Median Income
$59,115
21% lower than US avg
Home Value
$118,900
58% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
98/100K
74% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
21.9%
35% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$833
28% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
38.2%
19% higher than US avg
Unemployment
3.0%
17% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
14.5%
17% higher than US avg
How Mountain Lake Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population1,833
Median Age33.8 yrs
Density1,125/mi²
Male / Female51% / 49%
Largest GroupWhite 66%
Veterans2.4%
Economy
B+
Median Income$59,115
Per Capita$27,279
Unemployment3.0%
Poverty14.5%
County GDP$611M
Commute13 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$118,900
Rent$833
Ownership73.5%
Zillow$157,340
Housing Units771
Rent Burden23.8%
Crime
F
Violent98/100K
Property684/100K
Murder0.0/100K
Assault49/100K
Burglary195/100K
Health
Obesity38.2%
Uninsured11.8%
Smoking16.8%
Depression24.0%
Heart Disease5.7%
Climate
Avg Temp45°F (7°C)
AQI36 (Good)
Rain33.1 in/yr
Sunny Days260/yr
Elevation1,299 ft (396 m)
Education
C+
Bachelor's+21.9%
High School+89.6%
Graduate+3.1%
School Score5.22
Community
2024 VoteR 63% / D 35%
Commute13 min
Broadband81.9%
EV Stations2
Libraries5
Is Mountain Lake a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Mountain Lake receives an overall livability score of 3.1 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include low unemployment, low crime rates, affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include below-average incomes. Mountain Lake offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Mountain Lake is $59,115, 21% below the national average of $75,149. Unemployment stands at 3.0%, indicating a healthy job market. 14.5% of residents live in poverty, near the national average of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 13 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Mountain Lake is $118,900, 58% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $833 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 2x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Mountain Lake is a very safe community with a violent crime rate of 98 per 100,000 residents / well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 684 per 100,000, 65% below the national average.
Education
21.9% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 89.6% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.2/10.
Climate & Weather
Mountain Lake 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. With 260 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 33.1 inches, including 50.3 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 36.
Mountain Lake has a population of 1,833 with a density of 1,125 people per square mile, spread across 1.6 square miles. The median age is 33.8 years, 13% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 48.8% female and 51.2% male. The city is predominantly White (66.2%), with 2% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 80.1% of residents, while 19.9% speak Spanish. 2.4% of the population are veterans, below the national rate of 6.0%. 13.1% of residents have a disability. 95.8% have health insurance coverage.
Population
33.8yrs
Median Age
13% below US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Mountain Lake vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
80.1%
2% above US avg
Spanish
19.9%
49% above US avg
Social Characteristics
Mountain Lake vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Mountain Lake is $59,115, which is 21% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $27,279 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $929, 35% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 3.0% (below the 3.6% US average). 14.5% of residents live below the poverty line, higher than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 343 business establishments, including 19 restaurants. The cost of living index is 98.6, roughly in line with the national average. Workers commute an average of 13 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 11.5% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income: Mountain Lake vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $59,115 |
| 21% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $27,279 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $929 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $64,714 |
| Gini Index | 0.446 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 3.0% |
| 17% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 14.5% |
| 17% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 343 |
| County GDP | $611M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 19 |
| Healthcare | 26 |
| Retail | 40 |
| Manufacturing | 16 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $2,808 |
| 20% below US avg |
| Cost of Living | 98.60 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 2.36% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 13.1 min |
| Drive Alone | 68.3% |
| Public Transit | 0.9% |
| Work from Home | 11.5% |
The median home value in Mountain Lake is $118,900, 58% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $157,340, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $833 (28% 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. 73.5% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 771 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1964. The average annual property tax is $2,808 (lower than the $3,500 national average). 23.8% 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 | $118,900 |
| 58% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $157,340 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $833 |
| 28% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 23.8% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $809 |
| 1 Bedroom | $899 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,125 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,483 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,698 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 73.5% |
| Owner-Occupied | 73.5% |
| Renter-Occupied | 26.5% |
| Housing Units | 771 |
| Median Year Built | 1964 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $2,808 |
| 20% below US avg |
| Effective Rate | 2.36% |
In Mountain Lake, 38.2% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 10.5% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.7% of residents. 29.8% have high blood pressure. 16.8% are current smokers. 18.2% report binge drinking. 29.3% are physically inactive, above the national average. 24.0% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 16.8% experience frequent mental distress. 11.8% of residents lack health insurance (above the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,856. The dentist ratio is 1:1,846. 71.4% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 9.0 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Mountain Lake vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 38.2% |
| 19% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 10.5% |
| Heart Disease | 5.7% |
| High Blood Pressure | 29.8% |
| Asthma | 9.8% |
| COPD | 5.9% |
| Cancer | 6.8% |
| Stroke | 3.1% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 16.8% |
| 20% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 18.2% |
| Physical Inactivity | 29.3% |
| Depression | 24.0% |
| Mental Distress | 16.8% |
| Physical Distress | 12.6% |
| Short Sleep | 33.2% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 95.8% |
| Uninsured | 11.8% |
| 37% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,856 |
| Dentists | 1:1,846 |
| Mental Health | 1:1,385 |
| Checkup Rate | 71.7% |
| Dental Visits | 60.9% |
| Premature Death | 6,012/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 9.0/10 |
| Exercise Access | 71.4% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 26 |
Mountain Lake has a violent crime rate of 98 per 100,000 residents, 74% below the national average of 380. This breaks down to aggravated assault at 48.9 per 100,000, robbery at 0.0, rape at 48.9. The murder rate is 0.0 per 100,000 (below the national rate of 6.3). Property crime stands at 684 per 100,000, 65% below the U.S. average. This includes larceny/theft at 293, burglary at 195, vehicle theft at 195 per 100,000 residents. Overall, Mountain Lake receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Mountain Lake vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 97.7/100K |
| 74% below US avg |
| Murder | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg |
| Rape | 48.9/100K |
| Robbery | 0.0/100K |
| Assault | 48.9/100K |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 683.9/100K |
| 65% below US avg |
| Burglary | 195.4/100K |
| Theft | 293.1/100K |
| Vehicle Theft | 195.4/100K |
| Arson | 48.9/100K |
Traffic Safety
| Traffic Accidents | 107 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Mountain Lake 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. The area gets 260 sunny days per year, above the national average. Annual precipitation totals 33.1 inches. The area receives 50.3 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 1,299 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) |
| Sunny Days | 260 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,299 ft (396 m) |
| Area | 1.6 sq mi (4.2 km²) |
| Population Density | 1,125/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 43.9401°N, 94.9277°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Watonwan County County |
| Nearest Airport | Mankato Regional (MKT)
54 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
33.1"
13% 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 | 23.9 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 41.7 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 56.9 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Very Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Moderate |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Moderate |
| Lightning |
Very Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
Relatively Moderate |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Landslide |
Very 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 |
118 km |
| Apr 25, 2017 |
Near Mankato, Minnesota |
M2.8 |
79 km |
| Jun 30, 2021 |
4 km E of Rembrandt, Iowa |
M2.7 |
125 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
493 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF5. Total: 17 fatalities, 385 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jun 16, 1992 |
EF5 |
89 km |
1 |
| Jun 13, 1968 |
EF5 |
71 km |
9 |
| Jun 25, 2010 |
EF4 |
99 km |
0 |
| Mar 29, 1998 |
EF4 |
48 km |
1 |
| Jun 16, 1992 |
EF4 |
78 km |
0 |
| Aug 24, 2006 |
EF3 |
64 km |
1 |
| Aug 1, 2006 |
EF3 |
17 km |
0 |
| Mar 29, 1998 |
EF3 |
89 km |
0 |
| Mar 29, 1998 |
EF3 |
71 km |
1 |
| Aug 7, 1994 |
EF3 |
91 km |
0 |
| Jun 16, 1992 |
EF3 |
58 km |
0 |
| Jun 16, 1992 |
EF3 |
61 km |
0 |
| Jun 16, 1992 |
EF3 |
74 km |
0 |
| Apr 20, 1985 |
EF3 |
94 km |
0 |
| Sep 20, 1980 |
EF3 |
90 km |
0 |
| Jun 28, 1979 |
EF3 |
94 km |
2 |
| Jun 10, 1977 |
EF3 |
80 km |
0 |
| May 31, 1971 |
EF3 |
83 km |
0 |
| May 31, 1971 |
EF3 |
71 km |
0 |
| Mar 21, 1953 |
EF3 |
78 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
2 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: DEWEYS PASTURE (641 ac, 2008).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2008 |
DEWEYS PASTURE |
641 |
84 km |
| 2024 |
LINCOLN WPA RX |
575 |
53 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
14°F (-10°C) |
0.6 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
19°F (-7°C) |
0.6 in |
|
| March |
31°F (-0°C) |
1.8 in |
|
| April |
45°F (7°C) |
2.7 in |
|
| May |
59°F (15°C) |
3.2 in |
|
| June |
69°F (20°C) |
4.0 in |
Wettest |
| July |
72°F (22°C) |
3.9 in |
Warmest |
| August |
69°F (21°C) |
3.3 in |
|
| September |
61°F (16°C) |
3.1 in |
|
| October |
48°F (9°C) |
2.1 in |
|
| November |
32°F (-0°C) |
1.4 in |
|
| December |
18°F (-8°C) |
0.8 in |
|
Mountain Lake has a seasonal temperature swing of 58°F / from 14°F in January to 72°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 27.4 inches, with June being the wettest month (4.0") and January the driest (0.6").
Average costs for common services in Mountain Lake. 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 Mountain Lake
What is the population of Mountain Lake?
Mountain Lake has a population of 1,833 residents and is located in Minnesota. The population density is 1,125 people per square mile, spread across 1.6 square miles. The median age of residents is 33.8 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 48.8% female and 51.2% male.
Is Mountain Lake expensive to live in?
Mountain Lake 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 $59,115, 21% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $118,900 (58% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $833 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.
Is Mountain Lake safe?
Mountain Lake is considered a very safe city with a violent crime rate of 98 per 100,000 residents, well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 684 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Mountain Lake receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Mountain Lake?
Mountain Lake 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. The area receives 260 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 33.1 inches, with 50.3 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 36.
How is the job market in Mountain Lake?
Mountain Lake has a healthy job market with an unemployment rate of 3.0%, near the national average of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $929. There are 343 business establishments in the area, including 19 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 13 minutes, and 11.5% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Mountain Lake?
The median home value in Mountain Lake is $118,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $157,340. For renters, the median monthly rent is $833. Fair market rent is $899 for a 1-bedroom and $1,125 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 73.5%. The average annual property tax is $2,808.
How are the schools in Mountain Lake?
Schools in Mountain Lake score 5.2 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 21.9% of adults in Mountain Lake hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 89.6% have completed high school. 3.1% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Mountain Lake?
The obesity rate in Mountain Lake is 38.2% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 16.8% of adults are smokers. 29.3% are physically inactive. 24.0% of residents report depression. 11.8% lack health insurance (above the national rate). 71.4% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,856.
What is transportation like in Mountain Lake?
The average commute in Mountain Lake is 13 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 68.3% of workers drive alone to work, and 11.5% work from home.
What are the demographics of Mountain Lake?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Mountain Lake is 66.2% White, 2% Hispanic or Latino. 80.1% of residents speak only English at home, while 19.9% speak Spanish. 2.4% of the population are military veterans. 13.1% of residents have a disability. 95.8% have health insurance coverage.
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