Median Income
$77,500
3% higher than US avg
Home Value
$158,300
44% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
18.9%
44% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$795
32% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
36.5%
14% higher than US avg
Unemployment
3.0%
17% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
10.0%
19% lower than US avg
How Madelia Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population2,380
Median Age34.9 yrs
Density1,576/mi²
Male / Female49% / 51%
Largest GroupWhite 69%
Veterans6.5%
Economy
A
Median Income$77,500
Per Capita$33,875
Unemployment3.0%
Poverty10.0%
County GDP$5,641M
Commute26 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$158,300
Rent$795
Ownership76.8%
Zillow$190,665
Housing Units931
Rent Burden19.9%
Health
Obesity36.5%
Uninsured8.8%
Smoking14.0%
Depression23.4%
Heart Disease5.1%
Climate
Avg Temp45°F (7°C)
Rain33.1 in/yr
Elevation1,005 ft (306 m)
Education
C+
Bachelor's+18.9%
High School+87.3%
Graduate+6.7%
School Score6.46
Community
2024 VoteR 50% / D 48%
Commute26 min
Broadband82.1%
EV Stations1
Libraries3
Is Madelia a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Madelia receives an overall livability score of 3.9 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B+. Key strengths include low unemployment, affordable housing. Madelia offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Madelia is $77,500, roughly in line with the national average of $75,149. Unemployment stands at 3.0%, indicating a healthy job market. 10.0% of residents live in poverty, near the national average of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 26 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Madelia is $158,300, 44% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $795 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 2x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Education
18.9% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 87.3% have completed high school. Local schools score 6.5/10 in standardized testing, reflecting strong academic performance.
Climate & Weather
Madelia has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 45°F. Winters average 14°F in January while summers reach 72°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 33.1 inches, including 50.3 inches of snow.
Madelia has a population of 2,380 with a density of 1,576 people per square mile, spread across 1.5 square miles. The median age is 34.9 years, 10% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 50.7% female and 49.3% male. The city is predominantly White (69%), with 34% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 76.6% of residents, while 20.7% speak Spanish. 6.5% of the population are veterans. 9.9% of residents have a disability (below the 13.0% national average). 91.3% have health insurance coverage.
Population
2,380
Total Population
2023 Census
34.9yrs
Median Age
10% below US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
76.6%
2% below US avg
Spanish
20.7%
54% above US avg
The median household income in Madelia is $77,500, which is 3% above the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $33,875 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,096, 23% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 3.0% (below the 3.6% US average). 10.0% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 2,150 business establishments, including 171 restaurants. The cost of living index is 98.6, roughly in line with the national average. Workers commute an average of 26 minutes. 2.8% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $77,500 |
| 3% above US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $33,875 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,096 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $72,190 |
| Gini Index | 0.435 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 3.0% |
| 17% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 10.0% |
| 19% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 2,150 |
| County GDP | $5,641M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 171 |
| Healthcare | 317 |
| Retail | 276 |
| Manufacturing | 81 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $4,631 |
| 32% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 98.60 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 2.93% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 26.0 min |
| Drive Alone | 77.9% |
| Public Transit | 2.3% |
| Work from Home | 2.8% |
The median home value in Madelia is $158,300, 44% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $190,665, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $795 (32% 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. 76.8% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 931 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1956. The average annual property tax is $4,631 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 19.9% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 2x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $158,300 |
| 44% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $190,665 |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $795 |
| 32% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 19.9% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $809 |
| 1 Bedroom | $899 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,125 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,483 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,698 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 76.8% |
| Owner-Occupied | 76.8% |
| Renter-Occupied | 23.2% |
| Housing Units | 931 |
| Median Year Built | 1956 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $4,631 |
| 32% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 2.93% |
In Madelia, 36.5% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 9.7% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.1% of residents. 27.4% have high blood pressure. 14.0% are current smokers. 19.9% report binge drinking. 26.1% are physically inactive. 23.4% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 16.0% experience frequent mental distress. 8.8% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,083. The dentist ratio is 1:1,071. 82.1% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 7.4 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Madelia vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 36.5% |
| 14% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 9.7% |
| Heart Disease | 5.1% |
| High Blood Pressure | 27.4% |
| Asthma | 9.6% |
| COPD | 4.8% |
| Cancer | 6.7% |
| Stroke | 2.7% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 14.0% |
| 0% below US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 19.9% |
| Physical Inactivity | 26.1% |
| Depression | 23.4% |
| Mental Distress | 16.0% |
| Physical Distress | 11.9% |
| Short Sleep | 30.5% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 91.3% |
| Uninsured | 8.8% |
| 2% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,083 |
| Dentists | 1:1,071 |
| Mental Health | 1:197 |
| Checkup Rate | 72.3% |
| Dental Visits | 67.5% |
| Premature Death | 5,843/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.4/10 |
| Exercise Access | 82.1% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 317 |
Madelia has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 45°F (7°C). Winters average 14°F in January while summers reach 72°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 33.1 inches. The area receives 50.3 inches of snow annually, making winter weather a significant factor for residents. The city sits at an elevation of 1,005 feet.
Temperature
14°F Jan (-10°C)
72°F Jul (22°C)
| Annual Average | 45.4°F |
| 16% below US avg |
| January Average | 14°F (-10°C) |
| July Average | 72°F (22°C) |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,005 ft (306 m) |
| Area | 1.5 sq mi (3.8 km²) |
| Population Density | 1,576/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 44.0482°N, 94.4199°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Blue Earth County County |
| Nearest Airport | Mankato Regional (MKT)
28 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
33.1"
13% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
4.89"
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 72.2 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 31.5 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 97.2 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Moderate |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Moderate |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively High |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively High |
| Lightning |
Very Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
Relatively Moderate |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively High |
| Landslide |
Relatively 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 |
115 km |
| Apr 25, 2017 |
Near Mankato, Minnesota |
M2.8 |
37 km |
| Jun 30, 2021 |
4 km E of Rembrandt, Iowa |
M2.7 |
147 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990-2025)
Tornado History
514 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 26 fatalities, 685 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jun 17, 2010 |
EF4 |
82 km |
1 |
| Mar 29, 1998 |
EF4 |
90 km |
1 |
| Apr 30, 1967 |
EF4 |
77 km |
6 |
| Apr 30, 1967 |
EF4 |
96 km |
5 |
| May 6, 1965 |
EF4 |
97 km |
3 |
| Jun 19, 1951 |
EF4 |
93 km |
1 |
| Jun 17, 2010 |
EF3 |
89 km |
0 |
| Aug 24, 2006 |
EF3 |
27 km |
1 |
| Aug 1, 2006 |
EF3 |
29 km |
0 |
| Mar 29, 1998 |
EF3 |
33 km |
1 |
| Mar 29, 1998 |
EF3 |
49 km |
0 |
| Jun 16, 1992 |
EF3 |
83 km |
0 |
| Jun 16, 1992 |
EF3 |
95 km |
0 |
| Jun 7, 1984 |
EF3 |
96 km |
0 |
| Jun 7, 1984 |
EF3 |
96 km |
0 |
| Jun 28, 1979 |
EF3 |
90 km |
2 |
| Jun 10, 1977 |
EF3 |
95 km |
0 |
| Apr 30, 1967 |
EF3 |
79 km |
2 |
| May 6, 1965 |
EF3 |
73 km |
0 |
| Mar 21, 1953 |
EF3 |
88 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950-2024)
Wildfire History
4 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: SNAKE TRAIL (1,496 ac, 2024).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2024 |
SNAKE TRAIL |
1,496 |
79 km |
| 1990 |
UNNAMED |
598 |
95 km |
| 2024 |
LINCOLN WPA RX |
575 |
12 km |
| 1995 |
LV 68 CARVER |
532 |
99 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
14°F (-10°C) |
1.1 in |
Coldest |
| February |
19°F (-7°C) |
0.8 in |
Driest |
| March |
31°F (-0°C) |
1.8 in |
|
| April |
45°F (7°C) |
3.1 in |
|
| May |
58°F (15°C) |
4.7 in |
|
| June |
69°F (21°C) |
4.9 in |
Wettest |
| July |
72°F (22°C) |
4.1 in |
Warmest |
| August |
70°F (21°C) |
4.0 in |
|
| September |
62°F (17°C) |
3.4 in |
|
| October |
49°F (9°C) |
2.5 in |
|
| November |
34°F (1°C) |
1.6 in |
|
| December |
21°F (-6°C) |
1.1 in |
|
Madelia has a seasonal temperature swing of 58°F / from 14°F in January to 72°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 33.1 inches, with June being the wettest month (4.9") and February the driest (0.8").
Average costs for common services in Madelia. 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 Madelia
What is the population of Madelia?
Madelia has a population of 2,380 residents and is located in Minnesota. The population density is 1,576 people per square mile, spread across 1.5 square miles. The median age of residents is 34.9 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 50.7% female and 49.3% male.
Is Madelia expensive to live in?
Madelia 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 $77,500, 3% above the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $158,300 (44% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $795 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 2x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
What is the weather like in Madelia?
Madelia has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 45°F (7°C). Winter temperatures average 14°F in January, while summers reach an average of 72°F in July. Annual rainfall totals 33.1 inches, with 50.3 inches of snow.
How is the job market in Madelia?
Madelia has a healthy job market with an unemployment rate of 3.0%, near the national average of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,096. There are 2,150 business establishments in the area, including 171 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 26 minutes, and 2.8% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Madelia?
The median home value in Madelia is $158,300. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $190,665. For renters, the median monthly rent is $795. Fair market rent is $899 for a 1-bedroom and $1,125 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 76.8%. The average annual property tax is $4,631.
How are the schools in Madelia?
Schools in Madelia score 6.5 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 18.9% of adults in Madelia hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 87.3% have completed high school. 6.7% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Madelia?
The obesity rate in Madelia is 36.5% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 14.0% of adults are smokers. 26.1% are physically inactive. 23.4% of residents report depression. 8.8% lack health insurance. 82.1% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,083.
What is transportation like in Madelia?
The average commute in Madelia is 26 minutes. 77.9% of workers drive alone to work, 2.3% use public transit, and 2.8% work from home.
What are the demographics of Madelia?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Madelia is 69% White, 34% Hispanic or Latino. 76.6% of residents speak only English at home, while 20.7% speak Spanish. 6.5% of the population are military veterans. 9.9% of residents have a disability. 91.3% have health insurance coverage.