2025 Compare Cities Overview:
Spirit Lake, IA vs Decorah, IA

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Highlights
Are people in Decorah older or younger than people in Spirit Lake?
- The Median Age in Decorah is 7.0 years younger than in Spirit Lake.

Are housing costs cheaper in Decorah or Spirit Lake?
- Decorah housing costs are 11.3% less expensive than Spirit Lake housing costs.

Which city has a longer commute, Decorah or Spirit Lake?
- The average commute for residents of Decorah is 2.3 minutes shorter than it is for residents of Spirit Lake.

Things to do in Spirit Lake?
Living in Spirit Lake, IA is a unique experience that many people enjoy. The small town atmosphere and rural setting provide a peaceful and tranquil environment, where everyone knows each other and looks out for one another. The scenery is breathtaking, with the beautiful lakes, rolling hills, and lush green fields creating an idyllic natural backdrop that can't be experienced anywhere else. Residents can take advantage of all the outdoor activities the area has to offer such as fishing, boating, swimming, skiing, ATV riding and more. There are numerous small businesses in town providing goods and services to locals. Overall, Spirit Lake is a great place to call home offering a safe and friendly environment for families to grow together in nature's beauty.

Things to do in Decorah?
Living in Decorah, IA is an exciting and unique experience. The town is full of friendly people, charming architecture, and diverse culture. It offers plenty of outdoor activities like hiking or biking through the nearby trails and hills, fishing in the Upper Iowa River, or exploring the local caves. There are also great restaurants and breweries where you can enjoy a variety of delicious food and drinks. The downtown area is bustling with quaint shops offering handmade gifts and art pieces. Decorah also hosts several annual festivals such as the Nordic Fest, Trout Run Music Festival, and Winterfest that celebrate local heritage, music, and art. With its peaceful atmosphere and many attractions, living in Decorah is a truly enjoyable experience!

 Spirit Lake, IADecorah, IAUnited States
 Population  Unlock7,767329,725,481
 Median Income$56,490  Unlock$69,021
 Median Age  Unlock34.138.4
 Avg. Home Price$275,900  Unlock$338,100
 Unemployment Rate  Unlock5.3%6.0%
 Avg. Commute Time15.7  Unlock26.38
Reviews for Spirit Lake    1 Reviews

Over 18 years ago

We moved from a medium sized city in the West (about 100,000) to Spirit Lake a few years ago. Although it took a little while to get used to living in a small town  More

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Reviews for Decorah    3 Reviews

ridiculously expensive housing for such a small town. The wages in the town do not even remotely compensate for the high cost of housing. Average housing prices start  More

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Over 15 years ago

I have been a resident of Decorah, IA for 26 years. Decorah is located in the northeast corner of Iowa. When we entertain out of town guests they always comment how  More

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Over 15 years ago

This college has the most extensive music program of any liberal arts college around, has a strong connection to public radio, and Decorah is reputed to be a lovely  More

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