Median Income
$66,145
12% lower than US avg
Home Value
$181,100
36% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
144/100K
62% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
29.9%
11% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$718
38% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
36.6%
14% higher than US avg
Unemployment
1.7%
53% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
4.6%
63% lower than US avg
How Luverne Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population4,907
Median Age38.2 yrs
Density1,337/mi²
Male / Female47% / 53%
Largest GroupWhite 95%
Veterans6.7%
Economy
A
Median Income$66,145
Per Capita$35,860
Unemployment1.7%
Poverty4.6%
County GDP$992M
Commute18 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$181,100
Rent$718
Ownership70.7%
Zillow$249,782
Housing Units2,204
Rent Burden30.4%
Crime
F
Violent144/100K
Property1,770/100K
Health
Obesity36.6%
Uninsured8.3%
Smoking15.3%
Depression25.6%
Heart Disease5.2%
Climate
Avg Temp46°F (8°C)
AQI36 (Good)
Rain29.3 in/yr
Sunny Days291/yr
Elevation1,468 ft (447 m)
Education
B
Bachelor's+29.9%
High School+92.6%
Graduate+8.9%
School Score6.55
Community
2024 VoteR 69% / D 30%
Commute18 min
Broadband87.9%
EV Stations4
Libraries1
Is Luverne a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Luverne receives an overall livability score of 3.4 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include low unemployment, low crime rates, affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Luverne offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Luverne is $66,145, 12% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 1.7%. Only 4.6% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 18 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Luverne is $181,100, 36% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $718 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 2.7x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Luverne is a very safe community with a violent crime rate of 144 per 100,000 residents / well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,770 per 100,000, near the national average.
Education
29.9% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 92.6% have completed high school. Local schools score 6.5/10 in standardized testing, reflecting strong academic performance.
Climate & Weather
Luverne experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 46°F. Winters average 16°F in January while summers reach 73°F in July. With 291 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 29.3 inches, including 34.9 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 36.
Luverne has a population of 4,907 with a density of 1,337 people per square mile, spread across 3.6 square miles. The median age is 38.2 years, 2% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 52.8% female and 47.2% male. The city is predominantly White (94.7%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 96.4% of residents. 6.7% of the population are veterans. 13.9% of residents have a disability. 98.1% have health insurance coverage.
Population
38.2yrs
Median Age
2% below US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
96.4%
23% above US avg
Spanish
3.6%
73% below US avg
The median household income in Luverne is $66,145, which is 12% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $35,860. The average weekly wage is $1,036, 28% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 1.7% (below the 3.6% US average). 4.6% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 328 business establishments, including 18 restaurants. The cost of living index is 98.6, roughly in line with the national average. Workers commute an average of 18 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 6.7% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $66,145 |
| 12% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $35,860 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,036 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $78,379 |
| Gini Index | 0.440 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 1.7% |
| 53% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 4.6% |
| 63% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 328 |
| County GDP | $992M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 18 |
| Healthcare | 29 |
| Retail | 29 |
| Manufacturing | 18 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $3,047 |
| 13% below US avg |
| Cost of Living | 98.60 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 1.68% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 17.8 min |
| Drive Alone | 84.8% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 6.7% |
The median home value in Luverne is $181,100, 36% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $249,782, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $718 (38% 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. 70.7% of housing units are owner-occupied. There are 2,204 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1960. The average annual property tax is $3,047. 30.4% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.7x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $181,100 |
| 36% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $249,782 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $718 |
| 38% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 30.4% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $809 |
| 1 Bedroom | $899 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,125 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,483 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,698 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 70.7% |
| Owner-Occupied | 70.7% |
| Renter-Occupied | 29.3% |
| Housing Units | 2,204 |
| Median Year Built | 1960 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $3,047 |
| 13% below US avg |
| Effective Rate | 1.68% |
In Luverne, 36.6% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 9.0% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.2% of residents. 27.5% have high blood pressure. 15.3% are current smokers. 20.1% report binge drinking. 24.1% are physically inactive. 25.6% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 17.0% experience frequent mental distress. 8.3% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,076. The dentist ratio is 1:3,179. 57.6% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 9.1 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Luverne vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 36.6% |
| 14% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 9.0% |
| Heart Disease | 5.2% |
| High Blood Pressure | 27.5% |
| Asthma | 10.2% |
| COPD | 5.3% |
| Cancer | 7.4% |
| Stroke | 2.8% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 15.3% |
| 9% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 20.1% |
| Physical Inactivity | 24.1% |
| Depression | 25.6% |
| Mental Distress | 17.0% |
| Physical Distress | 11.5% |
| Short Sleep | 30.5% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 98.1% |
| Uninsured | 8.3% |
| 3% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,076 |
| Dentists | 1:3,179 |
| Mental Health | 1:455 |
| Checkup Rate | 72.6% |
| Dental Visits | 65.7% |
| Premature Death | 6,748/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 9.1/10 |
| Exercise Access | 57.6% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 29 |
Luverne has a violent crime rate of 144 per 100,000 residents, 62% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 1,770 per 100,000, 10% below the U.S. average. The county recorded 1 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Luverne receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Luverne vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 143.5/100K |
| 62% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 1,770.3/100K |
| 10% below US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 1 |
| Traffic Accidents | 17 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.2 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Luverne experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 46°F (8°C). Winters average 16°F in January while summers reach 73°F in July. The area gets 291 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 29.3 inches (drier than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 34.9 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 1,468 feet.
Temperature
16°F Jan (-9°C)
73°F Jul (23°C)
| Annual Average | 46.0°F |
| 15% below US avg |
| January Average | 16°F (-9°C) |
| July Average | 73°F (23°C) |
| Sunny Days | 291 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,468 ft (447 m) |
| Area | 3.6 sq mi (9.3 km²) |
| Population Density | 1,337/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 43.6536°N, 96.2151°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Rock County County |
| Nearest Airport | Joe Foss Field (FSD)
27 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
29.3"
23% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
3.98"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 36.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 9.4 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 10.6 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 60.8 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Very Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Moderate |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Moderate |
| Lightning |
Very Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively 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: M2.7 on Jun 30, 2021.
| Jan 4, 2021 |
5 km N of Tyndall, South Dakota |
M3.1 |
150 km |
| Jun 30, 2021 |
4 km E of Rembrandt, Iowa |
M2.7 |
129 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
618 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF5. Total: 16 fatalities, 334 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jun 16, 1992 |
EF5 |
23 km |
1 |
| Jun 13, 1968 |
EF5 |
69 km |
9 |
| Jun 25, 2010 |
EF4 |
32 km |
0 |
| Mar 29, 1998 |
EF4 |
64 km |
1 |
| Jun 7, 1993 |
EF4 |
57 km |
0 |
| Jun 7, 1993 |
EF4 |
89 km |
0 |
| Jun 16, 1992 |
EF4 |
42 km |
0 |
| Jun 7, 1965 |
EF4 |
98 km |
1 |
| Jul 7, 1955 |
EF4 |
92 km |
1 |
| Aug 7, 1994 |
EF3 |
36 km |
0 |
| Jun 7, 1993 |
EF3 |
66 km |
0 |
| Jun 7, 1993 |
EF3 |
72 km |
0 |
| Jun 7, 1993 |
EF3 |
87 km |
0 |
| May 7, 1993 |
EF3 |
88 km |
0 |
| Jun 16, 1992 |
EF3 |
59 km |
0 |
| Jun 16, 1992 |
EF3 |
82 km |
0 |
| Apr 20, 1985 |
EF3 |
29 km |
0 |
| Aug 3, 1981 |
EF3 |
86 km |
0 |
| Jul 5, 1978 |
EF3 |
57 km |
0 |
| Oct 1, 1971 |
EF3 |
91 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
16°F (-9°C) |
0.5 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
20°F (-7°C) |
0.6 in |
|
| March |
32°F (0°C) |
1.9 in |
|
| April |
46°F (8°C) |
2.6 in |
|
| May |
59°F (15°C) |
3.2 in |
|
| June |
69°F (20°C) |
4.0 in |
Wettest |
| July |
73°F (23°C) |
3.4 in |
Warmest |
| August |
70°F (21°C) |
3.4 in |
|
| September |
61°F (16°C) |
2.9 in |
|
| October |
48°F (9°C) |
2.1 in |
|
| November |
32°F (-0°C) |
1.4 in |
|
| December |
19°F (-8°C) |
0.8 in |
|
Luverne has a seasonal temperature swing of 58°F / from 16°F in January to 73°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 26.7 inches, with June being the wettest month (4.0") and January the driest (0.5").
Average costs for common services in Luverne. 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 Luverne
What is the population of Luverne?
Luverne has a population of 4,907 residents and is located in Minnesota. The population density is 1,337 people per square mile, spread across 3.6 square miles. The median age of residents is 38.2 years. The population is 52.8% female and 47.2% male.
Is Luverne expensive to live in?
Luverne 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 $66,145, 12% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $181,100 (36% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $718 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.7x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Luverne safe?
Luverne is considered a very safe city with a violent crime rate of 144 per 100,000 residents, well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,770 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Luverne receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Luverne?
Luverne has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 46°F (8°C). Winter temperatures average 16°F in January, while summers reach an average of 73°F in July. The area receives 291 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 29.3 inches, with 34.9 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 36.
How is the job market in Luverne?
The job market in Luverne is very strong, with unemployment at just 1.7% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,036. There are 328 business establishments in the area, including 18 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 18 minutes, and 6.7% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Luverne?
The median home value in Luverne is $181,100. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $249,782. For renters, the median monthly rent is $718. Fair market rent is $899 for a 1-bedroom and $1,125 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 70.7%. The average annual property tax is $3,047.
How are the schools in Luverne?
Schools in Luverne score 6.5 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 29.9% of adults in Luverne hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 92.6% have completed high school. 8.9% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Luverne?
The obesity rate in Luverne is 36.6% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 15.3% of adults are smokers. 24.1% are physically inactive. 25.6% of residents report depression. 8.3% lack health insurance. 57.6% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,076.
What is transportation like in Luverne?
The average commute in Luverne is 18 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 84.8% of workers drive alone to work, and 6.7% work from home.
What are the demographics of Luverne?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Luverne is 94.7% White, 0.8% Hispanic or Latino. 96.4% of residents speak only English at home, while 3.6% speak Spanish. 6.7% of the population are military veterans. 13.9% of residents have a disability. 98.1% have health insurance coverage.
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