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Spencer, IA

Frequently asked questions

Spencer, IA

Spencer is a city in the state of Iowa, United States, and the county seat of Clay County. It is located at the confluence of the Little Sioux and Ocheyedan rivers. The population was 11,325 in the 2020 census, an increase from 11,317 in 2000. Spencer hosts the Clay County Fair, held annually in September and averaging more than 300,000 visitors. 

The town's late library cat, Dewey Readmore Books, became known throughout the world before he died in 2006. He was immortalized in the book Dewey: The Small-Town Library Cat Who Touched the World by Vicki Myron, director of the library, and Bret Witter.

When Clay County was established in 1851, it had no local government and official business was done out of Sergeant's Bluff, nearly 100 miles away on the Missouri River. In 1859, Judge Hubbard of Iowa's 4th Judicial District authorized a committee to find a site for the county seat. This committee selected "Section 20 of Spencer Township", located roughly in the center of the county near the confluence of "Sioux River and Ocheydan Creek", as the site for the "seat of justice". County Judge Charles Smeltzer approved their plan and began signing documents with the location "Spencer, Clay County, Iowa", even though he was not physically there. A small group of land speculators had cleared the area and laid out a town plan, but no people were living in that area at the time. Most of Clay County's residents were living in Peterson Township, in the far southeastern corner of the county. Put to a vote, Peterson was chosen as the County Seat, and a courthouse was erected there. The site of the proposed town languished, uninhabited, for many years, the area coming to be called "Spencer Grove".

The first settlers in what is now Spencer arrived in Emmetsburg in the Winter of 1865. Most of the men were Union veterans of the Civil War from Wisconsin and were claiming land under the Homestead Act of 1862. While in Emmetburg, they were told of Spencer Grove and decided it would make a nice place to establish their homesteads. The town site was platted by John Franklin Calkins. He and his family and some other families arrived in Spencer Grove in May 1866 and were joined by another wave of settlers later that summer. On September 20, 1866, Spencer Grove Township was formally organized; one of the benefits was the residents being able to vote locally rather than traveling twenty miles to Peterson, the County Seat and only incorporated town in Clay County. In October 1866, Spencer Grove resident Romanzo Coates was elected as Superintendent of Clay County Common Schools; he established the first schoolhouse on the upper level of his cabin and appointed his wife as the first schoolteacher.

Spencer's longitude and latitude coordinates in decimal form are 43.145318, 95.147209. According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 11.18 square miles (28.96 km²), of which 11.01 square miles (28.52 km²) is land and 0.17 square miles (0.44 km2) is water. 

Spencer places a strong emphasis on health and wellness to its residents. The Spencer Family YMCA features state-of-the-art fitness equipment, swimming pools, and a wide range of group exercise classes, including yoga, pilates, and HIIT, providing a comprehensive fitness experience for all ages. For those seeking relaxation and rejuvenation, Design Masters Salon & Day Spa offers luxurious massages, facials, and body treatments in a tranquil setting, perfect for unwinding and revitalizing. The Spencer Municipal Golf Course provides a well-maintained course for golfers of all skill levels, along with stunning views and a welcoming clubhouse. Spencer Chiropractic & Wellness Center focuses on therapeutic massage techniques to alleviate stress and muscle tension. CrossFit Spencer emphasizes functional fitness through high-intensity workouts tailored to individual fitness levels. Anytime Fitness offers 24/7 access to a variety of workout equipment and personal training services. Spencer Hospital offers comprehensive health services, including wellness check-ups and preventive care programs.

Top sites in Spencer, IA are Clay County Regional Events Center, Spencer Golf & Country Club, and Clay County Fair & Events Center.

Population: 11,418 (2024). ZIP codes: 51301, 51343. Area code: 712. Elevation: 1,312 ft (400 m). Area: 11.11 sq mi (28.77 km²).

FAQs

What is Spencer, IA famous for?

This thriving community boasts a charming, historic downtown that's filled with shops, restaurants and historical attractions. The community's historic downtown features the largest and most diverse collection of 1930s Art Deco architecture in the Midwest. Hometown of Dewey Readmore Books, The Small Town Library Cat That Touched the World. Enjoy museums, live theater, camping, hunting, fishing, biking and the "World's Greatest County Fair."

What is the crime rate in Spencer, IA?

Spencer has an overall crime rate of 11 per 1,000 residents, making the crime rate here near the average for all cities and towns of all sizes in America. According to our analysis of FBI crime data, your chance of becoming a victim of crime in Spencer is 1 in 89. How does Spencer fare compared to other communities in Iowa of all population sizes? Spencer's crime rate is lower than approximately 23% of Iowa communities.

Is Spencer, IA a good place to live?

Spencer is in Clay County. Living in Spencer offers residents a sparse suburban feel and most residents own their homes. Many families, young professionals, and retirees live in Spencer and residents tend to be conservative. The public schools in Spencer are above average.

Sources

Wikipedia

City of Spencer 

Travel Iowa

Niche

Neighborhood Scout

Clay County Regional Events Center

Spencer Golf & Country Club

Clay County Fair & Events Center

Spencer Family YMCA

Design Masters Salon & Day Spa

Spencer Municipal Golf Course

Spencer Chiropractic & Wellness Center

CrossFit Spencer

Anytime Fitness

Spencer Hospital 

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