Median Income
$95,500
27% higher than US avg
Home Value
$142,700
49% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
69/100K
82% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
21.8%
35% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$725
38% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
32.2%
0% lower than US avg
Unemployment
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
2.8%
77% lower than US avg
How Lafayette Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population478
Median Age42.1 yrs
Density379/mi²
Male / Female53% / 47%
Largest GroupWhite 97%
Veterans6.3%
Economy
A+
Median Income$95,500
Per Capita$37,980
Unemployment0.0%
Poverty2.8%
County GDP$1,983M
Commute24 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$142,700
Rent$725
Ownership91.3%
Zillow$246,085
Housing Units223
Rent Burden18.8%
Crime
F
Violent69/100K
Property2,002/100K
Health
Obesity32.2%
Uninsured6.1%
Smoking13.4%
Depression26.1%
Heart Disease4.5%
Climate
Avg Temp44°F (7°C)
AQI36 (Good)
Rain32.8 in/yr
Sunny Days270/yr
Elevation1,017 ft (310 m)
Education
C+
Bachelor's+21.8%
High School+97.2%
Graduate+1.9%
School Score6.89
Community
2024 VoteR 49% / D 49%
Commute24 min
Broadband87.8%
EV Stations2
Libraries3
Is Lafayette a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Lafayette receives an overall livability score of 3.4 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include above-average household incomes, low unemployment, low crime rates, affordable housing. Lafayette offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Lafayette is $95,500, 27% above the national average of $75,149. Residents generally enjoy above-average earning potential. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 0.0%. Only 2.8% 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 Lafayette is $142,700, 49% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $725 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 1.5x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Lafayette is a very safe community with a violent crime rate of 69 per 100,000 residents / well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 2,002 per 100,000, near the national average.
Education
21.8% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 97.2% have completed high school. Local schools score 6.9/10 in standardized testing, reflecting strong academic performance.
Climate & Weather
Lafayette has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 44°F. Winters average 13°F in January while summers reach 71°F in July. With 270 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 32.8 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 36.
Lafayette has a population of 478 with a density of 379 people per square mile, spread across 1.3 square miles. The median age is 42.1 years, 8% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 47.3% female and 52.7% male. The city is predominantly White (97.3%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 97% of residents. 6.3% of the population are veterans. 9.3% of residents have a disability (below the 13.0% national average). 93.2% have health insurance coverage.
Population
42.1yrs
Median Age
8% above US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Lafayette vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
97.0%
24% above US avg
Spanish
3.0%
78% below US avg
Social Characteristics
Lafayette vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Lafayette is $95,500, which is 27% above the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $37,980. The average weekly wage is $1,081, 25% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 0.0% (below the 3.6% US average). 2.8% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 849 business establishments, including 55 restaurants. The cost of living index is 98.6, roughly in line with the national average. Workers commute an average of 24 minutes. 3.3% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income: Lafayette vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $95,500 |
| 27% above US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $37,980 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,081 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $79,374 |
| Gini Index | 0.460 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 2.8% |
| 77% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 849 |
| County GDP | $1,983M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 55 |
| Healthcare | 93 |
| Retail | 83 |
| Manufacturing | 47 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $4,641 |
| 33% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 98.60 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 3.25% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 23.7 min |
| Drive Alone | 80.9% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 3.3% |
The median home value in Lafayette is $142,700, 49% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $246,085, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $725 (38% 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. 91.3% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 223 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1957. The average annual property tax is $4,641 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 18.8% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.5x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $142,700 |
| 49% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $246,085 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $725 |
| 38% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 18.8% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $809 |
| 1 Bedroom | $899 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,125 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,483 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,698 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 91.3% |
| Owner-Occupied | 91.3% |
| Renter-Occupied | 8.7% |
| Housing Units | 223 |
| Median Year Built | 1957 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $4,641 |
| 33% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 3.25% |
In Lafayette, 32.2% of adults are obese, below the national rate of 32.1%. 7.5% have diabetes (below the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 4.5% of residents, below the national average. 25.1% have high blood pressure. 13.4% are current smokers. 22.4% report binge drinking. 20.0% are physically inactive, below the national average. 26.1% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 16.4% experience frequent mental distress. 6.1% of residents lack health insurance (below the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,184. The dentist ratio is 1:1,276. 84.1% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.4 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Lafayette vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 32.2% |
| 0% below US avg |
| Diabetes | 7.5% |
| Heart Disease | 4.5% |
| High Blood Pressure | 25.1% |
| Asthma | 10.2% |
| COPD | 4.4% |
| Cancer | 7.5% |
| Stroke | 2.4% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 13.4% |
| 4% below US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 22.4% |
| Physical Inactivity | 20.0% |
| Depression | 26.1% |
| Mental Distress | 16.4% |
| Physical Distress | 10.2% |
| Short Sleep | 30.9% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 93.2% |
| Uninsured | 6.1% |
| 29% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,184 |
| Dentists | 1:1,276 |
| Mental Health | 1:317 |
| Checkup Rate | 71.0% |
| Dental Visits | 69.5% |
| Premature Death | 5,160/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.4/10 |
| Exercise Access | 84.1% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 93 |
Lafayette has a violent crime rate of 69 per 100,000 residents, 82% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 2,002 per 100,000, 2% above the U.S. average. Overall, Lafayette receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Lafayette vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 68.5/100K |
| 82% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 2,002.1/100K |
| 2% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Traffic Accidents | 46 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Lafayette has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 44°F (7°C). Winters average 13°F in January while summers reach 71°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 32.8 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 36. The city sits at an elevation of 1,017 feet.
Temperature
13°F Jan (-10°C)
71°F Jul (22°C)
| Annual Average | 44.2°F |
| 18% below US avg |
| January Average | 13°F (-10°C) |
| July Average | 71°F (22°C) |
| Sunny Days | 270 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,017 ft (310 m) |
| Area | 1.3 sq mi (3.3 km²) |
| Population Density | 379/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 44.4471°N, 94.3927°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Nicollet County County |
| Nearest Airport | Mankato Regional (MKT)
28 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
32.8"
14% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
4.37"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 36.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 45.4 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 15.8 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 99.1 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Moderate |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively High |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Moderate |
| Lightning |
Very Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
Relatively Low |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Landslide |
Relatively 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 |
78 km |
| Apr 25, 2017 |
Near Mankato, Minnesota |
M2.8 |
42 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
508 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 22 fatalities, 795 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| May 6, 1965 |
EF4 |
82 km |
0 |
| May 6, 1965 |
EF4 |
63 km |
3 |
| May 6, 1965 |
EF4 |
100 km |
6 |
| Jun 19, 1951 |
EF4 |
48 km |
1 |
| Jul 11, 2008 |
EF3 |
91 km |
0 |
| Aug 24, 2006 |
EF3 |
22 km |
1 |
| Aug 1, 2006 |
EF3 |
66 km |
0 |
| Mar 29, 1998 |
EF3 |
26 km |
1 |
| Mar 29, 1998 |
EF3 |
38 km |
0 |
| Jul 1, 1997 |
EF3 |
80 km |
0 |
| Jun 16, 1992 |
EF3 |
78 km |
0 |
| Jun 16, 1992 |
EF3 |
65 km |
0 |
| Jun 16, 1992 |
EF3 |
98 km |
0 |
| Jun 14, 1981 |
EF3 |
98 km |
1 |
| May 6, 1965 |
EF3 |
31 km |
0 |
| Jul 20, 1951 |
EF3 |
89 km |
5 |
| Sep 20, 2018 |
EF2 |
85 km |
0 |
| Sep 20, 2018 |
EF2 |
80 km |
0 |
| Jul 11, 2016 |
EF2 |
76 km |
0 |
| Jul 11, 2016 |
EF2 |
95 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
5 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: SNAKE TRAIL (1,496 ac, 2024).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2024 |
SNAKE TRAIL |
1,496 |
85 km |
| 1990 |
UNNAMED |
598 |
81 km |
| 2024 |
LINCOLN WPA RX |
575 |
47 km |
| 1995 |
LV 68 CARVER |
532 |
69 km |
| 1990 |
UNNAMED |
513 |
97 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
13°F (-10°C) |
0.7 in |
Coldest |
| February |
19°F (-7°C) |
0.7 in |
Driest |
| March |
31°F (-0°C) |
1.9 in |
|
| April |
46°F (8°C) |
2.6 in |
|
| May |
59°F (15°C) |
3.3 in |
|
| June |
69°F (20°C) |
4.4 in |
Wettest |
| July |
71°F (22°C) |
3.9 in |
Warmest |
| August |
70°F (21°C) |
3.9 in |
|
| September |
61°F (16°C) |
2.9 in |
|
| October |
49°F (9°C) |
2.2 in |
|
| November |
32°F (-0°C) |
1.8 in |
|
| December |
17°F (-8°C) |
0.8 in |
|
Lafayette has a seasonal temperature swing of 58°F / from 13°F in January to 71°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 29.0 inches, with June being the wettest month (4.4") and February the driest (0.7").
Average costs for common services in Lafayette. 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 | $948 |
| Toddler | $893 |
| Preschool | $821 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $621 |
| Toddler | $570 |
| Preschool | $570 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Lafayette
What is the population of Lafayette?
Lafayette has a population of 478 residents and is located in Minnesota. The population density is 379 people per square mile, spread across 1.3 square miles. The median age of residents is 42.1 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 47.3% female and 52.7% male.
Is Lafayette expensive to live in?
Lafayette 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 $95,500, 27% above the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $142,700 (49% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $725 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.5x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Lafayette safe?
Lafayette is considered a very safe city with a violent crime rate of 69 per 100,000 residents, well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 2,002 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Lafayette receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Lafayette?
Lafayette has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 44°F (7°C). Winter temperatures average 13°F in January, while summers reach an average of 71°F in July. The area receives 270 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 32.8 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 36.
How is the job market in Lafayette?
The job market in Lafayette is very strong, with unemployment at just 0.0% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,081. There are 849 business establishments in the area, including 55 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 24 minutes, and 3.3% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Lafayette?
The median home value in Lafayette is $142,700. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $246,085. For renters, the median monthly rent is $725. Fair market rent is $899 for a 1-bedroom and $1,125 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 91.3%. The average annual property tax is $4,641.
How are the schools in Lafayette?
Schools in Lafayette score 6.9 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 21.8% of adults in Lafayette hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 97.2% have completed high school. 1.9% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Lafayette?
The obesity rate in Lafayette is 32.2% (below the national rate of 32.1%). 13.4% of adults are smokers. 20.0% are physically inactive. 26.1% of residents report depression. 6.1% lack health insurance (below the national rate). 84.1% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,184.
What is transportation like in Lafayette?
The average commute in Lafayette is 24 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 80.9% of workers drive alone to work, and 3.3% work from home.
What are the demographics of Lafayette?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Lafayette is 97.3% White. 97% of residents speak only English at home. 6.3% of the population are military veterans. 9.3% of residents have a disability. 93.2% have health insurance coverage.
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