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 5,248 residents. According to the most recent Census, 97% of Spirit Lake residents are White, 0% Black and 0% Asian. If you prefer shorter commutes, living in Spirit Lake will be a delight. With an average one-way commute time of just 12 minutes, traveling to and from work is notably more convenient than the national average, which stands at 26 minutes.
If you’re considering relocating to any new city, it could be a very daunting task. However, it could also be a great experience if you are willing to get to know the town before actually living in Spirit Lake, Iowa. When searching for a new neighborhood, several key items should be considered. Safety is of utmost importance, ensuring a secure environment with low crime. Proximity to your workplace or school helps reduce commuting time and offers convenience. Access to amenities such as parks, grocery stores, and healthcare facilities enhances your daily life. Public transportation options contribute to easy mobility. A sense of community fosters a supportive and engaging environment. Lastly, the overall atmosphere should align with your desired lifestyle, ensuring a fulfilling living experience. Considering these items will guide you towards finding the perfect neighborhood that fits all your needs. With useful information like crime, cost of living, health & safety and other key data points, finding the best places to live in Spirit Lake and in the areas around Spirit Lake is a much easier task.
Using data and statistics Spirit Lake has received a livability score of 80/100. This score is ranked in the 95th percentile when compared to all other cities. Based on this score, Spirit Lake would be considered a very livable city! The cherry on top is that Spirit Lake also ranks in the top 10 percent of all cities. If we dig a little deeper into each category within the livability score, we see that Spirit Lake has higher than average scores for the following: cost of living (A+), education (A+) and housing (A+). Spirit Lake does not rank well for the following: amenities (F). It might be a smart idea 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 0.3%, 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.
Parents and families often rely on school test scores when making decisions about local public schools. Test score data serves as a crucial metric for comparing and assessing various educational institutions. In Spirit Lake, the average school test scores reached an impressive 82%, significantly higher than the national average. This remarkable performance underscores the commitment of the educational system to equip students with the knowledge and resources necessary for success. It allows your children to receive the support and skills that are essential for thriving academically, making Spirit Lake an excellent choice for families seeking a high-quality education.
A healthy real estate market serves as a key economic indicator. It could signify overall local economic strength, stability and reflects consumer confidence in the area. Based on multiple factors including: median home and rental prices, appreciation rates and home affordability, Spirit Lake has received high marks in the housing category. Based on these calculations, the apartment rental and real estate market appears to be very healthy.
There are many factors that go into deciding if an area is the right fit for your lifestyle. Certain “must haves” like low crime, great schools and nearby amenities are all at the top of most people's lists. But before even considering if those options are attainable, we'll need to know if the real estate in Spirit Lake is actually affordable. Median real estate prices in Spirit Lake come in at $292,284, which is 21.8% higher than the Iowa average. The home price to income ratio compares the median home prices to the median household income. In Spirit Lake, the home price to income ratio is 3.7, which is 23.3% 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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