Median Income
$77,979
4% higher than US avg
Home Value
$193,800
31% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
200/100K
47% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
22.9%
32% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$644
45% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
35.4%
10% higher than US avg
Unemployment
2.2%
39% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
9.9%
20% lower than US avg
How Lake Crystal Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population2,530
Median Age38.9 yrs
Density1,480/mi²
Male / Female48% / 52%
Largest GroupWhite 96%
Veterans5.7%
Economy
A
Median Income$77,979
Per Capita$35,343
Unemployment2.2%
Poverty9.9%
County GDP$5,641M
Commute26 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$193,800
Rent$644
Ownership79.7%
Zillow$283,101
Housing Units1,084
Rent Burden26.8%
Crime
F
Violent200/100K
Property1,202/100K
Murder0.0/100K
Assault160/100K
Burglary240/100K
Health
Obesity35.4%
Uninsured7.8%
Smoking15.4%
Depression26.9%
Heart Disease5.2%
Climate
Avg Temp45°F (7°C)
AQI36 (Good)
Rain33.9 in/yr
Sunny Days270/yr
Elevation995 ft (303 m)
Education
C+
Bachelor's+22.9%
High School+96.2%
Graduate+9.3%
School Score6.46
Community
2024 VoteR 50% / D 48%
Commute26 min
Broadband90.1%
EV Stations6
Libraries3
Is Lake Crystal a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Lake Crystal receives an overall livability score of 3.3 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include low unemployment, low crime rates, affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Lake Crystal offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Lake Crystal is $77,979, roughly in line with the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 2.2%. 9.9% of residents live in poverty, near the national average of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 26 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Lake Crystal is $193,800, 31% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $644 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 2.5x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Violent crime in Lake Crystal is below the national average at 200 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,202 per 100,000, 39% below the national average.
Education
22.9% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 96.2% have completed high school. Local schools score 6.5/10 in standardized testing, reflecting strong academic performance.
Climate & Weather
Lake Crystal has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 45°F. Winters average 15°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 33.9 inches, including 38.7 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 36.
Lake Crystal has a population of 2,530 with a density of 1,480 people per square mile, spread across 1.7 square miles. The median age is 38.9 years, 0% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 52.2% female and 47.8% male. The city is predominantly White (95.9%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 99.3% of residents. 5.7% of the population are veterans. 12.4% of residents have a disability. 97.8% have health insurance coverage.
Population
38.9yrs
Median Age
0% below US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Lake Crystal vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
99.3%
26% above US avg
Spanish
0.7%
95% below US avg
Social Characteristics
Lake Crystal vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Lake Crystal is $77,979, which is 4% above the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $35,343. The average weekly wage is $1,096, 23% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 2.2% (below the 3.6% US average). 9.9% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 2,150 business establishments, including 171 restaurants. The cost of living index is 98.6, roughly in line with the national average. Workers commute an average of 26 minutes. 4.0% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income: Lake Crystal vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $77,979 |
| 4% above US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $35,343 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,096 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $72,190 |
| Gini Index | 0.435 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 2.2% |
| 39% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 9.9% |
| 20% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 2,150 |
| County GDP | $5,641M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 171 |
| Healthcare | 317 |
| Retail | 276 |
| Manufacturing | 81 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $4,631 |
| 32% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 98.60 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 2.39% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 25.7 min |
| Drive Alone | 83.9% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 4.0% |
The median home value in Lake Crystal is $193,800, 31% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $283,101, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $644 (45% 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. 79.7% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 1,084 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1974. The average annual property tax is $4,631 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 26.8% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.5x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $193,800 |
| 31% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $283,101 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $644 |
| 45% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 26.8% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $809 |
| 1 Bedroom | $899 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,125 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,483 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,698 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 79.7% |
| Owner-Occupied | 79.7% |
| Renter-Occupied | 20.3% |
| Housing Units | 1,084 |
| Median Year Built | 1974 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $4,631 |
| 32% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 2.39% |
In Lake Crystal, 35.4% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 9.0% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.2% of residents. 29.2% have high blood pressure. 15.4% are current smokers. 20.2% report binge drinking. 23.0% are physically inactive. 26.9% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 17.4% experience frequent mental distress. 7.8% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,083. The dentist ratio is 1:1,071. 82.1% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 7.4 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Lake Crystal vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 35.4% |
| 10% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 9.0% |
| Heart Disease | 5.2% |
| High Blood Pressure | 29.2% |
| Asthma | 10.6% |
| COPD | 5.3% |
| Cancer | 7.3% |
| Stroke | 2.8% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 15.4% |
| 10% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 20.2% |
| Physical Inactivity | 23.0% |
| Depression | 26.9% |
| Mental Distress | 17.4% |
| Physical Distress | 11.4% |
| Short Sleep | 29.8% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 97.8% |
| Uninsured | 7.8% |
| 9% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,083 |
| Dentists | 1:1,071 |
| Mental Health | 1:197 |
| Checkup Rate | 72.8% |
| Dental Visits | 66.0% |
| Premature Death | 5,843/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.4/10 |
| Exercise Access | 82.1% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 317 |
Lake Crystal has a violent crime rate of 200 per 100,000 residents, 47% below the national average of 380. This breaks down to aggravated assault at 160.3 per 100,000, robbery at 0.0, rape at 40.1. The murder rate is 0.0 per 100,000 (below the national rate of 6.3). Property crime stands at 1,202 per 100,000, 39% below the U.S. average. This includes larceny/theft at 881, burglary at 240, vehicle theft at 80 per 100,000 residents. The county recorded 9 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Lake Crystal receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Lake Crystal vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 200.3/100K |
| 47% below US avg |
| Murder | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg |
| Rape | 40.1/100K |
| Robbery | 0.0/100K |
| Assault | 160.3/100K |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 1,201.9/100K |
| 39% below US avg |
| Burglary | 240.4/100K |
| Theft | 881.4/100K |
| Vehicle Theft | 80.1/100K |
| Arson | 0.0/100K |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 9 |
| Traffic Accidents | 301 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.1 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Lake Crystal has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 45°F (7°C). Winters average 15°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 33.9 inches. The area receives 38.7 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 995 feet.
Temperature
15°F Jan (-10°C)
72°F Jul (22°C)
| Annual Average | 45.3°F |
| 16% below US avg |
| January Average | 15°F (-10°C) |
| July Average | 72°F (22°C) |
| Sunny Days | 270 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 995 ft (303 m) |
| Area | 1.7 sq mi (4.5 km²) |
| Population Density | 1,480/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 44.1054°N, 94.2191°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Blue Earth County County |
| Nearest Airport | Mankato Regional (MKT)
17 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
33.9"
11% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
4.41"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 36.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 72.2 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 31.5 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 97.2 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Moderate |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Moderate |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively High |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively High |
| Lightning |
Very Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
Relatively Moderate |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively High |
| 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 |
117 km |
| Apr 25, 2017 |
Near Mankato, Minnesota |
M2.8 |
20 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
539 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 30 fatalities, 644 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jun 17, 2010 |
EF4 |
75 km |
1 |
| Apr 30, 1967 |
EF4 |
66 km |
6 |
| Apr 30, 1967 |
EF4 |
87 km |
5 |
| May 6, 1965 |
EF4 |
84 km |
3 |
| May 6, 1965 |
EF4 |
99 km |
0 |
| Jun 19, 1951 |
EF4 |
87 km |
1 |
| Jun 17, 2010 |
EF3 |
92 km |
0 |
| Jun 17, 2010 |
EF3 |
78 km |
0 |
| Jun 17, 2010 |
EF3 |
88 km |
0 |
| Aug 24, 2006 |
EF3 |
19 km |
1 |
| Aug 1, 2006 |
EF3 |
46 km |
0 |
| Mar 29, 1998 |
EF3 |
20 km |
1 |
| Mar 29, 1998 |
EF3 |
33 km |
0 |
| Jun 16, 1992 |
EF3 |
96 km |
0 |
| Jun 7, 1984 |
EF3 |
85 km |
0 |
| May 17, 1982 |
EF3 |
95 km |
0 |
| Jun 28, 1979 |
EF3 |
95 km |
2 |
| Apr 30, 1967 |
EF3 |
71 km |
2 |
| May 6, 1965 |
EF3 |
64 km |
0 |
| Mar 21, 1953 |
EF3 |
99 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
4 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: SNAKE TRAIL (1,496 ac, 2024).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2024 |
SNAKE TRAIL |
1,496 |
62 km |
| 1990 |
UNNAMED |
598 |
77 km |
| 2024 |
LINCOLN WPA RX |
575 |
10 km |
| 1995 |
LV 68 CARVER |
532 |
85 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
15°F (-10°C) |
0.8 in |
Coldest |
| February |
19°F (-7°C) |
0.6 in |
Driest |
| March |
32°F (-0°C) |
1.8 in |
|
| April |
46°F (8°C) |
2.7 in |
|
| May |
59°F (15°C) |
3.6 in |
|
| June |
69°F (20°C) |
4.4 in |
Wettest |
| July |
72°F (22°C) |
4.1 in |
Warmest |
| August |
69°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 |
18°F (-8°C) |
0.9 in |
|
Lake Crystal has a seasonal temperature swing of 57°F / from 15°F in January to 72°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 29.6 inches, with June being the wettest month (4.4") and February the driest (0.6").
Average costs for common services in Lake Crystal. 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 Crystal
What is the population of Lake Crystal?
Lake Crystal has a population of 2,530 residents and is located in Minnesota. The population density is 1,480 people per square mile, spread across 1.7 square miles. The median age of residents is 38.9 years. The population is 52.2% female and 47.8% male.
Is Lake Crystal expensive to live in?
Lake Crystal 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 $77,979, 4% above the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $193,800 (31% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $644 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.5x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Lake Crystal safe?
Lake Crystal is safer than the national average, with a violent crime rate of 200 per 100,000 compared to the U.S. rate of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,202 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Lake Crystal receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Lake Crystal?
Lake Crystal has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 45°F (7°C). Winter temperatures average 15°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 33.9 inches, with 38.7 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 36.
How is the job market in Lake Crystal?
The job market in Lake Crystal is very strong, with unemployment at just 2.2% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,096. There are 2,150 business establishments in the area, including 171 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 26 minutes, and 4.0% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Lake Crystal?
The median home value in Lake Crystal is $193,800. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $283,101. For renters, the median monthly rent is $644. Fair market rent is $899 for a 1-bedroom and $1,125 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 79.7%. The average annual property tax is $4,631.
How are the schools in Lake Crystal?
Schools in Lake Crystal score 6.5 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 22.9% of adults in Lake Crystal hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 96.2% have completed high school. 9.3% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Lake Crystal?
The obesity rate in Lake Crystal is 35.4% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 15.4% of adults are smokers. 23.0% are physically inactive. 26.9% of residents report depression. 7.8% lack health insurance. 82.1% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,083.
What is transportation like in Lake Crystal?
The average commute in Lake Crystal is 26 minutes. 83.9% of workers drive alone to work, and 4.0% work from home.
What are the demographics of Lake Crystal?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Lake Crystal is 95.9% White, 0.6% Hispanic or Latino. 99.3% of residents speak only English at home. 5.7% of the population are military veterans. 12.4% of residents have a disability. 97.8% have health insurance coverage.
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