Where does this demographic data come from?

All demographic data comes from the U.S. Census Bureau's American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year Estimates, which samples about 3.5 million households annually. The 5-year estimates provide the most reliable data for small geographies like municipalities.

What is the difference between Census data and ACS data?

The decennial Census (conducted every 10 years) is a full population count focusing on basic demographics. The ACS is an ongoing survey that collects detailed data on income, education, housing, commute patterns, and more. ACS data is updated annually but represents averages over a 5-year period.

How accurate is this data for small towns?

For smaller municipalities, ACS estimates have wider margins of error because fewer residents are sampled. The 5-year estimates reduce this uncertainty by averaging over a longer period. For towns under 5,000 people, treat specific numbers as approximations rather than precise counts.

Spirit Lake, IA Population, Income & Demographics 2026

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Demographics — 2024 ACS 5-Year Estimatesi

Census

Populationi

5,518

Median Agei

40.4

Race & Ethnicityi

White

89.8%4,953

Two or More

6.3%346

Hispanic/Latino

3.7%202

Asian

0.2%11

Black

0.1%6

Educational Attainment (Age 25+)i

GED/Alternative

3.2%120

High School Diploma

31.9%1,194

Some College (<1 yr)

7.6%284

Some College (1+ yr)

14.5%544

Associate's Degree

10.3%385

Bachelor's Degree

19.5%728

Master's Degree

5.3%199

Professional Degree

2%74

HS or Higher

94.3%

BA or Higher

26.8%

Graduate+

7.3%

Housingi

Median Home Valuei

$215,100

Median Renti

$911

Tenure

Owner-Occupied

67.5%1,832

Renter-Occupied

32.5%884

Total Units

2,881

Homeownership

67.5%

Vacancy Rate

5.7%

Home Values

Under $50K

5.3%98

$50K–$100K

3.7%67

$100K–$150K

22.8%417

$150K–$200K

14.1%258

$200K–$300K

22.6%414

$300K–$500K

23.6%433

$500K–$1M

4.1%76

$1M+

3.8%69

Rent Distribution

Under $500

$500–$750

150

$750–$1,000

384

$1,000–$1,250

149

$1,250–$1,500

$1,500–$2,000

Year Built

2020 or later

2.3%65

2010–2019

12.6%363

2000–2009

10.7%307

1990–1999

15.7%452

1980–1989

5%145

1970–1979

18%520

1960–1969

6.7%192

1950–1959

6.4%183

1940–1949

7.7%222

1939 or earlier

15%432

Heating Fuel

Utility Gas

66%1,792

Electricity

26.1%708

Bottled/LP Gas

7.1%194

Solar

0.4%12

No Fuel

0.4%10

Economyi

Median Household Incomei

$65,720

Mean Household Incomei

$75,816

Per Capita Incomei

$38,446

Poverty Ratei

6.2%

Unemploymenti

3.1%

Labor Forcei

3,205

Household Income Distribution

Under $10K

1%27

$10K–$15K

2.8%75

$15K–$20K

14.3%388

$20K–$25K

4.5%123

$25K–$30K

1.6%43

$30K–$35K

1.4%38

$35K–$40K

2.9%79

$40K–$45K

2.8%76

$45K–$50K

1%27

$50K–$60K

13.4%364

$60K–$75K

10.1%273

$75K–$100K

14%381

$100K–$125K

14.7%399

$125K–$150K

7%189

$150K–$200K

6.2%168

$200K+

2.4%66

Federally Subsidized Housingi

HUD

The federal government helps low-income families, seniors, and people with disabilities afford housing through several programs. Residents typically pay about 30% of their income toward rent, with the government covering the rest. This data shows how many households in this community receive that assistance.

Subsidized Homesi

Residentsi

107

Avg. Tenant Renti

$388/mo

Avg. Waitlisti

6 months

Programs in this community

Housing Choice Vouchers97 homes96% occupied$388/mo rent

Rental vouchers (Section 8) that help tenants pay for private-market housing

Household Incomei

Based on area median of $65,720/yr

Extremely low incomeUnder $20K/yr

84%

Very low income$20K–$33K/yr

15%

Moderate / aboveOver $53K/yr

Who Receives This Housing

66% of subsidized households are headed by a single mother

4% of subsidized households are minority

62% of subsidized households include someone with a disability

54% of subsidized households include a senior (62+)

Ancestry & Heritage

Self-reported ancestry groups. Residents may report multiple ancestries, so totals may exceed 100%.

Foreign-Born Populationi

Foreign-Borni

891.6%

By Region

Top Countries

Mexico

Philippines

Commute & Transportationi

Workersi

3,017

Avg. Commutei

13.4 min

How People Get to Work

Travel Time to Work

Workforce

Total Employed

3,107

Occupations

Industries

Social Characteristicsi

Marital Status (15+)i

Veteransi

362(8.2% of civilian adults)

Health Insurancei

98.3%Insured

1.7%Uninsured