Median Income
$57,139
24% lower than US avg
Home Value
$130,100
54% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
152/100K
60% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
10.4%
69% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$942
19% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
40.5%
26% higher than US avg
Unemployment
3.5%
3% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
8.3%
33% lower than US avg
How Long Prairie Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population3,683
Median Age38.3 yrs
Density1,339/mi²
Male / Female43% / 57%
Largest GroupWhite 65%
Veterans3.7%
Economy
B+
Median Income$57,139
Per Capita$27,528
Unemployment3.5%
Poverty8.3%
County GDP$12,618M
Commute21 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$130,100
Rent$942
Ownership63.6%
Zillow$241,518
Housing Units1,572
Rent Burden28.0%
Crime
F
Violent152/100K
Property1,517/100K
Murder0.0/100K
Assault121/100K
Burglary61/100K
Health
Obesity40.5%
Uninsured19.0%
Smoking16.6%
Depression22.9%
Heart Disease5.6%
Climate
Avg Temp40°F (5°C)
AQI36 (Good)
Rain31.0 in/yr
Sunny Days270/yr
Elevation1,296 ft (395 m)
Education
D
Bachelor's+10.4%
High School+78.1%
Graduate+2.0%
School Score6.21
Community
2024 VoteR 62% / D 36%
Commute21 min
Broadband78.4%
EV Stations1
Libraries10
Is Long Prairie a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Long Prairie receives an overall livability score of 2.9 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C+. Key strengths include low unemployment, low crime rates, affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include a high uninsured rate, below-average incomes, high obesity rates. Long Prairie has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Long Prairie is $57,139, 24% below the national average of $75,149. Unemployment stands at 3.5%, indicating a healthy job market. 8.3% of residents live in poverty, near the national average of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 21 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Long Prairie is $130,100, 54% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $942 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 2.3x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Violent crime in Long Prairie is below the national average at 152 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,517 per 100,000, 23% below the national average.
Education
10.4% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 78.1% have completed high school. Local schools score 6.2/10 in standardized testing, reflecting strong academic performance.
Climate & Weather
Long Prairie has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 40°F. Winters average 9°F in January while summers reach 68°F in July. With 270 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 31.0 inches, including 54.0 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 36.
Long Prairie has a population of 3,683 with a density of 1,339 people per square mile, spread across 2.7 square miles. The median age is 38.3 years, 2% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 57.3% female and 42.7% male. The city is predominantly White (65.3%), with 2% Black. English is the primary language spoken at home by 62.8% of residents, while 37.2% speak Spanish. 3.7% of the population are veterans, below the national rate of 6.0%. 16.2% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 95.5% have health insurance coverage.
Population
38.3yrs
Median Age
2% below US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Long Prairie vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
62.8%
20% below US avg
Spanish
37.2%
178% above US avg
Social Characteristics
Long Prairie vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Long Prairie is $57,139, which is 24% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $27,528 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,198, 16% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 3.5% (below the 3.6% US average). 8.3% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 4,733 business establishments, including 391 restaurants. The cost of living index is 98.6, roughly in line with the national average. Workers commute an average of 21 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 7.5% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income: Long Prairie vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $57,139 |
| 24% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $27,528 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,198 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $79,564 |
| Gini Index | 0.431 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 3.5% |
| 3% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 8.3% |
| 33% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 4,733 |
| County GDP | $12,618M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 391 |
| Healthcare | 529 |
| Retail | 642 |
| Manufacturing | 231 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $5,101 |
| 46% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 98.60 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 3.92% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 21.0 min |
| Drive Alone | 61.5% |
| Public Transit | 6.1% |
| Work from Home | 7.5% |
The median home value in Long Prairie is $130,100, 54% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $241,518, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $942 (19% 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. 63.6% of housing units are owner-occupied. There are 1,572 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1963. The average annual property tax is $5,101 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 28.0% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.3x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $130,100 |
| 54% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $241,518 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $942 |
| 19% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 28.0% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $809 |
| 1 Bedroom | $899 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,125 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,483 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,698 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 63.6% |
| Owner-Occupied | 63.6% |
| Renter-Occupied | 36.4% |
| Housing Units | 1,572 |
| Median Year Built | 1963 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $5,101 |
| 46% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 3.92% |
In Long Prairie, 40.5% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 10.8% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.6% of residents. 29.4% have high blood pressure. 16.6% are current smokers. 18.2% report binge drinking. 30.4% are physically inactive, above the national average. 22.9% report depression. 16.5% experience frequent mental distress. 19.0% of residents lack health insurance (above the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,025. The dentist ratio is 1:1,224. 77.6% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.5 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Long Prairie vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 40.5% |
| 26% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 10.8% |
| Heart Disease | 5.6% |
| High Blood Pressure | 29.4% |
| Asthma | 9.6% |
| COPD | 5.7% |
| Cancer | 6.4% |
| Stroke | 3.1% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 16.6% |
| 19% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 18.2% |
| Physical Inactivity | 30.4% |
| Depression | 22.9% |
| Mental Distress | 16.5% |
| Physical Distress | 13.3% |
| Short Sleep | 32.1% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 95.5% |
| Uninsured | 19.0% |
| 121% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,025 |
| Dentists | 1:1,224 |
| Mental Health | 1:235 |
| Checkup Rate | 69.8% |
| Dental Visits | 59.0% |
| Premature Death | 6,211/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.5/10 |
| Exercise Access | 77.6% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 529 |
Long Prairie has a violent crime rate of 152 per 100,000 residents, 60% below the national average of 380. This breaks down to aggravated assault at 121.3 per 100,000, robbery at 0.0, rape at 30.3. The murder rate is 0.0 per 100,000 (below the national rate of 6.3). Property crime stands at 1,517 per 100,000, 23% below the U.S. average. This includes larceny/theft at 1,456, burglary at 61, vehicle theft at 0 per 100,000 residents. The county recorded 10 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Long Prairie receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Long Prairie vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 151.7/100K |
| 60% below US avg |
| Murder | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg |
| Rape | 30.3/100K |
| Robbery | 0.0/100K |
| Assault | 121.3/100K |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 1,516.5/100K |
| 23% below US avg |
| Burglary | 60.7/100K |
| Theft | 1,455.9/100K |
| Vehicle Theft | 0.0/100K |
| Arson | 0.0/100K |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 10 |
| Traffic Accidents | 216 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Long Prairie has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 40°F (5°C). Winters average 9°F in January while summers reach 68°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 31.0 inches. The area receives 54.0 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 1,296 feet.
Temperature
9°F Jan (-13°C)
68°F Jul (20°C)
| Annual Average | 40.1°F |
| 26% below US avg |
| January Average | 9°F (-13°C) |
| July Average | 68°F (20°C) |
| Sunny Days | 270 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,296 ft (395 m) |
| Area | 2.7 sq mi (6.9 km²) |
| Population Density | 1,339/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 45.9747°N, 94.8614°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Stearns County County |
| Nearest Airport | Brainerd Lakes Regional (BRD)
46 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
31.0"
18% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
4.09"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 36.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Air Pollutants (EPA 2023)
| Ozone (O₃) | 0.0456 ppm |
| PM2.5 (Fine Particles) | 8.7 μg/m³ |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Moderate |
| Risk Score | 87.6 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 24.1 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 96.2 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively High |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Relatively Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hail |
Relatively High |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively High |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively High |
| Lightning |
Relatively High |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Moderate |
| Drought |
Relatively Low |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Landslide |
Relatively Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
3 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M4.1. Most recent: M2.5 on Apr 29, 2011.
| Jun 5, 1993 |
11 km N of Johnson, Minnesota |
M4.1 |
116 km |
| Feb 9, 1994 |
6 km NNE of Blomkest, Minnesota |
M3.1 |
109 km |
| Apr 29, 2011 |
Minnesota |
M2.5 |
52 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
382 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 9 fatalities, 173 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jul 8, 2020 |
EF4 |
84 km |
1 |
| Jun 17, 2010 |
EF4 |
54 km |
0 |
| Jun 17, 2010 |
EF4 |
46 km |
1 |
| Jun 11, 1966 |
EF4 |
82 km |
0 |
| Jun 13, 2001 |
EF3 |
42 km |
0 |
| Sep 18, 1997 |
EF3 |
64 km |
1 |
| Jul 5, 1991 |
EF3 |
68 km |
0 |
| Sep 3, 1980 |
EF3 |
70 km |
1 |
| Aug 26, 1977 |
EF3 |
50 km |
0 |
| Jun 25, 1973 |
EF3 |
80 km |
0 |
| Aug 6, 1969 |
EF3 |
84 km |
0 |
| Jun 18, 1964 |
EF3 |
61 km |
0 |
| May 5, 1964 |
EF3 |
44 km |
0 |
| Jun 12, 2024 |
EF2 |
92 km |
0 |
| Jun 12, 2024 |
EF2 |
92 km |
0 |
| May 30, 2022 |
EF2 |
43 km |
0 |
| May 30, 2022 |
EF2 |
97 km |
0 |
| May 30, 2022 |
EF2 |
50 km |
0 |
| May 30, 2022 |
EF2 |
89 km |
0 |
| May 12, 2022 |
EF2 |
45 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: UNNAMED (9,055 ac, 2007).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2007 |
UNNAMED |
9,055 |
44 km |
| 2009 |
CENTER TANK RANGE |
6,131 |
41 km |
| 2002 |
UNIT 4 |
5,887 |
99 km |
| 1988 |
UNNAMED |
4,475 |
41 km |
| 2009 |
BU9 |
4,112 |
99 km |
| 1988 |
UNNAMED |
3,642 |
73 km |
| 2009 |
HENDRICKSON IMPACT AREA |
2,757 |
49 km |
| 1988 |
UNNAMED |
2,243 |
83 km |
| 2009 |
EAST TANK RANGE |
1,801 |
39 km |
| 2006 |
UNIT 4 |
1,732 |
99 km |
| 1987 |
UNNAMED |
1,655 |
51 km |
| 2012 |
JEEP FIRE |
1,437 |
68 km |
| 1998 |
UNITS 23 A |
1,268 |
96 km |
| 1996 |
CARPENTER |
1,207 |
99 km |
| 1992 |
UNITS 68 |
1,142 |
99 km |
| 1998 |
WEST SKUNK |
1,129 |
50 km |
| 1993 |
UNIT 2 |
1,095 |
96 km |
| 2000 |
UNIT 1 |
1,073 |
47 km |
| 1991 |
UNNAMED |
1,062 |
77 km |
| 1986 |
UNNAMED |
1,025 |
71 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
9°F (-13°C) |
0.9 in |
Coldest |
| February |
16°F (-9°C) |
0.7 in |
Driest |
| March |
28°F (-2°C) |
1.7 in |
|
| April |
44°F (6°C) |
2.2 in |
|
| May |
57°F (14°C) |
3.0 in |
|
| June |
66°F (19°C) |
4.1 in |
Wettest |
| July |
68°F (20°C) |
3.6 in |
|
| August |
68°F (20°C) |
3.4 in |
Warmest |
| September |
58°F (15°C) |
3.0 in |
|
| October |
46°F (8°C) |
2.3 in |
|
| November |
29°F (-2°C) |
1.3 in |
|
| December |
15°F (-10°C) |
0.9 in |
|
Long Prairie has a seasonal temperature swing of 60°F / from 9°F in January to 68°F in August. Total annual precipitation is 27.2 inches, with June being the wettest month (4.1") and February the driest (0.7").
Average costs for common services in Long 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 | $1,865 |
| Toddler | $1,653 |
| Preschool | $1,458 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $621 |
| Toddler | $570 |
| Preschool | $570 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Long Prairie
What is the population of Long Prairie?
Long Prairie has a population of 3,683 residents and is located in Minnesota. The population density is 1,339 people per square mile, spread across 2.7 square miles. The median age of residents is 38.3 years. The population is 57.3% female and 42.7% male.
Is Long Prairie expensive to live in?
Long 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 $57,139, 24% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $130,100 (54% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $942 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.3x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Long Prairie safe?
Long Prairie is safer than the national average, with a violent crime rate of 152 per 100,000 compared to the U.S. rate of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,517 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Long Prairie receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Long Prairie?
Long Prairie has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 40°F (5°C). Winter temperatures average 9°F in January, while summers reach an average of 68°F in July. The area receives 270 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 31.0 inches, with 54.0 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 36.
How is the job market in Long Prairie?
Long Prairie has a healthy job market with an unemployment rate of 3.5%, near the national average of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,198. There are 4,733 business establishments in the area, including 391 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 21 minutes, and 7.5% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Long Prairie?
The median home value in Long Prairie is $130,100. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $241,518. For renters, the median monthly rent is $942. Fair market rent is $899 for a 1-bedroom and $1,125 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 63.6%. The average annual property tax is $5,101.
How are the schools in Long Prairie?
Schools in Long Prairie score 6.2 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 10.4% of adults in Long Prairie hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 78.1% have completed high school. 2.0% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Long Prairie?
The obesity rate in Long Prairie is 40.5% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 16.6% of adults are smokers. 30.4% are physically inactive. 22.9% of residents report depression. 19.0% lack health insurance (above the national rate). 77.6% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,025.
What is transportation like in Long Prairie?
The average commute in Long Prairie is 21 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 61.5% of workers drive alone to work, 6.1% use public transit, and 7.5% work from home.
What are the demographics of Long Prairie?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Long Prairie is 65.3% White, 2% Black or African American, 0.8% Hispanic or Latino. 62.8% of residents speak only English at home, while 37.2% speak Spanish. 3.7% of the population are military veterans. 16.2% of residents have a disability. 95.5% have health insurance coverage.
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