Median Income
$75,833
1% higher than US avg
Home Value
$122,700
56% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
0/100K
100% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
19.1%
43% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$1,038
11% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
35.4%
10% higher than US avg
Unemployment
5.8%
61% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
1.0%
92% lower than US avg
How Alden Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population658
Median Age48.7 yrs
Density678/mi²
Male / Female44% / 56%
Largest GroupWhite 94%
Veterans10.3%
Economy
B+
Median Income$75,833
Per Capita$37,583
Unemployment5.8%
Poverty1.0%
County GDP$1,740M
Commute21 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$122,700
Rent$1,038
Ownership87.2%
Zillow$148,720
Housing Units293
Rent Burden14.7%
Crime
C+
Violent0/100K
Property621/100K
Health
Obesity35.4%
Uninsured8.2%
Smoking15.1%
Depression25.2%
Heart Disease5.2%
Climate
Avg Temp46°F (8°C)
AQI36 (Good)
Rain34.5 in/yr
Sunny Days260/yr
Elevation1,263 ft (385 m)
Education
C+
Bachelor's+19.1%
High School+97.5%
Graduate+4.1%
School Score5.71
Community
2024 VoteR 60% / D 39%
Commute21 min
Broadband94.7%
EV Stations6
Libraries1
Is Alden a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Alden receives an overall livability score of 3.5 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B+. Key strengths include low crime rates, affordable housing, abundant sunshine, a low poverty rate. Areas to be aware of include above-average unemployment. Alden offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Alden is $75,833, roughly in line with the national average of $75,149. The unemployment rate of 5.8% is somewhat elevated compared to the national rate of 3.6%. Only 1.0% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 21 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Alden is $122,700, 56% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $1,038 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 1.6x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Alden is a very safe community with a violent crime rate of 0 per 100,000 residents / well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 621 per 100,000, 68% below the national average.
Education
19.1% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 97.5% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.7/10.
Climate & Weather
Alden experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 46°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 34.5 inches, including 40.1 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 36.
Alden has a population of 658 with a density of 678 people per square mile, spread across 1.1 square miles. The median age is 48.7 years, 25% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 55.9% female and 44.1% male. The city is predominantly White (94.2%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 99.5% of residents. 10.3% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 13.3% of residents have a disability. 94.5% have health insurance coverage.
Population
48.7yrs
Median Age
25% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
99.5%
27% above US avg
Spanish
0.5%
96% below US avg
The median household income in Alden is $75,833, which is 1% above the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $37,583. The average weekly wage is $1,021, 29% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 5.8% (above the 3.6% US average). 1.0% 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 21 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 5.4% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $75,833 |
| 1% above US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $37,583 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,021 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $64,740 |
| Gini Index | 0.448 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 5.8% |
| 61% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 1.0% |
| 92% 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 | 3.49% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 20.9 min |
| Drive Alone | 89.3% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 5.4% |
The median home value in Alden is $122,700, 56% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $148,720, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $1,038 (11% 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. 87.2% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 293 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1958. The average annual property tax is $4,279 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 14.7% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.6x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $122,700 |
| 56% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $148,720 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $1,038 |
| 11% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 14.7% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $809 |
| 1 Bedroom | $899 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,125 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,483 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,698 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 87.2% |
| Owner-Occupied | 87.2% |
| Renter-Occupied | 12.8% |
| Housing Units | 293 |
| Median Year Built | 1958 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $4,279 |
| 22% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 3.49% |
In Alden, 35.4% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 8.7% have diabetes (below the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 5.2% of residents. 27.5% have high blood pressure. 15.1% are current smokers. 22.2% report binge drinking. 24.5% are physically inactive. 25.2% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 17.3% experience frequent mental distress. 8.2% of residents lack health insurance. 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.
Health Metrics: Alden vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 35.4% |
| 10% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 8.7% |
| Heart Disease | 5.2% |
| High Blood Pressure | 27.5% |
| Asthma | 10.2% |
| COPD | 5.1% |
| Cancer | 7.3% |
| Stroke | 2.7% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 15.1% |
| 8% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 22.2% |
| Physical Inactivity | 24.5% |
| Depression | 25.2% |
| Mental Distress | 17.3% |
| Physical Distress | 11.4% |
| Short Sleep | 33.3% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 94.5% |
| Uninsured | 8.2% |
| 5% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,537 |
| Dentists | 1:2,363 |
| Mental Health | 1:710 |
| Checkup Rate | 71.9% |
| Dental Visits | 65.1% |
| Premature Death | 7,899/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.5/10 |
| Exercise Access | 61.1% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 66 |
Alden has a violent crime rate of 0 per 100,000 residents, 100% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 621 per 100,000, 68% below the U.S. average. The county recorded 5 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Alden receives a safety grade of C+.
Crime Rates: Alden vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 620.6/100K |
| 68% below US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 5 |
| Traffic Accidents | 134 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.1 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | C+ |
| Safety Score | 2.5 / 5.0 |
Alden experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 46°F (8°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 34.5 inches. The area receives 40.1 inches of snow annually, making winter weather a significant factor for residents. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 36. The city sits at an elevation of 1,263 feet.
Temperature
14°F Jan (-10°C)
72°F Jul (22°C)
| Annual Average | 45.5°F |
| 16% below US avg |
| January Average | 14°F (-10°C) |
| July Average | 72°F (22°C) |
| Sunny Days | 260 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,263 ft (385 m) |
| Area | 1.1 sq mi (2.8 km²) |
| Population Density | 678/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 43.6675°N, 93.5698°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Freeborn County County |
| Nearest Airport | Owatonna Degner Regional (OWA)
35 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
34.5"
9% 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 |
68 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
602 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF5. Total: 33 fatalities, 535 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Oct 14, 1966 |
EF5 |
97 km |
6 |
| Jun 17, 2010 |
EF4 |
12 km |
1 |
| Apr 30, 1967 |
EF4 |
40 km |
0 |
| Apr 30, 1967 |
EF4 |
52 km |
0 |
| Apr 30, 1967 |
EF4 |
16 km |
5 |
| Apr 30, 1967 |
EF4 |
15 km |
6 |
| May 5, 1965 |
EF4 |
74 km |
0 |
| Aug 29, 1964 |
EF4 |
99 km |
0 |
| Sep 16, 1962 |
EF4 |
96 km |
0 |
| May 10, 1953 |
EF4 |
97 km |
2 |
| May 10, 1953 |
EF4 |
67 km |
0 |
| Jun 12, 2013 |
EF3 |
88 km |
0 |
| Jun 17, 2010 |
EF3 |
13 km |
0 |
| Jun 17, 2010 |
EF3 |
29 km |
0 |
| Jun 17, 2010 |
EF3 |
41 km |
0 |
| Aug 24, 2006 |
EF3 |
87 km |
1 |
| Aug 1, 2006 |
EF3 |
96 km |
0 |
| Jun 11, 2004 |
EF3 |
87 km |
0 |
| Mar 29, 1998 |
EF3 |
80 km |
0 |
| Mar 29, 1998 |
EF3 |
83 km |
1 |
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 |
51 km |
| 1990 |
UNNAMED |
598 |
88 km |
| 2024 |
LINCOLN WPA RX |
575 |
69 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
14°F (-10°C) |
0.7 in |
Coldest |
| February |
19°F (-7°C) |
0.6 in |
Driest |
| March |
31°F (-0°C) |
1.7 in |
|
| April |
46°F (8°C) |
2.8 in |
|
| May |
59°F (15°C) |
3.6 in |
|
| June |
68°F (20°C) |
4.3 in |
Wettest |
| July |
72°F (22°C) |
4.2 in |
Warmest |
| August |
69°F (21°C) |
4.0 in |
|
| September |
61°F (16°C) |
3.2 in |
|
| October |
49°F (9°C) |
2.2 in |
|
| November |
32°F (0°C) |
1.6 in |
|
| December |
18°F (-8°C) |
1.0 in |
|
Alden has a seasonal temperature swing of 58°F / from 14°F in January to 72°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 29.9 inches, with June being the wettest month (4.3") and February the driest (0.6").
Average costs for common services in Alden. 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 Alden
What is the population of Alden?
Alden has a population of 658 residents and is located in Minnesota. The population density is 678 people per square mile, spread across 1.1 square miles. The median age of residents is 48.7 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 55.9% female and 44.1% male.
Is Alden expensive to live in?
Alden 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 $75,833, 1% above the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $122,700 (56% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $1,038 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.6x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Alden safe?
Alden is considered a very safe city with a violent crime rate of 0 per 100,000 residents, well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 621 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Alden receives a safety grade of C+ based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Alden?
Alden has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 46°F (8°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 34.5 inches, with 40.1 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 36.
How is the job market in Alden?
The unemployment rate in Alden is 5.8%, somewhat above the national average of 3.6%. Job seekers may face moderate competition. 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 21 minutes, and 5.4% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Alden?
The median home value in Alden is $122,700. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $148,720. For renters, the median monthly rent is $1,038. Fair market rent is $899 for a 1-bedroom and $1,125 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 87.2%. The average annual property tax is $4,279.
How are the schools in Alden?
Schools in Alden score 5.7 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 19.1% of adults in Alden hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 97.5% have completed high school. 4.1% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Alden?
The obesity rate in Alden is 35.4% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 15.1% of adults are smokers. 24.5% are physically inactive. 25.2% of residents report depression. 8.2% lack health insurance. 61.1% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,537.
What is transportation like in Alden?
The average commute in Alden is 21 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 89.3% of workers drive alone to work, and 5.4% work from home.
What are the demographics of Alden?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Alden is 94.2% White. 99.5% of residents speak only English at home. 10.3% of the population are military veterans. 13.3% of residents have a disability. 94.5% have health insurance coverage.
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