Median Income
$59,118
21% lower than US avg
Home Value
$125,200
56% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
64/100K
83% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
26.2%
22% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$916
21% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
37.9%
18% higher than US avg
Unemployment
1.3%
64% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
10.4%
16% lower than US avg
How Blue Earth Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population3,170
Median Age45.0 yrs
Density955/mi²
Male / Female48% / 52%
Largest GroupWhite 83%
Veterans5.5%
Economy
B+
Median Income$59,118
Per Capita$34,614
Unemployment1.3%
Poverty10.4%
County GDP$1,429M
Commute11 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$125,200
Rent$916
Ownership65.2%
Zillow$174,372
Housing Units1,577
Rent Burden24.5%
Crime
F
Violent64/100K
Property771/100K
Murder0.0/100K
Assault32/100K
Burglary418/100K
Health
Obesity37.9%
Uninsured10.5%
Smoking17.1%
Depression25.6%
Heart Disease5.8%
Climate
Avg Temp46°F (8°C)
AQI45 (Good)
Rain34.0 in/yr
Sunny Days260/yr
Elevation1,078 ft (329 m)
Education
B
Bachelor's+26.2%
High School+90.9%
Graduate+6.0%
School Score6.46
Community
2024 VoteR 69% / D 29%
Commute11 min
Broadband85.1%
EV Stations4
Libraries4
Is Blue Earth a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Blue Earth receives an overall livability score of 3.2 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 below-average incomes. Blue Earth offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Blue Earth is $59,118, 21% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 1.3%. 10.4% of residents live in poverty, near the national average of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 11 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Blue Earth is $125,200, 56% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $916 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 2.1x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Blue Earth is a very safe community with a violent crime rate of 64 per 100,000 residents / well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 771 per 100,000, 61% below the national average.
Education
26.2% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 90.9% have completed high school. Local schools score 6.5/10 in standardized testing, reflecting strong academic performance.
Climate & Weather
Blue Earth 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 34.0 inches, including 47.2 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 45.
Blue Earth has a population of 3,170 with a density of 955 people per square mile, spread across 3.3 square miles. The median age is 45.0 years, 16% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 51.6% female and 48.4% male. The city is predominantly White (82.6%), with 1.1% Black. English is the primary language spoken at home by 91.8% of residents, while 8.2% speak Spanish. 5.5% of the population are veterans. 9.0% of residents have a disability (below the 13.0% national average). 92.0% have health insurance coverage.
Population
45.0yrs
Median Age
16% above US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Blue Earth vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
91.8%
17% above US avg
Spanish
8.2%
39% below US avg
Social Characteristics
Blue Earth vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Blue Earth is $59,118, which is 21% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $34,614 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,033, 28% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 1.3% (below the 3.6% US average). 10.4% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 705 business establishments, including 49 restaurants. The cost of living index is 98.6, roughly in line with the national average. Workers commute an average of 11 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 9.3% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income: Blue Earth vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $59,118 |
| 21% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $34,614 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,033 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $69,768 |
| Gini Index | 0.419 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 1.3% |
| 64% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 10.4% |
| 16% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 705 |
| County GDP | $1,429M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 49 |
| Healthcare | 84 |
| Retail | 80 |
| Manufacturing | 36 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $3,403 |
| 3% below US avg |
| Cost of Living | 98.60 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 2.72% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 10.7 min |
| Drive Alone | 73.4% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 9.3% |
The median home value in Blue Earth is $125,200, 56% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $174,372, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $916 (21% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $977 for a one-bedroom to $1,171 for a two-bedroom apartment. 65.2% of housing units are owner-occupied. There are 1,577 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1954. The average annual property tax is $3,403. 24.5% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.1x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $125,200 |
| 56% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $174,372 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $916 |
| 21% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 24.5% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $971 |
| 1 Bedroom | $977 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,171 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,629 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,916 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 65.2% |
| Owner-Occupied | 65.2% |
| Renter-Occupied | 34.8% |
| Housing Units | 1,577 |
| Median Year Built | 1954 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $3,403 |
| 3% below US avg |
| Effective Rate | 2.72% |
In Blue Earth, 37.9% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 9.8% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.8% of residents. 29.2% have high blood pressure. 17.1% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 19.8% report binge drinking. 27.3% are physically inactive. 25.6% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 17.7% experience frequent mental distress. 10.5% of residents lack health insurance (above the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,245. The dentist ratio is 1:1,310. 63.6% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.1 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Blue Earth vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 37.9% |
| 18% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 9.8% |
| Heart Disease | 5.8% |
| High Blood Pressure | 29.2% |
| Asthma | 10.5% |
| COPD | 6.2% |
| Cancer | 7.3% |
| Stroke | 3.1% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 17.1% |
| 22% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 19.8% |
| Physical Inactivity | 27.3% |
| Depression | 25.6% |
| Mental Distress | 17.7% |
| Physical Distress | 12.8% |
| Short Sleep | 32.2% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 92.0% |
| Uninsured | 10.5% |
| 22% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,245 |
| Dentists | 1:1,310 |
| Mental Health | 1:983 |
| Checkup Rate | 71.5% |
| Dental Visits | 61.6% |
| Premature Death | 6,227/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.1/10 |
| Exercise Access | 63.6% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 84 |
Blue Earth has a violent crime rate of 64 per 100,000 residents, 83% below the national average of 380. This breaks down to aggravated assault at 32.1 per 100,000, robbery at 0.0, rape at 32.1. The murder rate is 0.0 per 100,000 (below the national rate of 6.3). Property crime stands at 771 per 100,000, 61% below the U.S. average. This includes larceny/theft at 321, burglary at 418, vehicle theft at 32 per 100,000 residents. The county recorded 4 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Blue Earth receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Blue Earth vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 64.3/100K |
| 83% below US avg |
| Murder | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg |
| Rape | 32.1/100K |
| Robbery | 0.0/100K |
| Assault | 32.1/100K |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 771.0/100K |
| 61% below US avg |
| Burglary | 417.6/100K |
| Theft | 321.2/100K |
| Vehicle Theft | 32.1/100K |
| Arson | 0.0/100K |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 4 |
| Traffic Accidents | 334 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.1 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Blue Earth 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 34.0 inches. The area receives 47.2 inches of snow annually, making winter weather a significant factor for residents. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 45. 62% of days have good air quality. The city sits at an elevation of 1,078 feet.
Temperature
14°F Jan (-10°C)
72°F Jul (22°C)
| Annual Average | 45.6°F |
| 16% below US avg |
| January Average | 14°F (-10°C) |
| July Average | 72°F (22°C) |
| Sunny Days | 260 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,078 ft (329 m) |
| Area | 3.3 sq mi (8.6 km²) |
| Population Density | 955/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 43.6410°N, 94.1003°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Martin County County |
| Nearest Airport | Mankato Regional (MKT)
41 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
34.0"
11% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
4.37"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 45.0 |
| Rating | Good |
| Good Days % | 61.6% |
| Unhealthy Days | 0 |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 45.5 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 54.2 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 84.7 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Moderate |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Moderate |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Moderate |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively 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: M2.8. Most recent: M2.7 on Jun 30, 2021.
| Apr 25, 2017 |
Near Mankato, Minnesota |
M2.8 |
61 km |
| Jun 30, 2021 |
4 km E of Rembrandt, Iowa |
M2.7 |
122 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
569 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 25 fatalities, 317 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jun 17, 2010 |
EF4 |
38 km |
1 |
| Apr 30, 1967 |
EF4 |
50 km |
6 |
| Apr 30, 1967 |
EF4 |
84 km |
0 |
| Apr 30, 1967 |
EF4 |
78 km |
0 |
| Apr 30, 1967 |
EF4 |
55 km |
5 |
| Aug 29, 1964 |
EF4 |
81 km |
0 |
| May 10, 1953 |
EF4 |
79 km |
0 |
| Jun 12, 2013 |
EF3 |
91 km |
0 |
| Jun 17, 2010 |
EF3 |
71 km |
0 |
| Jun 17, 2010 |
EF3 |
55 km |
0 |
| Jun 17, 2010 |
EF3 |
82 km |
0 |
| Aug 24, 2006 |
EF3 |
71 km |
1 |
| Aug 1, 2006 |
EF3 |
58 km |
0 |
| Mar 29, 1998 |
EF3 |
71 km |
1 |
| Mar 29, 1998 |
EF3 |
78 km |
0 |
| Jun 18, 1994 |
EF3 |
72 km |
0 |
| Jun 7, 1984 |
EF3 |
50 km |
0 |
| Jun 7, 1984 |
EF3 |
61 km |
0 |
| May 17, 1982 |
EF3 |
66 km |
0 |
| Jun 28, 1979 |
EF3 |
45 km |
2 |
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 |
75 km |
| 2008 |
DEWEYS PASTURE |
641 |
83 km |
| 2024 |
LINCOLN WPA RX |
575 |
45 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 |
32°F (-0°C) |
1.7 in |
|
| April |
46°F (8°C) |
2.8 in |
|
| May |
59°F (15°C) |
3.8 in |
|
| June |
69°F (21°C) |
4.4 in |
Wettest |
| July |
72°F (22°C) |
4.2 in |
Warmest |
| August |
70°F (21°C) |
4.1 in |
|
| September |
62°F (16°C) |
3.0 in |
|
| October |
49°F (10°C) |
2.3 in |
|
| November |
33°F (0°C) |
1.6 in |
|
| December |
19°F (-7°C) |
0.9 in |
|
Blue Earth has a seasonal temperature swing of 58°F / from 14°F in January to 72°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 30.3 inches, with June being the wettest month (4.4") and February the driest (0.7").
Average costs for common services in Blue Earth. 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 | $1,104 |
| Toddler | $986 |
| Preschool | $925 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $556 |
| Toddler | $563 |
| Preschool | $563 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Blue Earth
What is the population of Blue Earth?
Blue Earth has a population of 3,170 residents and is located in Minnesota. The population density is 955 people per square mile, spread across 3.3 square miles. The median age of residents is 45.0 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 51.6% female and 48.4% male.
Is Blue Earth expensive to live in?
Blue Earth 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 $59,118, 21% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $125,200 (56% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $916 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.1x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Blue Earth safe?
Blue Earth is considered a very safe city with a violent crime rate of 64 per 100,000 residents, well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 771 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Blue Earth receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Blue Earth?
Blue Earth 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 34.0 inches, with 47.2 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 45.
How is the job market in Blue Earth?
The job market in Blue Earth is very strong, with unemployment at just 1.3% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,033. There are 705 business establishments in the area, including 49 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 11 minutes, and 9.3% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Blue Earth?
The median home value in Blue Earth is $125,200. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $174,372. For renters, the median monthly rent is $916. Fair market rent is $977 for a 1-bedroom and $1,171 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 65.2%. The average annual property tax is $3,403.
How are the schools in Blue Earth?
Schools in Blue Earth score 6.5 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 26.2% of adults in Blue Earth hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 90.9% have completed high school. 6.0% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Blue Earth?
The obesity rate in Blue Earth is 37.9% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 17.1% of adults are smokers. 27.3% are physically inactive. 25.6% of residents report depression. 10.5% lack health insurance (above the national rate). 63.6% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,245.
What is transportation like in Blue Earth?
The average commute in Blue Earth is 11 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 73.4% of workers drive alone to work, and 9.3% work from home.
What are the demographics of Blue Earth?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Blue Earth is 82.6% White, 1.1% Black or African American. 91.8% of residents speak only English at home, while 8.2% speak Spanish. 5.5% of the population are military veterans. 9.0% of residents have a disability. 92.0% have health insurance coverage.
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