Spirit Lake, IA demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
5,518
0.9% year-over-year change
Median household income
$65,720/yr
-10.7% year-over-year change
Housing units
2,881
-1.7% year-over-year change

Spirit Lake population

How many people live in Spirit Lake

Spirit Lake is home to 5,518 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 50.8% of Spirit Lake locals are male, and 49.2% are female.

Total population
5,518
0.9% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
50.8%
2,805
Female
49.2%
2,713
Value Percent YoY change
Male 2,805 50.8% 2.9%
Female 2,713 49.2% -1.1%
A higher population often means more rental variety and livelier areas. The gender balance—how many men live here compared to women—can reveal a lot about the community and the lifestyles of its residents. Use this info to get a sense of the area's pace and personality.

Age demographics

The median age in Spirit Lake is 40, with the population distributed as follows: about 17.5% are children under 15, then 14.7% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 24.8% of the population, while another 21% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 22.1% are 65 or older.

Median age
40.4
Age breakdown
Under 15
17.5%
15 to 24
14.7%
25 to 44
24.8%
45 to 64
21%
Over 65
22.1%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 966 17.5% -3.8%
15 to 24 810 14.7% 28.4%
25 to 44 1,366 24.8% -4.9%
45 to 64 1,159 21% 9.3%
Over 65 1,217 22.1% -9.0%
The age composition helps you get insight into who lives in the area. A younger population might mean a more active, fast-paced vibe, while an older one could suggest a quieter, slower lifestyle. If there's a balanced makeup, you’re likely to find a variety of services, housing types, and community spaces that cater to different life stages.

Racial makeup

In Spirit Lake, 98.4% of the population are US-born citizens, while 0.3% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 1.3% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 91.2% of locals are Caucasian, 0.1% are African American and 0.2% have Asian roots. There’s also a share of 7.9% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
98.4%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
0.3%
Non-citizens
1.3%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 5,429 98.4% 1.4%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 15 0.3% -46.4%
Non-citizens 74 1.3% -12.9%
Racial breakdown
White
91.2%
Black or African American
0.1%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0%
Asian
0.2%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
7.9%
Other
0.5%
Value Percent
White 5,035 91.2%
Black or African American 6 0.1%
Asian 11 0.2%
Two or more races 437 7.9%
Other 29 0.5%

Households in Spirit Lake

A peek inside Spirit Lake households

Spirit Lake has 2,716 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 47.8% are families, while the remaining 52.2% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
2,716
0.9% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
1,417
Family households
1,299
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 1,417 52.2% -1.2%
Family households 1,299 47.8% 3.3%
The mix between family and non-family households gives a glimpse into daily life. A higher percentage of families might mean more parks and schools, while more non-family setups can mean flexible housing and diverse living styles. For renters, this can signal what kinds of homes are common and can help you figure out if the area matches your lifestyle.

Housing in Spirit Lake

The housing landscape of Spirit Lake

Spirit Lake's housing consists of 2,881 units, with 70.7% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 3.7% and offer a more compact, shared living style. Then there are the multifamily buildings in the area, and for those seeking flexibility, non-traditional options like mobile homes account for 5.6% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
2,881
-1.7% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 2,036 70.7%
1 unit, attached 107 3.7%
2 units 36 1.2%
3 or 4 units 207 7.2%
5 to 9 units 82 2.8%
10 to 19 units 84 2.9%
20 to 49 units 105 3.6%
50 or more units 11 0.4%
Mobile home 160 5.6%
Boat, RV, van, etc. 53 1.8%
Homes built since 2020
65
35.4% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Spirit Lake

In Spirit Lake, the median construction year is 1978. About 15% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 7.7% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 10.7% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 12.6% between 2010 and 2019, and 2.3% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 432 15% 3.4%
Built between 1940 and 1949 222 7.7% 20.6%
Built between 1950 and 1959 183 6.4% 5.2%
Built between 1960 and 1969 192 6.7% -46.5%
Built between 1970 and 1979 520 18% 7.9%
Built between 1980 and 1989 145 5% 5.8%
Built between 1990 and 1999 452 15.7% 0.0%
Built between 2000 and 2009 307 10.7% -11.8%
Built between 2010 and 2019 363 12.6% 10.7%
Built in 2020 or later 65 2.3% 35.4%
As a renter, knowing when homes were built helps you understand the potential condition and design of rental units. Newer builds may have more contemporary layouts, while older homes can offer character or larger lots, depending on the area.

Spirit Lake occupancy rates

Out of the 2,716 occupied housing units in Spirit Lake, 67.4% are owner-occupied, while 32.6% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 5.7% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
2,716
0.9% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
884
Owner occupied
1,832
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 884 32.6% -2.9%
Owner occupied 1,832 67.4% 2.8%
Unoccupied housing units
5.7%
Unoccupied housing units refer to homes that are currently without residents—whether they're waiting for renters or owners, used seasonally, or simply unclaimed. A higher share of empty homes may mean more housing availability, while a low number can reflect a tighter market with more competition. This, along with the renter-vs.-owner mix, helps paint a clearer picture of what types of housing and services are likely to be available in the area.

Spirit Lake housing costs

Housing costs in Spirit Lake come to a median of $960 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $911.

Median housing costs per month
$960/month
This figure sums up typical monthly housing costs for all households in the area. If you own, it includes mortgage payments in addition to property taxes, insurance and HOA fees. If you rent, it accounts for rent plus extras like utilities. It’s useful for seeing how local living expenses stack up compared to other places.
Median gross rent in Spirit Lake
$911/month
Gross rent gives a more complete look at what renters actually pay, including not just base rent, but also utilities and fees. It’s a key number for evaluating rental affordability in your area of interest and understanding how it compares to nearby locations.

Education in Spirit Lake

Spirit Lake education at a glance

About 45.1% of the population in Spirit Lake went to high school, while 22.7% pursued college studies. Another 9.2% earned an associate degree and 16.4% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 6.2% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 18 0.4% -10.0%
High school diploma 2,002 45.1% 31.5%
College diploma 1,009 22.7% -5.4%
Associate degree 411 9.2% -16.8%
Bachelor's degree 728 16.4% -22.6%
Graduate degree 273 6.2% -4.5%
A community’s education mix can offer insights into the local economy and housing market. Higher levels of education often align with more job opportunities and stable incomes, which can increase demand for homes and influence both rent prices and rental availability.

Income in Spirit Lake

How much people earn in Spirit Lake

The average annual household income in Spirit Lake was $75,816 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a -10.3% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $65,720, reflecting a -10.7% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Spirit Lake
$75,816/year
-10.3% year-over-year change
Median household income in Spirit Lake
$65,720/year
-10.7% year-over-year change

Spirit Lake income by age

In Spirit Lake, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $81,582. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $77,070 overall. Younger households, where the main provider is under 25 and just starting out, report a median income of $50,484, while those led by someone over 65, many of whom may be retired, have about $37,228 in earnings. Overall, 93.6% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
Under 25 $50,484 3.2%
25 - 44 $81,582 -19.7%
45 - 64 $77,070 -14.2%
Over 65 $37,228 -22.9%
Above poverty level
4,952
Below poverty level
341
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 4,952 93.6% 1.2%
Below poverty level 341 6.4% -9.3%

Average renter income in Spirit Lake

To get a better sense of what renters earn on average in Spirit Lake, their median household income was $47,366 according to 2022 Census data. In addition, the rent-to-income ratio in the area, at 23.1%, shows what portion of their earnings goes toward housing expenses.

Renter median household income
$47,366
Rent-to-income ratio
23.1%
Understanding the rent-to-income ratio can help renters gauge if local housing costs align with their earnings. A ratio under 30% usually signals affordability, while exceeding this mark means rent is taking a larger-than-recommended bite out of income. That could make it harder for you to cover other costs like transportation, healthcare, or child care.

Employment in Spirit Lake

Workforce and job types in Spirit Lake

The job market in Spirit Lake is powered by 3,107 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 59.4% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 40.6% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 7.5% run their own businesses, 71.7% are employed by private companies, and 10.5% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
3,107
5.8% year-over-year change
White collar
1,846
Blue collar
1,261
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 1,846 59.4% -8.2%
Blue collar 1,261 40.6% 35.9%
Employer type
Self employees
7.5%
Private companies
71.7%
Governmental workers
10.5%
Not for profit companies
10.3%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 233 7.5% 15.9%
Private companies 2,227 71.7% 8.3%
Governmental workers 326 10.5% -22.0%
Not for profit companies 321 10.3% 22.1%
Unemployment rate
3.1%
48.5% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Spirit Lake stands at 3.1%, representing the share of the workforce currently without a job and actively looking for one.

For renters, the unemployment rate helps paint a picture of job security and financial stability in the area. Rates around 4% to 5% are considered typical. A lower-than-average rate might suggest strong job prospects and a thriving local economy, while a higher rate could hint at fewer opportunities—both useful to consider when planning a move.

Transportation in Spirit Lake

How people get around in Spirit Lake

Commuting methods vary: 87% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 3.5% prefer to walk, while the remaining share relies on public transit or on two wheelers to get from A to B.

Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 2,625 87% 6.9%
Walk 106 3.5% 53.6%
Understanding how locals get to work can help you plan your own routine. High car usage might mean you’ll need a vehicle, while strong public transit or walkability could save you the hassle. Commute times also play a big role in quality of life—shorter trips can give you more time for the things you enjoy.

What is the median and average household income in Spirit Lake by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
51360 8,653 4,330 $75,882 $92,949

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FAQs about Spirit Lake demographics 

What is the total population of Spirit Lake?

Spirit Lake has a total population of 5,518 residents, according to the latest release from the U.S. Census Bureau: the 2019-2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates. This figure changed by +0.9% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Spirit Lake?

The gender ratio in Spirit Lake is as follows:
  • 50.8% males (2,805 residents)
  • 49.2% females (2,713 residents)

What is the median age in Spirit Lake?

The median age in Spirit Lake is 40.4.

What is the age distribution of the population in Spirit Lake?

The age distribution in Spirit Lake is as follows:
  • Under 15: 17.5% (966 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 14.7% (810 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 24.8% (1,366 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 21% (1,159 residents)
  • Over 65: 22.1% (1,217 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Spirit Lake?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Spirit Lake is as follows:
  • White: 91.2% (5,035 residents)
  • Black or African American: 0.1% (6 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0% (0 residents)
  • Asian: 0.2% (11 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% (0 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 7.9% (437 residents)
  • Other: 0.5% (29 residents)

What percentage of the population in Spirit Lake are U.S.-born citizens?

U.S.-born citizens represent 98.4% of the population in Spirit Lake.

How many housing units are there in Spirit Lake?

There are 2,881 housing units in Spirit Lake, reflecting a -1.7% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

How many households are in Spirit Lake and what is the average household size?

Spirit Lake has a total of 2,716 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in Spirit Lake?

Spirit Lake has a median household income of $65,720, representing a -10.7% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

What is the employment rate and job market overview for Spirit Lake?

The employment rate is 96.9% in Spirit Lake, with a workforce of 3,107 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 59.4% (1,846 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 40.6% (1,261 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 7.5% (233 residents)
  • Private companies: 71.7% (2,227 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 10.5% (326 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 10.3% (321 residents)

Data source & methodology

The demographic data on this page was sourced from the latest U.S. Census Bureau release—the 2019–2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates.

The information, issued annually, is compiled and published by the Point2Homes Research Team as soon as new data becomes available.

No representation, guarantee, or warranty is made concerning the accuracy or completeness of modified or aggregated information for particular areas.

Page last updated: September 2025