Median Income
$60,625
19% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
58/100K
85% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
5.4%
84% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
37.1%
16% higher than US avg
Unemployment
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
10.5%
15% lower than US avg
How Arco Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population61
Median Age65.2 yrs
Density210/mi²
Male / Female51% / 49%
Largest GroupWhite 100%
Veterans57.0%
Economy
B+
Median Income$60,625
Per Capita$32,938
Unemployment0.0%
Poverty10.5%
County GDP$588M
Commute23 min
Housing
Ownership94.6%
Zillow$121,757
Housing Units42
Rent Burden22.7%
Crime
F
Violent58/100K
Property923/100K
Health
Obesity37.1%
Uninsured7.9%
Smoking16.4%
Depression25.8%
Heart Disease5.5%
Climate
Avg Temp44°F (7°C)
AQI36 (Good)
Rain28.6 in/yr
Sunny Days276/yr
Elevation1,663 ft (507 m)
Education
F
Bachelor's+5.4%
High School+92.9%
Graduate+5.5%
School Score6.42
Community
2024 VoteR 68% / D 30%
Commute23 min
Broadband37.0%
EV Stations1
Libraries4
Is Arco a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Arco receives an overall livability score of 2.1 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C. Key strengths include low unemployment, low crime rates, abundant sunshine, high health insurance coverage. Arco has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Arco is $60,625, 19% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 0.0%. 10.5% of residents live in poverty, near the national average of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 23 minutes.
Safety & Crime
Arco is a very safe community with a violent crime rate of 58 per 100,000 residents / well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 923 per 100,000, 53% below the national average.
Education
5.4% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 92.9% have completed high school. Local schools score 6.4/10 in standardized testing, reflecting strong academic performance.
Climate & Weather
Arco has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 44°F. Winters average 14°F in January while summers reach 72°F in July. With 276 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 28.6 inches, including 39.6 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 36.
Arco has a population of 61 with a density of 210 people per square mile, spread across 0.3 square miles. The median age is 65.2 years, 68% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 49.2% female and 50.8% male. The city is predominantly White (100%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 100% of residents. 57.0% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 31.3% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 96.9% have health insurance coverage.
Population
65.2yrs
Median Age
68% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
100.0%
27% above US avg
Spanish
0.0%
100% below US avg
The median household income in Arco is $60,625, which is 19% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $32,938 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $872, 39% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 0.0% (below the 3.6% US average). 10.5% of residents live below the poverty line. The area has 226 business establishments, including 10 restaurants. The cost of living index is 98.6, roughly in line with the national average. Workers commute an average of 23 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 3.6% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $60,625 |
| 19% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $32,938 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $872 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $72,484 |
| Gini Index | 0.440 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 10.5% |
| 15% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 226 |
| County GDP | $588M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 10 |
| Healthcare | 21 |
| Retail | 30 |
| Manufacturing | 6 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $2,614 |
| 25% below US avg |
| Cost of Living | 98.60 (100=avg) |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 23.0 min |
| Drive Alone | 89.3% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 3.6% |
Zillow estimates the typical home value at $121,757. Fair market rent ranges from $899 for a one-bedroom to $1,125 for a two-bedroom apartment. 94.6% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 42 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1938. The average annual property tax is $2,614 (lower than the $3,500 national average). 22.7% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing.
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $809 |
| 1 Bedroom | $899 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,125 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,483 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,698 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 94.6% |
| Owner-Occupied | 94.6% |
| Renter-Occupied | 5.4% |
| Housing Units | 42 |
| Median Year Built | 1938 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $2,614 |
| 25% below US avg |
In Arco, 37.1% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 8.9% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.5% of residents. 28.4% have high blood pressure. 16.4% are current smokers. 20.7% report binge drinking. 23.8% are physically inactive. 25.8% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 17.4% experience frequent mental distress. 7.9% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,856. The dentist ratio is 1:1,860. 25.4% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 9.1 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Arco vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 37.1% |
| 16% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 8.9% |
| Heart Disease | 5.5% |
| High Blood Pressure | 28.4% |
| Asthma | 10.4% |
| COPD | 5.7% |
| Cancer | 7.4% |
| Stroke | 2.9% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 16.4% |
| 17% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 20.7% |
| Physical Inactivity | 23.8% |
| Depression | 25.8% |
| Mental Distress | 17.4% |
| Physical Distress | 12.0% |
| Short Sleep | 31.7% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 96.9% |
| Uninsured | 7.9% |
| 8% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,856 |
| Dentists | 1:1,860 |
| Mental Health | 1:5,521 |
| Checkup Rate | 72.5% |
| Dental Visits | 64.0% |
| Premature Death | 6,358/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 9.1/10 |
| Exercise Access | 25.4% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 21 |
Arco has a violent crime rate of 58 per 100,000 residents, 85% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 923 per 100,000, 53% below the U.S. average. The county recorded 2 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Arco receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Arco vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 57.7/100K |
| 85% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 922.7/100K |
| 53% below US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 2 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Arco has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 44°F (7°C). Winters average 14°F in January while summers reach 72°F in July. The area gets 276 sunny days per year, well above the U.S. average of 205 / making it one of the sunnier locations in the country. Annual precipitation totals 28.6 inches (drier than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 39.6 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 1,663 feet.
Temperature
14°F Jan (-10°C)
72°F Jul (22°C)
| Annual Average | 44.4°F |
| 18% below US avg |
| January Average | 14°F (-10°C) |
| July Average | 72°F (22°C) |
| Sunny Days | 276 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,663 ft (507 m) |
| Area | 0.3 sq mi (0.8 km²) |
| Population Density | 210/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 44.3847°N, 96.1839°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Lincoln County County |
| Nearest Airport | Southwest Minnesota Regional Marshall/Ryan Field (MML)
18 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
28.6"
25% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
3.82"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 36.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 18.2 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 34.5 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 72.8 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Very Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Moderate |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Moderate |
| Lightning |
Very Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
Relatively Moderate |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
2 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M4.1. Most recent: M3.1 on Feb 9, 1994.
| Jun 5, 1993 |
11 km N of Johnson, Minnesota |
M4.1 |
144 km |
| Feb 9, 1994 |
6 km NNE of Blomkest, Minnesota |
M3.1 |
116 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
420 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF5. Total: 14 fatalities, 303 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jun 16, 1992 |
EF5 |
66 km |
1 |
| Jun 13, 1968 |
EF5 |
42 km |
9 |
| Jul 25, 2000 |
EF4 |
70 km |
1 |
| Mar 29, 1998 |
EF4 |
71 km |
1 |
| Jun 7, 1993 |
EF4 |
95 km |
0 |
| Jun 16, 1992 |
EF4 |
53 km |
0 |
| Jul 7, 1955 |
EF4 |
11 km |
1 |
| May 30, 2022 |
EF3 |
68 km |
0 |
| May 17, 1996 |
EF3 |
94 km |
0 |
| Jun 7, 1993 |
EF3 |
76 km |
0 |
| Jun 7, 1993 |
EF3 |
84 km |
0 |
| Jun 16, 1992 |
EF3 |
51 km |
0 |
| Jun 16, 1992 |
EF3 |
53 km |
0 |
| Jun 16, 1992 |
EF3 |
65 km |
0 |
| Jun 16, 1992 |
EF3 |
51 km |
0 |
| Jun 16, 1992 |
EF3 |
79 km |
0 |
| Jun 16, 1992 |
EF3 |
43 km |
0 |
| Apr 20, 1985 |
EF3 |
54 km |
0 |
| Jul 18, 1983 |
EF3 |
97 km |
0 |
| Jun 15, 1970 |
EF3 |
66 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
17 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: LOUISBURGRADE (6,487 ac, 2004).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2004 |
LOUISBURGRADE |
6,487 |
93 km |
| 2003 |
CHIPPEWA PRAIRIE |
2,067 |
86 km |
| 2004 |
FISH FIRE |
1,799 |
93 km |
| 2005 |
GRAND MEWS |
1,245 |
96 km |
| 1998 |
LEE |
1,137 |
96 km |
| 1995 |
UNNAMED |
1,115 |
96 km |
| 2003 |
ANDERSON |
1,082 |
93 km |
| 1998 |
ANDREASEN |
1,001 |
95 km |
| 1990 |
ANDERSON |
988 |
96 km |
| 2007 |
ANDERSON |
797 |
93 km |
| 2006 |
ANDERSON |
764 |
97 km |
| 1986 |
ANDERSON |
746 |
93 km |
| 2000 |
FISH |
720 |
95 km |
| 2007 |
LEE |
689 |
95 km |
| 2003 |
LEE |
560 |
96 km |
| 1993 |
LEE |
516 |
96 km |
| 1995 |
ANDREASON |
507 |
93 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
14°F (-10°C) |
0.5 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
18°F (-8°C) |
0.6 in |
|
| March |
30°F (-1°C) |
1.6 in |
|
| April |
44°F (7°C) |
2.3 in |
|
| May |
57°F (14°C) |
3.1 in |
|
| June |
67°F (19°C) |
3.8 in |
Wettest |
| July |
72°F (22°C) |
3.5 in |
Warmest |
| August |
69°F (20°C) |
2.7 in |
|
| September |
59°F (15°C) |
2.7 in |
|
| October |
47°F (8°C) |
1.9 in |
|
| November |
30°F (-1°C) |
1.2 in |
|
| December |
17°F (-9°C) |
0.7 in |
|
Arco has a seasonal temperature swing of 58°F / from 14°F in January to 72°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 24.6 inches, with June being the wettest month (3.8") and January the driest (0.5").
Average costs for common services in Arco. 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 | $948 |
| Toddler | $893 |
| Preschool | $821 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $534 |
| Toddler | $541 |
| Preschool | $541 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Arco
What is the population of Arco?
Arco has a population of 61 residents and is located in Minnesota. The population density is 210 people per square mile, spread across 0.3 square miles. The median age of residents is 65.2 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 49.2% female and 50.8% male.
Is Arco expensive to live in?
Arco 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 $60,625, 19% below the national average of $75,149.
Is Arco safe?
Arco is considered a very safe city with a violent crime rate of 58 per 100,000 residents, well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 923 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Arco receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Arco?
Arco has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 44°F (7°C). Winter temperatures average 14°F in January, while summers reach an average of 72°F in July. The area receives 276 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 28.6 inches, with 39.6 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 36.
How is the job market in Arco?
The job market in Arco is very strong, with unemployment at just 0.0% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $872. There are 226 business establishments in the area, including 10 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 23 minutes, and 3.6% of workers work from home.
How are the schools in Arco?
Schools in Arco score 6.4 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 5.4% of adults in Arco hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 92.9% have completed high school. 5.5% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Arco?
The obesity rate in Arco is 37.1% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 16.4% of adults are smokers. 23.8% are physically inactive. 25.8% of residents report depression. 7.9% lack health insurance. 25.4% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,856.
What is transportation like in Arco?
The average commute in Arco is 23 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 89.3% of workers drive alone to work, and 3.6% work from home.
What are the demographics of Arco?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Arco is 100% White. 100% of residents speak only English at home. 57.0% of the population are military veterans. 31.3% of residents have a disability. 96.9% have health insurance coverage.
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