Median Income
$58,431
22% lower than US avg
Home Value
$116,500
59% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
78/100K
79% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
14.0%
58% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$1,063
9% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
41.1%
28% higher than US avg
Unemployment
2.6%
28% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
11.9%
4% lower than US avg
How Clara City Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population1,497
Median Age36.5 yrs
Density796/mi²
Male / Female47% / 53%
Largest GroupWhite 89%
Veterans7.7%
Economy
B+
Median Income$58,431
Per Capita$29,391
Unemployment2.6%
Poverty11.9%
County GDP$784M
Commute16 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$116,500
Rent$1,063
Ownership66.1%
Zillow$247,017
Housing Units715
Rent Burden23.9%
Crime
F
Violent78/100K
Property234/100K
Murder0.0/100K
Assault0/100K
Burglary0/100K
Health
Obesity41.1%
Uninsured10.0%
Smoking17.8%
Depression26.7%
Heart Disease5.9%
Climate
Avg Temp45°F (7°C)
AQI36 (Good)
Rain30.9 in/yr
Sunny Days270/yr
Elevation1,067 ft (325 m)
Education
C
Bachelor's+14.0%
High School+88.6%
Graduate+5.1%
School Score5.62
Community
2024 VoteR 69% / D 29%
Commute16 min
Broadband87.4%
EV Stations1
Libraries3
Is Clara City a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Clara City receives an overall livability score of 3.0 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, high obesity rates. Clara City offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Clara City is $58,431, 22% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 2.6%. 11.9% of residents live in poverty, near the national average of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 16 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Clara City is $116,500, 59% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $1,063 per month. At just 2x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Clara City is a very safe community with a violent crime rate of 78 per 100,000 residents / well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 234 per 100,000, 88% below the national average.
Education
14.0% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 88.6% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.6/10.
Climate & Weather
Clara City 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 270 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 30.9 inches, including 43.6 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 36.
Clara City has a population of 1,497 with a density of 796 people per square mile, spread across 1.7 square miles. The median age is 36.5 years, 6% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 53% female and 47% male. The city is predominantly White (88.9%), with 3.1% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 93.7% of residents, while 6.3% speak Spanish. 7.7% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 14.1% of residents have a disability. 96.2% have health insurance coverage.
Population
36.5yrs
Median Age
6% below US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Clara City vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
93.7%
19% above US avg
Spanish
6.3%
53% below US avg
Social Characteristics
Clara City vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Clara City is $58,431, which is 22% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $29,391 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $954, 33% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 2.6% (below the 3.6% US average). 11.9% of residents live below the poverty line. The area has 388 business establishments, including 24 restaurants. The cost of living index is 98.6, roughly in line with the national average. Workers commute an average of 16 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 4.7% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income: Clara City vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $58,431 |
| 22% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $29,391 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $954 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $74,153 |
| Gini Index | 0.422 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 2.6% |
| 28% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 11.9% |
| 4% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 388 |
| County GDP | $784M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 24 |
| Healthcare | 31 |
| Retail | 46 |
| Manufacturing | 17 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $3,238 |
| 7% below US avg |
| Cost of Living | 98.60 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 2.78% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 15.8 min |
| Drive Alone | 78.8% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 4.7% |
The median home value in Clara City is $116,500, 59% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $247,017, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $1,063 (9% 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. 66.1% of housing units are owner-occupied. There are 715 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1954. The average annual property tax is $3,238. 23.9% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 2x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $116,500 |
| 59% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $247,017 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $1,063 |
| 9% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 23.9% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $809 |
| 1 Bedroom | $899 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,125 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,483 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,698 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 66.1% |
| Owner-Occupied | 66.1% |
| Renter-Occupied | 33.9% |
| Housing Units | 715 |
| Median Year Built | 1954 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $3,238 |
| 7% below US avg |
| Effective Rate | 2.78% |
In Clara City, 41.1% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 10.1% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.9% of residents. 28.8% have high blood pressure. 17.8% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 19.5% report binge drinking. 27.4% are physically inactive. 26.7% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 18.3% experience frequent mental distress. 10.0% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,882. The dentist ratio is 1:2,372. 45.1% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.4 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Clara City vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 41.1% |
| 28% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 10.1% |
| Heart Disease | 5.9% |
| High Blood Pressure | 28.8% |
| Asthma | 10.5% |
| COPD | 6.4% |
| Cancer | 7.3% |
| Stroke | 3.2% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 17.8% |
| 27% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 19.5% |
| Physical Inactivity | 27.4% |
| Depression | 26.7% |
| Mental Distress | 18.3% |
| Physical Distress | 13.0% |
| Short Sleep | 31.7% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 96.2% |
| Uninsured | 10.0% |
| 16% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,882 |
| Dentists | 1:2,372 |
| Mental Health | 1:1,052 |
| Checkup Rate | 71.0% |
| Dental Visits | 63.8% |
| Premature Death | 8,670/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.4/10 |
| Exercise Access | 45.1% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 31 |
Clara City has a violent crime rate of 78 per 100,000 residents, 79% below the national average of 380. This breaks down to aggravated assault at 0.0 per 100,000, robbery at 0.0, rape at 78.0. The murder rate is 0.0 per 100,000 (below the national rate of 6.3). Property crime stands at 234 per 100,000, 88% below the U.S. average. This includes larceny/theft at 234, burglary at 0, vehicle theft at 0 per 100,000 residents. The county recorded 3 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Clara City receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Clara City vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 78.0/100K |
| 79% below US avg |
| Murder | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg |
| Rape | 78.0/100K |
| Robbery | 0.0/100K |
| Assault | 0.0/100K |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 234.0/100K |
| 88% below US avg |
| Burglary | 0.0/100K |
| Theft | 234.0/100K |
| Vehicle Theft | 0.0/100K |
| Arson | 0.0/100K |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 3 |
| Traffic Accidents | 105 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Clara City 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 270 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 30.9 inches. The area receives 43.6 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 1,067 feet.
Temperature
14°F Jan (-10°C)
72°F Jul (22°C)
| Annual Average | 44.8°F |
| 17% below US avg |
| January Average | 14°F (-10°C) |
| July Average | 72°F (22°C) |
| Sunny Days | 270 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,067 ft (325 m) |
| Area | 1.7 sq mi (4.5 km²) |
| Population Density | 796/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 44.9574°N, 95.3677°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Yellow Medicine County County |
| Nearest Airport | Southwest Minnesota Regional Marshall/Ryan Field (MML)
42 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
30.9"
19% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jul)
3.46"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 36.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 30.0 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 30.9 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 88.0 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Very Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Moderate |
| Lightning |
Very 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
5 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 |
108 km |
| Oct 20, 1995 |
8 km SSE of New Effington, South Dakota |
M3.7 |
149 km |
| Feb 9, 1994 |
6 km NNE of Blomkest, Minnesota |
M3.1 |
29 km |
| Apr 25, 2017 |
Near Mankato, Minnesota |
M2.8 |
138 km |
| Apr 29, 2011 |
Minnesota |
M2.5 |
115 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
429 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF5. Total: 14 fatalities, 310 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jun 13, 1968 |
EF5 |
93 km |
9 |
| Jul 25, 2000 |
EF4 |
25 km |
1 |
| Jul 7, 1955 |
EF4 |
85 km |
1 |
| Jun 19, 1951 |
EF4 |
79 km |
1 |
| Jul 11, 2008 |
EF3 |
22 km |
0 |
| May 17, 1996 |
EF3 |
98 km |
0 |
| Jun 16, 1992 |
EF3 |
39 km |
0 |
| Jun 16, 1992 |
EF3 |
83 km |
0 |
| Jun 16, 1992 |
EF3 |
90 km |
0 |
| Jun 16, 1992 |
EF3 |
43 km |
0 |
| Jun 16, 1992 |
EF3 |
68 km |
0 |
| May 6, 1965 |
EF3 |
99 km |
0 |
| Jun 18, 1964 |
EF3 |
75 km |
0 |
| May 5, 1964 |
EF3 |
83 km |
0 |
| May 30, 2022 |
EF2 |
86 km |
0 |
| May 12, 2022 |
EF2 |
89 km |
0 |
| Jul 11, 2016 |
EF2 |
67 km |
0 |
| Jul 11, 2016 |
EF2 |
84 km |
0 |
| Jul 1, 2011 |
EF2 |
96 km |
0 |
| Jun 25, 2010 |
EF2 |
89 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: LOUISBURGRADE (6,487 ac, 2004).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2004 |
LOUISBURGRADE |
6,487 |
74 km |
| 2003 |
CHIPPEWA PRAIRIE |
2,067 |
55 km |
| 2004 |
FISH FIRE |
1,799 |
80 km |
| 2005 |
GRAND MEWS |
1,245 |
83 km |
| 1998 |
LEE |
1,137 |
85 km |
| 1995 |
UNNAMED |
1,115 |
85 km |
| 2003 |
ANDERSON |
1,082 |
80 km |
| 1998 |
ANDREASEN |
1,001 |
81 km |
| 1990 |
ANDERSON |
988 |
83 km |
| 2007 |
ANDERSON |
797 |
80 km |
| 2006 |
ANDERSON |
764 |
84 km |
| 1986 |
ANDERSON |
746 |
80 km |
| 2000 |
FISH |
720 |
81 km |
| 2010 |
WALDEN |
717 |
70 km |
| 2007 |
LEE |
689 |
85 km |
| 2000 |
SVOR |
661 |
47 km |
| 2000 |
ASHLEY N |
588 |
84 km |
| 2003 |
LEE |
560 |
86 km |
| 1994 |
ARTICHOKE |
556 |
72 km |
| 2002 |
ARTICHOKE |
548 |
72 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
14°F (-10°C) |
0.8 in |
Coldest |
| February |
18°F (-8°C) |
0.7 in |
Driest |
| March |
31°F (-1°C) |
1.3 in |
|
| April |
46°F (8°C) |
1.9 in |
|
| May |
60°F (15°C) |
2.3 in |
|
| June |
69°F (20°C) |
3.2 in |
|
| July |
72°F (22°C) |
3.5 in |
Warmest, Wettest |
| August |
70°F (21°C) |
3.2 in |
|
| September |
60°F (16°C) |
2.5 in |
|
| October |
48°F (9°C) |
1.8 in |
|
| November |
31°F (-1°C) |
1.2 in |
|
| December |
17°F (-9°C) |
0.8 in |
|
Clara City has a seasonal temperature swing of 58°F / from 14°F in January to 72°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 23.2 inches, with July being the wettest month (3.5") and February the driest (0.7").
Average costs for common services in Clara City. 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 | $860 |
| Toddler | $828 |
| Preschool | $765 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $556 |
| Toddler | $563 |
| Preschool | $563 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Clara City
What is the population of Clara City?
Clara City has a population of 1,497 residents and is located in Minnesota. The population density is 796 people per square mile, spread across 1.7 square miles. The median age of residents is 36.5 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 53% female and 47% male.
Is Clara City expensive to live in?
Clara City 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 $58,431, 22% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $116,500 (59% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $1,063 per month. The home price-to-income ratio is 2x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Clara City safe?
Clara City is considered a very safe city with a violent crime rate of 78 per 100,000 residents, well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 234 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Clara City receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Clara City?
Clara City 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 270 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 30.9 inches, with 43.6 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 36.
How is the job market in Clara City?
The job market in Clara City is very strong, with unemployment at just 2.6% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $954. There are 388 business establishments in the area, including 24 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 16 minutes, and 4.7% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Clara City?
The median home value in Clara City is $116,500. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $247,017. For renters, the median monthly rent is $1,063. Fair market rent is $899 for a 1-bedroom and $1,125 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 66.1%. The average annual property tax is $3,238.
How are the schools in Clara City?
Schools in Clara City score 5.6 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 14.0% of adults in Clara City hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 88.6% have completed high school. 5.1% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Clara City?
The obesity rate in Clara City is 41.1% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 17.8% of adults are smokers. 27.4% are physically inactive. 26.7% of residents report depression. 10.0% lack health insurance (above the national rate). 45.1% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,882.
What is transportation like in Clara City?
The average commute in Clara City is 16 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 78.8% of workers drive alone to work, and 4.7% work from home.
What are the demographics of Clara City?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Clara City is 88.9% White, 0.7% Black or African American, 3.1% Hispanic or Latino. 93.7% of residents speak only English at home, while 6.3% speak Spanish. 7.7% of the population are military veterans. 14.1% of residents have a disability. 96.2% have health insurance coverage.
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