Median Income
$87,188
16% higher than US avg
Home Value
$217,000
23% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
15.8%
53% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$735
37% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
42.1%
31% higher than US avg
Unemployment
0.3%
92% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
5.7%
54% lower than US avg
How Lester Prairie Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population1,848
Median Age36.1 yrs
Density1,848/mi²
Male / Female48% / 52%
Largest GroupWhite 87%
Veterans6.0%
Economy
A+
Median Income$87,188
Per Capita$38,575
Unemployment0.3%
Poverty5.7%
County GDP$2,397M
Commute31 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$217,000
Rent$735
Ownership85.8%
Zillow$326,874
Housing Units733
Rent Burden27.5%
Health
Obesity42.1%
Uninsured1.9%
Smoking15.2%
Depression24.6%
Heart Disease5.0%
Climate
Avg Temp44°F (7°C)
Rain32.5 in/yr
Elevation978 ft (298 m)
Education
C
Bachelor's+15.8%
High School+90.9%
Graduate+4.3%
School Score6.45
Community
2024 VoteR 68% / D 30%
Commute31 min
Broadband89.6%
EV Stations2
Libraries4
Is Lester Prairie a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Lester Prairie receives an overall livability score of 4.0 out of 5.0, earning a grade of A. Key strengths include above-average household incomes, low unemployment, affordable housing, a low poverty rate. Areas to be aware of include high obesity rates. Lester Prairie stands out as an excellent place to live, with strong marks across most quality-of-life indicators.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Lester Prairie is $87,188, 16% above the national average of $75,149. Residents generally enjoy above-average earning potential. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 0.3%. Only 5.7% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 31 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Lester Prairie is $217,000, 23% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $735 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.
Education
15.8% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 90.9% have completed high school. Local schools score 6.4/10 in standardized testing, reflecting strong academic performance.
Climate & Weather
Lester Prairie has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 44°F. Winters average 12°F in January while summers reach 72°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 32.5 inches, including 41.1 inches of snow.
Lester Prairie has a population of 1,848 with a density of 1,848 people per square mile, spread across 1.0 square miles. The median age is 36.1 years, 7% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 52% female and 48% male. The city is predominantly White (86.6%), with 17.6% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 88.6% of residents, while 10.5% speak Spanish. 6.0% of the population are veterans. 9.9% of residents have a disability (below the 13.0% national average). 98.1% have health insurance coverage.
Population
1,848
Total Population
2023 Census
36.1yrs
Median Age
7% below US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Lester Prairie vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
88.6%
13% above US avg
Spanish
10.5%
22% below US avg
Social Characteristics
Lester Prairie vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Lester Prairie is $87,188, which is 16% above the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $38,575. The average weekly wage is $1,096, 23% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 0.3% (below the 3.6% US average). 5.7% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 1,049 business establishments, including 68 restaurants. The cost of living index is 98.6, roughly in line with the national average. Workers commute an average of 31 minutes. 10.8% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income: Lester Prairie vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $87,188 |
| 16% above US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $38,575 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,096 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $72,945 |
| Gini Index | 0.425 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 0.3% |
| 92% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 5.7% |
| 54% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 1,049 |
| County GDP | $2,397M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 68 |
| Healthcare | 124 |
| Retail | 133 |
| Manufacturing | 69 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $3,970 |
| 13% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 98.60 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 1.83% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 31.2 min |
| Drive Alone | 74.5% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 10.8% |
The median home value in Lester Prairie is $217,000, 23% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $326,874, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $735 (37% 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. 85.8% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 733 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1976. The average annual property tax is $3,970. 27.5% 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 | $217,000 |
| 23% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $326,874 |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $735 |
| 37% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 27.5% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $809 |
| 1 Bedroom | $899 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,125 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,483 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,698 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 85.8% |
| Owner-Occupied | 85.8% |
| Renter-Occupied | 14.2% |
| Housing Units | 733 |
| Median Year Built | 1976 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $3,970 |
| 13% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 1.83% |
In Lester Prairie, 42.1% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 9.2% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.0% of residents. 27.9% have high blood pressure. 15.2% are current smokers. 21.0% report binge drinking. 24.4% are physically inactive. 24.6% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 16.8% experience frequent mental distress. 1.9% of residents lack health insurance (below the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,361. The dentist ratio is 1:1,266. 74.3% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.2 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Lester Prairie vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 42.1% |
| 31% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 9.2% |
| Heart Disease | 5.0% |
| High Blood Pressure | 27.9% |
| Asthma | 10.0% |
| COPD | 5.1% |
| Cancer | 7.2% |
| Stroke | 2.7% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 15.2% |
| 9% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 21.0% |
| Physical Inactivity | 24.4% |
| Depression | 24.6% |
| Mental Distress | 16.8% |
| Physical Distress | 11.4% |
| Short Sleep | 35.1% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 98.1% |
| Uninsured | 1.9% |
| 78% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,361 |
| Dentists | 1:1,266 |
| Mental Health | 1:375 |
| Checkup Rate | 70.9% |
| Dental Visits | 65.3% |
| Premature Death | 5,843/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.2/10 |
| Exercise Access | 74.3% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 124 |
Lester Prairie has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 44°F (7°C). Winters average 12°F in January while summers reach 72°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 32.5 inches. The area receives 41.1 inches of snow annually, making winter weather a significant factor for residents. The city sits at an elevation of 978 feet.
Temperature
12°F Jan (-11°C)
72°F Jul (22°C)
| Annual Average | 44.1°F |
| 18% below US avg |
| January Average | 12°F (-11°C) |
| July Average | 72°F (22°C) |
Geography
| Elevation | 978 ft (298 m) |
| Area | 1.0 sq mi (2.6 km²) |
| Population Density | 1,848/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 44.8833°N, 94.0370°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | McLeod County County |
| Nearest Airport | Minneapolis-St Paul International/Wold-Chamberlain (MSP)
40 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
32.5"
14% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
5.06"
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 46.6 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 20.5 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 96.7 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Moderate |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Moderate |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Moderate |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Moderate |
| Lightning |
Very Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
Relatively Low |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| 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 |
77 km |
| Apr 25, 2017 |
Near Mankato, Minnesota |
M2.8 |
77 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990-2025)
Tornado History
545 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 31 fatalities, 1,165 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jul 3, 1983 |
EF4 |
68 km |
0 |
| May 6, 1965 |
EF4 |
40 km |
0 |
| May 6, 1965 |
EF4 |
62 km |
3 |
| May 6, 1965 |
EF4 |
53 km |
6 |
| May 6, 1965 |
EF4 |
25 km |
3 |
| Jun 19, 1951 |
EF4 |
26 km |
1 |
| Jul 11, 2008 |
EF3 |
89 km |
0 |
| May 25, 2008 |
EF3 |
84 km |
1 |
| Aug 24, 2006 |
EF3 |
71 km |
1 |
| Mar 29, 1998 |
EF3 |
68 km |
1 |
| Mar 29, 1998 |
EF3 |
62 km |
0 |
| Jul 1, 1997 |
EF3 |
26 km |
0 |
| Jun 16, 1992 |
EF3 |
22 km |
0 |
| Jul 23, 1987 |
EF3 |
53 km |
0 |
| Apr 26, 1984 |
EF3 |
65 km |
1 |
| Jun 14, 1981 |
EF3 |
61 km |
1 |
| Sep 3, 1980 |
EF3 |
73 km |
1 |
| May 6, 1965 |
EF3 |
25 km |
0 |
| May 5, 1964 |
EF3 |
97 km |
0 |
| May 24, 1958 |
EF3 |
90 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950-2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: UNIT 4 (5,887 ac, 2002).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2002 |
UNIT 4 |
5,887 |
72 km |
| 2003 |
UNITS 37 38 39 A |
4,879 |
71 km |
| 1998 |
UNITS 1617 |
4,649 |
75 km |
| 2005 |
RX HFR 05 |
4,253 |
75 km |
| 2009 |
BU9 |
4,112 |
73 km |
| 2007 |
WUI 07 - UNIT 36 |
4,025 |
70 km |
| 2000 |
UNIT 25 |
3,412 |
70 km |
| 2009 |
BU11 |
3,242 |
71 km |
| 1997 |
BIG |
2,987 |
71 km |
| 2009 |
UNNAMED |
2,904 |
84 km |
| 2003 |
UNITS 34 33 W |
2,637 |
70 km |
| 2024 |
UNIT 8E RX |
2,551 |
72 km |
| 1992 |
SHARPTAIL |
2,288 |
69 km |
| 2010 |
WUI 10 UNIT D |
2,042 |
69 km |
| 1996 |
UNNAMED |
1,906 |
71 km |
| 2006 |
UNIT 4 |
1,732 |
74 km |
| 2009 |
UNIT 23 24 26 |
1,644 |
71 km |
| 1995 |
ANTLER |
1,603 |
69 km |
| 2004 |
WUI UNIT 16 |
1,592 |
76 km |
| 1995 |
UNIT 16 |
1,570 |
76 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
12°F (-11°C) |
0.8 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
16°F (-9°C) |
0.8 in |
|
| March |
29°F (-2°C) |
1.8 in |
|
| April |
44°F (7°C) |
2.9 in |
|
| May |
58°F (14°C) |
4.3 in |
|
| June |
68°F (20°C) |
5.1 in |
Wettest |
| July |
72°F (22°C) |
4.0 in |
Warmest |
| August |
70°F (21°C) |
4.4 in |
|
| September |
62°F (17°C) |
3.2 in |
|
| October |
48°F (9°C) |
2.6 in |
|
| November |
32°F (0°C) |
1.6 in |
|
| December |
19°F (-7°C) |
1.1 in |
|
Lester Prairie has a seasonal temperature swing of 61°F / from 12°F in January to 72°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 32.5 inches, with June being the wettest month (5.1") and January the driest (0.8").
Average costs for common services in Lester Prairie. 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 Lester Prairie
What is the population of Lester Prairie?
Lester Prairie has a population of 1,848 residents and is located in Minnesota. The population density is 1,848 people per square mile, spread across 1.0 square miles. The median age of residents is 36.1 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 52% female and 48% male.
Is Lester Prairie expensive to live in?
Lester Prairie 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 $87,188, 16% above the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $217,000 (23% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $735 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.
What is the weather like in Lester Prairie?
Lester Prairie has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 44°F (7°C). Winter temperatures average 12°F in January, while summers reach an average of 72°F in July. Annual rainfall totals 32.5 inches, with 41.1 inches of snow.
How is the job market in Lester Prairie?
The job market in Lester Prairie is very strong, with unemployment at just 0.3% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,096. There are 1,049 business establishments in the area, including 68 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 31 minutes, and 10.8% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Lester Prairie?
The median home value in Lester Prairie is $217,000. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $326,874. For renters, the median monthly rent is $735. Fair market rent is $899 for a 1-bedroom and $1,125 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 85.8%. The average annual property tax is $3,970.
How are the schools in Lester Prairie?
Schools in Lester Prairie score 6.4 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 15.8% of adults in Lester Prairie hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 90.9% have completed high school. 4.3% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Lester Prairie?
The obesity rate in Lester Prairie is 42.1% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 15.2% of adults are smokers. 24.4% are physically inactive. 24.6% of residents report depression. 1.9% lack health insurance (below the national rate). 74.3% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,361.
What is transportation like in Lester Prairie?
The average commute in Lester Prairie is 31 minutes, longer than the national average of 28 minutes. 74.5% of workers drive alone to work, and 10.8% work from home.
What are the demographics of Lester Prairie?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Lester Prairie is 86.6% White, 17.6% Hispanic or Latino. 88.6% of residents speak only English at home, while 10.5% speak Spanish. 6.0% of the population are military veterans. 9.9% of residents have a disability. 98.1% have health insurance coverage.