Median Income
$54,091
28% lower than US avg
Home Value
$85,000
70% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
253/100K
33% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
18.1%
46% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$1,081
7% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
37.6%
17% higher than US avg
Unemployment
4.4%
22% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
10.1%
19% lower than US avg
How Balaton Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population544
Median Age46.7 yrs
Density375/mi²
Male / Female54% / 46%
Largest GroupWhite 93%
Veterans11.0%
Economy
B+
Median Income$54,091
Per Capita$32,702
Unemployment4.4%
Poverty10.1%
County GDP$2,100M
Commute25 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$85,000
Rent$1,081
Ownership76.2%
Zillow$89,013
Housing Units262
Rent Burden27.1%
Crime
F
Violent253/100K
Property2,449/100K
Health
Obesity37.6%
Uninsured7.4%
Smoking14.9%
Depression24.1%
Heart Disease5.0%
Climate
Avg Temp45°F (7°C)
AQI36 (Good)
Rain29.2 in/yr
Sunny Days276/yr
Elevation1,534 ft (468 m)
Education
C
Bachelor's+18.1%
High School+98.3%
Graduate+1.8%
School Score6.19
Community
2024 VoteR 65% / D 33%
Commute25 min
Broadband92.5%
EV Stations3
Libraries5
Is Balaton a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Balaton receives an overall livability score of 3.0 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include low crime rates, affordable housing, abundant sunshine, high health insurance coverage. Areas to be aware of include below-average incomes. Balaton offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Balaton is $54,091, 28% below the national average of $75,149. Unemployment stands at 4.4%, indicating a healthy job market. 10.1% of residents live in poverty, near the national average of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 25 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Balaton is $85,000, 70% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $1,081 per month. At just 1.6x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Violent crime in Balaton is below the national average at 253 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 2,449 per 100,000, 25% above the national average.
Education
18.1% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 98.3% have completed high school. Local schools score 6.2/10 in standardized testing, reflecting strong academic performance.
Climate & Weather
Balaton 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 276 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 29.2 inches, including 49.3 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 36.
Balaton has a population of 544 with a density of 375 people per square mile, spread across 1.6 square miles. The median age is 46.7 years, 20% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 45.8% female and 54.2% male. The city is predominantly White (93.4%), with 5.5% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 98.6% of residents. 11.0% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 12.6% of residents have a disability. 93.4% have health insurance coverage.
Population
46.7yrs
Median Age
20% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
98.6%
26% above US avg
Spanish
1.4%
90% below US avg
The median household income in Balaton is $54,091, which is 28% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $32,702 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,017, 29% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 4.4% (above the 3.6% US average). 10.1% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 859 business establishments, including 65 restaurants. The cost of living index is 98.6, roughly in line with the national average. Workers commute an average of 25 minutes. 8.1% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $54,091 |
| 28% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $32,702 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,017 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $74,952 |
| Gini Index | 0.452 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 4.4% |
| 22% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 10.1% |
| 19% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 859 |
| County GDP | $2,100M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 65 |
| Healthcare | 130 |
| Retail | 119 |
| Manufacturing | 28 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $3,674 |
| 5% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 98.60 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 4.32% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 24.7 min |
| Drive Alone | 78.9% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 8.1% |
The median home value in Balaton is $85,000, 70% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $89,013. Monthly rent averages $1,081 (7% 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. 76.2% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 262 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1948. The average annual property tax is $3,674. 27.1% 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 | $85,000 |
| 70% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $89,013 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
| $/Sq Ft | $23 |
| Homes Sold | 1 |
| Sale-to-List Ratio | 100.0% |
| Price Drops | 0.0% |
| Inventory | 2 |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $1,081 |
| 7% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 27.1% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $809 |
| 1 Bedroom | $899 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,125 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,483 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,698 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 76.2% |
| Owner-Occupied | 76.2% |
| Renter-Occupied | 23.8% |
| Housing Units | 262 |
| Median Year Built | 1948 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $3,674 |
| 5% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 4.32% |
In Balaton, 37.6% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 8.5% have diabetes (below the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 5.0% of residents. 27.2% have high blood pressure. 14.9% are current smokers. 22.2% report binge drinking. 22.0% are physically inactive. 24.1% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 16.4% experience frequent mental distress. 7.4% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,201. The dentist ratio is 1:1,804. 81.6% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 7.7 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Balaton vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 37.6% |
| 17% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 8.5% |
| Heart Disease | 5.0% |
| High Blood Pressure | 27.2% |
| Asthma | 10.0% |
| COPD | 5.0% |
| Cancer | 7.3% |
| Stroke | 2.6% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 14.9% |
| 6% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 22.2% |
| Physical Inactivity | 22.0% |
| Depression | 24.1% |
| Mental Distress | 16.4% |
| Physical Distress | 11.0% |
| Short Sleep | 29.0% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 93.4% |
| Uninsured | 7.4% |
| 14% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,201 |
| Dentists | 1:1,804 |
| Mental Health | 1:410 |
| Checkup Rate | 72.1% |
| Dental Visits | 71.2% |
| Premature Death | 6,490/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.7/10 |
| Exercise Access | 81.6% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 130 |
Balaton has a violent crime rate of 253 per 100,000 residents, 33% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 2,449 per 100,000, 25% above the U.S. average. The county recorded 3 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Balaton receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Balaton vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 253.1/100K |
| 33% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 2,449.2/100K |
| 25% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 3 |
| Traffic Accidents | 47 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Balaton 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 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 29.2 inches (drier than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 49.3 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 1,534 feet.
Temperature
14°F Jan (-10°C)
72°F Jul (22°C)
| Annual Average | 44.6°F |
| 17% below US avg |
| January Average | 14°F (-10°C) |
| July Average | 72°F (22°C) |
| Sunny Days | 276 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,534 ft (468 m) |
| Area | 1.6 sq mi (4.1 km²) |
| Population Density | 375/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 44.2329°N, 95.8711°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Lyon County County |
| Nearest Airport | Southwest Minnesota Regional Marshall/Ryan Field (MML)
15 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
29.2"
23% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
3.74"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 36.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Air Pollutants (EPA 2023)
| Ozone (O₃) | 0.0468 ppm |
| PM2.5 (Fine Particles) | 8.7 μg/m³ |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 43.5 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 10.6 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 77.7 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively High |
| Lightning |
Very Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
Relatively Moderate |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
2 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.1. Most recent: M2.8 on Apr 25, 2017.
| Feb 9, 1994 |
6 km NNE of Blomkest, Minnesota |
M3.1 |
110 km |
| Apr 25, 2017 |
Near Mankato, Minnesota |
M2.8 |
149 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990-2025)
Tornado History
438 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF5. Total: 15 fatalities, 315 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jun 16, 1992 |
EF5 |
50 km |
1 |
| Jun 13, 1968 |
EF5 |
12 km |
9 |
| Jun 25, 2010 |
EF4 |
88 km |
0 |
| Jul 25, 2000 |
EF4 |
76 km |
1 |
| Mar 29, 1998 |
EF4 |
42 km |
1 |
| Jun 16, 1992 |
EF4 |
32 km |
0 |
| Jul 7, 1955 |
EF4 |
38 km |
1 |
| May 30, 2022 |
EF3 |
98 km |
0 |
| Aug 1, 2006 |
EF3 |
99 km |
0 |
| Aug 7, 1994 |
EF3 |
85 km |
0 |
| Jun 7, 1993 |
EF3 |
96 km |
0 |
| Jun 7, 1993 |
EF3 |
92 km |
0 |
| Jun 16, 1992 |
EF3 |
42 km |
0 |
| Jun 16, 1992 |
EF3 |
61 km |
0 |
| Jun 16, 1992 |
EF3 |
15 km |
0 |
| Jun 16, 1992 |
EF3 |
61 km |
0 |
| Jun 16, 1992 |
EF3 |
23 km |
0 |
| Apr 20, 1985 |
EF3 |
41 km |
0 |
| Jun 15, 1970 |
EF3 |
87 km |
0 |
| May 30, 2022 |
EF2 |
91 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950-2024)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
14°F (-10°C) |
0.6 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
18°F (-8°C) |
0.6 in |
|
| March |
30°F (-1°C) |
1.7 in |
|
| April |
44°F (7°C) |
2.4 in |
|
| May |
58°F (14°C) |
3.1 in |
|
| June |
67°F (20°C) |
3.7 in |
Wettest |
| July |
72°F (22°C) |
3.6 in |
Warmest |
| August |
69°F (21°C) |
2.7 in |
|
| September |
60°F (15°C) |
2.8 in |
|
| October |
47°F (9°C) |
2.0 in |
|
| November |
31°F (-1°C) |
1.3 in |
|
| December |
17°F (-8°C) |
0.8 in |
|
Balaton has a seasonal temperature swing of 58°F / from 14°F in January to 72°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 25.4 inches, with June being the wettest month (3.7") and January the driest (0.6").
Average costs for common services in Balaton. 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 Balaton
What is the population of Balaton?
Balaton has a population of 544 residents and is located in Minnesota. The population density is 375 people per square mile, spread across 1.6 square miles. The median age of residents is 46.7 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 45.8% female and 54.2% male.
Is Balaton expensive to live in?
Balaton 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 $54,091, 28% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $85,000 (70% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $1,081 per month. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.6x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Balaton safe?
Balaton is safer than the national average, with a violent crime rate of 253 per 100,000 compared to the U.S. rate of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 2,449 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Balaton receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Balaton?
Balaton 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 276 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 29.2 inches, with 49.3 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 36.
How is the job market in Balaton?
Balaton has a healthy job market with an unemployment rate of 4.4%, near the national average of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,017. There are 859 business establishments in the area, including 65 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 25 minutes, and 8.1% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Balaton?
The median home value in Balaton is $85,000. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $89,013. For renters, the median monthly rent is $1,081. Fair market rent is $899 for a 1-bedroom and $1,125 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 76.2%. The average annual property tax is $3,674.
How are the schools in Balaton?
Schools in Balaton score 6.2 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 18.1% of adults in Balaton hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 98.3% have completed high school. 1.8% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Balaton?
The obesity rate in Balaton is 37.6% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 14.9% of adults are smokers. 22.0% are physically inactive. 24.1% of residents report depression. 7.4% lack health insurance. 81.6% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,201.
What is transportation like in Balaton?
The average commute in Balaton is 25 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 78.9% of workers drive alone to work, and 8.1% work from home.
What are the demographics of Balaton?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Balaton is 93.4% White, 5.5% Hispanic or Latino. 98.6% of residents speak only English at home. 11.0% of the population are military veterans. 12.6% of residents have a disability. 93.4% have health insurance coverage.
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