Median Income
$49,167
35% lower than US avg
Home Value
$52,600
81% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
0/100K
100% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
10.9%
68% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
37.4%
17% higher than US avg
Unemployment
7.9%
119% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
21.8%
76% higher than US avg
How Kiester Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population544
Median Age43.8 yrs
Density1,265/mi²
Male / Female48% / 52%
Largest GroupWhite 93%
Veterans6.5%
Economy
C
Median Income$49,167
Per Capita$29,599
Unemployment7.9%
Poverty21.8%
County GDP$690M
Commute30 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$52,600
Ownership87.5%
Zillow$99,078
Housing Units323
Rent Burden13.3%
Crime
C+
Violent0/100K
Property621/100K
Health
Obesity37.4%
Uninsured9.4%
Smoking16.8%
Depression25.7%
Heart Disease5.6%
Climate
Avg Temp46°F (8°C)
AQI36 (Good)
Rain34.5 in/yr
Sunny Days260/yr
Elevation1,266 ft (386 m)
Education
D
Bachelor's+10.9%
High School+93.0%
Graduate+2.9%
School Score6.08
Community
2024 VoteR 65% / D 34%
Commute30 min
Broadband75.8%
EV Stations6
Libraries5
Is Kiester a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Kiester receives an overall livability score of 2.9 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C+. Key strengths include low crime rates, affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include above-average unemployment, an elevated poverty rate, below-average incomes. Kiester has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Kiester is $49,167, 35% below the national average of $75,149. The unemployment rate of 7.9% is somewhat elevated compared to the national rate of 3.6%. The poverty rate of 21.8% exceeds the national average of 12.4%, indicating economic hardship for a significant portion of the population. Workers commute an average of 30 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Kiester is $52,600, 81% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. At just 1.1x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Kiester is a very safe community with a violent crime rate of 0 per 100,000 residents / well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 621 per 100,000, 68% below the national average.
Education
10.9% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 93.0% have completed high school. Local schools score 6.1/10 in standardized testing, reflecting strong academic performance.
Climate & Weather
Kiester experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 46°F. Winters average 14°F in January while summers reach 72°F in July. With 260 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 34.5 inches, including 40.1 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 36.
Kiester has a population of 544 with a density of 1,265 people per square mile, spread across 0.4 square miles. The median age is 43.8 years, 13% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 52.4% female and 47.6% male. The city is predominantly White (93.4%), with 5.5% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 98.2% of residents. 6.5% of the population are veterans. 17.2% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 92.9% have health insurance coverage.
Population
43.8yrs
Median Age
13% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
98.2%
25% above US avg
Spanish
1.8%
87% below US avg
The median household income in Kiester is $49,167, which is 35% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $29,599 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $904, 37% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 7.9% (above the 3.6% US average). 21.8% of residents live below the poverty line, higher than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 393 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 30 minutes. 8.4% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $49,167 |
| 35% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $29,599 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $904 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $70,658 |
| Gini Index | 0.439 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 7.9% |
| 119% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 21.8% |
| 76% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 393 |
| County GDP | $690M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 21 |
| Healthcare | 31 |
| Retail | 49 |
| Manufacturing | 17 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $3,053 |
| 13% below US avg |
| Cost of Living | 98.60 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 5.80% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 30.4 min |
| Drive Alone | 63.7% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 8.4% |
The median home value in Kiester is $52,600, 81% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $99,078, higher than the Census estimate. Fair market rent ranges from $899 for a one-bedroom to $1,125 for a two-bedroom apartment. 87.5% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 323 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1952. The average annual property tax is $3,053. 13.3% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.1x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $52,600 |
| 81% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $99,078 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $809 |
| 1 Bedroom | $899 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,125 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,483 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,698 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 87.5% |
| Owner-Occupied | 87.5% |
| Renter-Occupied | 12.5% |
| Housing Units | 323 |
| Median Year Built | 1952 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $3,053 |
| 13% below US avg |
| Effective Rate | 5.80% |
In Kiester, 37.4% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 9.3% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.6% of residents. 28.9% have high blood pressure. 16.8% are current smokers. 20.6% report binge drinking. 25.8% are physically inactive. 25.7% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 17.7% experience frequent mental distress. 9.4% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:3,552. The dentist ratio is 1:1,517. 85.3% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 9.1 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Kiester vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 37.4% |
| 17% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 9.3% |
| Heart Disease | 5.6% |
| High Blood Pressure | 28.9% |
| Asthma | 10.5% |
| COPD | 5.8% |
| Cancer | 7.3% |
| Stroke | 3.0% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 16.8% |
| 20% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 20.6% |
| Physical Inactivity | 25.8% |
| Depression | 25.7% |
| Mental Distress | 17.7% |
| Physical Distress | 12.3% |
| Short Sleep | 33.2% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 92.9% |
| Uninsured | 9.4% |
| 9% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:3,552 |
| Dentists | 1:1,517 |
| Mental Health | 1:5,285 |
| Checkup Rate | 71.3% |
| Dental Visits | 59.2% |
| Premature Death | 5,991/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 9.1/10 |
| Exercise Access | 85.3% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 31 |
Kiester has a violent crime rate of 0 per 100,000 residents, 100% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 621 per 100,000, 68% below the U.S. average. The county recorded 2 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Kiester receives a safety grade of C+.
Crime Rates: Kiester vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 620.6/100K |
| 68% below US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 2 |
| Traffic Accidents | 7 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.1 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | C+ |
| Safety Score | 2.5 / 5.0 |
Kiester experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 46°F (8°C). Winters average 14°F in January while summers reach 72°F in July. The area gets 260 sunny days per year, above the national average. Annual precipitation totals 34.5 inches. The area receives 40.1 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 1,266 feet.
Temperature
14°F Jan (-10°C)
72°F Jul (22°C)
| Annual Average | 45.5°F |
| 16% below US avg |
| January Average | 14°F (-10°C) |
| July Average | 72°F (22°C) |
| Sunny Days | 260 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,266 ft (386 m) |
| Area | 0.4 sq mi (1.1 km²) |
| Population Density | 1,265/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 43.5365°N, 93.7112°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Winnebago County County |
| Nearest Airport | Owatonna Degner Regional (OWA)
46 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
34.5"
9% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
4.57"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 36.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 30.7 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 45.7 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 83.3 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Very Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Moderate |
| Lightning |
Very Low |
| Ice Storm |
Very Low |
| Drought |
Relatively High |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
2 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M2.8. Most recent: M2.7 on Jun 30, 2021.
| Apr 25, 2017 |
Near Mankato, Minnesota |
M2.8 |
76 km |
| Jun 30, 2021 |
4 km E of Rembrandt, Iowa |
M2.7 |
138 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
584 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF5. Total: 44 fatalities, 934 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| May 15, 1968 |
EF5 |
98 km |
13 |
| Oct 14, 1966 |
EF5 |
82 km |
6 |
| Jun 17, 2010 |
EF4 |
7 km |
1 |
| Apr 30, 1967 |
EF4 |
23 km |
5 |
| Apr 30, 1967 |
EF4 |
45 km |
0 |
| Apr 30, 1967 |
EF4 |
51 km |
0 |
| Apr 30, 1967 |
EF4 |
33 km |
6 |
| May 5, 1965 |
EF4 |
77 km |
0 |
| Aug 29, 1964 |
EF4 |
80 km |
0 |
| May 10, 1953 |
EF4 |
54 km |
0 |
| Jun 12, 2013 |
EF3 |
73 km |
0 |
| Jun 17, 2010 |
EF3 |
30 km |
0 |
| Jun 17, 2010 |
EF3 |
45 km |
0 |
| Jun 17, 2010 |
EF3 |
59 km |
0 |
| Aug 24, 2006 |
EF3 |
93 km |
1 |
| Aug 1, 2006 |
EF3 |
91 km |
0 |
| Jun 11, 2004 |
EF3 |
95 km |
0 |
| Mar 29, 1998 |
EF3 |
91 km |
1 |
| Mar 29, 1998 |
EF3 |
90 km |
0 |
| Jun 18, 1994 |
EF3 |
49 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
2 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: SNAKE TRAIL (1,496 ac, 2024).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2024 |
SNAKE TRAIL |
1,496 |
68 km |
| 2024 |
LINCOLN WPA RX |
575 |
71 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
14°F (-10°C) |
0.7 in |
Coldest |
| February |
19°F (-7°C) |
0.7 in |
Driest |
| March |
32°F (-0°C) |
1.7 in |
|
| April |
46°F (8°C) |
2.8 in |
|
| May |
59°F (15°C) |
3.7 in |
|
| June |
69°F (20°C) |
4.6 in |
Wettest |
| July |
72°F (22°C) |
4.4 in |
Warmest |
| August |
69°F (21°C) |
4.1 in |
|
| September |
61°F (16°C) |
3.2 in |
|
| October |
49°F (9°C) |
2.3 in |
|
| November |
33°F (0°C) |
1.5 in |
|
| December |
19°F (-7°C) |
1.0 in |
|
Kiester has a seasonal temperature swing of 58°F / from 14°F in January to 72°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 30.6 inches, with June being the wettest month (4.6") and February the driest (0.7").
Average costs for common services in Kiester. 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 | $653 |
| Toddler | $562 |
| Preschool | $562 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $440 |
| Toddler | $433 |
| Preschool | $433 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Kiester
What is the population of Kiester?
Kiester has a population of 544 residents and is located in Minnesota. The population density is 1,265 people per square mile, spread across 0.4 square miles. The median age of residents is 43.8 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 52.4% female and 47.6% male.
Is Kiester expensive to live in?
Kiester 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 $49,167, 35% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $52,600 (81% below the U.S. median). The home price-to-income ratio is 1.1x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Kiester safe?
Kiester is considered a very safe city with a violent crime rate of 0 per 100,000 residents, well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 621 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Kiester receives a safety grade of C+ based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Kiester?
Kiester has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 46°F (8°C). Winter temperatures average 14°F in January, while summers reach an average of 72°F in July. The area receives 260 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 34.5 inches, with 40.1 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 36.
How is the job market in Kiester?
The unemployment rate in Kiester is 7.9%, somewhat above the national average of 3.6%. Job seekers may face moderate competition. The average weekly wage is $904. There are 393 business establishments in the area, including 21 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 30 minutes, and 8.4% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Kiester?
The median home value in Kiester is $52,600. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $99,078. The homeownership rate is 87.5%. The average annual property tax is $3,053.
How are the schools in Kiester?
Schools in Kiester score 6.1 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 10.9% of adults in Kiester hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 93.0% have completed high school. 2.9% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Kiester?
The obesity rate in Kiester is 37.4% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 16.8% of adults are smokers. 25.8% are physically inactive. 25.7% of residents report depression. 9.4% lack health insurance. 85.3% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:3,552.
What is transportation like in Kiester?
The average commute in Kiester is 30 minutes. 63.7% of workers drive alone to work, and 8.4% work from home.
What are the demographics of Kiester?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Kiester is 93.4% White, 5.5% Hispanic or Latino. 98.2% of residents speak only English at home. 6.5% of the population are military veterans. 17.2% of residents have a disability. 92.9% have health insurance coverage.
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