Median Income
$51,250
32% lower than US avg
Home Value
$53,900
81% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
389/100K
2% higher than US avg
Bachelor's+
18.7%
45% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$533
54% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
39.8%
24% higher than US avg
Unemployment
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
3.0%
76% lower than US avg
How Mankato Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population801
Median Age56.6 yrs
Density817/mi²
Male / Female45% / 55%
Largest GroupWhite 92%
Veterans11.2%
Economy
A
Median Income$51,250
Per Capita$40,365
Unemployment0.0%
Poverty3.0%
County GDP$143M
Commute12 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$53,900
Rent$533
Ownership76.2%
Zillow$98,672
Housing Units515
Rent Burden28.4%
Crime
F
Violent389/100K
Property1,116/100K
Health
Obesity39.8%
Uninsured9.8%
Smoking19.2%
Depression23.7%
Heart Disease6.4%
Climate
Avg Temp52°F (11°C)
AQI39 (Good)
Rain28.3 in/yr
Sunny Days326/yr
Elevation1,765 ft (538 m)
Education
C
Bachelor's+18.7%
High School+93.8%
Graduate+8.0%
School Score6.25
Community
2024 VoteR 87% / D 11%
Commute12 min
Broadband80.3%
Libraries5
Is Mankato a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Mankato receives an overall livability score of 3.1 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include low unemployment, affordable housing, abundant sunshine, a low poverty rate. Areas to be aware of include below-average incomes, high obesity rates. Mankato offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Mankato is $51,250, 32% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 0.0%. Only 3.0% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 12 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Mankato is $53,900, 81% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $533 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 1.1x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
The violent crime rate of 389 per 100,000 is above the national average of 380 / something for prospective residents to consider. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,116 per 100,000, 43% below the national average.
Education
18.7% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 93.8% have completed high school. Local schools score 6.3/10 in standardized testing, reflecting strong academic performance.
Climate & Weather
Mankato experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 52°F. Winters average 26°F in January while summers reach 78°F in July. With 326 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 28.3 inches, including 25.0 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 39.
Mankato has a population of 801 with a density of 817 people per square mile, spread across 1.0 square miles. The median age is 56.6 years, 46% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 54.7% female and 45.3% male. The city is predominantly White (92.3%), with 2% Hispanic, 2.5% Black. English is the primary language spoken at home by 94.7% of residents, while 5.3% speak Spanish. 11.2% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 21.2% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 94.9% have health insurance coverage.
Population
56.6yrs
Median Age
46% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
94.7%
21% above US avg
Spanish
5.3%
60% below US avg
The median household income in Mankato is $51,250, which is 32% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $40,365. The average weekly wage is $699, 51% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 0.0% (below the 3.6% US average). 3.0% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 110 business establishments, including 7 restaurants. The cost of living index is 90.1, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 12 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 6.6% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $51,250 |
| 32% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $40,365 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $699 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $57,670 |
| Gini Index | 0.497 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 3.0% |
| 76% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 110 |
| County GDP | $143M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 7 |
| Healthcare | 4 |
| Retail | 14 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| |
| Cost of Living | 90.10 (100=avg) |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 11.8 min |
| Drive Alone | 81.7% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 6.6% |
The median home value in Mankato is $53,900, 81% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $98,672, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $533 (54% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $753 for a one-bedroom to $947 for a two-bedroom apartment. 76.2% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 515 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1951. 28.4% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.1x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $53,900 |
| 81% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $98,672 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $533 |
| 54% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 28.4% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $702 |
| 1 Bedroom | $753 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $947 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,223 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,397 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 76.2% |
| Owner-Occupied | 76.2% |
| Renter-Occupied | 23.8% |
| Housing Units | 515 |
| Median Year Built | 1951 |
Property Tax
In Mankato, 39.8% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 10.8% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 6.4% of residents. 33.3% have high blood pressure. 19.2% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 17.4% report binge drinking. 29.1% are physically inactive, above the national average. 23.7% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 19.3% experience frequent mental distress. 9.8% of residents lack health insurance. 4.3% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 6.8 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Mankato vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 39.8% |
| 24% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 10.8% |
| Heart Disease | 6.4% |
| High Blood Pressure | 33.3% |
| Asthma | 10.8% |
| COPD | 7.9% |
| Cancer | 7.3% |
| Stroke | 3.3% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 19.2% |
| 37% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 17.4% |
| Physical Inactivity | 29.1% |
| Depression | 23.7% |
| Mental Distress | 19.3% |
| Physical Distress | 14.0% |
| Short Sleep | 37.5% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 94.9% |
| Uninsured | 9.8% |
| 14% above US avg |
| Checkup Rate | 74.4% |
| Dental Visits | 58.3% |
| Premature Death | 6,581/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 6.8/10 |
| Exercise Access | 4.3% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 4 |
Mankato has a violent crime rate of 389 per 100,000 residents, 2% above the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 1,116 per 100,000, 43% below the U.S. average. The county recorded 1 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Mankato receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Mankato vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 389.4/100K |
| 2% above US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 1,116.3/100K |
| 43% below US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 1 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Mankato experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 52°F (11°C). Winters average 26°F in January while summers reach 78°F in July. The area gets 326 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 28.3 inches (drier than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 25.0 inches of snow annually, a moderate snowfall amount. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 39. The city sits at an elevation of 1,765 feet.
Temperature
26°F Jan (-4°C)
78°F Jul (26°C)
| Annual Average | 51.7°F |
| 4% below US avg |
| January Average | 26°F (-4°C) |
| July Average | 78°F (26°C) |
| Sunny Days | 326 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,765 ft (538 m) |
| Area | 1.0 sq mi (2.6 km²) |
| Population Density | 817/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 39.7873°N, 98.2083°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Jewell County County |
| Nearest Airport | Salina Regional (SLN)
75 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
28.3"
26% below US avg
Wettest Month (May)
4.02"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 39.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 25.3 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 53.0 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 45.0 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Very Low |
| Hail |
Relatively High |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Moderate |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Low |
| Lightning |
Relatively Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Moderate |
| Drought |
Relatively Moderate |
| Cold Wave |
Very Low |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
173 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M4.6. Most recent: M2.5 on Aug 25, 2025.
| Jun 22, 2019 |
2 km SSE of Zurich, Kansas |
M4.6 |
122 km |
| Jul 17, 2022 |
8 km WSW of Superior, Nebraska |
M3.8 |
23 km |
| Jun 12, 2017 |
8 km NNE of Jewell, Kansas |
M3.7 |
10 km |
| Jun 12, 2017 |
5 km SE of Mankato, Kansas |
M3.7 |
6 km |
| Jun 13, 2017 |
6 km SE of Mankato, Kansas |
M3.6 |
7 km |
| May 6, 2021 |
5 km S of Formoso, Kansas |
M3.6 |
19 km |
| Aug 9, 2021 |
Kansas |
M3.5 |
17 km |
| May 30, 1991 |
5 km SE of Zurich, Kansas |
M3.5 |
121 km |
| May 31, 2019 |
2 km SSE of Zurich, Kansas |
M3.5 |
123 km |
| May 21, 2017 |
7 km ESE of Mankato, Kansas |
M3.4 |
7 km |
| Aug 2, 2025 |
6 km ENE of Assaria, Kansas |
M3.4 |
133 km |
| Sep 18, 2023 |
Nebraska |
M3.4 |
45 km |
| Apr 4, 2017 |
3 km SSE of Mankato, Kansas |
M3.4 |
3 km |
| Jul 26, 2022 |
8 km WSW of Superior, Nebraska |
M3.4 |
22 km |
| Jun 25, 2025 |
10 km NW of Woodston, Kansas |
M3.4 |
90 km |
| Sep 16, 2016 |
8 km N of Ellis, Kansas |
M3.3 |
146 km |
| Apr 7, 2017 |
7 km ESE of Mankato, Kansas |
M3.3 |
8 km |
| Sep 14, 2016 |
10 km N of Ellis, Kansas |
M3.3 |
144 km |
| Jan 9, 2013 |
5 km SE of Formoso, Kansas |
M3.3 |
23 km |
| Jul 29, 2021 |
11 km SSE of Esbon, Kansas |
M3.3 |
15 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
685 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF5. Total: 13 fatalities, 267 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| May 5, 1964 |
EF5 |
86 km |
4 |
| May 22, 2004 |
EF4 |
95 km |
1 |
| Jun 15, 1992 |
EF4 |
41 km |
0 |
| Mar 13, 1990 |
EF4 |
40 km |
0 |
| May 10, 1985 |
EF4 |
81 km |
0 |
| May 20, 1957 |
EF4 |
61 km |
0 |
| Jun 4, 1955 |
EF4 |
41 km |
0 |
| May 1, 2018 |
EF3 |
98 km |
0 |
| May 6, 2015 |
EF3 |
57 km |
0 |
| May 11, 2014 |
EF3 |
79 km |
0 |
| May 28, 2013 |
EF3 |
94 km |
0 |
| May 27, 2013 |
EF3 |
30 km |
0 |
| May 29, 2008 |
EF3 |
37 km |
0 |
| May 29, 2008 |
EF3 |
22 km |
0 |
| Sep 22, 2001 |
EF3 |
74 km |
0 |
| May 7, 1993 |
EF3 |
58 km |
0 |
| Jun 15, 1992 |
EF3 |
65 km |
0 |
| Jun 15, 1992 |
EF3 |
41 km |
0 |
| Mar 13, 1990 |
EF3 |
75 km |
0 |
| Mar 13, 1990 |
EF3 |
57 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
12 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: NORTH BRANCH (10,926 ac, 2022).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2022 |
NORTH BRANCH |
10,926 |
20 km |
| 2009 |
ROSEBROOK |
2,968 |
83 km |
| 2009 |
CRAIG NALER |
1,464 |
82 km |
| 2010 |
H-RX-F KIR NON NFP |
1,435 |
83 km |
| 2000 |
UNNAMED |
1,394 |
91 km |
| 2022 |
KIRWIN SOUTHEAST RX |
1,367 |
85 km |
| 1991 |
UNNAMED |
1,296 |
97 km |
| 2016 |
KSKIR RX WUI FY16 RESOURCE MANAGEMENT BURNS |
1,123 |
87 km |
| 2011 |
W-RX-F NON FUNDED TREATMENT_KSKIR |
1,083 |
87 km |
| 2002 |
UNNAMED |
1,057 |
88 km |
| 2008 |
H RX F BOTTOMS |
1,009 |
84 km |
| 1989 |
UNNAMED |
1,009 |
98 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
26°F (-4°C) |
0.5 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
31°F (-0°C) |
0.8 in |
|
| March |
41°F (5°C) |
2.1 in |
|
| April |
52°F (11°C) |
2.5 in |
|
| May |
62°F (17°C) |
4.0 in |
Wettest |
| June |
72°F (22°C) |
3.9 in |
|
| July |
78°F (26°C) |
3.3 in |
Warmest |
| August |
76°F (25°C) |
3.4 in |
|
| September |
67°F (20°C) |
3.2 in |
|
| October |
55°F (13°C) |
1.9 in |
|
| November |
40°F (4°C) |
1.1 in |
|
| December |
30°F (-1°C) |
0.8 in |
|
Mankato has a seasonal temperature swing of 53°F / from 26°F in January to 78°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 27.5 inches, with May being the wettest month (4.0") and January the driest (0.5").
Average costs for common services in Mankato. Prices are estimated based on regional cost of living data and may vary by provider.
Healthcare
| Doctor Visit (Primary Care) |
$225 ($135–$360) |
| Specialist Visit |
$315 ($180–$496) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$180 ($90–$315) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$1,982 ($721–$4,505) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$117 ($68–$180) |
| Dental Filling |
$225 ($135–$360) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$41 ($23–$68) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$68 ($45–$108) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$270 ($135–$451) |
| Tire Rotation |
$36 ($18–$68) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$541 ($360–$901) |
| Battery Replacement |
$180 ($90–$315) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$90 ($54–$135) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$81 ($45–$126) |
| HVAC Repair |
$360 ($135–$721) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,307 ($3,604–$10,812) |
| Roof Repair |
$901 ($360–$1,802) |
| Roof Replacement |
$8,109 ($4,956–$13,515) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,352 ($451–$3,154) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$13,515 ($4,505–$27,030) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,505 ($1,802–$9,010) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,352 ($721–$2,703) |
| Will Preparation |
$451 ($180–$901) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,253 ($901–$4,505) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$23 ($14–$41) |
| Women's Haircut |
$50 ($27–$90) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$135 ($68–$225) |
| Manicure |
$23 ($14–$41) |
| Pedicure |
$36 ($23–$59) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$72 ($45–$117) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$3.69 ($2.70–$4.96) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.15 ($2.25–$4.51) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.42 ($2.25–$4.96) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.05 ($2.70–$5.86) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$4.96 ($3.60–$6.76) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.90 ($0.54–$1.62) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$126 ($72–$225) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$63 ($27–$135) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$63 ($36–$108) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$63 ($36–$90) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$59 ($27–$90) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$77 ($45–$135) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$180 ($68–$451) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,802 ($1,081–$3,154) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$63 ($27–$117) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$14 ($7.21–$23) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$90 ($27–$225) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$27 ($14–$68) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,081 ($541–$2,253) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$901 ($451–$1,802) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$360 ($180–$631) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$45 ($23–$90) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$901 ($360–$2,253) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$11,263 ($4,505–$27,030) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$54 ($27–$90) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$90 ($45–$180) |
| Dog Grooming |
$54 ($27–$90) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$36 ($18–$68) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$270 ($135–$451) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$180 ($90–$360) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $414 |
| Toddler | $423 |
| Preschool | $423 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $426 |
| Toddler | $361 |
| Preschool | $361 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Mankato
What is the population of Mankato?
Mankato has a population of 801 residents and is located in Kansas. The population density is 817 people per square mile, spread across 1.0 square miles. The median age of residents is 56.6 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 54.7% female and 45.3% male.
Is Mankato expensive to live in?
Mankato is more affordable than the national average, with a cost of living index of 90.1 / below the baseline of 100. The median household income is $51,250, 32% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $53,900 (81% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $533 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.1x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Mankato safe?
The violent crime rate in Mankato is 389 per 100,000 residents, above the national average of 380. Prospective residents should research specific neighborhoods, as crime rates can vary significantly within the city. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,116 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Mankato receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Mankato?
Mankato has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 52°F (11°C). Winter temperatures average 26°F in January, while summers reach an average of 78°F in July. The area receives 326 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 28.3 inches, with 25.0 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 39.
How is the job market in Mankato?
The job market in Mankato is very strong, with unemployment at just 0.0% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $699. There are 110 business establishments in the area, including 7 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 12 minutes, and 6.6% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Mankato?
The median home value in Mankato is $53,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $98,672. For renters, the median monthly rent is $533. Fair market rent is $753 for a 1-bedroom and $947 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 76.2%.
How are the schools in Mankato?
Schools in Mankato score 6.3 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 18.7% of adults in Mankato hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 93.8% have completed high school. 8.0% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Mankato?
The obesity rate in Mankato is 39.8% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 19.2% of adults are smokers. 29.1% are physically inactive. 23.7% of residents report depression. 9.8% lack health insurance. 4.3% of residents have access to exercise opportunities.
What is transportation like in Mankato?
The average commute in Mankato is 12 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 81.7% of workers drive alone to work, and 6.6% work from home.
What are the demographics of Mankato?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Mankato is 92.3% White, 2.5% Black or African American, 2% Hispanic or Latino. 94.7% of residents speak only English at home, while 5.3% speak Spanish. 11.2% of the population are military veterans. 21.2% of residents have a disability. 94.9% have health insurance coverage.
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