Spencer Public RecordsSouth Dakota

Spencer City in McCook County, South Dakota, had a population of 146 as of the 2020 Census. The median age was 45.4 years, with 21% under 18 and 20% aged 65 or older. The gender split was approximately 52% male and 48% female. The racial makeup was 93% White, 3% Native American, and 4% identifying as two or more races; Hispanic or Latino residents made up about 2% of the population.

Spencer, a small city in McCook County, SD, has a homeownership rate around 75%, with the median home value approximately $100,000. Rental options are limited, with median rents near $800/month. The housing stock mainly consists of single-family homes, typical of rural South Dakota, with few multi-family properties. Neighborhoods are quiet and mostly residential. Property values have remained steady, with modest annual increases of 2–3% over recent years. Property tax rates are low, averaging about 1.4% of assessed value, offering affordable options for both homeowners and renters in this close-knit community.

Spencer, a small city near McCook, SD, relies primarily on private vehicles for transportation, with over 95% of residents commuting by car, reflective of a vehicle ownership rate exceeding 90% of households. Public transit options are virtually nonexistent, leading to negligible transit usage rates. The average one-way commute is approximately 22 minutes, slightly below the national average. Road infrastructure consists mainly of local and county roads with easy highway access. Most employment centers are located in nearby towns such as Salem and Mitchell, contributing to moderate out-of-town commuting patterns for many residents.

Spencer, a small city near McCook, SD, has limited local healthcare facilities, with residents primarily relying on nearby clinics and hospitals in towns such as Montrose or Salem. McCook County Memorial Hospital in Salem serves as the primary provider, offering basic emergency and inpatient care. About 92% of county residents have health insurance, mainly through employer plans or Medicare/Medicaid. The area, with a median age of 43, commonly faces chronic conditions like hypertension and diabetes. Healthcare access remains challenging due to distance and provider shortages; McCook County has approximately 1 primary care physician per 2,000 residents.

Spencer, located in McCook County, SD, is a small city served by the McCook Central School District, with the nearest high school being McCook Central High School in Salem (approx. 12 miles away). The district has about 500 students, with an average ACT score of 21.5. There are no colleges in Spencer; 20% of adults have a bachelor’s degree or higher. School safety is rated above state average, and educational programs include standard K-12 curriculum, athletics, and FFA. Adult education resources are limited locally but available in nearby towns.