Median Income
$62,522
17% lower than US avg
Home Value
$150,400
47% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
216/100K
43% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
17.3%
49% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$845
27% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
37.2%
16% higher than US avg
Unemployment
2.4%
33% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
6.3%
49% lower than US avg
How Albert Lea Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population18,379
Median Age44.3 yrs
Density1,383/mi²
Male / Female50% / 51%
Largest GroupWhite 81%
Veterans8.3%
Economy
A
Median Income$62,522
Per Capita$37,796
Unemployment2.4%
Poverty6.3%
County GDP$1,740M
Commute19 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$150,400
Rent$845
Ownership73.6%
Zillow$172,925
Housing Units8,567
Rent Burden28.4%
Crime
F
Violent216/100K
Property2,875/100K
Murder0.0/100K
Assault165/100K
Burglary574/100K
Health
Obesity37.2%
Uninsured12.2%
Smoking17.7%
Depression24.3%
Heart Disease5.8%
Climate
Avg Temp45°F (7°C)
AQI36 (Good)
Rain35.8 in/yr
Sunny Days260/yr
Elevation1,243 ft (379 m)
Education
C
Bachelor's+17.3%
High School+87.2%
Graduate+4.8%
School Score5.71
Community
2024 VoteR 60% / D 39%
Commute19 min
Broadband83.5%
EV Stations6
Libraries1
Is Albert Lea a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Albert Lea receives an overall livability score of 3.1 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include low unemployment, low crime rates, affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include a high uninsured rate. Albert Lea offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Albert Lea is $62,522, 17% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 2.4%. Only 6.3% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 19 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Albert Lea is $150,400, 47% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $845 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 2.4x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Violent crime in Albert Lea is below the national average at 216 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 2,875 per 100,000, 47% above the national average.
Education
17.3% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 87.2% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.7/10.
Climate & Weather
Albert Lea has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 45°F. Winters average 14°F in January while summers reach 72°F in July. With 260 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 35.8 inches, including 39.5 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 36.
Albert Lea has a population of 18,379 with a density of 1,383 people per square mile, spread across 14.4 square miles. The median age is 44.3 years, 14% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 50.5% female and 49.5% male. The city is predominantly White (80.9%), with 1.6% Hispanic, 1.9% Black. English is the primary language spoken at home by 87.7% of residents, while 12.3% speak Spanish. 8.3% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 15.0% of residents have a disability. 92.0% have health insurance coverage.
Population
44.3yrs
Median Age
14% above US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Albert Lea vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
87.7%
12% above US avg
Spanish
12.3%
8% below US avg
Social Characteristics
Albert Lea vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Albert Lea is $62,522, which is 17% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $37,796. The average weekly wage is $1,021, 29% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 2.4% (below the 3.6% US average). 6.3% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 832 business establishments, including 73 restaurants. The cost of living index is 98.6, roughly in line with the national average. Workers commute an average of 19 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 7.6% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income: Albert Lea vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $62,522 |
| 17% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $37,796 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,021 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $64,740 |
| Gini Index | 0.448 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 2.4% |
| 33% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 6.3% |
| 49% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 832 |
| County GDP | $1,740M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 73 |
| Healthcare | 66 |
| Retail | 131 |
| Manufacturing | 47 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $4,279 |
| 22% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 98.60 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 2.85% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 18.9 min |
| Drive Alone | 79.6% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 7.6% |
The median home value in Albert Lea is $150,400, 47% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $172,925, higher than the Census estimate. Homes sell for 102.2% of their list price, indicating a competitive market where bidding wars are common. Monthly rent averages $845 (27% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $899 for a one-bedroom to $1,125 for a two-bedroom apartment. 73.6% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 8,567 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1959. The average annual property tax is $4,279 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 28.4% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.4x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $150,400 |
| 47% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $172,925 |
| Median List Price | $204,900 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
| Median List Price | $204,900 |
| $/Sq Ft | $113 |
| Homes Sold | 14 |
| Sale-to-List Ratio | 102.2% |
| Price Drops | 16.1% |
| Inventory | 62 |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $845 |
| 27% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 28.4% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $809 |
| 1 Bedroom | $899 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,125 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,483 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,698 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 73.6% |
| Owner-Occupied | 73.6% |
| Renter-Occupied | 26.4% |
| Housing Units | 8,567 |
| Median Year Built | 1959 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $4,279 |
| 22% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 2.85% |
In Albert Lea, 37.2% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 10.5% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.8% of residents. 29.6% have high blood pressure. 17.7% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 20.3% report binge drinking. 30.0% are physically inactive, above the national average. 24.3% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 17.9% experience frequent mental distress. 12.2% of residents lack health insurance (above the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,537. The dentist ratio is 1:2,363. 61.1% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.5 out of 10.
Air Quality (Open-Meteo CAMS — 2026-05-22)
PM2.5
4.3
μg/m³
Fine particulate
PM10
4.4
μg/m³
Coarse particulate
NO₂
5.5
μg/m³
Nitrogen dioxide
SO₂
0.6
μg/m³
Sulphur dioxide
CO
133.0
μg/m³
Carbon monoxide
Health Metrics: Albert Lea vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 37.2% |
| 16% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 10.5% |
| Heart Disease | 5.8% |
| High Blood Pressure | 29.6% |
| Asthma | 10.3% |
| COPD | 6.1% |
| Cancer | 6.9% |
| Stroke | 3.1% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 17.7% |
| 26% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 20.3% |
| Physical Inactivity | 30.0% |
| Depression | 24.3% |
| Mental Distress | 17.9% |
| Physical Distress | 13.1% |
| Short Sleep | 35.2% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 92.0% |
| Uninsured | 12.2% |
| 42% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,537 |
| Dentists | 1:2,363 |
| Mental Health | 1:710 |
| Checkup Rate | 71.3% |
| Dental Visits | 57.5% |
| Premature Death | 7,899/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.5/10 |
| Exercise Access | 61.1% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 66 |
Albert Lea has a violent crime rate of 216 per 100,000 residents, 43% below the national average of 380. This breaks down to aggravated assault at 164.8 per 100,000, robbery at 22.7, rape at 28.4. The murder rate is 0.0 per 100,000 (below the national rate of 6.3). Property crime stands at 2,875 per 100,000, 47% above the U.S. average. This includes larceny/theft at 2,165, burglary at 574, vehicle theft at 136 per 100,000 residents. The county recorded 5 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Albert Lea receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Albert Lea vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 216.0/100K |
| 43% below US avg |
| Murder | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg |
| Rape | 28.4/100K |
| Robbery | 22.7/100K |
| Assault | 164.8/100K |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 2,875.5/100K |
| 47% above US avg |
| Burglary | 574.0/100K |
| Theft | 2,165.1/100K |
| Vehicle Theft | 136.4/100K |
| Arson | 17.1/100K |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 5 |
| Traffic Accidents | 1,035 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.1 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Albert Lea has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 45°F (7°C). Winters average 14°F in January while summers reach 72°F in July. The area gets 260 sunny days per year, above the national average. Annual precipitation totals 35.8 inches. The area receives 39.5 inches of snow annually, a moderate snowfall amount. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 36. The city sits at an elevation of 1,243 feet.
Temperature
14°F Jan (-10°C)
72°F Jul (22°C)
| Annual Average | 45.2°F |
| 16% below US avg |
| January Average | 14°F (-10°C) |
| July Average | 72°F (22°C) |
| Sunny Days | 260 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,243 ft (379 m) |
| Area | 14.4 sq mi (37.4 km²) |
| Population Density | 1,383/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 43.6543°N, 93.3641°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Freeborn County County |
| Nearest Airport | Owatonna Degner Regional (OWA)
33 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
35.8"
6% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
4.33"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 36.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 51.0 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 35.9 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 89.6 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Moderate |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Moderate |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Moderate |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Moderate |
| Lightning |
Very Low |
| Ice Storm |
Very Low |
| Drought |
Relatively High |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
1 earthquake (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M2.8. Most recent: M2.8 on Apr 25, 2017.
| Apr 25, 2017 |
Near Mankato, Minnesota |
M2.8 |
78 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
600 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF5. Total: 33 fatalities, 552 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Oct 14, 1966 |
EF5 |
98 km |
6 |
| Jun 17, 2010 |
EF4 |
24 km |
1 |
| Jul 12, 1971 |
EF4 |
88 km |
0 |
| Apr 30, 1967 |
EF4 |
42 km |
0 |
| Apr 30, 1967 |
EF4 |
11 km |
5 |
| Apr 30, 1967 |
EF4 |
21 km |
6 |
| Apr 30, 1967 |
EF4 |
28 km |
0 |
| May 5, 1965 |
EF4 |
61 km |
0 |
| Sep 16, 1962 |
EF4 |
81 km |
0 |
| May 10, 1953 |
EF4 |
81 km |
2 |
| May 10, 1953 |
EF4 |
66 km |
0 |
| Jun 12, 2013 |
EF3 |
90 km |
0 |
| Jun 17, 2010 |
EF3 |
15 km |
0 |
| Jun 17, 2010 |
EF3 |
30 km |
0 |
| Jun 17, 2010 |
EF3 |
7 km |
0 |
| Aug 24, 2006 |
EF3 |
100 km |
1 |
| Jun 11, 2004 |
EF3 |
72 km |
0 |
| Mar 29, 1998 |
EF3 |
95 km |
1 |
| Mar 29, 1998 |
EF3 |
89 km |
0 |
| Jul 19, 1994 |
EF3 |
98 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
3 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: SNAKE TRAIL (1,496 ac, 2024).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2024 |
SNAKE TRAIL |
1,496 |
52 km |
| 1990 |
UNNAMED |
598 |
88 km |
| 2024 |
LINCOLN WPA RX |
575 |
84 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
14°F (-10°C) |
0.8 in |
Coldest |
| February |
19°F (-7°C) |
0.7 in |
Driest |
| March |
31°F (-0°C) |
1.9 in |
|
| April |
45°F (7°C) |
3.1 in |
|
| May |
58°F (15°C) |
3.7 in |
|
| June |
68°F (20°C) |
4.3 in |
Wettest |
| July |
72°F (22°C) |
4.1 in |
Warmest |
| August |
69°F (21°C) |
4.2 in |
|
| September |
61°F (16°C) |
3.3 in |
|
| October |
49°F (9°C) |
2.4 in |
|
| November |
32°F (0°C) |
1.8 in |
|
| December |
18°F (-8°C) |
1.0 in |
|
Albert Lea has a seasonal temperature swing of 58°F / from 14°F in January to 72°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 31.2 inches, with June being the wettest month (4.3") and February the driest (0.7").
Average costs for common services in Albert Lea. Prices are estimated based on regional cost of living data and may vary by provider.
Healthcare
| Doctor Visit (Primary Care) |
$247 ($148–$394) |
| Specialist Visit |
$345 ($197–$542) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$197 ($99–$345) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$2,169 ($789–$4,930) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$128 ($74–$197) |
| Dental Filling |
$247 ($148–$394) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$44 ($25–$74) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$74 ($49–$118) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$296 ($148–$493) |
| Tire Rotation |
$39 ($20–$74) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$592 ($394–$986) |
| Battery Replacement |
$197 ($99–$345) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$99 ($59–$148) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$89 ($49–$138) |
| HVAC Repair |
$394 ($148–$789) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,902 ($3,944–$11,832) |
| Roof Repair |
$986 ($394–$1,972) |
| Roof Replacement |
$8,874 ($5,423–$14,790) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,479 ($493–$3,451) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$14,790 ($4,930–$29,580) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,930 ($1,972–$9,860) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,479 ($789–$2,958) |
| Will Preparation |
$493 ($197–$986) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,465 ($986–$4,930) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$25 ($15–$44) |
| Women's Haircut |
$54 ($30–$99) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$148 ($74–$247) |
| Manicure |
$25 ($15–$44) |
| Pedicure |
$39 ($25–$64) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$79 ($49–$128) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$4.04 ($2.96–$5.42) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.45 ($2.47–$4.93) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.75 ($2.47–$5.42) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.44 ($2.96–$6.41) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$5.42 ($3.94–$7.40) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.99 ($0.59–$1.77) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$138 ($79–$247) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$69 ($30–$148) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$69 ($39–$118) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$69 ($39–$99) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$64 ($30–$99) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$84 ($49–$148) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$197 ($74–$493) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,972 ($1,183–$3,451) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$69 ($30–$128) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$15 ($7.89–$25) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$99 ($30–$247) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$30 ($15–$74) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,183 ($592–$2,465) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$986 ($493–$1,972) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$394 ($197–$690) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$49 ($25–$99) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$986 ($394–$2,465) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$12,325 ($4,930–$29,580) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$59 ($30–$99) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$99 ($49–$197) |
| Dog Grooming |
$59 ($30–$99) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$39 ($20–$74) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$296 ($148–$493) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$197 ($99–$394) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $914 |
| Toddler | $853 |
| Preschool | $787 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $534 |
| Toddler | $541 |
| Preschool | $541 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Albert Lea
What is the population of Albert Lea?
Albert Lea has a population of 18,379 residents and is located in Minnesota. The population density is 1,383 people per square mile, spread across 14.4 square miles. The median age of residents is 44.3 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 50.5% female and 49.5% male.
Is Albert Lea expensive to live in?
Albert Lea has a cost of living roughly in line with the national average, with an index of 98.6 (baseline: 100). The median household income is $62,522, 17% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $150,400 (47% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $845 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.4x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Albert Lea safe?
Albert Lea is safer than the national average, with a violent crime rate of 216 per 100,000 compared to the U.S. rate of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 2,875 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Albert Lea receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Albert Lea?
Albert Lea has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 45°F (7°C). Winter temperatures average 14°F in January, while summers reach an average of 72°F in July. The area receives 260 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 35.8 inches, with 39.5 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 36.
How is the job market in Albert Lea?
The job market in Albert Lea is very strong, with unemployment at just 2.4% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,021. There are 832 business establishments in the area, including 73 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 19 minutes, and 7.6% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Albert Lea?
The median home value in Albert Lea is $150,400. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $172,925. For renters, the median monthly rent is $845. Fair market rent is $899 for a 1-bedroom and $1,125 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 73.6%. The average annual property tax is $4,279.
How are the schools in Albert Lea?
Schools in Albert Lea score 5.7 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 17.3% of adults in Albert Lea hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 87.2% have completed high school. 4.8% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Albert Lea?
The obesity rate in Albert Lea is 37.2% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 17.7% of adults are smokers. 30.0% are physically inactive. 24.3% of residents report depression. 12.2% lack health insurance (above the national rate). 61.1% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,537.
What is transportation like in Albert Lea?
The average commute in Albert Lea is 19 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 79.6% of workers drive alone to work, and 7.6% work from home.
What are the demographics of Albert Lea?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Albert Lea is 80.9% White, 1.9% Black or African American, 1.6% Hispanic or Latino. 87.7% of residents speak only English at home, while 12.3% speak Spanish. 8.3% of the population are military veterans. 15.0% of residents have a disability. 92.0% have health insurance coverage.
All Countries
