Median Income
$76,125
1% higher than US avg
Home Value
$234,100
17% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
78/100K
80% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
32.0%
5% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$1,022
12% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
36.4%
13% higher than US avg
Unemployment
0.2%
94% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
3.4%
73% lower than US avg
How Lake City Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population5,021
Median Age48.4 yrs
Density1,118/mi²
Male / Female46% / 55%
Largest GroupWhite 93%
Veterans7.3%
Economy
A+
Median Income$76,125
Per Capita$42,584
Unemployment0.2%
Poverty3.4%
County GDP$1,094M
Commute22 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$234,100
Rent$1,022
Ownership78.8%
Zillow$311,239
Housing Units2,586
Rent Burden31.6%
Crime
F
Violent78/100K
Property1,128/100K
Murder0.0/100K
Assault39/100K
Burglary136/100K
Health
Obesity36.4%
Uninsured7.1%
Smoking13.3%
Depression24.3%
Heart Disease4.7%
Climate
Avg Temp45°F (7°C)
AQI32 (Good)
Rain35.5 in/yr
Sunny Days270/yr
Elevation712 ft (217 m)
Education
B+
Bachelor's+32.0%
High School+95.8%
Graduate+13.8%
School Score6.71
Community
2024 VoteR 63% / D 35%
Commute22 min
Broadband88.1%
EV Stations2
Libraries3
Is Lake City a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Lake City receives an overall livability score of 3.5 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B+. Key strengths include low unemployment, low crime rates, affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Lake City offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Lake City is $76,125, roughly in line with the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 0.2%. Only 3.4% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 22 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Lake City is $234,100, 17% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $1,022 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. A price-to-income ratio of 3.1x indicates a reasonably affordable housing market.
Safety & Crime
Lake City is a very safe community with a violent crime rate of 78 per 100,000 residents / well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,128 per 100,000, 42% below the national average.
Education
32.0% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 95.8% have completed high school. Local schools score 6.7/10 in standardized testing, reflecting strong academic performance.
Climate & Weather
Lake City has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 45°F. Winters average 14°F in January while summers reach 72°F in July. With 270 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 35.5 inches, including 48.3 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 32.
Lake City has a population of 5,021 with a density of 1,118 people per square mile, spread across 4.5 square miles. The median age is 48.4 years, 24% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 54.5% female and 45.5% male. The city is predominantly White (93.4%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 97.4% of residents. 7.3% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 14.9% of residents have a disability. 96.7% have health insurance coverage.
Population
48.4yrs
Median Age
24% above US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Lake City vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
97.4%
24% above US avg
Spanish
2.6%
81% below US avg
Social Characteristics
Lake City vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Lake City is $76,125, which is 1% above the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $42,584. The average weekly wage is $916, 36% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 0.2% (below the 3.6% US average). 3.4% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 608 business establishments, including 58 restaurants. The cost of living index is 98.6, roughly in line with the national average. Workers commute an average of 22 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 10.8% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income: Lake City vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $76,125 |
| 1% above US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $42,584 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $916 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $74,149 |
| Gini Index | 0.412 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 0.2% |
| 94% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 3.4% |
| 73% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 608 |
| County GDP | $1,094M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 58 |
| Healthcare | 58 |
| Retail | 70 |
| Manufacturing | 25 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $4,056 |
| 16% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 98.60 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 1.73% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 21.7 min |
| Drive Alone | 72.2% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 10.8% |
The median home value in Lake City is $234,100, 17% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $311,239, higher than the Census estimate. Homes sell for 96.3% of their list price, suggesting buyers have room to negotiate. Monthly rent averages $1,022 (12% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $973 for a one-bedroom to $1,277 for a two-bedroom apartment. 78.8% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 2,586 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1976. The average annual property tax is $4,056 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 31.6% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 3.1x.
Home Values
| Census Median | $234,100 |
| 17% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $311,239 |
| Median List Price | $349,900 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
| Median List Price | $349,900 |
| $/Sq Ft | $187 |
| Homes Sold | 5 |
| Sale-to-List Ratio | 96.3% |
| Price Drops | 6.7% |
| Inventory | 15 |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $1,022 |
| 12% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 31.6% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $880 |
| 1 Bedroom | $973 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,277 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,531 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,869 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 78.8% |
| Owner-Occupied | 78.8% |
| Renter-Occupied | 21.2% |
| Housing Units | 2,586 |
| Median Year Built | 1976 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $4,056 |
| 16% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 1.73% |
In Lake City, 36.4% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 8.0% have diabetes (below the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 4.7% of residents, below the national average. 25.7% have high blood pressure. 13.3% are current smokers. 21.6% report binge drinking. 20.7% are physically inactive, below the national average. 24.3% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 16.3% experience frequent mental distress. 7.1% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,265. The dentist ratio is 1:1,274. 89.9% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 9.3 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Lake City vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 36.4% |
| 13% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 8.0% |
| Heart Disease | 4.7% |
| High Blood Pressure | 25.7% |
| Asthma | 10.1% |
| COPD | 4.6% |
| Cancer | 7.4% |
| Stroke | 2.5% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 13.3% |
| 5% below US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 21.6% |
| Physical Inactivity | 20.7% |
| Depression | 24.3% |
| Mental Distress | 16.3% |
| Physical Distress | 10.6% |
| Short Sleep | 32.0% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 96.7% |
| Uninsured | 7.1% |
| 17% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,265 |
| Dentists | 1:1,274 |
| Mental Health | 1:2,710 |
| Checkup Rate | 72.5% |
| Dental Visits | 68.4% |
| Premature Death | 6,282/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 9.3/10 |
| Exercise Access | 89.9% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 58 |
Lake City has a violent crime rate of 78 per 100,000 residents, 80% below the national average of 380. This breaks down to aggravated assault at 38.9 per 100,000, robbery at 0.0, rape at 38.9. The murder rate is 0.0 per 100,000 (below the national rate of 6.3). Property crime stands at 1,128 per 100,000, 42% below the U.S. average. This includes larceny/theft at 934, burglary at 136, vehicle theft at 58 per 100,000 residents. The county recorded 6 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Lake City receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Lake City vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 77.8/100K |
| 80% below US avg |
| Murder | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg |
| Rape | 38.9/100K |
| Robbery | 0.0/100K |
| Assault | 38.9/100K |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 1,128.4/100K |
| 42% below US avg |
| Burglary | 136.2/100K |
| Theft | 933.9/100K |
| Vehicle Theft | 58.4/100K |
| Arson | 0.0/100K |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 6 |
| Traffic Accidents | 145 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.1 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Lake City has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 45°F (7°C). Winters average 14°F in January while summers reach 72°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 35.5 inches. The area receives 48.3 inches of snow annually, making winter weather a significant factor for residents. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 32. 90% of days have good air quality. The city sits at an elevation of 712 feet.
Temperature
14°F Jan (-10°C)
72°F Jul (22°C)
| Annual Average | 45.0°F |
| 17% below US avg |
| January Average | 14°F (-10°C) |
| July Average | 72°F (22°C) |
| Sunny Days | 270 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 712 ft (217 m) |
| Area | 4.5 sq mi (11.6 km²) |
| Population Density | 1,118/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 44.4457°N, 92.2809°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Wabasha County County |
| Nearest Airport | Rochester International (RST)
39 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
35.5"
7% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jul)
4.41"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 32.0 |
| Rating | Good |
| Good Days % | 90.2% |
| Unhealthy Days | 1 |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 45.6 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 18.1 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 89.9 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Hurricane |
No Rating |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Moderate |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Moderate |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Low |
| Lightning |
Relatively Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
Relatively Low |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Relatively Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
1 earthquake (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M2.8. Most recent: M2.8 on Apr 25, 2017.
| Apr 25, 2017 |
Near Mankato, Minnesota |
M2.8 |
140 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
446 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF5. Total: 42 fatalities, 516 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jun 4, 1958 |
EF5 |
51 km |
21 |
| Jul 30, 1977 |
EF4 |
94 km |
0 |
| Sep 16, 1962 |
EF4 |
55 km |
0 |
| Jun 4, 1958 |
EF4 |
88 km |
4 |
| Jun 4, 1958 |
EF4 |
84 km |
3 |
| Sep 24, 2019 |
EF3 |
66 km |
0 |
| May 16, 2017 |
EF3 |
90 km |
1 |
| Jun 17, 2010 |
EF3 |
94 km |
0 |
| May 15, 1998 |
EF3 |
38 km |
0 |
| Aug 27, 1994 |
EF3 |
72 km |
2 |
| Jul 27, 1987 |
EF3 |
38 km |
0 |
| Apr 26, 1984 |
EF3 |
99 km |
1 |
| Jun 14, 1981 |
EF3 |
89 km |
1 |
| Jul 15, 1980 |
EF3 |
74 km |
1 |
| Jul 30, 1977 |
EF3 |
81 km |
0 |
| May 26, 1959 |
EF3 |
85 km |
0 |
| May 24, 1958 |
EF3 |
94 km |
0 |
| Sep 12, 1951 |
EF3 |
26 km |
0 |
| Sep 20, 2018 |
EF2 |
86 km |
0 |
| Sep 20, 2018 |
EF2 |
97 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 |
99 km |
| 2007 |
BEAVER CUTOFF |
982 |
40 km |
| 2004 |
EAGAN |
925 |
85 km |
| 1990 |
UNNAMED |
598 |
86 km |
| 1990 |
UNNAMED |
513 |
87 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
14°F (-10°C) |
1.0 in |
Coldest |
| February |
20°F (-7°C) |
0.8 in |
Driest |
| March |
31°F (-0°C) |
1.8 in |
|
| April |
46°F (8°C) |
2.9 in |
|
| May |
58°F (14°C) |
3.4 in |
|
| June |
67°F (20°C) |
4.0 in |
|
| July |
72°F (22°C) |
4.4 in |
Warmest, Wettest |
| August |
69°F (21°C) |
3.9 in |
|
| September |
60°F (16°C) |
3.6 in |
|
| October |
49°F (9°C) |
2.5 in |
|
| November |
33°F (1°C) |
1.7 in |
|
| December |
19°F (-7°C) |
1.1 in |
|
Lake City has a seasonal temperature swing of 57°F / from 14°F in January to 72°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 31.0 inches, with July being the wettest month (4.4") and February the driest (0.8").
Average costs for common services in Lake City. 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 | $914 |
| Toddler | $853 |
| Preschool | $787 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $621 |
| Toddler | $570 |
| Preschool | $570 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Lake City
What is the population of Lake City?
Lake City has a population of 5,021 residents and is located in Minnesota. The population density is 1,118 people per square mile, spread across 4.5 square miles. The median age of residents is 48.4 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 54.5% female and 45.5% male.
Is Lake City expensive to live in?
Lake City 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 $76,125, 1% above the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $234,100 (17% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $1,022 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 3.1x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Lake City safe?
Lake City is considered a very safe city with a violent crime rate of 78 per 100,000 residents, well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,128 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Lake City receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Lake City?
Lake City 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 72°F in July. The area receives 270 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 35.5 inches, with 48.3 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 32.
How is the job market in Lake City?
The job market in Lake City is very strong, with unemployment at just 0.2% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $916. There are 608 business establishments in the area, including 58 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 22 minutes, and 10.8% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Lake City?
The median home value in Lake City is $234,100. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $311,239. For renters, the median monthly rent is $1,022. Fair market rent is $973 for a 1-bedroom and $1,277 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 78.8%. The average annual property tax is $4,056.
How are the schools in Lake City?
Schools in Lake City score 6.7 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 32.0% of adults in Lake City hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 95.8% have completed high school. 13.8% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Lake City?
The obesity rate in Lake City is 36.4% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 13.3% of adults are smokers. 20.7% are physically inactive. 24.3% of residents report depression. 7.1% lack health insurance (below the national rate). 89.9% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,265.
What is transportation like in Lake City?
The average commute in Lake City is 22 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 72.2% of workers drive alone to work, and 10.8% work from home.
What are the demographics of Lake City?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Lake City is 93.4% White, 1% Black or African American, 0.6% Hispanic or Latino. 97.4% of residents speak only English at home. 7.3% of the population are military veterans. 14.9% of residents have a disability. 96.7% have health insurance coverage.
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