA)
Political lean (2024 county vote)
Leans Republican · 28% Democratic / 71% Republican
Community
Population
11,400
Black population
0.4%
County
Clay County
Detailed crime figures are available for our 201 hand-researched cities.
2025–2026 trends
2026 market trends
- ▸Home insurance premiums are rising quickly here
- ▸Home prices are still rising in 2026 — good for long-term value, less room to negotiate
- ▸Climate/cost risks to check: hail, derechos
Highlights
- About 11,400 residents
- Typical home value about $185,000
- 133 miles from Des Moines, IA
Trade-offs
- Smaller community with fewer local amenities
- Scores for this place are estimated from Census data and the nearest major city
Figures are estimates from public sources (see How we match). Verify before making decisions.