Median Income
$87,083
16% higher than US avg
Home Value
$173,300
39% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
266/100K
30% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
10.2%
70% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$859
26% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
36.6%
14% higher than US avg
Unemployment
4.1%
14% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
6.7%
46% lower than US avg
How Dexter Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population359
Median Age43.4 yrs
Density255/mi²
Male / Female55% / 45%
Largest GroupWhite 98%
Veterans8.3%
Economy
A
Median Income$87,083
Per Capita$48,239
Unemployment4.1%
Poverty6.7%
County GDP$2,995M
Commute24 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$173,300
Rent$859
Ownership70.6%
Zillow$274,797
Housing Units162
Rent Burden23.3%
Crime
F
Violent266/100K
Property2,362/100K
Health
Obesity36.6%
Uninsured7.2%
Smoking15.1%
Depression26.7%
Heart Disease5.0%
Climate
Avg Temp43°F (6°C)
AQI36 (Good)
Rain37.4 in/yr
Sunny Days260/yr
Elevation1,412 ft (430 m)
Education
D
Bachelor's+10.2%
High School+95.7%
Graduate+3.1%
School Score5.35
Community
2024 VoteR 54% / D 44%
Commute24 min
Broadband88.2%
EV Stations4
Libraries4
Is Dexter a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Dexter receives an overall livability score of 3.0 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include above-average household incomes, low crime rates, affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Dexter offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Dexter is $87,083, 16% above the national average of $75,149. Residents generally enjoy above-average earning potential. Unemployment stands at 4.1%, indicating a healthy job market. Only 6.7% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 24 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Dexter is $173,300, 39% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $859 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 2x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Violent crime in Dexter is below the national average at 266 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 2,362 per 100,000, 21% above the national average.
Education
10.2% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 95.7% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.4/10.
Climate & Weather
Dexter has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 43°F. Winters average 13°F in January while summers reach 69°F in July. With 260 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 37.4 inches, including 50.6 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 36.
Dexter has a population of 359 with a density of 255 people per square mile, spread across 1.4 square miles. The median age is 43.4 years, 12% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 44.8% female and 55.2% male. The city is predominantly White (97.8%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 100% of residents. 8.3% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 13.0% of residents have a disability. 88.3% have health insurance coverage.
Population
43.4yrs
Median Age
12% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
100.0%
27% above US avg
Spanish
0.0%
100% below US avg
The median household income in Dexter is $87,083, which is 16% above the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $48,239 (above the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,174, 18% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 4.1% (above the 3.6% US average). 6.7% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 900 business establishments, including 69 restaurants. The cost of living index is 98.6, roughly in line with the national average. Workers commute an average of 24 minutes. 3.8% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $87,083 |
| 16% above US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $48,239 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,174 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $68,979 |
| Gini Index | 0.419 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 4.1% |
| 14% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 6.7% |
| 46% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 900 |
| County GDP | $2,995M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 69 |
| Healthcare | 109 |
| Retail | 119 |
| Manufacturing | 31 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $4,183 |
| 20% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 98.60 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 2.41% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 23.7 min |
| Drive Alone | 86.1% |
| Public Transit | 1.4% |
| Work from Home | 3.8% |
The median home value in Dexter is $173,300, 39% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $274,797, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $859 (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. 70.6% of housing units are owner-occupied. There are 162 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1952. The average annual property tax is $4,183 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 23.3% 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 | $173,300 |
| 39% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $274,797 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $859 |
| 26% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 23.3% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $809 |
| 1 Bedroom | $899 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,125 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,483 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,698 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 70.6% |
| Owner-Occupied | 70.6% |
| Renter-Occupied | 29.4% |
| Housing Units | 162 |
| Median Year Built | 1952 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $4,183 |
| 20% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 2.41% |
In Dexter, 36.6% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 8.4% have diabetes (below the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 5.0% of residents. 27.5% have high blood pressure. 15.1% are current smokers. 21.0% report binge drinking. 22.7% are physically inactive. 26.7% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 16.9% experience frequent mental distress. 7.2% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,362. The dentist ratio is 1:1,825. 77.0% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.7 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Dexter vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 36.6% |
| 14% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 8.4% |
| Heart Disease | 5.0% |
| High Blood Pressure | 27.5% |
| Asthma | 10.1% |
| COPD | 5.1% |
| Cancer | 7.5% |
| Stroke | 2.7% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 15.1% |
| 8% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 21.0% |
| Physical Inactivity | 22.7% |
| Depression | 26.7% |
| Mental Distress | 16.9% |
| Physical Distress | 10.9% |
| Short Sleep | 31.7% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 88.3% |
| Uninsured | 7.2% |
| 16% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:2,362 |
| Dentists | 1:1,825 |
| Mental Health | 1:598 |
| Checkup Rate | 71.5% |
| Dental Visits | 67.9% |
| Premature Death | 6,955/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.7/10 |
| Exercise Access | 77.0% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 109 |
Dexter has a violent crime rate of 266 per 100,000 residents, 30% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 2,362 per 100,000, 21% above the U.S. average. The county recorded 4 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Dexter receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Dexter vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 266.5/100K |
| 30% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 2,362.1/100K |
| 21% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 4 |
| Traffic Accidents | 115 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.1 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Dexter has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 43°F (6°C). Winters average 13°F in January while summers reach 69°F in July. The area gets 260 sunny days per year, above the national average. Annual precipitation totals 37.4 inches. The area receives 50.6 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 1,412 feet.
Temperature
13°F Jan (-11°C)
69°F Jul (21°C)
| Annual Average | 42.9°F |
| 21% below US avg |
| January Average | 13°F (-11°C) |
| July Average | 69°F (21°C) |
| Sunny Days | 260 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,412 ft (430 m) |
| Area | 1.4 sq mi (3.7 km²) |
| Population Density | 255/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 43.7194°N, 92.7017°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Mower County County |
| Nearest Airport | Rochester International (RST)
16 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
37.4"
2% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jul)
4.49"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 36.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 67.3 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 37.7 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 83.1 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hurricane |
No Rating |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hail |
Relatively Moderate |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Moderate |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Moderate |
| Lightning |
Very Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
Relatively High |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
1 earthquake (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M2.8. Most recent: M2.8 on Apr 25, 2017.
| Apr 25, 2017 |
Near Mankato, Minnesota |
M2.8 |
117 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
551 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 22 fatalities, 260 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jun 17, 2010 |
EF4 |
77 km |
1 |
| Jul 12, 1971 |
EF4 |
58 km |
0 |
| Apr 30, 1967 |
EF4 |
61 km |
5 |
| Apr 30, 1967 |
EF4 |
48 km |
0 |
| Apr 30, 1967 |
EF4 |
66 km |
6 |
| Apr 30, 1967 |
EF4 |
60 km |
0 |
| May 5, 1965 |
EF4 |
50 km |
0 |
| Sep 16, 1962 |
EF4 |
34 km |
0 |
| May 10, 1953 |
EF4 |
39 km |
2 |
| May 10, 1953 |
EF4 |
98 km |
0 |
| Jun 17, 2010 |
EF3 |
58 km |
0 |
| Jun 17, 2010 |
EF3 |
43 km |
0 |
| Jun 17, 2010 |
EF3 |
38 km |
0 |
| Jun 11, 2004 |
EF3 |
38 km |
0 |
| Jul 19, 1994 |
EF3 |
59 km |
0 |
| Jul 27, 1987 |
EF3 |
95 km |
0 |
| Jun 7, 1984 |
EF3 |
52 km |
0 |
| May 17, 1982 |
EF3 |
49 km |
0 |
| May 28, 1974 |
EF3 |
60 km |
0 |
| Jul 12, 1971 |
EF3 |
51 km |
0 |
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 |
74 km |
| 2007 |
BEAVER CUTOFF |
982 |
75 km |
| 1990 |
UNNAMED |
598 |
97 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
13°F (-11°C) |
1.0 in |
Coldest |
| February |
19°F (-7°C) |
0.8 in |
Driest |
| March |
31°F (-1°C) |
1.9 in |
|
| April |
45°F (7°C) |
3.2 in |
|
| May |
58°F (14°C) |
4.0 in |
|
| June |
68°F (20°C) |
4.2 in |
|
| July |
69°F (21°C) |
4.5 in |
Warmest, Wettest |
| August |
68°F (20°C) |
4.5 in |
|
| September |
60°F (16°C) |
3.7 in |
|
| October |
48°F (9°C) |
2.5 in |
|
| November |
32°F (-0°C) |
1.9 in |
|
| December |
18°F (-8°C) |
1.1 in |
|
Dexter has a seasonal temperature swing of 56°F / from 13°F in January to 69°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 33.1 inches, with July being the wettest month (4.5") and February the driest (0.8").
Average costs for common services in Dexter. 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 | $914 |
| Toddler | $853 |
| Preschool | $787 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $621 |
| Toddler | $570 |
| Preschool | $570 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Dexter
What is the population of Dexter?
Dexter has a population of 359 residents and is located in Minnesota. The population density is 255 people per square mile, spread across 1.4 square miles. The median age of residents is 43.4 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 44.8% female and 55.2% male.
Is Dexter expensive to live in?
Dexter 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 $87,083, 16% above the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $173,300 (39% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $859 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 2x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Dexter safe?
Dexter is safer than the national average, with a violent crime rate of 266 per 100,000 compared to the U.S. rate of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 2,362 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Dexter receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Dexter?
Dexter has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 43°F (6°C). Winter temperatures average 13°F in January, while summers reach an average of 69°F in July. The area receives 260 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 37.4 inches, with 50.6 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 36.
How is the job market in Dexter?
Dexter has a healthy job market with an unemployment rate of 4.1%, near the national average of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,174. There are 900 business establishments in the area, including 69 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 24 minutes, and 3.8% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Dexter?
The median home value in Dexter is $173,300. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $274,797. For renters, the median monthly rent is $859. Fair market rent is $899 for a 1-bedroom and $1,125 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 70.6%. The average annual property tax is $4,183.
How are the schools in Dexter?
Schools in Dexter score 5.4 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 10.2% of adults in Dexter hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 95.7% have completed high school. 3.1% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Dexter?
The obesity rate in Dexter is 36.6% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 15.1% of adults are smokers. 22.7% are physically inactive. 26.7% of residents report depression. 7.2% lack health insurance (below the national rate). 77.0% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,362.
What is transportation like in Dexter?
The average commute in Dexter is 24 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 86.1% of workers drive alone to work, 1.4% use public transit, and 3.8% work from home.
What are the demographics of Dexter?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Dexter is 97.8% White. 100% of residents speak only English at home. 8.3% of the population are military veterans. 13.0% of residents have a disability. 88.3% have health insurance coverage.
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