$213,797Average Value$111Average Price per Sq Ft47Homes For Sale
Spencer: planting strong roots in northwest Iowa
The Little Sioux and Ocheyedan rivers flow into each other in Spencer, a northwest Iowa city where roots run deep. “I was born and raised here, graduated from high school here, and a lot of my classmates are still around,” says Bryan Sebastian, Realtor with Northwest Iowa Realty. Home to the largest county fair in the state, the Clay County seat is also a hotspot for farm equipment manufacturers and food processors. A new emergency department at Spencer Hospital strengthens a growing healthcare sector. Sebastian recounts a story of a couple who traveled to similar cities throughout the region before deciding to settle down in Spencer. “About a week after I gave them a tour, they called me up and said, ‘We are going to buy a house with you today.’” Bryan says. “These were people who compared us and graded us against so many communities from North Dakota all the way down and around back to Iowa. They’re still an amazing, thriving couple in our community today.”
Spencer is home to about 11,500 people.
The confluence of the Ocheyedan and Little Sioux Rivers is in Spencer.
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Recovery progress following the "perfect storm" of 2024
Disaster struck Spencer in June 2024, when much of the city was submerged in a flash flood originating from both rivers. It was the largest recorded flood in the city since 1953. “Recovery-wise, my phone is just full of good, bad, and tearjerking moments,” Sebastian says. “There are portions of Spencer that are in a floodplain area, but this flood was so massive, they called it the perfect storm. About 13 or 14 things had to come together for it to happen in the manner that it did.” Most businesses along South Grand Avenue have reopened, though some will never return due to the damages. FEMA departed in October, but the Spencer Chamber of Commerce continues to collect donations toward recovery efforts. “We take it one day at a time," Sebastian says. "There’s a lot of rebuilding to be done yet, but the flood of 2024 is not going to stop Spencer." City officials estimated that more than three-quarters of Spencer's 5,000 structures were damaged either by flood waters themselves or backed-up sewage.
Homes through the eras in Spencer
The median home price in Spencer is around $180,000, less than half the national value and lower than Sioux City and Sioux Falls, about 100 miles away. Homes run the gamut from the early 1900s through the 2000s. Ranch-style homes fill the space between American Foursquares and folk-style homes along the central gridded streets, while the newest subdivisions and developments in progress are on the outskirts of town. Iowa Department of Public Safety data shows that both crimes against people and property crimes spiked in 2020, but overall trended upward by 5.8 percent and downward by 30 percent respectively between 2019 and 2023.
Older Spencer homes have so much character and charm.
Modern and contemporary homes give Spencer residents new housing options.
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Art Deco downtown and big box shopping
Many downtown Spencer storefronts were rebuilt in the Art Deco style following a fire in 1931. The area is now on the National Register of Historic Places. A Kwik Star convenience store arrived in 2024, joining other regional and national chains. “Our shopping mall got wiped out in the flood, though the theater is back open,” Sebastian says. “We’re blessed to have a pretty good-sized Menards and a few anchor businesses in town. My son and I own a little car wash, we perk along in our little community.”
Downtown Spencer includes many Art-Deco style buildings that were built after a huge fire in the 1930s.
Menards is one of several large stores that makes shopping convenient for Spencer residents.
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Over 400 acres of Spencer Parks & Recreation
The 12-mile Spencer Recreational Trail bridges the Little Sioux and connects many hotspots within the city’s park system. At the center is East Leach Park, where a campground and shelter house a large playground, skatepark and tree-canopied band shell. Lakefront recreation at Stolley Park is alongside an 18-hole course at Spencer Golf and Country Club, and Spencer Public Library cut the ribbon on its Musical Garden in 2024. A statue in the library depicts Dewey Readmore Books, an adopted cat who served as staff supervisor until his passing in 2006. His legacy is immortalized in public art throughout the city and national bestseller, “Dewey: The Small-Town Library Cat Who Touched the World.”
Paved trails follow the Little Sioux River through the heart of Spencer.
Dewey Readmore Books was a famous library cat that took the world by storm in the 1980s and 90s.
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From grade school to higher education in Spencer
The Spencer Community School District scores a B-minus rating from Niche. Public school students attend five schools between prekindergarten to 12th grade. “Our high school offers college credit courses as soon as sophomore or junior year, cost-free,” Sebastian says. “Open enrollment is a thing too because we’re a rural area. Kids from outlying communities drive themselves, but buses go around and pick them up as well.” Iowa Lakes Community College also operates a campus out of Spencer.
Spencer High School is known for academic excellence and athletic success.
Iowa Lake Community College has a small campus on the north side of Spencer.
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Getting around Spencer and beyond
U.S. Routes 71 and 18 intersect in Spencer, and it’s over 100 miles to major metropolitan areas. Most drive to work or to do errands, though folks can schedule bus pickup through Rides, a nonprofit regional transit system. “We have a regional airport in town big enough to land a (Boeing) 727 on,” Sebastian says. “You’ll see Learjets and turboprops popping in. The community college has an aviation program to help students become pilots. But if you needed to get on a big plane and go somewhere, you’d do that out of either Des Moines or Sioux Falls.”
County fair is largest in Iowa and among nation's biggest
“We’re a designated Flag City, and every year the second weekend in June, the city fills with hundreds, if not thousands of flags,” Sebastian says. The Clay County Fair is both the largest of its kind in Iowa and one of the largest in the United States, stretching over nine days. Live music on the grandstand overlooks ferris wheel, vendors and a massive agricultural expo.
Written By
Emma Downes
Photography Contributed By
Drew Davis
Video By
Matt Pangman
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GreatSchools:
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On average, homes in Spencer, IA sell after 63 days on the market compared to the national average of 55 days. The median sale price for homes in Spencer, IA over the last 12 months is $165,000, down 8% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
New Construction Two-bedroom, two-bath townhome located near YMCA & Country Club. Quality finishes include maple cabinets & vanities, quartz countertops, 9-ft ceilings, Pella windows, 9ft x 15ft covered porch easily converted to 4 season room for den, double attached lined, insulated, heated garage, & lawn irrigation system. Five-year tax abatement.
Located in west Spencer adjacent to walking/bike trail, 3-bedroom, 2 bath home. The main floor offers spacious kitchen, formal dining, large living room, master bedroom, full bath, and main floor laundry. The upper level has 2 additional bedrooms and full bath; the basement offers great storage and potential for additional living space that the owner has already started to finish. This home also
There is a lot of summer left to enjoy and it begins right here. This 2 bedroom 2 bath ranch home sits on an oversized lot just steps from the aquatic center, bike trails, East Leach Park and more. Situated on nearly a half acre lot you will find room to spread out and enjoy your green space with mature trees or even expand the garden of your dreams. Inside you can appreciate a large functional
Looking for easy, low-maintenance living in a small community? This non-age-restricted condo at 1908 W 11th St, Spencer, IA 51301 (Country Club View Condominiums) offers 2,256 sq ft, including the full basement. HOA is only 4 units and just $250/month, with snow removal & mowing included. Main-floor living features 2 bedrooms, a private en-suite full bath, and a hallway 3/4 bath with a shower.
Open lease for 2026 crop year!30' x 30' heated Morton building constructed in 2004 features: 13' high side walls 12' high x 14' wide sliding garage door Interior electrical wiring Interior Modine hanging heater with propane tank 14' x 14' exterior cement pad
Ben HollesenMidwest Land Management & Real Estate, Inc.
Introducing a stunning new construction home to the market! This 3-Bedroom 2 Bath gem is designed with modern living in mind. With a spacious open floor plan spanning 1,533 finished sq ft this house offers a perfect blend of comfort and style. As you enter you will be greeted by the inviting living area showcasing the seamless flow between the living room, dining space & kitchen. The open layout
Welcome to 102 7th Street SE in Spencer! This charming 1.5-story frame home offers 3 bedrooms and 1 full bathroom with a functional and inviting layout. Recent updates include all new flooring throughout, creating a fresh and modern feel. The kitchen features new stainless steel appliances. The main level provides comfortable living space, while the upper level offers additional bedrooms and
Country Comfort, City Convenience–Enjoy the best of both worlds. Located on Spencer's west edge near the Little Sioux River, this ranch home combines the convenience of town with the beauty of mature trees and 2.36 acres m/l to enjoy. Offering 1,807 sq. ft. of main floor living, the home features an open floor plan with two bedrooms and two and a half baths. The kitchen offers abundant cabinetry,
Looking for room to stretch out without sacrificing town convenience? Welcome Home! Whether you're dreaming of expansive gardens, room for outdoor entertaining, extra storage and workshop space, or just peace and privacy, this property delivers! 4-bedroom, 2-bath, with a major addition completed in 2018 that includes expansive primary bedroom with walk-in closet and en-suite, main floor laundry,
Introducing a stunning new construction home to the market! This 3-Bedroom 2 Bath gem is designed with modern living in mind. With a spacious open floor plan spanning 1,533 finished sq ft this house offers a perfect blend of comfort and style. As you enter you will be greeted by the inviting living area showcasing the seamless flow between the living room, dining space & kitchen. The open layout
6,000 sqft! Potential opportunity so split into 3-4 units. Prime Multi-Use Space in the Heart of Spencer. Take advantage of this high-traffic location ideal for retail, office, or mixed-use development. This versatile property offers the perfect opportunity to build to suit your business needs or parcel out for rental income to generate consistent monthly revenue. Key Highlights: Premier location
Great opportunity in a solid neighborhood! This home offers strong potential with several key updates already in place, including newer vinyl replacement windows & a roof in good condition. Inside, you’ll find original hardwood floors in the living room & a mix of spaces—some needing full renovation, including both bathrooms, while others just require cosmetic updates like paint, flooring & light
Is the Low Maintenance Lifestyle Calling? Tucked away on a peaceful cul-de-sac is an open concept living 2-bedroom, 2-bathroom condo ready for a new owner. This one owner unit offers a serene setting in a low-traffic area. All appliances included with the sale. Don't miss out on this hidden GEM!
This completely renovated 5 bed, 2 bath home combines timeless charm with the peace of mind that comes from extensive modern updates. Thoughtfully transformed by Orris Construction, this home offers 1,647 finished sq ft, close proximity to downtown Spencer, and quality craftsmanship throughout. From the moment you arrive, you’ll appreciate the fresh curb appeal featuring new siding, gutters,
YOU + This Land = A Great Investment! Fairway Woods 2nd Addition offers several great lots. Buy YOUR land today and build later when you're ready. Spacious lots in a GREAT location with generous side setbacks to allow breathing room. Lots across the street are offset from one another. Located north of 18th Street and across from the Spencer Golf & Country Club plus close to walking and biking
Park View Apartments - 2 Bedroom / 1 Bath - Fully remodeled 2 bedroom/1 bath apartment with 693 square feet. Solid construction with concrete walls, ceiling and floors. All new central air conditioning and heat in each unit. The remodeled kitchen features Samsung stainless steel appliances with new granite. New gray vinyl wood plank flooring throughout the apartment with new fresh gray
Welcome to Windcrest Village in Spencer, Iowa.Discover comfortable living in a welcoming community. Windcrest Village offers thoughtfully designed one-, two-, and three-bedroom apartments, along with two-, three-, and four-bedroom townhomes, providing flexible layouts for a variety of lifestyles.Each home features in-unit washers and dryers, spacious bedrooms with large closets
Income based rent (approximately 30% of household income). Income restrictions do apply. Coin operated laundry on site. Stove & Fridge provided. "This institution is an equal opportunity provider."
Welcome to The Banks Apartments, a brand-new apartment community NOW LEASING in Spencer, IA. Designed with modern living in mind, The Banks offers spacious, stylish apartments with thoughtfully designed interiors and convenient features to make you feel right at home.At The Banks, residents can enjoy comfortable living in a welcoming community with amenities designed for everyday
Property Id: 2613906 Join the EZ Living community and enjoy our newly constructed rental units on the west edge of Spencer. Located just off of West 4th Street on 36th Ave W, this quiet neighborhood is the perfect place to come home to relax. The spacious one level floor plan has an individual entrance. Laminate flooring, fiberglass tub/shower and master shower make cleaning a breeze.
Versatile mixed-use commercial space available now on a 1.33-acre C-2 Highway Commercial property with dual road access and strong visibility. Ideal for a mechanic, automotive service, contractor, equipment repair, or similar business needing functional workspace and easy access. Currently available is a large 1,512 sq ft steel-frame metal shop along with dual road access, an on-site truck scale,
Property Id: 2613898 Join the EZ Living community and enjoy our newly constructed rental units on the west edge of Spencer. Located just off of West 4th Street on 36th Ave W, this quiet neighborhood is the perfect place to come home to relax. The spacious one level floor plan has an individual entrance. Laminate flooring, fiberglass tub/shower and master shower make cleaning a breeze.
Property Id: 2613914 Join the EZ Living community and enjoy our newly constructed rental units on the west edge of Spencer. Located just off of West 4th Street on 36th Ave W, this quiet neighborhood is the perfect place to come home to relax. The spacious one level floor plan has an individual entrance. Laminate flooring, fiberglass tub/shower and master shower make cleaning a breeze.
Property Id: 2613913 Join the EZ Living community and enjoy our newly constructed rental units on the west edge of Spencer. Located just off of West 4th Street on 36th Ave W, this quiet neighborhood is the perfect place to come home to relax. The spacious one level floor plan has an individual entrance. Laminate flooring, fiberglass tub/shower and master shower make cleaning a breeze.
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