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Lafayette, MN

Minnesota · Nicollet County · Mankato Metro

Lafayette is a small town in Minnesota with a population of 478. Residents earn $95,500 per year, which is 27% above the national average.

4.2 /5.0
A Great
478 Population 379/sq mi density
$95,500 Median Income $37,980 per capita
$142,700 Home Value $246,085 Zillow
$725 Median Rent 18.8% income on rent
44°F Avg Temperature 270 sunny days/yr
A
Overall
4.2 / 5.0
Great overall score based on economy, affordability, safety and education
A+
Economy
4.9 / 5.0
$95,500 median income, 0.0% unemployment
A+
Affordability
5.0 / 5.0
$142,700 home value, $725/mo rent
C+
Education
2.7 / 5.0
21.8% bachelor's degree or higher
Median Income $95,500
27% higher than US avg
Home Value $142,700
49% 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
OwnershipN/A
Zillow$246,085
Housing Units223
Rent Burden18.8%

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%
Libraries3

Is Lafayette a Good Place to Live?

Based on current data, Lafayette receives an overall livability score of 4.2 out of 5.0, earning a grade of A. Key strengths include above-average household incomes, low unemployment, affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Lafayette stands out as an excellent place to live, with strong marks across most quality-of-life indicators.

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.

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

478
Total Population
379
People / sq mi
42.1yrs
Median Age
8% above US avg
1.3mi²
Land Area

Gender Distribution

Male 52.7%
Female 47.3%

Race & Ethnicity

Lafayette vs U.S. Average

Language Spoken at Home

English Only97.0%
24% above US avg
Spanish3.0%
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.

Commute Mode

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

Employment & Poverty

Unemployment0.0%
100% below US avg
Poverty Rate2.8%
77% below US avg
Establishments (County)849
County GDP$1,983M

Business (County)

Restaurants55
Healthcare93
Retail83
Manufacturing47

Tax & Cost of Living

Property Tax (IRS)$4,641
33% above US avg
Cost of Living98.60 (100=avg)
Effective Tax Rate3.25%

Commute & Transportation

Commute Time23.7 min
Drive Alone80.9%
Public Transit0.0%
Work from Home3.3%

Walkability

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. 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 Value Sources

Ownership Split

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 Burden18.8%

HUD Fair Market Rent

Studio$809
1 Bedroom$899
2 Bedrooms$1,125
3 Bedrooms$1,483
4 Bedrooms$1,698

Ownership & Property

Owner-Occupied91.3%
Renter-Occupied8.7%
Housing Units223
Median Year Built1957

Property Tax

Avg Tax (IRS)$4,641
33% above US avg
Effective Rate3.25%
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

Obesity32.2%
0% below US avg
Diabetes7.5%
Heart Disease4.5%
High Blood Pressure25.1%
Asthma10.2%
COPD4.4%
Cancer7.5%
Stroke2.4%

Behaviors & Mental Health

Smoking13.4%
4% below US avg
Binge Drinking22.4%
Physical Inactivity20.0%
Depression26.1%
Mental Distress16.4%
Physical Distress10.2%
Short Sleep30.9%

Healthcare Access

Insurance Rate93.2%
Uninsured6.1%
29% below US avg
Primary Care1:1,184
Dentists1:1,276
Mental Health1:317
Checkup Rate71.0%
Dental Visits69.5%
Premature Death5,160/100K

Food & Exercise

Food Environment8.4/10
Exercise Access84.1%
Healthcare Facilities93
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 Average44.2°F
18% below US avg
January Average13°F (-10°C)
July Average71°F (22°C)
Sunny Days270 days/yr

Precipitation & Snow

Annual Rainfall32.8 inches
14% below US avg

Air Quality

AQI Median36.0
RatingGood

Geography

Elevation1,017 ft (310 m)
Area1.3 sq mi (3.3 km²)
Population Density379/sq mi
Coordinates44.4471°N, 94.3927°W
TimezoneAmerica/Chicago
CountyNicollet County County
County FIPS27103

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").

Lafayette is located in Nicollet County. It is classified as Metro — under 250K, part of a metropolitan area. 21.8% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher, 35% below the national average of 33.7%. 97.2% have completed high school. 1.9% hold a graduate or professional degree (below the 13.1% national rate). Area schools have an average test score of 6.9 out of 10. In the 2024 presidential election, the county voted Republican with 49.3% of the vote, a 0.5-point margin. 87.8% of households have broadband internet access. There are 3 public libraries serving the community. 93 healthcare facilities operate in the area. 80.9% of workers drive alone to work.

2024 Presidential Election (County)

R 49.3%
D 48.8%

Winner: Republican by 0.5 points

Education

Bachelor's Degree+21.8%
35% below US avg
High School+97.2%
Graduate Degree+1.9%
School Test Score6.89
C+ Education Grade (2.7/5.0)

Urban-Rural Classification

RUCC Code 3Metro — under 250K
Population Density379/sq mi
Total Area1.3 sq mi
CountyNicollet County County

Infrastructure & Services

Broadband Access87.8%
Public Libraries3
Healthcare Facilities93
Restaurants55
Retail Stores83

Safety & Disasters

Commute & Transportation

Avg Commute23.7 min
Drive Alone80.9%
Public Transit0.0%
Work from Home3.3%

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.

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 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.

Nearby Cities

Winthrop, MN 1,275 pop · 6.8 mi New Ulm, MN 14,066 pop · 10.1 mi Gaylord, MN 2,074 pop · 11.6 mi Fairfax, MN 1,134 pop · 17.2 mi Arlington, MN 2,298 pop · 19.1 mi Sleepy Eye, MN 3,438 pop · 19.3 mi St. Peter, MN 12,085 pop · 22.5 mi Le Sueur, MN 4,204 pop · 24.3 mi Lake Crystal, MN 2,530 pop · 25.1 mi North Mankato, MN 14,212 pop · 25.2 mi Glencoe, MN 5,702 pop · 25.3 mi Hector, MN 1,111 pop · 25.7 mi Madelia, MN 2,380 pop · 27.6 mi Mankato, MN 44,882 pop · 28.1 mi
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