Median Income
$52,000
31% lower than US avg
Home Value
$91,900
67% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
58/100K
85% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
21.7%
36% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$550
53% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
36.8%
15% higher than US avg
Unemployment
2.1%
42% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
3.7%
70% lower than US avg
How Lake Benton Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population698
Median Age45.1 yrs
Density217/mi²
Male / Female41% / 59%
Largest GroupWhite 93%
Veterans11.3%
Economy
A
Median Income$52,000
Per Capita$31,527
Unemployment2.1%
Poverty3.7%
County GDP$588M
Commute26 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$91,900
Rent$550
Ownership77.4%
Zillow$198,256
Housing Units387
Rent Burden35.9%
Crime
F
Violent58/100K
Property923/100K
Health
Obesity36.8%
Uninsured8.0%
Smoking15.6%
Depression26.0%
Heart Disease5.2%
Climate
Avg Temp44°F (7°C)
AQI36 (Good)
Rain28.6 in/yr
Sunny Days276/yr
Elevation1,770 ft (539 m)
Education
C+
Bachelor's+21.7%
High School+94.7%
Graduate+3.9%
School Score6.42
Community
2024 VoteR 68% / D 30%
Commute26 min
Broadband91.1%
EV Stations1
Libraries4
Is Lake Benton a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Lake Benton receives an overall livability score of 3.2 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include low unemployment, low crime rates, affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include below-average incomes. Lake Benton offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Lake Benton is $52,000, 31% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 2.1%. Only 3.7% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 26 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Lake Benton is $91,900, 67% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $550 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 1.8x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Lake Benton is a very safe community with a violent crime rate of 58 per 100,000 residents / well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 923 per 100,000, 53% below the national average.
Education
21.7% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 94.7% have completed high school. Local schools score 6.4/10 in standardized testing, reflecting strong academic performance.
Climate & Weather
Lake Benton has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 44°F. Winters average 14°F in January while summers reach 72°F in July. With 276 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 28.6 inches, including 39.6 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 36.
Lake Benton has a population of 698 with a density of 217 people per square mile, spread across 4.6 square miles. The median age is 45.1 years, 16% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 59.3% female and 40.7% male. The city is predominantly White (92.7%), with 1.4% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 97.6% of residents. 11.3% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 13.4% of residents have a disability. 89.5% have health insurance coverage.
Population
45.1yrs
Median Age
16% above US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Lake Benton vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
97.6%
24% above US avg
Spanish
2.4%
82% below US avg
Social Characteristics
Lake Benton vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Lake Benton is $52,000, which is 31% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $31,527 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $872, 39% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 2.1% (below the 3.6% US average). 3.7% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 226 business establishments, including 10 restaurants. The cost of living index is 98.6, roughly in line with the national average. Workers commute an average of 26 minutes. 11.8% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income: Lake Benton vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $52,000 |
| 31% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $31,527 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $872 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $72,484 |
| Gini Index | 0.440 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 2.1% |
| 42% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 3.7% |
| 70% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 226 |
| County GDP | $588M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 10 |
| Healthcare | 21 |
| Retail | 30 |
| Manufacturing | 6 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $2,614 |
| 25% below US avg |
| Cost of Living | 98.60 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 2.84% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 26.3 min |
| Drive Alone | 76.2% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 11.8% |
The median home value in Lake Benton is $91,900, 67% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $198,256, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $550 (53% 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. 77.4% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 387 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1965. The average annual property tax is $2,614 (lower than the $3,500 national average). 35.9% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.8x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $91,900 |
| 67% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $198,256 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $550 |
| 53% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 35.9% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $809 |
| 1 Bedroom | $899 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,125 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,483 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,698 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 77.4% |
| Owner-Occupied | 77.4% |
| Renter-Occupied | 22.6% |
| Housing Units | 387 |
| Median Year Built | 1965 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $2,614 |
| 25% below US avg |
| Effective Rate | 2.84% |
In Lake Benton, 36.8% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 8.8% have diabetes (below the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 5.2% of residents. 27.9% have high blood pressure. 15.6% are current smokers. 20.3% report binge drinking. 23.6% are physically inactive. 26.0% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 17.3% experience frequent mental distress. 8.0% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,856. The dentist ratio is 1:1,860. 25.4% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 9.1 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Lake Benton vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 36.8% |
| 15% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 8.8% |
| Heart Disease | 5.2% |
| High Blood Pressure | 27.9% |
| Asthma | 10.4% |
| COPD | 5.5% |
| Cancer | 7.4% |
| Stroke | 2.8% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 15.6% |
| 11% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 20.3% |
| Physical Inactivity | 23.6% |
| Depression | 26.0% |
| Mental Distress | 17.3% |
| Physical Distress | 11.8% |
| Short Sleep | 30.1% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 89.5% |
| Uninsured | 8.0% |
| 7% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,856 |
| Dentists | 1:1,860 |
| Mental Health | 1:5,521 |
| Checkup Rate | 72.9% |
| Dental Visits | 65.5% |
| Premature Death | 6,358/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 9.1/10 |
| Exercise Access | 25.4% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 21 |
Lake Benton has a violent crime rate of 58 per 100,000 residents, 85% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 923 per 100,000, 53% below the U.S. average. The county recorded 2 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Lake Benton receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Lake Benton vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 57.7/100K |
| 85% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 922.7/100K |
| 53% below US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 2 |
| Traffic Accidents | 7 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.9 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Lake Benton has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 44°F (7°C). Winters average 14°F in January while summers reach 72°F in July. The area gets 276 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 28.6 inches (drier than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 39.6 inches of snow annually, a moderate snowfall amount. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 36. The city sits at an elevation of 1,770 feet.
Temperature
14°F Jan (-10°C)
72°F Jul (22°C)
| Annual Average | 44.4°F |
| 18% below US avg |
| January Average | 14°F (-10°C) |
| July Average | 72°F (22°C) |
| Sunny Days | 276 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,770 ft (539 m) |
| Area | 4.6 sq mi (12.0 km²) |
| Population Density | 217/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 44.2622°N, 96.2993°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Lincoln County County |
| Nearest Airport | Brookings Regional (BKX)
26 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
28.6"
25% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
3.86"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 36.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 18.2 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 34.5 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 72.8 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Very Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Moderate |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Moderate |
| Lightning |
Very Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
Relatively Moderate |
| 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: M3.1. Most recent: M3.1 on Feb 9, 1994.
| Feb 9, 1994 |
6 km NNE of Blomkest, Minnesota |
M3.1 |
132 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
463 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF5. Total: 15 fatalities, 334 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jun 16, 1992 |
EF5 |
56 km |
1 |
| Jun 13, 1968 |
EF5 |
45 km |
9 |
| Jun 25, 2010 |
EF4 |
96 km |
0 |
| Jul 25, 2000 |
EF4 |
87 km |
1 |
| Mar 29, 1998 |
EF4 |
71 km |
1 |
| Jun 7, 1993 |
EF4 |
78 km |
0 |
| Jun 7, 1993 |
EF4 |
89 km |
0 |
| Jun 16, 1992 |
EF4 |
47 km |
0 |
| Jul 7, 1955 |
EF4 |
26 km |
1 |
| May 30, 2022 |
EF3 |
73 km |
0 |
| Aug 7, 1994 |
EF3 |
95 km |
0 |
| Jun 7, 1993 |
EF3 |
61 km |
0 |
| Jun 7, 1993 |
EF3 |
94 km |
0 |
| Jun 7, 1993 |
EF3 |
68 km |
0 |
| Jun 16, 1992 |
EF3 |
70 km |
0 |
| Jun 16, 1992 |
EF3 |
68 km |
0 |
| Jun 16, 1992 |
EF3 |
70 km |
0 |
| Jun 16, 1992 |
EF3 |
42 km |
0 |
| Jun 16, 1992 |
EF3 |
75 km |
0 |
| Jun 16, 1992 |
EF3 |
57 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
14°F (-10°C) |
0.5 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
18°F (-8°C) |
0.5 in |
|
| March |
30°F (-1°C) |
1.6 in |
|
| April |
44°F (7°C) |
2.4 in |
|
| May |
57°F (14°C) |
3.2 in |
|
| June |
66°F (19°C) |
3.9 in |
Wettest |
| July |
72°F (22°C) |
3.4 in |
Warmest |
| August |
69°F (20°C) |
2.8 in |
|
| September |
59°F (15°C) |
2.8 in |
|
| October |
47°F (8°C) |
2.0 in |
|
| November |
30°F (-1°C) |
1.3 in |
|
| December |
17°F (-9°C) |
0.6 in |
|
Lake Benton has a seasonal temperature swing of 58°F / from 14°F in January to 72°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 24.9 inches, with June being the wettest month (3.9") and January the driest (0.5").
Average costs for common services in Lake Benton. 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 | $534 |
| Toddler | $541 |
| Preschool | $541 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Lake Benton
What is the population of Lake Benton?
Lake Benton has a population of 698 residents and is located in Minnesota. The population density is 217 people per square mile, spread across 4.6 square miles. The median age of residents is 45.1 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 59.3% female and 40.7% male.
Is Lake Benton expensive to live in?
Lake Benton 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 $52,000, 31% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $91,900 (67% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $550 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.8x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Lake Benton safe?
Lake Benton is considered a very safe city with a violent crime rate of 58 per 100,000 residents, well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 923 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Lake Benton receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Lake Benton?
Lake Benton has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 44°F (7°C). Winter temperatures average 14°F in January, while summers reach an average of 72°F in July. The area receives 276 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 28.6 inches, with 39.6 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 36.
How is the job market in Lake Benton?
The job market in Lake Benton is very strong, with unemployment at just 2.1% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $872. There are 226 business establishments in the area, including 10 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 26 minutes, and 11.8% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Lake Benton?
The median home value in Lake Benton is $91,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $198,256. For renters, the median monthly rent is $550. Fair market rent is $899 for a 1-bedroom and $1,125 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 77.4%. The average annual property tax is $2,614.
How are the schools in Lake Benton?
Schools in Lake Benton score 6.4 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 21.7% of adults in Lake Benton hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 94.7% have completed high school. 3.9% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Lake Benton?
The obesity rate in Lake Benton is 36.8% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 15.6% of adults are smokers. 23.6% are physically inactive. 26.0% of residents report depression. 8.0% lack health insurance. 25.4% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,856.
What is transportation like in Lake Benton?
The average commute in Lake Benton is 26 minutes. 76.2% of workers drive alone to work, and 11.8% work from home.
What are the demographics of Lake Benton?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Lake Benton is 92.7% White, 1.4% Hispanic or Latino. 97.6% of residents speak only English at home. 11.3% of the population are military veterans. 13.4% of residents have a disability. 89.5% have health insurance coverage.
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