Median Income
$72,022
4% lower than US avg
Home Value
$242,000
14% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
70/100K
82% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
29.1%
14% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$1,297
12% higher than US avg
Obesity Rate
35.0%
9% higher than US avg
Unemployment
2.7%
25% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
7.4%
40% lower than US avg
How Cold Spring Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population4,201
Median Age40.9 yrs
Density1,500/mi²
Male / Female48% / 52%
Largest GroupWhite 94%
Veterans6.0%
Economy
A
Median Income$72,022
Per Capita$33,780
Unemployment2.7%
Poverty7.4%
County GDP$12,618M
Commute22 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$242,000
Rent$1,297
Ownership68.9%
Zillow$362,947
Housing Units1,705
Rent Burden35.2%
Crime
F
Violent70/100K
Property1,264/100K
Health
Obesity35.0%
Uninsured7.6%
Smoking13.4%
Depression25.7%
Heart Disease4.8%
Climate
Avg Temp43°F (6°C)
AQI36 (Good)
Rain30.8 in/yr
Sunny Days270/yr
Elevation1,097 ft (334 m)
Education
B
Bachelor's+29.1%
High School+92.3%
Graduate+7.4%
School Score6.21
Community
2024 VoteR 62% / D 36%
Commute22 min
Broadband84.3%
EV Stations3
Libraries10
Is Cold Spring a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Cold Spring receives an overall livability score of 3.3 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include low unemployment, low crime rates, affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Cold Spring offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Cold Spring is $72,022, roughly in line with the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 2.7%. Only 7.4% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 22 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Cold Spring is $242,000, 14% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $1,297 per month. A price-to-income ratio of 3.4x indicates a reasonably affordable housing market.
Safety & Crime
Cold Spring is a very safe community with a violent crime rate of 70 per 100,000 residents / well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,264 per 100,000, 36% below the national average.
Education
29.1% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 92.3% have completed high school. Local schools score 6.2/10 in standardized testing, reflecting strong academic performance.
Climate & Weather
Cold Spring 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.
Cold Spring has a population of 4,201 with a density of 1,500 people per square mile, spread across 2.7 square miles. The median age is 40.9 years, 5% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 51.6% female and 48.4% male. The city is predominantly White (94%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 92.5% of residents, while 7.5% speak Spanish. 6.0% of the population are veterans. 12.6% of residents have a disability. 95.8% have health insurance coverage.
Population
40.9yrs
Median Age
5% above US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Cold Spring vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
92.5%
18% above US avg
Spanish
7.5%
44% below US avg
Social Characteristics
Cold Spring vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Cold Spring is $72,022, which is 4% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $33,780 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,198, 16% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 2.7% (below the 3.6% US average). 7.4% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 4,733 business establishments, including 391 restaurants. The cost of living index is 98.6, roughly in line with the national average. Workers commute an average of 22 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 6.7% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income: Cold Spring vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $72,022 |
| 4% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $33,780 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,198 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $79,564 |
| Gini Index | 0.431 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 2.7% |
| 25% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 7.4% |
| 40% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 4,733 |
| County GDP | $12,618M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 391 |
| Healthcare | 529 |
| Retail | 642 |
| Manufacturing | 231 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $5,101 |
| 46% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 98.60 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 2.11% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 22.0 min |
| Drive Alone | 86.7% |
| Public Transit | 0.4% |
| Work from Home | 6.7% |
The median home value in Cold Spring is $242,000, 14% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $362,947, higher than the Census estimate. Homes sell for 96.3% of their list price, suggesting buyers have room to negotiate. Monthly rent averages $1,297 (12% above the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $899 for a one-bedroom to $1,125 for a two-bedroom apartment. 68.9% of housing units are owner-occupied. There are 1,705 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1986. The average annual property tax is $5,101 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 35.2% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 3.4x.
Home Values
| Census Median | $242,000 |
| 14% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $362,947 |
| Median List Price | $329,950 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
| Median List Price | $329,950 |
| $/Sq Ft | $155 |
| Homes Sold | 5 |
| Sale-to-List Ratio | 96.3% |
| Price Drops | 28.6% |
| Inventory | 7 |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $1,297 |
| 12% above US avg |
| Rent Burden | 35.2% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $809 |
| 1 Bedroom | $899 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,125 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,483 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,698 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 68.9% |
| Owner-Occupied | 68.9% |
| Renter-Occupied | 31.1% |
| Housing Units | 1,705 |
| Median Year Built | 1986 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $5,101 |
| 46% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 2.11% |
In Cold Spring, 35.0% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 8.1% have diabetes (below the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 4.8% of residents, below the national average. 26.0% have high blood pressure. 13.4% are current smokers. 21.0% report binge drinking. 20.5% are physically inactive, below the national average. 25.7% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 16.4% experience frequent mental distress. 7.6% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,025. The dentist ratio is 1:1,224. 77.6% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.5 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Cold Spring vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 35.0% |
| 9% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 8.1% |
| Heart Disease | 4.8% |
| High Blood Pressure | 26.0% |
| Asthma | 10.0% |
| COPD | 4.7% |
| Cancer | 7.5% |
| Stroke | 2.6% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 13.4% |
| 4% below US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 21.0% |
| Physical Inactivity | 20.5% |
| Depression | 25.7% |
| Mental Distress | 16.4% |
| Physical Distress | 10.8% |
| Short Sleep | 29.5% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 95.8% |
| Uninsured | 7.6% |
| 12% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,025 |
| Dentists | 1:1,224 |
| Mental Health | 1:235 |
| Checkup Rate | 72.6% |
| Dental Visits | 69.8% |
| Premature Death | 6,211/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.5/10 |
| Exercise Access | 77.6% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 529 |
Cold Spring has a violent crime rate of 70 per 100,000 residents, 82% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 1,264 per 100,000, 36% below the U.S. average. The county recorded 10 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Cold Spring receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Cold Spring vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 70.2/100K |
| 82% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 1,264.0/100K |
| 36% below US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 10 |
| Traffic Accidents | 150 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Cold Spring 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 1,097 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 | 1,097 ft (334 m) |
| Area | 2.7 sq mi (7.0 km²) |
| Population Density | 1,500/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 45.4583°N, 94.4282°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Stearns County County |
| Nearest Airport | St Cloud Regional (STC)
19 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
30.8"
19% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
4.45"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 36.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Air Pollutants (EPA 2023)
| Ozone (O₃) | 0.0456 ppm |
| PM2.5 (Fine Particles) | 8.7 μg/m³ |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Moderate |
| Risk Score | 87.6 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 24.1 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 96.2 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively High |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Relatively Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hail |
Relatively High |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively High |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively High |
| Lightning |
Relatively High |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Moderate |
| Drought |
Relatively Low |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Landslide |
Relatively 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 |
147 km |
| Feb 9, 1994 |
6 km NNE of Blomkest, Minnesota |
M3.1 |
68 km |
| Apr 25, 2017 |
Near Mankato, Minnesota |
M2.8 |
145 km |
| Apr 29, 2011 |
Minnesota |
M2.5 |
104 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990-2025)
Tornado History
435 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 24 fatalities, 722 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jul 3, 1983 |
EF4 |
91 km |
0 |
| May 6, 1965 |
EF4 |
92 km |
3 |
| May 6, 1965 |
EF4 |
98 km |
0 |
| May 6, 1965 |
EF4 |
98 km |
6 |
| Jun 19, 1951 |
EF4 |
65 km |
1 |
| Jul 11, 2008 |
EF3 |
71 km |
0 |
| Sep 18, 1997 |
EF3 |
74 km |
1 |
| Jul 1, 1997 |
EF3 |
49 km |
0 |
| Jun 16, 1992 |
EF3 |
51 km |
0 |
| Jul 23, 1987 |
EF3 |
82 km |
0 |
| Sep 3, 1980 |
EF3 |
18 km |
1 |
| Aug 26, 1977 |
EF3 |
99 km |
0 |
| May 6, 1965 |
EF3 |
89 km |
0 |
| Jun 18, 1964 |
EF3 |
83 km |
0 |
| May 5, 1964 |
EF3 |
31 km |
0 |
| Jul 20, 1951 |
EF3 |
94 km |
5 |
| May 30, 2022 |
EF2 |
81 km |
0 |
| Jul 11, 2016 |
EF2 |
18 km |
0 |
| Jul 11, 2016 |
EF2 |
38 km |
0 |
| Jul 14, 2009 |
EF2 |
82 km |
0 |
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 |
86 km |
| 2009 |
CENTER TANK RANGE |
6,131 |
82 km |
| 2002 |
UNIT 4 |
5,887 |
51 km |
| 2003 |
UNITS 37 38 39 A |
4,879 |
58 km |
| 1998 |
UNITS 1617 |
4,649 |
57 km |
| 1988 |
UNNAMED |
4,475 |
82 km |
| 2005 |
RX HFR 05 |
4,253 |
57 km |
| 2009 |
BU9 |
4,112 |
51 km |
| 2007 |
WUI 07 - UNIT 36 |
4,025 |
59 km |
| 1988 |
UNNAMED |
3,642 |
90 km |
| 2000 |
UNIT 25 |
3,412 |
58 km |
| 2009 |
BU11 |
3,242 |
53 km |
| 1997 |
BIG |
2,987 |
56 km |
| 2009 |
HENDRICKSON IMPACT AREA |
2,757 |
90 km |
| 2003 |
UNITS 34 33 W |
2,637 |
57 km |
| 2024 |
UNIT 8E RX |
2,551 |
53 km |
| 1992 |
SHARPTAIL |
2,288 |
56 km |
| 1988 |
UNNAMED |
2,243 |
66 km |
| 2010 |
WUI 10 UNIT D |
2,042 |
57 km |
| 1996 |
UNNAMED |
1,906 |
59 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) |
1.6 in |
|
| April |
45°F (7°C) |
2.4 in |
|
| May |
58°F (15°C) |
3.4 in |
|
| June |
67°F (20°C) |
4.5 in |
Wettest |
| July |
70°F (21°C) |
3.4 in |
Warmest |
| August |
69°F (21°C) |
3.7 in |
|
| September |
59°F (15°C) |
3.2 in |
|
| October |
47°F (9°C) |
2.4 in |
|
| November |
30°F (-1°C) |
1.4 in |
|
| December |
16°F (-9°C) |
0.9 in |
|
Cold Spring has a seasonal temperature swing of 58°F / from 11°F in January to 70°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 28.2 inches, with June being the wettest month (4.5") and February the driest (0.7").
Average costs for common services in Cold Spring. 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 | $1,865 |
| Toddler | $1,653 |
| Preschool | $1,458 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $621 |
| Toddler | $570 |
| Preschool | $570 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Cold Spring
What is the population of Cold Spring?
Cold Spring has a population of 4,201 residents and is located in Minnesota. The population density is 1,500 people per square mile, spread across 2.7 square miles. The median age of residents is 40.9 years. The population is 51.6% female and 48.4% male.
Is Cold Spring expensive to live in?
Cold Spring 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 $72,022, 4% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $242,000 (14% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $1,297 per month, above the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 3.4x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Cold Spring safe?
Cold Spring is considered a very safe city with a violent crime rate of 70 per 100,000 residents, well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,264 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Cold Spring receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Cold Spring?
Cold Spring 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 Cold Spring?
The job market in Cold Spring is very strong, with unemployment at just 2.7% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,198. There are 4,733 business establishments in the area, including 391 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 22 minutes, and 6.7% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Cold Spring?
The median home value in Cold Spring is $242,000. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $362,947. For renters, the median monthly rent is $1,297. Fair market rent is $899 for a 1-bedroom and $1,125 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 68.9%. The average annual property tax is $5,101.
How are the schools in Cold Spring?
Schools in Cold Spring score 6.2 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 29.1% of adults in Cold Spring hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 92.3% have completed high school. 7.4% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Cold Spring?
The obesity rate in Cold Spring is 35.0% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 13.4% of adults are smokers. 20.5% are physically inactive. 25.7% of residents report depression. 7.6% lack health insurance. 77.6% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,025.
What is transportation like in Cold Spring?
The average commute in Cold Spring is 22 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 86.7% of workers drive alone to work, and 6.7% work from home.
What are the demographics of Cold Spring?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Cold Spring is 94% White. 92.5% of residents speak only English at home, while 7.5% speak Spanish. 6.0% of the population are military veterans. 12.6% of residents have a disability. 95.8% have health insurance coverage.
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