Median Income
$105,000
40% higher than US avg
Home Value
$255,800
9% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
129/100K
66% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
23.1%
31% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$864
26% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
37.7%
17% higher than US avg
Unemployment
5.6%
56% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
How Clear Lake Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population621
Median Age32.2 yrs
Density597/mi²
Male / Female51% / 49%
Largest GroupWhite 99%
Veterans4.9%
Economy
A+
Median Income$105,000
Per Capita$39,343
Unemployment5.6%
Poverty0.0%
County GDP$2,398M
Commute29 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$255,800
Rent$864
Ownership89.3%
Zillow$394,956
Housing Units243
Rent Burden32.5%
Crime
F
Violent129/100K
Property878/100K
Health
Obesity37.7%
Uninsured6.5%
Smoking13.4%
Depression25.0%
Heart Disease4.7%
Climate
Avg Temp43°F (6°C)
AQI36 (Good)
Rain30.8 in/yr
Sunny Days270/yr
Elevation993 ft (303 m)
Education
C+
Bachelor's+23.1%
High School+94.2%
Graduate+1.5%
School Score6.37
Community
2024 VoteR 67% / D 31%
Commute29 min
Broadband96.3%
EV Stations1
Libraries1
Is Clear Lake a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Clear Lake receives an overall livability score of 3.3 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include above-average household incomes, low crime rates, abundant sunshine, a low poverty rate. Areas to be aware of include above-average unemployment. Clear Lake offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Clear Lake is $105,000, which is significantly higher than the national average / 40% above $75,149. This places Clear Lake among higher-income communities. The unemployment rate of 5.6% is somewhat elevated compared to the national rate of 3.6%. Only 0.0% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 29 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Clear Lake is $255,800, roughly aligned with the national median of $281,900. Renters pay a median of $864 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 2.4x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Clear Lake is a very safe community with a violent crime rate of 129 per 100,000 residents / well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 878 per 100,000, 55% below the national average.
Education
23.1% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 94.2% have completed high school. Local schools score 6.4/10 in standardized testing, reflecting strong academic performance.
Climate & Weather
Clear Lake has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 43°F. Winters average 11°F in January while summers reach 70°F in July. With 270 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 30.8 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 36.
Clear Lake has a population of 621 with a density of 597 people per square mile, spread across 1.1 square miles. The median age is 32.2 years, 17% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 49% female and 51% male. The city is predominantly White (99.2%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 99.7% of residents. 4.9% of the population are veterans. 8.2% of residents have a disability (below the 13.0% national average). 96.6% have health insurance coverage.
Population
32.2yrs
Median Age
17% below US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Clear Lake vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
99.7%
27% above US avg
Spanish
0.3%
98% below US avg
Social Characteristics
Clear Lake vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Clear Lake is $105,000, which is 40% above the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $39,343. The average weekly wage is $1,076, 25% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 5.6% (above the 3.6% US average). 0.0% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 1,063 business establishments, including 56 restaurants. The cost of living index is 98.6, roughly in line with the national average. Workers commute an average of 29 minutes. 22.9% of workers work from home (above the 15.2% national rate).
Income: Clear Lake vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $105,000 |
| 40% above US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $39,343 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,076 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $69,499 |
| Gini Index | 0.393 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 5.6% |
| 56% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 1,063 |
| County GDP | $2,398M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 56 |
| Healthcare | 119 |
| Retail | 117 |
| Manufacturing | 68 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $4,076 |
| 16% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 98.60 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 1.59% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 29.3 min |
| Drive Alone | 70.1% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 22.9% |
The median home value in Clear Lake is $255,800, 9% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $394,956, higher than the Census estimate. Homes sell for 102% of their list price, indicating a competitive market where bidding wars are common. Monthly rent averages $864 (26% 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. 89.3% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 243 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 2000. The average annual property tax is $4,076 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 32.5% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.4x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $255,800 |
| 9% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $394,956 |
| Median List Price | $343,900 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
| Median List Price | $343,900 |
| $/Sq Ft | $173 |
| Homes Sold | 4 |
| Sale-to-List Ratio | 102.0% |
| Price Drops | 0.0% |
| Inventory | 25 |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $864 |
| 26% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 32.5% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $809 |
| 1 Bedroom | $899 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,125 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,483 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,698 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 89.3% |
| Owner-Occupied | 89.3% |
| Renter-Occupied | 10.7% |
| Housing Units | 243 |
| Median Year Built | 2000 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $4,076 |
| 16% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 1.59% |
In Clear Lake, 37.7% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 7.9% have diabetes (below the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 4.7% of residents, below the national average. 26.8% have high blood pressure. 13.4% are current smokers. 22.9% report binge drinking. 21.7% are physically inactive. 25.0% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 16.3% experience frequent mental distress. 6.5% of residents lack health insurance (below the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:4,607. The dentist ratio is 1:2,962. 65.1% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.5 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Clear Lake vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 37.7% |
| 17% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 7.9% |
| Heart Disease | 4.7% |
| High Blood Pressure | 26.8% |
| Asthma | 9.9% |
| COPD | 4.6% |
| Cancer | 7.5% |
| Stroke | 2.5% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 13.4% |
| 4% below US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 22.9% |
| Physical Inactivity | 21.7% |
| Depression | 25.0% |
| Mental Distress | 16.3% |
| Physical Distress | 10.4% |
| Short Sleep | 28.1% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 96.6% |
| Uninsured | 6.5% |
| 24% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:4,607 |
| Dentists | 1:2,962 |
| Mental Health | 1:3,467 |
| Checkup Rate | 71.1% |
| Dental Visits | 69.7% |
| Premature Death | 6,370/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.5/10 |
| Exercise Access | 65.1% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 119 |
Clear Lake has a violent crime rate of 129 per 100,000 residents, 66% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 878 per 100,000, 55% below the U.S. average. The county recorded 3 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Clear Lake receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Clear Lake vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 128.5/100K |
| 66% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 878.3/100K |
| 55% below US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 3 |
| Traffic Accidents | 197 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Clear Lake has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 43°F (6°C). Winters average 11°F in January while summers reach 70°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 30.8 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 36. The city sits at an elevation of 993 feet.
Temperature
11°F Jan (-12°C)
70°F Jul (21°C)
| Annual Average | 42.5°F |
| 21% below US avg |
| January Average | 11°F (-12°C) |
| July Average | 70°F (21°C) |
| Sunny Days | 270 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 993 ft (303 m) |
| Area | 1.1 sq mi (2.8 km²) |
| Population Density | 597/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 45.4486°N, 94.0014°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Benton County County |
| Nearest Airport | St Cloud Regional (STC)
7 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
30.8"
19% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
4.41"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 36.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 51.3 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 30.5 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 94.2 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Moderate |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Relatively Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Moderate |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Moderate |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Low |
| Lightning |
Relatively Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
Relatively Low |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
3 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 |
93 km |
| Apr 25, 2017 |
Near Mankato, Minnesota |
M2.8 |
140 km |
| Apr 29, 2011 |
Minnesota |
M2.5 |
133 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990-2025)
Tornado History
416 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 31 fatalities, 1,073 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jul 3, 1983 |
EF4 |
59 km |
0 |
| May 6, 1965 |
EF4 |
71 km |
6 |
| May 6, 1965 |
EF4 |
76 km |
0 |
| May 6, 1965 |
EF4 |
77 km |
3 |
| May 6, 1965 |
EF4 |
73 km |
3 |
| May 21, 1957 |
EF4 |
89 km |
0 |
| Jun 19, 1951 |
EF4 |
70 km |
1 |
| Jul 11, 2008 |
EF3 |
99 km |
0 |
| May 25, 2008 |
EF3 |
80 km |
1 |
| Sep 18, 1997 |
EF3 |
69 km |
1 |
| Jul 1, 1997 |
EF3 |
37 km |
0 |
| Jun 16, 1992 |
EF3 |
51 km |
0 |
| Jul 23, 1987 |
EF3 |
53 km |
0 |
| Apr 26, 1984 |
EF3 |
77 km |
1 |
| Jun 14, 1981 |
EF3 |
90 km |
1 |
| Sep 3, 1980 |
EF3 |
19 km |
1 |
| May 6, 1965 |
EF3 |
87 km |
0 |
| May 5, 1964 |
EF3 |
62 km |
0 |
| May 24, 1958 |
EF3 |
89 km |
0 |
| Jul 20, 1951 |
EF3 |
70 km |
5 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950-2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: UNNAMED (9,055 ac, 2007).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2007 |
UNNAMED |
9,055 |
93 km |
| 2009 |
CENTER TANK RANGE |
6,131 |
89 km |
| 2002 |
UNIT 4 |
5,887 |
19 km |
| 2003 |
UNITS 37 38 39 A |
4,879 |
25 km |
| 1998 |
UNITS 1617 |
4,649 |
24 km |
| 1988 |
UNNAMED |
4,475 |
89 km |
| 2005 |
RX HFR 05 |
4,253 |
24 km |
| 2009 |
BU9 |
4,112 |
19 km |
| 2007 |
WUI 07 - UNIT 36 |
4,025 |
25 km |
| 1988 |
UNNAMED |
3,642 |
84 km |
| 2000 |
UNIT 25 |
3,412 |
25 km |
| 2009 |
BU11 |
3,242 |
20 km |
| 1997 |
BIG |
2,987 |
23 km |
| 2009 |
UNNAMED |
2,904 |
73 km |
| 2009 |
HENDRICKSON IMPACT AREA |
2,757 |
96 km |
| 2003 |
UNITS 34 33 W |
2,637 |
24 km |
| 2024 |
UNIT 8E RX |
2,551 |
20 km |
| 1992 |
SHARPTAIL |
2,288 |
23 km |
| 1988 |
UNNAMED |
2,243 |
48 km |
| 2010 |
WUI 10 UNIT D |
2,042 |
23 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
11°F (-12°C) |
0.8 in |
Coldest |
| February |
17°F (-8°C) |
0.7 in |
Driest |
| March |
30°F (-1°C) |
1.5 in |
|
| April |
45°F (7°C) |
2.2 in |
|
| May |
58°F (15°C) |
3.2 in |
|
| June |
67°F (19°C) |
4.4 in |
Wettest |
| July |
70°F (21°C) |
3.5 in |
Warmest |
| August |
69°F (20°C) |
3.7 in |
|
| September |
59°F (15°C) |
3.0 in |
|
| October |
47°F (8°C) |
2.4 in |
|
| November |
30°F (-1°C) |
1.5 in |
|
| December |
16°F (-9°C) |
0.8 in |
|
Clear Lake has a seasonal temperature swing of 58°F / from 11°F in January to 70°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 27.7 inches, with June being the wettest month (4.4") and February the driest (0.7").
Average costs for common services in Clear Lake. 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 | $1,070 |
| Toddler | $945 |
| Preschool | $891 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $621 |
| Toddler | $570 |
| Preschool | $570 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Clear Lake
What is the population of Clear Lake?
Clear Lake has a population of 621 residents and is located in Minnesota. The population density is 597 people per square mile, spread across 1.1 square miles. The median age of residents is 32.2 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 49% female and 51% male.
Is Clear Lake expensive to live in?
Clear Lake 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 $105,000, 40% above the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $255,800 (9% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $864 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.4x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Clear Lake safe?
Clear Lake is considered a very safe city with a violent crime rate of 129 per 100,000 residents, well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 878 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Clear Lake receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Clear Lake?
Clear Lake has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 43°F (6°C). Winter temperatures average 11°F in January, while summers reach an average of 70°F in July. The area receives 270 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 30.8 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 36.
How is the job market in Clear Lake?
The unemployment rate in Clear Lake is 5.6%, somewhat above the national average of 3.6%. Job seekers may face moderate competition. The average weekly wage is $1,076. There are 1,063 business establishments in the area, including 56 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 29 minutes, and 22.9% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Clear Lake?
The median home value in Clear Lake is $255,800. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $394,956. For renters, the median monthly rent is $864. Fair market rent is $899 for a 1-bedroom and $1,125 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 89.3%. The average annual property tax is $4,076.
How are the schools in Clear Lake?
Schools in Clear Lake score 6.4 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 23.1% of adults in Clear Lake hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 94.2% have completed high school. 1.5% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Clear Lake?
The obesity rate in Clear Lake is 37.7% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 13.4% of adults are smokers. 21.7% are physically inactive. 25.0% of residents report depression. 6.5% lack health insurance (below the national rate). 65.1% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:4,607.
What is transportation like in Clear Lake?
The average commute in Clear Lake is 29 minutes. 70.1% of workers drive alone to work, and 22.9% work from home.
What are the demographics of Clear Lake?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Clear Lake is 99.2% White. 99.7% of residents speak only English at home. 4.9% of the population are military veterans. 8.2% of residents have a disability. 96.6% have health insurance coverage.
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