Median Income
$66,071
12% lower than US avg
Home Value
$144,300
49% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
0/100K
100% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
17.6%
48% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$736
37% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
39.2%
22% higher than US avg
Unemployment
5.7%
58% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
1.2%
90% lower than US avg
How Atwater Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population1,217
Median Age31.7 yrs
Density1,182/mi²
Male / Female56% / 44%
Largest GroupWhite 88%
Veterans13.5%
Economy
B+
Median Income$66,071
Per Capita$28,537
Unemployment5.7%
Poverty1.2%
County GDP$1,586M
Commute24 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$144,300
Rent$736
Ownership79.5%
Zillow$270,289
Housing Units452
Rent Burden20.8%
Crime
C+
Violent0/100K
Property90/100K
Murder0.0/100K
Assault0/100K
Burglary0/100K
Health
Obesity39.2%
Uninsured7.7%
Smoking14.4%
Depression25.9%
Heart Disease4.8%
Climate
Avg Temp42°F (6°C)
AQI36 (Good)
Rain29.8 in/yr
Sunny Days276/yr
Elevation1,214 ft (370 m)
Education
C
Bachelor's+17.6%
High School+97.3%
Graduate+3.7%
School Score6.49
Community
2024 VoteR 71% / D 28%
Commute24 min
Broadband85.7%
EV Stations1
Libraries4
Is Atwater a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Atwater receives an overall livability score of 3.4 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, high obesity rates. Atwater offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Atwater is $66,071, 12% below the national average of $75,149. The unemployment rate of 5.7% is somewhat elevated compared to the national rate of 3.6%. Only 1.2% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 24 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Atwater is $144,300, 49% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $736 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 2.2x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Atwater 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 90 per 100,000, 95% below the national average.
Education
17.6% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 97.3% have completed high school. Local schools score 6.5/10 in standardized testing, reflecting strong academic performance.
Climate & Weather
Atwater has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 42°F. Winters average 10°F in January while summers reach 71°F in July. With 276 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 29.8 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 36.
Atwater has a population of 1,217 with a density of 1,182 people per square mile, spread across 1.0 square miles. The median age is 31.7 years, 19% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 43.7% female and 56.3% male. The city is predominantly White (87.8%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 97.4% of residents. 13.5% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 9.0% of residents have a disability (below the 13.0% national average). 97.8% have health insurance coverage.
Population
31.7yrs
Median Age
19% below US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
97.4%
24% above US avg
Spanish
2.6%
81% below US avg
The median household income in Atwater is $66,071, which is 12% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $28,537 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,036, 28% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 5.7% (above the 3.6% US average). 1.2% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 708 business establishments, including 34 restaurants. The cost of living index is 98.6, roughly in line with the national average. Workers commute an average of 24 minutes. 3.7% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $66,071 |
| 12% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $28,537 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,036 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $75,478 |
| Gini Index | 0.422 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 5.7% |
| 58% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 1.2% |
| 90% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 708 |
| County GDP | $1,586M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 34 |
| Healthcare | 60 |
| Retail | 68 |
| Manufacturing | 52 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $3,973 |
| 14% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 98.60 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 2.75% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 24.0 min |
| Drive Alone | 87.3% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 3.7% |
The median home value in Atwater is $144,300, 49% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $270,289, higher than the Census estimate. Homes sell for 98% of their list price. Monthly rent averages $736 (37% 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. 79.5% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 452 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1971. The average annual property tax is $3,973. 20.8% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.2x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $144,300 |
| 49% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $270,289 |
| Median List Price | $187,900 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
| Median List Price | $187,900 |
| $/Sq Ft | $127 |
| Homes Sold | 2 |
| Sale-to-List Ratio | 98.0% |
| Price Drops | 50.0% |
| Inventory | 4 |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $736 |
| 37% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 20.8% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $809 |
| 1 Bedroom | $899 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,125 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,483 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,698 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 79.5% |
| Owner-Occupied | 79.5% |
| Renter-Occupied | 20.5% |
| Housing Units | 452 |
| Median Year Built | 1971 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $3,973 |
| 14% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 2.75% |
In Atwater, 39.2% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 8.7% have diabetes (below the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 4.8% of residents, below the national average. 26.6% have high blood pressure. 14.4% are current smokers. 21.1% report binge drinking. 21.4% are physically inactive. 25.9% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 16.7% experience frequent mental distress. 7.7% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,948. The dentist ratio is 1:2,350. 40.3% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.7 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Atwater vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 39.2% |
| 22% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 8.7% |
| Heart Disease | 4.8% |
| High Blood Pressure | 26.6% |
| Asthma | 10.5% |
| COPD | 4.9% |
| Cancer | 7.3% |
| Stroke | 2.6% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 14.4% |
| 3% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 21.1% |
| Physical Inactivity | 21.4% |
| Depression | 25.9% |
| Mental Distress | 16.7% |
| Physical Distress | 11.1% |
| Short Sleep | 32.6% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 97.8% |
| Uninsured | 7.7% |
| 10% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,948 |
| Dentists | 1:2,350 |
| Mental Health | 1:1,175 |
| Checkup Rate | 72.4% |
| Dental Visits | 67.0% |
| Premature Death | 5,812/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.7/10 |
| Exercise Access | 40.3% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 60 |
Atwater has a violent crime rate of 0 per 100,000 residents, 100% below the national average of 380. This breaks down to aggravated assault at 0.0 per 100,000, robbery at 0.0, rape at 0.0. The murder rate is 0.0 per 100,000 (below the national rate of 6.3). Property crime stands at 90 per 100,000, 95% below the U.S. average. This includes larceny/theft at 90, burglary at 0, vehicle theft at 0 per 100,000 residents. The county recorded 2 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Atwater receives a safety grade of C+.
Crime Rates: Atwater vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg |
| Murder | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg |
| Rape | 0.0/100K |
| Robbery | 0.0/100K |
| Assault | 0.0/100K |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 90.1/100K |
| 95% below US avg |
| Burglary | 0.0/100K |
| Theft | 90.1/100K |
| Vehicle Theft | 0.0/100K |
| Arson | 0.0/100K |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 2 |
| Traffic Accidents | 47 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | C+ |
| Safety Score | 2.5 / 5.0 |
Atwater has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 42°F (6°C). Winters average 10°F in January while summers reach 71°F in July / a wide seasonal temperature swing of 61°F. 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 29.8 inches (drier than the 38-inch national average). Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 36. The city sits at an elevation of 1,214 feet.
Temperature
10°F Jan (-12°C)
71°F Jul (22°C)
| Annual Average | 42.2°F |
| 22% below US avg |
| January Average | 10°F (-12°C) |
| July Average | 71°F (22°C) |
| Sunny Days | 276 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,214 ft (370 m) |
| Area | 1.0 sq mi (2.7 km²) |
| Population Density | 1,182/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 45.1355°N, 94.7769°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Meeker County County |
| Nearest Airport | St Cloud Regional (STC)
45 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
29.8"
22% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
4.69"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 36.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 27.0 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 12.2 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 94.2 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Moderate |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Moderate |
| Lightning |
Relatively Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
Relatively Low |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
4 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M4.1. Most recent: M2.8 on Apr 25, 2017.
| Jun 5, 1993 |
11 km N of Johnson, Minnesota |
M4.1 |
133 km |
| Feb 9, 1994 |
6 km NNE of Blomkest, Minnesota |
M3.1 |
23 km |
| Apr 25, 2017 |
Near Mankato, Minnesota |
M2.8 |
122 km |
| Apr 29, 2011 |
Minnesota |
M2.5 |
112 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
463 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 12 fatalities, 510 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jul 25, 2000 |
EF4 |
75 km |
1 |
| May 6, 1965 |
EF4 |
90 km |
3 |
| Jun 19, 1951 |
EF4 |
43 km |
1 |
| Jul 11, 2008 |
EF3 |
29 km |
0 |
| Jul 1, 1997 |
EF3 |
59 km |
0 |
| Jun 16, 1992 |
EF3 |
45 km |
0 |
| Jun 16, 1992 |
EF3 |
93 km |
0 |
| Jun 16, 1992 |
EF3 |
90 km |
0 |
| Jun 16, 1992 |
EF3 |
99 km |
0 |
| Sep 3, 1980 |
EF3 |
62 km |
1 |
| May 6, 1965 |
EF3 |
70 km |
0 |
| Jun 18, 1964 |
EF3 |
77 km |
0 |
| May 5, 1964 |
EF3 |
49 km |
0 |
| May 30, 2022 |
EF2 |
82 km |
0 |
| Jul 11, 2016 |
EF2 |
34 km |
0 |
| Jul 11, 2016 |
EF2 |
18 km |
0 |
| Jun 25, 2010 |
EF2 |
89 km |
0 |
| Jul 14, 2009 |
EF2 |
60 km |
0 |
| Sep 16, 2006 |
EF2 |
90 km |
1 |
| Jun 24, 2003 |
EF2 |
54 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: UNIT 4 (5,887 ac, 2002).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2002 |
UNIT 4 |
5,887 |
88 km |
| 2003 |
UNITS 37 38 39 A |
4,879 |
93 km |
| 1998 |
UNITS 1617 |
4,649 |
94 km |
| 2005 |
RX HFR 05 |
4,253 |
94 km |
| 2009 |
BU9 |
4,112 |
89 km |
| 2007 |
WUI 07 - UNIT 36 |
4,025 |
93 km |
| 2000 |
UNIT 25 |
3,412 |
93 km |
| 2009 |
BU11 |
3,242 |
89 km |
| 1997 |
BIG |
2,987 |
92 km |
| 2003 |
UNITS 34 33 W |
2,637 |
92 km |
| 2024 |
UNIT 8E RX |
2,551 |
90 km |
| 1992 |
SHARPTAIL |
2,288 |
91 km |
| 2003 |
CHIPPEWA PRAIRIE |
2,067 |
97 km |
| 2010 |
WUI 10 UNIT D |
2,042 |
91 km |
| 1996 |
UNNAMED |
1,906 |
94 km |
| 2006 |
UNIT 4 |
1,732 |
90 km |
| 1987 |
UNNAMED |
1,655 |
100 km |
| 2009 |
UNIT 23 24 26 |
1,644 |
92 km |
| 1995 |
ANTLER |
1,603 |
91 km |
| 2004 |
WUI UNIT 16 |
1,592 |
94 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
10°F (-12°C) |
0.8 in |
Coldest |
| February |
18°F (-8°C) |
0.7 in |
Driest |
| March |
30°F (-1°C) |
1.6 in |
|
| April |
45°F (7°C) |
2.5 in |
|
| May |
59°F (15°C) |
3.4 in |
|
| June |
68°F (20°C) |
4.7 in |
Wettest |
| July |
71°F (22°C) |
3.5 in |
Warmest |
| August |
69°F (21°C) |
3.5 in |
|
| September |
60°F (16°C) |
3.0 in |
|
| October |
48°F (9°C) |
2.3 in |
|
| November |
30°F (-1°C) |
1.3 in |
|
| December |
16°F (-9°C) |
0.8 in |
|
Atwater has a seasonal temperature swing of 61°F / from 10°F in January to 71°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 28.1 inches, with June being the wettest month (4.7") and February the driest (0.7").
Average costs for common services in Atwater. 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 Atwater
What is the population of Atwater?
Atwater has a population of 1,217 residents and is located in Minnesota. The population density is 1,182 people per square mile, spread across 1.0 square miles. The median age of residents is 31.7 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 43.7% female and 56.3% male.
Is Atwater expensive to live in?
Atwater 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 $66,071, 12% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $144,300 (49% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $736 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.2x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Atwater safe?
Atwater 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 90 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Atwater receives a safety grade of C+ based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Atwater?
Atwater has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 42°F (6°C). Winter temperatures average 10°F in January, while summers reach an average of 71°F in July. The area receives 276 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 29.8 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 36.
How is the job market in Atwater?
The unemployment rate in Atwater is 5.7%, somewhat above the national average of 3.6%. Job seekers may face moderate competition. The average weekly wage is $1,036. There are 708 business establishments in the area, including 34 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 24 minutes, and 3.7% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Atwater?
The median home value in Atwater is $144,300. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $270,289. For renters, the median monthly rent is $736. Fair market rent is $899 for a 1-bedroom and $1,125 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 79.5%. The average annual property tax is $3,973.
How are the schools in Atwater?
Schools in Atwater score 6.5 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 17.6% of adults in Atwater hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 97.3% have completed high school. 3.7% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Atwater?
The obesity rate in Atwater is 39.2% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 14.4% of adults are smokers. 21.4% are physically inactive. 25.9% of residents report depression. 7.7% lack health insurance. 40.3% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,948.
What is transportation like in Atwater?
The average commute in Atwater is 24 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 87.3% of workers drive alone to work, and 3.7% work from home.
What are the demographics of Atwater?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Atwater is 87.8% White. 97.4% of residents speak only English at home. 13.5% of the population are military veterans. 9.0% of residents have a disability. 97.8% have health insurance coverage.
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