Median Income
$66,864
11% lower than US avg
Home Value
$189,800
33% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
0/100K
100% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
13.5%
60% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$856
26% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
37.4%
17% higher than US avg
Unemployment
4.0%
11% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
2.3%
81% lower than US avg
How Le Center Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population2,514
Median Age36.3 yrs
Density1,496/mi²
Male / Female51% / 49%
Largest GroupWhite 82%
Veterans4.0%
Economy
A
Median Income$66,864
Per Capita$33,414
Unemployment4.0%
Poverty2.3%
County GDP$1,243M
Commute20 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$189,800
Rent$856
Ownership69.7%
Zillow$316,509
Housing Units1,016
Rent Burden27.8%
Crime
C+
Violent0/100K
Property322/100K
Murder0.0/100K
Assault0/100K
Burglary40/100K
Health
Obesity37.4%
Uninsured13.0%
Smoking15.9%
Depression23.9%
Heart Disease5.5%
Climate
Avg Temp44°F (7°C)
AQI36 (Good)
Rain32.4 in/yr
Sunny Days270/yr
Elevation1,051 ft (320 m)
Education
C
Bachelor's+13.5%
High School+89.2%
Graduate+3.3%
School Score5.84
Community
2024 VoteR 66% / D 32%
Commute20 min
Broadband80.1%
EV Stations4
Libraries6
Is Le Center a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Le Center receives an overall livability score of 3.4 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include low crime rates, affordable housing, abundant sunshine, a low poverty rate. Areas to be aware of include a high uninsured rate. Le Center offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Le Center is $66,864, 11% below the national average of $75,149. Unemployment stands at 4.0%, indicating a healthy job market. Only 2.3% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 20 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Le Center is $189,800, 33% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $856 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 2.8x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Le Center 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 322 per 100,000, 84% below the national average.
Education
13.5% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 89.2% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.8/10.
Climate & Weather
Le Center has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 44°F. Winters average 13°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 32.4 inches, including 37.9 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 36.
Le Center has a population of 2,514 with a density of 1,496 people per square mile, spread across 1.5 square miles. The median age is 36.3 years, 7% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 48.9% female and 51.1% male. The city is predominantly White (81.7%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 81.3% of residents, while 18.7% speak Spanish. 4.0% of the population are veterans, below the national rate of 6.0%. 12.1% of residents have a disability. 86.8% have health insurance coverage.
Population
36.3yrs
Median Age
7% below US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Le Center vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
81.3%
4% above US avg
Spanish
18.7%
40% above US avg
Social Characteristics
Le Center vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Le Center is $66,864, which is 11% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $33,414 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,053, 26% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 4.0% (above the 3.6% US average). 2.3% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 790 business establishments, including 44 restaurants. The cost of living index is 98.6, roughly in line with the national average. Workers commute an average of 20 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 3.5% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income: Le Center vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $66,864 |
| 11% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $33,414 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,053 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $81,276 |
| Gini Index | 0.399 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 4.0% |
| 11% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 2.3% |
| 81% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 790 |
| County GDP | $1,243M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 44 |
| Healthcare | 67 |
| Retail | 78 |
| Manufacturing | 47 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $4,786 |
| 37% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 98.60 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 2.52% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 19.6 min |
| Drive Alone | 80.0% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 3.5% |
The median home value in Le Center is $189,800, 33% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $316,509, higher than the Census estimate. Homes sell for 99% of their list price. Monthly rent averages $856 (26% 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. 69.7% of housing units are owner-occupied. There are 1,016 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1961. The average annual property tax is $4,786 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 27.8% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.8x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $189,800 |
| 33% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $316,509 |
| Median List Price | $295,000 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
| Median List Price | $295,000 |
| $/Sq Ft | $165 |
| Homes Sold | 3 |
| Sale-to-List Ratio | 99.0% |
| Price Drops | 33.3% |
| Inventory | 3 |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $856 |
| 26% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 27.8% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $809 |
| 1 Bedroom | $899 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,125 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,483 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,698 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 69.7% |
| Owner-Occupied | 69.7% |
| Renter-Occupied | 30.3% |
| Housing Units | 1,016 |
| Median Year Built | 1961 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $4,786 |
| 37% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 2.52% |
In Le Center, 37.4% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 10.2% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.5% of residents. 29.2% have high blood pressure. 15.9% are current smokers. 20.1% report binge drinking. 25.6% are physically inactive. 23.9% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 16.5% experience frequent mental distress. 13.0% of residents lack health insurance (above the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:7,210. The dentist ratio is 1:3,239. 73.3% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 9.4 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Le Center vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 37.4% |
| 17% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 10.2% |
| Heart Disease | 5.5% |
| High Blood Pressure | 29.2% |
| Asthma | 9.8% |
| COPD | 5.4% |
| Cancer | 6.9% |
| Stroke | 3.0% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 15.9% |
| 14% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 20.1% |
| Physical Inactivity | 25.6% |
| Depression | 23.9% |
| Mental Distress | 16.5% |
| Physical Distress | 12.3% |
| Short Sleep | 35.3% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 86.8% |
| Uninsured | 13.0% |
| 51% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:7,210 |
| Dentists | 1:3,239 |
| Mental Health | 1:1,721 |
| Checkup Rate | 71.7% |
| Dental Visits | 64.1% |
| Premature Death | 6,478/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 9.4/10 |
| Exercise Access | 73.3% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 67 |
Le Center 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 322 per 100,000, 84% below the U.S. average. This includes larceny/theft at 282, burglary at 40, vehicle theft at 0 per 100,000 residents. The county recorded 3 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Le Center receives a safety grade of C+.
Crime Rates: Le Center 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 | 322.3/100K |
| 84% below US avg |
| Burglary | 40.3/100K |
| Theft | 282.0/100K |
| Vehicle Theft | 0.0/100K |
| Arson | 0.0/100K |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 3 |
| Traffic Accidents | 42 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | C+ |
| Safety Score | 2.5 / 5.0 |
Le Center has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 44°F (7°C). Winters average 13°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 32.4 inches. The area receives 37.9 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 1,051 feet.
Temperature
13°F Jan (-11°C)
72°F Jul (22°C)
| Annual Average | 43.9°F |
| 19% below US avg |
| January Average | 13°F (-11°C) |
| July Average | 72°F (22°C) |
| Sunny Days | 270 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,051 ft (320 m) |
| Area | 1.5 sq mi (3.8 km²) |
| Population Density | 1,496/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 44.3866°N, 93.7311°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Le Sueur County County |
| Nearest Airport | Mankato Regional (MKT) 15 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
32.4"
15% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
4.33"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 36.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 22.8 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 10.6 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 96.6 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Very Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Moderate |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Low |
| Lightning |
Very Low |
| Ice Storm |
Very Low |
| Drought |
Relatively Low |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Very 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 |
121 km |
| Apr 25, 2017 |
Near Mankato, Minnesota |
M2.8 |
31 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
568 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 51 fatalities, 1,202 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jun 17, 2010 |
EF4 |
91 km |
1 |
| Jul 3, 1983 |
EF4 |
98 km |
0 |
| Apr 30, 1967 |
EF4 |
94 km |
5 |
| Apr 30, 1967 |
EF4 |
67 km |
6 |
| May 6, 1965 |
EF4 |
44 km |
3 |
| May 6, 1965 |
EF4 |
80 km |
3 |
| May 6, 1965 |
EF4 |
54 km |
0 |
| May 6, 1965 |
EF4 |
72 km |
6 |
| Jun 19, 1951 |
EF4 |
75 km |
1 |
| Jun 17, 2010 |
EF3 |
80 km |
0 |
| Jun 17, 2010 |
EF3 |
76 km |
0 |
| Jun 17, 2010 |
EF3 |
80 km |
0 |
| Aug 24, 2006 |
EF3 |
45 km |
1 |
| Aug 1, 2006 |
EF3 |
96 km |
0 |
| Mar 29, 1998 |
EF3 |
37 km |
1 |
| Mar 29, 1998 |
EF3 |
19 km |
0 |
| Jul 1, 1997 |
EF3 |
85 km |
0 |
| Jun 16, 1992 |
EF3 |
81 km |
0 |
| Jul 27, 1987 |
EF3 |
83 km |
0 |
| Jul 23, 1987 |
EF3 |
87 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
6 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: SNAKE TRAIL (1,496 ac, 2024).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2024 |
SNAKE TRAIL |
1,496 |
38 km |
| 2004 |
EAGAN |
925 |
66 km |
| 1990 |
UNNAMED |
598 |
29 km |
| 2024 |
LINCOLN WPA RX |
575 |
59 km |
| 1995 |
LV 68 CARVER |
532 |
39 km |
| 1990 |
UNNAMED |
513 |
58 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
13°F (-11°C) |
0.8 in |
Coldest |
| February |
18°F (-8°C) |
0.7 in |
Driest |
| March |
31°F (-1°C) |
1.8 in |
|
| April |
46°F (8°C) |
2.6 in |
|
| May |
59°F (15°C) |
3.5 in |
|
| June |
68°F (20°C) |
4.3 in |
Wettest |
| July |
72°F (22°C) |
4.2 in |
Warmest |
| August |
69°F (20°C) |
4.0 in |
|
| September |
60°F (16°C) |
3.1 in |
|
| October |
48°F (9°C) |
2.2 in |
|
| November |
32°F (-0°C) |
1.6 in |
|
| December |
17°F (-8°C) |
0.9 in |
|
Le Center has a seasonal temperature swing of 59°F / from 13°F in January to 72°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 29.7 inches, with June being the wettest month (4.3") and February the driest (0.7").
Average costs for common services in Le Center. 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 | $592 |
| Toddler | $534 |
| Preschool | $548 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Le Center
What is the population of Le Center?
Le Center has a population of 2,514 residents and is located in Minnesota. The population density is 1,496 people per square mile, spread across 1.5 square miles. The median age of residents is 36.3 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 48.9% female and 51.1% male.
Is Le Center expensive to live in?
Le Center 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 $66,864, 11% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $189,800 (33% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $856 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.8x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Le Center safe?
Le Center 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 322 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Le Center receives a safety grade of C+ based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Le Center?
Le Center 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 72°F in July. The area receives 270 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 32.4 inches, with 37.9 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 36.
How is the job market in Le Center?
Le Center has a healthy job market with an unemployment rate of 4.0%, near the national average of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,053. There are 790 business establishments in the area, including 44 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 20 minutes, and 3.5% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Le Center?
The median home value in Le Center is $189,800. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $316,509. For renters, the median monthly rent is $856. Fair market rent is $899 for a 1-bedroom and $1,125 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 69.7%. The average annual property tax is $4,786.
How are the schools in Le Center?
Schools in Le Center score 5.8 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 13.5% of adults in Le Center hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 89.2% have completed high school. 3.3% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Le Center?
The obesity rate in Le Center is 37.4% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 15.9% of adults are smokers. 25.6% are physically inactive. 23.9% of residents report depression. 13.0% lack health insurance (above the national rate). 73.3% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:7,210.
What is transportation like in Le Center?
The average commute in Le Center is 20 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 80% of workers drive alone to work, and 3.5% work from home.
What are the demographics of Le Center?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Le Center is 81.7% White. 81.3% of residents speak only English at home, while 18.7% speak Spanish. 4.0% of the population are military veterans. 12.1% of residents have a disability. 86.8% have health insurance coverage.