Median Income
$60,500
19% lower than US avg
Home Value
$163,300
42% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
403/100K
6% higher than US avg
Bachelor's+
12.4%
63% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$739
36% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
40.1%
25% higher than US avg
Unemployment
4.1%
14% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
8.8%
29% lower than US avg
How Gaylord Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population2,074
Median Age43.0 yrs
Density1,097/mi²
Male / Female51% / 49%
Largest GroupWhite 69%
Veterans3.7%
Economy
B+
Median Income$60,500
Per Capita$32,543
Unemployment4.1%
Poverty8.8%
County GDP$722M
Commute20 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$163,300
Rent$739
Ownership62.8%
Zillow$242,862
Housing Units993
Rent Burden29.6%
Crime
F
Violent403/100K
Property1,744/100K
Murder0.0/100K
Assault179/100K
Burglary492/100K
Health
Obesity40.1%
Uninsured13.1%
Smoking16.0%
Depression23.9%
Heart Disease5.5%
Climate
Avg Temp45°F (7°C)
AQI36 (Good)
Sunny Days258/yr
Elevation988 ft (301 m)
Education
D
Bachelor's+12.4%
High School+87.6%
Graduate+3.4%
School Score5.72
Community
2024 VoteR 71% / D 28%
Commute20 min
Broadband89.4%
EV Stations2
Libraries5
Is Gaylord a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Gaylord receives an overall livability score of 2.9 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C+. Key strengths include affordable housing, abundant sunshine, high health insurance coverage. Areas to be aware of include a high uninsured rate, high obesity rates. Gaylord has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Gaylord is $60,500, 19% below the national average of $75,149. Unemployment stands at 4.1%, indicating a healthy job market. 8.8% of residents live in poverty, near the national average of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 20 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Gaylord is $163,300, 42% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $739 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 2.7x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
The violent crime rate of 403 per 100,000 is above the national average of 380 / something for prospective residents to consider. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,744 per 100,000, near the national average.
Education
12.4% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 87.6% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.7/10.
Climate & Weather
Gaylord has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 45°F. Winters average 14°F in January while summers reach 73°F in July. With 258 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 36.
Gaylord has a population of 2,074 with a density of 1,097 people per square mile, spread across 1.7 square miles. The median age is 43.0 years, 11% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 48.8% female and 51.2% male. The city is predominantly White (68.9%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 78.8% of residents, while 21.2% speak Spanish. 3.7% of the population are veterans, below the national rate of 6.0%. 12.3% of residents have a disability. 94.4% have health insurance coverage.
Population
43.0yrs
Median Age
11% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
78.8%
0% below US avg
Spanish
21.2%
58% above US avg
The median household income in Gaylord is $60,500, which is 19% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $32,543 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,016, 29% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 4.1% (above the 3.6% US average). 8.8% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 405 business establishments, including 21 restaurants. The cost of living index is 98.6, roughly in line with the national average. Workers commute an average of 20 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 7.5% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $60,500 |
| 19% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $32,543 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,016 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $72,803 |
| Gini Index | 0.420 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 4.1% |
| 14% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 8.8% |
| 29% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 405 |
| County GDP | $722M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 21 |
| Healthcare | 28 |
| Retail | 45 |
| Manufacturing | 23 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $3,569 |
| 2% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 98.60 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 2.19% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 20.1 min |
| Drive Alone | 81.0% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 7.5% |
The median home value in Gaylord is $163,300, 42% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $242,862, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $739 (36% 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. 62.8% of housing units are owner-occupied. There are 993 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1966. The average annual property tax is $3,569. 29.6% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.7x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $163,300 |
| 42% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $242,862 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $739 |
| 36% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 29.6% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $809 |
| 1 Bedroom | $899 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,125 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,483 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,698 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 62.8% |
| Owner-Occupied | 62.8% |
| Renter-Occupied | 37.2% |
| Housing Units | 993 |
| Median Year Built | 1966 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $3,569 |
| 2% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 2.19% |
In Gaylord, 40.1% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 10.0% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.5% of residents. 28.9% have high blood pressure. 16.0% are current smokers. 20.0% report binge drinking. 28.4% are physically inactive. 23.9% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 16.9% experience frequent mental distress. 13.1% of residents lack health insurance (above the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:7,459. The dentist ratio is 1:2,991. 60.4% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 9.3 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Gaylord vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 40.1% |
| 25% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 10.0% |
| Heart Disease | 5.5% |
| High Blood Pressure | 28.9% |
| Asthma | 9.9% |
| COPD | 5.6% |
| Cancer | 6.9% |
| Stroke | 3.0% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 16.0% |
| 14% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 20.0% |
| Physical Inactivity | 28.4% |
| Depression | 23.9% |
| Mental Distress | 16.9% |
| Physical Distress | 12.6% |
| Short Sleep | 31.4% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 94.4% |
| Uninsured | 13.1% |
| 52% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:7,459 |
| Dentists | 1:2,991 |
| Mental Health | 1:1,508 |
| Checkup Rate | 71.3% |
| Dental Visits | 64.1% |
| Premature Death | 6,589/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 9.3/10 |
| Exercise Access | 60.4% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 28 |
Gaylord has a violent crime rate of 403 per 100,000 residents, 6% above the national average of 380. This breaks down to aggravated assault at 178.9 per 100,000, robbery at 0.0, rape at 223.6. The murder rate is 0.0 per 100,000 (below the national rate of 6.3). Property crime stands at 1,744 per 100,000, 11% below the U.S. average. This includes larceny/theft at 1,208, burglary at 492, vehicle theft at 45 per 100,000 residents. The county recorded 4 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Gaylord receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Gaylord vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 402.5/100K |
| 6% above US avg |
| Murder | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg |
| Rape | 223.6/100K |
| Robbery | 0.0/100K |
| Assault | 178.9/100K |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 1,744.2/100K |
| 11% below US avg |
| Burglary | 492.0/100K |
| Theft | 1,207.5/100K |
| Vehicle Theft | 44.7/100K |
| Arson | 44.7/100K |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 4 |
| Traffic Accidents | 122 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Gaylord has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 45°F (7°C). Winters average 14°F in January while summers reach 73°F in July. The area gets 258 sunny days per year, above the national average. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 36. The city sits at an elevation of 988 feet.
Temperature
14°F Jan (-10°C)
73°F Jul (23°C)
| Annual Average | 44.9°F |
| 17% below US avg |
| January Average | 14°F (-10°C) |
| July Average | 73°F (23°C) |
| Sunny Days | 258 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 988 ft (301 m) |
| Area | 1.7 sq mi (4.3 km²) |
| Population Density | 1,097/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 44.5558°N, 94.2132°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Sibley County County |
| Nearest Airport | Mankato Regional (MKT)
27 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Wettest Month (Jun)
4.41"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 36.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 23.0 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 10.6 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 93.9 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Very Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Moderate |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Low |
| 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
2 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 |
79 km |
| Apr 25, 2017 |
Near Mankato, Minnesota |
M2.8 |
44 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
523 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 28 fatalities, 1,062 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| May 6, 1965 |
EF4 |
44 km |
3 |
| May 6, 1965 |
EF4 |
63 km |
0 |
| May 6, 1965 |
EF4 |
91 km |
3 |
| May 6, 1965 |
EF4 |
81 km |
6 |
| Jun 19, 1951 |
EF4 |
38 km |
1 |
| Jul 11, 2008 |
EF3 |
93 km |
0 |
| Aug 24, 2006 |
EF3 |
32 km |
1 |
| Aug 1, 2006 |
EF3 |
83 km |
0 |
| Mar 29, 1998 |
EF3 |
31 km |
1 |
| Mar 29, 1998 |
EF3 |
33 km |
0 |
| Jul 1, 1997 |
EF3 |
65 km |
0 |
| Jun 16, 1992 |
EF3 |
95 km |
0 |
| Jun 16, 1992 |
EF3 |
52 km |
0 |
| Jul 23, 1987 |
EF3 |
88 km |
0 |
| Apr 26, 1984 |
EF3 |
93 km |
1 |
| Jun 14, 1981 |
EF3 |
80 km |
1 |
| May 6, 1965 |
EF3 |
14 km |
0 |
| Jul 20, 1951 |
EF3 |
70 km |
5 |
| Sep 20, 2018 |
EF2 |
72 km |
0 |
| Sep 20, 2018 |
EF2 |
74 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
6 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: SNAKE TRAIL (1,496 ac, 2024).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2024 |
SNAKE TRAIL |
1,496 |
79 km |
| 2004 |
EAGAN |
925 |
86 km |
| 1990 |
UNNAMED |
598 |
68 km |
| 2024 |
LINCOLN WPA RX |
575 |
59 km |
| 1995 |
LV 68 CARVER |
532 |
51 km |
| 1990 |
UNNAMED |
513 |
79 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 |
31°F (-1°C) |
1.8 in |
|
| April |
46°F (8°C) |
2.6 in |
|
| May |
60°F (15°C) |
3.3 in |
|
| June |
69°F (20°C) |
4.4 in |
Wettest |
| July |
73°F (23°C) |
3.9 in |
Warmest |
| August |
70°F (21°C) |
3.9 in |
|
| September |
60°F (16°C) |
2.8 in |
|
| October |
48°F (9°C) |
2.2 in |
|
| November |
32°F (-0°C) |
1.7 in |
|
| December |
17°F (-8°C) |
0.8 in |
|
Gaylord has a seasonal temperature swing of 59°F / from 14°F in January to 73°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 28.7 inches, with June being the wettest month (4.4") and February the driest (0.7").
Average costs for common services in Gaylord. 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 | $758 |
| Toddler | $697 |
| Preschool | $637 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $592 |
| Toddler | $534 |
| Preschool | $548 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Gaylord
What is the population of Gaylord?
Gaylord has a population of 2,074 residents and is located in Minnesota. The population density is 1,097 people per square mile, spread across 1.7 square miles. The median age of residents is 43.0 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 48.8% female and 51.2% male.
Is Gaylord expensive to live in?
Gaylord 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 $60,500, 19% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $163,300 (42% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $739 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.7x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Gaylord safe?
The violent crime rate in Gaylord is 403 per 100,000 residents, above the national average of 380. Prospective residents should research specific neighborhoods, as crime rates can vary significantly within the city. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,744 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Gaylord receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Gaylord?
Gaylord 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 73°F in July. The area receives 258 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 36.
How is the job market in Gaylord?
Gaylord has a healthy job market with an unemployment rate of 4.1%, near the national average of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,016. There are 405 business establishments in the area, including 21 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 20 minutes, and 7.5% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Gaylord?
The median home value in Gaylord is $163,300. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $242,862. For renters, the median monthly rent is $739. Fair market rent is $899 for a 1-bedroom and $1,125 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 62.8%. The average annual property tax is $3,569.
How are the schools in Gaylord?
Schools in Gaylord score 5.7 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 12.4% of adults in Gaylord hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 87.6% have completed high school. 3.4% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Gaylord?
The obesity rate in Gaylord is 40.1% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 16.0% of adults are smokers. 28.4% are physically inactive. 23.9% of residents report depression. 13.1% lack health insurance (above the national rate). 60.4% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:7,459.
What is transportation like in Gaylord?
The average commute in Gaylord is 20 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 81% of workers drive alone to work, and 7.5% work from home.
What are the demographics of Gaylord?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Gaylord is 68.9% White. 78.8% of residents speak only English at home, while 21.2% speak Spanish. 3.7% of the population are military veterans. 12.3% of residents have a disability. 94.4% have health insurance coverage.
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