Median Income
$62,656
17% lower than US avg
Home Value
$115,900
59% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
0/100K
100% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
17.1%
49% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$867
25% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
37.0%
15% higher than US avg
Unemployment
0.3%
92% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
1.7%
86% lower than US avg
How Lakefield Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population1,652
Median Age43.9 yrs
Density1,233/mi²
Male / Female46% / 55%
Largest GroupWhite 94%
Veterans10.8%
Economy
A
Median Income$62,656
Per Capita$31,865
Unemployment0.3%
Poverty1.7%
County GDP$881M
Commute17 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$115,900
Rent$867
Ownership87.9%
Zillow$199,622
Housing Units774
Rent Burden19.4%
Crime
C+
Violent0/100K
Property833/100K
Murder0.0/100K
Assault0/100K
Burglary297/100K
Health
Obesity37.0%
Uninsured8.5%
Smoking16.5%
Depression25.7%
Heart Disease5.4%
Climate
Avg Temp44°F (7°C)
AQI36 (Good)
Rain30.5 in/yr
Sunny Days260/yr
Elevation1,481 ft (451 m)
Education
C
Bachelor's+17.1%
High School+90.9%
Graduate+2.3%
School Score6.02
Community
2024 VoteR 70% / D 28%
Commute17 min
Broadband86.6%
EV Stations3
Libraries3
Is Lakefield a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Lakefield 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. Lakefield offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Lakefield is $62,656, 17% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 0.3%. Only 1.7% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 17 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Lakefield is $115,900, 59% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $867 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
Lakefield is a very safe community with a violent crime rate of 0 per 100,000 residents / well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 833 per 100,000, 58% below the national average.
Education
17.1% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 90.9% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 6/10.
Climate & Weather
Lakefield 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 260 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 30.5 inches, including 48.5 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 36.
Lakefield has a population of 1,652 with a density of 1,233 people per square mile, spread across 1.3 square miles. The median age is 43.9 years, 13% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 54.5% female and 45.5% male. The city is predominantly White (94.4%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 95.5% of residents. 10.8% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 18.8% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 97.7% have health insurance coverage.
Population
43.9yrs
Median Age
13% above US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Lakefield vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
95.5%
22% above US avg
Spanish
4.5%
66% below US avg
Social Characteristics
Lakefield vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Lakefield is $62,656, which is 17% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $31,865 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $998, 30% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 0.3% (below the 3.6% US average). 1.7% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 366 business establishments, including 22 restaurants. The cost of living index is 98.6, roughly in line with the national average. Workers commute an average of 17 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 10.4% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income: Lakefield vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $62,656 |
| 17% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $31,865 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $998 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $72,550 |
| Gini Index | 0.416 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 0.3% |
| 92% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 1.7% |
| 86% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 366 |
| County GDP | $881M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 22 |
| Healthcare | 27 |
| Retail | 40 |
| Manufacturing | 13 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $2,615 |
| 25% below US avg |
| Cost of Living | 98.60 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 2.26% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 16.9 min |
| Drive Alone | 73.0% |
| Public Transit | 1.3% |
| Work from Home | 10.4% |
The median home value in Lakefield is $115,900, 59% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $199,622, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $867 (25% 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. 87.9% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 774 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1955. The average annual property tax is $2,615 (lower than the $3,500 national average). 19.4% 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 | $115,900 |
| 59% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $199,622 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $867 |
| 25% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 19.4% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $809 |
| 1 Bedroom | $899 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,125 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,483 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,698 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 87.9% |
| Owner-Occupied | 87.9% |
| Renter-Occupied | 12.1% |
| Housing Units | 774 |
| Median Year Built | 1955 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $2,615 |
| 25% below US avg |
| Effective Rate | 2.26% |
In Lakefield, 37.0% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 9.1% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.4% of residents. 28.8% have high blood pressure. 16.5% are current smokers. 20.1% report binge drinking. 24.5% are physically inactive. 25.7% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 17.6% experience frequent mental distress. 8.5% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:9,990. The dentist ratio is 1:2,473. 61.7% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.9 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Lakefield vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 37.0% |
| 15% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 9.1% |
| Heart Disease | 5.4% |
| High Blood Pressure | 28.8% |
| Asthma | 10.5% |
| COPD | 5.7% |
| Cancer | 7.3% |
| Stroke | 2.9% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 16.5% |
| 18% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 20.1% |
| Physical Inactivity | 24.5% |
| Depression | 25.7% |
| Mental Distress | 17.6% |
| Physical Distress | 12.1% |
| Short Sleep | 32.4% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 97.7% |
| Uninsured | 8.5% |
| 1% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:9,990 |
| Dentists | 1:2,473 |
| Mental Health | 1:1,240 |
| Checkup Rate | 71.5% |
| Dental Visits | 63.0% |
| Premature Death | 7,473/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.9/10 |
| Exercise Access | 61.7% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 27 |
Lakefield has a violent crime rate of 0 per 100,000 residents, 100% below the national average of 380. This breaks down to aggravated assault at 0.0 per 100,000, robbery at 0.0, rape at 0.0. The murder rate is 0.0 per 100,000 (below the national rate of 6.3). Property crime stands at 833 per 100,000, 58% below the U.S. average. This includes larceny/theft at 535, burglary at 297, vehicle theft at 0 per 100,000 residents. The county recorded 1 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Lakefield receives a safety grade of C+.
Crime Rates: Lakefield vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg |
| Murder | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg |
| Rape | 0.0/100K |
| Robbery | 0.0/100K |
| Assault | 0.0/100K |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 832.8/100K |
| 58% below US avg |
| Burglary | 297.4/100K |
| Theft | 535.4/100K |
| Vehicle Theft | 0.0/100K |
| Arson | 0.0/100K |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 1 |
| Traffic Accidents | 264 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.1 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | C+ |
| Safety Score | 2.5 / 5.0 |
Lakefield 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 260 sunny days per year, above the national average. Annual precipitation totals 30.5 inches. The area receives 48.5 inches of snow annually, making winter weather a significant factor for residents. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 36. The city sits at an elevation of 1,481 feet.
Temperature
13°F Jan (-10°C)
71°F Jul (22°C)
| Annual Average | 44.0°F |
| 19% below US avg |
| January Average | 13°F (-10°C) |
| July Average | 71°F (22°C) |
| Sunny Days | 260 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,481 ft (451 m) |
| Area | 1.3 sq mi (3.3 km²) |
| Population Density | 1,233/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 43.6780°N, 95.1695°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Jackson County County |
| Nearest Airport | Southwest Minnesota Regional Marshall/Ryan Field (MML)
63 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
30.5"
20% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
4.02"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 36.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 22.4 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 15.1 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 75.0 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Very Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Moderate |
| Lightning |
Very Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Moderate |
| Drought |
Relatively Low |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
3 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.1. Most recent: M2.7 on Jun 30, 2021.
| Feb 9, 1994 |
6 km NNE of Blomkest, Minnesota |
M3.1 |
148 km |
| Apr 25, 2017 |
Near Mankato, Minnesota |
M2.8 |
109 km |
| Jun 30, 2021 |
4 km E of Rembrandt, Iowa |
M2.7 |
95 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990-2025)
Tornado History
510 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF5. Total: 17 fatalities, 370 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jun 16, 1992 |
EF5 |
70 km |
1 |
| Jun 13, 1968 |
EF5 |
72 km |
9 |
| Jun 25, 2010 |
EF4 |
68 km |
0 |
| Mar 29, 1998 |
EF4 |
42 km |
1 |
| Jun 16, 1992 |
EF4 |
66 km |
0 |
| Aug 24, 2006 |
EF3 |
98 km |
1 |
| Aug 1, 2006 |
EF3 |
44 km |
0 |
| Jun 11, 2004 |
EF3 |
87 km |
0 |
| Aug 7, 1994 |
EF3 |
60 km |
0 |
| Jun 16, 1992 |
EF3 |
70 km |
0 |
| Jun 16, 1992 |
EF3 |
76 km |
0 |
| Jun 16, 1992 |
EF3 |
70 km |
0 |
| Apr 20, 1985 |
EF3 |
79 km |
0 |
| Jun 7, 1984 |
EF3 |
93 km |
0 |
| Sep 20, 1980 |
EF3 |
59 km |
0 |
| Jun 28, 1979 |
EF3 |
88 km |
2 |
| Jun 10, 1977 |
EF3 |
59 km |
0 |
| Oct 1, 1971 |
EF3 |
76 km |
0 |
| May 31, 1971 |
EF3 |
48 km |
0 |
| May 31, 1971 |
EF3 |
81 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950-2024)
Wildfire History
2 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: DEWEYS PASTURE (641 ac, 2008).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2008 |
DEWEYS PASTURE |
641 |
58 km |
| 2024 |
LINCOLN WPA RX |
575 |
82 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
13°F (-10°C) |
0.6 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
19°F (-7°C) |
0.7 in |
|
| March |
30°F (-1°C) |
1.8 in |
|
| April |
45°F (7°C) |
2.6 in |
|
| May |
58°F (15°C) |
3.2 in |
|
| June |
68°F (20°C) |
4.0 in |
Wettest |
| July |
71°F (22°C) |
3.8 in |
Warmest |
| August |
69°F (21°C) |
3.3 in |
|
| September |
61°F (16°C) |
3.2 in |
|
| October |
48°F (9°C) |
2.1 in |
|
| November |
32°F (-0°C) |
1.3 in |
|
| December |
18°F (-8°C) |
0.8 in |
|
Lakefield has a seasonal temperature swing of 58°F / from 13°F in January to 71°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 27.5 inches, with June being the wettest month (4.0") and January the driest (0.6").
Average costs for common services in Lakefield. 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 | $758 |
| Toddler | $697 |
| Preschool | $637 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $556 |
| Toddler | $563 |
| Preschool | $563 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Lakefield
What is the population of Lakefield?
Lakefield has a population of 1,652 residents and is located in Minnesota. The population density is 1,233 people per square mile, spread across 1.3 square miles. The median age of residents is 43.9 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 54.5% female and 45.5% male.
Is Lakefield expensive to live in?
Lakefield 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 $62,656, 17% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $115,900 (59% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $867 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 Lakefield safe?
Lakefield is considered a very safe city with a violent crime rate of 0 per 100,000 residents, well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 833 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Lakefield receives a safety grade of C+ based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Lakefield?
Lakefield 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 260 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 30.5 inches, with 48.5 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 36.
How is the job market in Lakefield?
The job market in Lakefield is very strong, with unemployment at just 0.3% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $998. There are 366 business establishments in the area, including 22 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 17 minutes, and 10.4% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Lakefield?
The median home value in Lakefield is $115,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $199,622. For renters, the median monthly rent is $867. Fair market rent is $899 for a 1-bedroom and $1,125 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 87.9%. The average annual property tax is $2,615.
How are the schools in Lakefield?
Schools in Lakefield score 6 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 17.1% of adults in Lakefield hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 90.9% have completed high school. 2.3% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Lakefield?
The obesity rate in Lakefield is 37.0% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 16.5% of adults are smokers. 24.5% are physically inactive. 25.7% of residents report depression. 8.5% lack health insurance. 61.7% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:9,990.
What is transportation like in Lakefield?
The average commute in Lakefield is 17 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 73% of workers drive alone to work, 1.3% use public transit, and 10.4% work from home.
What are the demographics of Lakefield?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Lakefield is 94.4% White. 95.5% of residents speak only English at home, while 4.5% speak Spanish. 10.8% of the population are military veterans. 18.8% of residents have a disability. 97.7% have health insurance coverage.
All Countries
