Median Income
$63,984
15% lower than US avg
Home Value
$192,700
32% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
61/100K
84% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
27.2%
19% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$974
16% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
36.2%
13% higher than US avg
Unemployment
1.6%
56% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
5.3%
57% lower than US avg
How New Ulm Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population14,066
Median Age40.3 yrs
Density1,383/mi²
Male / Female49% / 52%
Largest GroupWhite 95%
Veterans5.1%
Economy
A
Median Income$63,984
Per Capita$35,113
Unemployment1.6%
Poverty5.3%
County GDP$1,983M
Commute13 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$192,700
Rent$974
Ownership74.6%
Zillow$238,584
Housing Units6,240
Rent Burden26.9%
Crime
F
Violent61/100K
Property878/100K
Murder0.0/100K
Assault45/100K
Burglary91/100K
Health
Obesity36.2%
Uninsured8.3%
Smoking15.9%
Depression25.5%
Heart Disease5.2%
Climate
Avg Temp46°F (8°C)
AQI36 (Good)
Rain31.1 in/yr
Sunny Days270/yr
Elevation890 ft (271 m)
Education
B
Bachelor's+27.2%
High School+92.0%
Graduate+10.0%
School Score6.89
Community
2024 VoteR 49% / D 49%
Commute13 min
Broadband86.4%
EV Stations4
Libraries3
Is New Ulm a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, New Ulm 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. New Ulm offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in New Ulm is $63,984, 15% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 1.6%. Only 5.3% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate 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 New Ulm is $192,700, 32% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $974 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 3x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
New Ulm is a very safe community with a violent crime rate of 61 per 100,000 residents / well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 878 per 100,000, 55% below the national average.
Education
27.2% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 92.0% have completed high school. Local schools score 6.9/10 in standardized testing, reflecting strong academic performance.
Climate & Weather
New Ulm experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 46°F. Winters average 15°F in January while summers reach 72°F in July. With 270 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 31.1 inches, including 38.3 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 36.
New Ulm has a population of 14,066 with a density of 1,383 people per square mile, spread across 10.2 square miles. The median age is 40.3 years, 4% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 51.5% female and 48.5% male. The city is predominantly White (94.5%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 95.2% of residents. 5.1% of the population are veterans. 12.4% of residents have a disability. 95.0% have health insurance coverage.
Population
40.3yrs
Median Age
4% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
95.2%
21% above US avg
Spanish
4.8%
64% below US avg
The median household income in New Ulm is $63,984, which is 15% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $35,113. The average weekly wage is $1,081, 25% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 1.6% (below the 3.6% US average). 5.3% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 849 business establishments, including 55 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). 6.5% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $63,984 |
| 15% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $35,113 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,081 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $79,374 |
| Gini Index | 0.460 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 1.6% |
| 56% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 5.3% |
| 57% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 849 |
| County GDP | $1,983M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 55 |
| Healthcare | 93 |
| Retail | 83 |
| Manufacturing | 47 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $4,641 |
| 33% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 98.60 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 2.41% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 12.5 min |
| Drive Alone | 79.9% |
| Public Transit | 0.9% |
| Work from Home | 6.5% |
The median home value in New Ulm is $192,700, 32% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $238,584, higher than the Census estimate. Homes sell for 96.1% of their list price, suggesting buyers have room to negotiate. Monthly rent averages $974 (16% 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. 74.6% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 6,240 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1964. The average annual property tax is $4,641 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 26.9% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 3x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $192,700 |
| 32% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $238,584 |
| Median List Price | $262,400 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
| Median List Price | $262,400 |
| $/Sq Ft | $135 |
| Homes Sold | 9 |
| Sale-to-List Ratio | 96.1% |
| Price Drops | 17.7% |
| Inventory | 17 |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $974 |
| 16% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 26.9% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $809 |
| 1 Bedroom | $899 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,125 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,483 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,698 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 74.6% |
| Owner-Occupied | 74.6% |
| Renter-Occupied | 25.4% |
| Housing Units | 6,240 |
| Median Year Built | 1964 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $4,641 |
| 33% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 2.41% |
In New Ulm, 36.2% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 9.0% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.2% of residents. 28.5% have high blood pressure. 15.9% are current smokers. 20.5% report binge drinking. 23.3% are physically inactive. 25.5% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 17.3% experience frequent mental distress. 8.3% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,184. The dentist ratio is 1:1,276. 84.1% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.4 out of 10.
Air Quality (Open-Meteo CAMS — 2026-05-23)
PM2.5
6.7
μg/m³
Fine particulate
PM10
7.1
μg/m³
Coarse particulate
NO₂
1.6
μg/m³
Nitrogen dioxide
SO₂
0.8
μg/m³
Sulphur dioxide
CO
138.0
μg/m³
Carbon monoxide
Health Metrics: New Ulm vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 36.2% |
| 13% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 9.0% |
| Heart Disease | 5.2% |
| High Blood Pressure | 28.5% |
| Asthma | 10.3% |
| COPD | 5.5% |
| Cancer | 7.4% |
| Stroke | 2.8% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 15.9% |
| 14% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 20.5% |
| Physical Inactivity | 23.3% |
| Depression | 25.5% |
| Mental Distress | 17.3% |
| Physical Distress | 11.8% |
| Short Sleep | 28.5% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 95.0% |
| Uninsured | 8.3% |
| 3% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,184 |
| Dentists | 1:1,276 |
| Mental Health | 1:317 |
| Checkup Rate | 73.2% |
| Dental Visits | 64.5% |
| Premature Death | 5,160/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.4/10 |
| Exercise Access | 84.1% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 93 |
New Ulm has a violent crime rate of 61 per 100,000 residents, 84% below the national average of 380. This breaks down to aggravated assault at 45.4 per 100,000, robbery at 0.0, rape at 15.2. The murder rate is 0.0 per 100,000 (below the national rate of 6.3). Property crime stands at 878 per 100,000, 55% below the U.S. average. This includes larceny/theft at 727, burglary at 91, vehicle theft at 61 per 100,000 residents. Overall, New Ulm receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: New Ulm vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 60.6/100K |
| 84% below US avg |
| Murder | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg |
| Rape | 15.2/100K |
| Robbery | 0.0/100K |
| Assault | 45.4/100K |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 878.5/100K |
| 55% below US avg |
| Burglary | 90.9/100K |
| Theft | 727.0/100K |
| Vehicle Theft | 60.6/100K |
| Arson | 7.6/100K |
Traffic Safety
| Traffic Accidents | 301 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
New Ulm experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 46°F (8°C). Winters average 15°F in January while summers reach 72°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 31.1 inches. The area receives 38.3 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 890 feet.
Temperature
15°F Jan (-9°C)
72°F Jul (22°C)
| Annual Average | 45.9°F |
| 15% below US avg |
| January Average | 15°F (-9°C) |
| July Average | 72°F (22°C) |
| Sunny Days | 270 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 890 ft (271 m) |
| Area | 10.2 sq mi (26.3 km²) |
| Population Density | 1,383/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 44.3121°N, 94.4689°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Nicollet County County |
| Nearest Airport | Mankato Regional (MKT)
28 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
31.1"
18% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
4.37"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 36.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 45.4 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 15.8 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 99.1 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Moderate |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively High |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Moderate |
| Lightning |
Very Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
Relatively Low |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Landslide |
Relatively 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: M2.8 on Apr 25, 2017.
| Feb 9, 1994 |
6 km NNE of Blomkest, Minnesota |
M3.1 |
87 km |
| Apr 25, 2017 |
Near Mankato, Minnesota |
M2.8 |
40 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
479 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 16 fatalities, 542 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Mar 29, 1998 |
EF4 |
94 km |
1 |
| Apr 30, 1967 |
EF4 |
95 km |
6 |
| May 6, 1965 |
EF4 |
77 km |
3 |
| May 6, 1965 |
EF4 |
95 km |
0 |
| Jun 19, 1951 |
EF4 |
64 km |
1 |
| Jul 11, 2008 |
EF3 |
100 km |
0 |
| Aug 24, 2006 |
EF3 |
17 km |
1 |
| Aug 1, 2006 |
EF3 |
50 km |
0 |
| Mar 29, 1998 |
EF3 |
41 km |
0 |
| Mar 29, 1998 |
EF3 |
24 km |
1 |
| Jul 1, 1997 |
EF3 |
97 km |
0 |
| Jun 16, 1992 |
EF3 |
89 km |
0 |
| Jun 16, 1992 |
EF3 |
72 km |
0 |
| Jun 16, 1992 |
EF3 |
81 km |
0 |
| May 6, 1965 |
EF3 |
47 km |
0 |
| Dec 15, 2021 |
EF2 |
97 km |
0 |
| Sep 20, 2018 |
EF2 |
82 km |
0 |
| Sep 20, 2018 |
EF2 |
89 km |
0 |
| Jul 11, 2016 |
EF2 |
91 km |
0 |
| Jun 25, 2010 |
EF2 |
35 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 |
85 km |
| 1990 |
UNNAMED |
598 |
89 km |
| 2024 |
LINCOLN WPA RX |
575 |
35 km |
| 1995 |
LV 68 CARVER |
532 |
82 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
15°F (-9°C) |
0.7 in |
Coldest |
| February |
19°F (-7°C) |
0.6 in |
Driest |
| March |
32°F (-0°C) |
1.9 in |
|
| April |
46°F (8°C) |
2.6 in |
|
| May |
59°F (15°C) |
3.4 in |
|
| June |
69°F (20°C) |
4.4 in |
Wettest |
| July |
72°F (22°C) |
4.0 in |
Warmest |
| August |
70°F (21°C) |
3.9 in |
|
| September |
61°F (16°C) |
2.9 in |
|
| October |
49°F (9°C) |
2.2 in |
|
| November |
32°F (0°C) |
1.8 in |
|
| December |
18°F (-8°C) |
0.8 in |
|
New Ulm has a seasonal temperature swing of 57°F / from 15°F in January to 72°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 29.1 inches, with June being the wettest month (4.4") and February the driest (0.6").
Average costs for common services in New Ulm. 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 | $948 |
| Toddler | $893 |
| Preschool | $821 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $621 |
| Toddler | $570 |
| Preschool | $570 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About New Ulm
What is the population of New Ulm?
New Ulm has a population of 14,066 residents and is located in Minnesota. The population density is 1,383 people per square mile, spread across 10.2 square miles. The median age of residents is 40.3 years. The population is 51.5% female and 48.5% male.
Is New Ulm expensive to live in?
New Ulm 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 $63,984, 15% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $192,700 (32% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $974 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 3x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is New Ulm safe?
New Ulm is considered a very safe city with a violent crime rate of 61 per 100,000 residents, well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 878 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, New Ulm receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in New Ulm?
New Ulm has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 46°F (8°C). Winter temperatures average 15°F in January, while summers reach an average of 72°F in July. The area receives 270 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 31.1 inches, with 38.3 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 36.
How is the job market in New Ulm?
The job market in New Ulm is very strong, with unemployment at just 1.6% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,081. There are 849 business establishments in the area, including 55 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 13 minutes, and 6.5% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in New Ulm?
The median home value in New Ulm is $192,700. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $238,584. For renters, the median monthly rent is $974. Fair market rent is $899 for a 1-bedroom and $1,125 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 74.6%. The average annual property tax is $4,641.
How are the schools in New Ulm?
Schools in New Ulm score 6.9 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 27.2% of adults in New Ulm hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 92.0% have completed high school. 10.0% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is New Ulm?
The obesity rate in New Ulm is 36.2% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 15.9% of adults are smokers. 23.3% are physically inactive. 25.5% of residents report depression. 8.3% lack health insurance. 84.1% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,184.
What is transportation like in New Ulm?
The average commute in New Ulm is 13 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 79.9% of workers drive alone to work, and 6.5% work from home.
What are the demographics of New Ulm?
The racial and ethnic makeup of New Ulm is 94.5% White, 0.7% Black or African American, 0.7% Hispanic or Latino. 95.2% of residents speak only English at home, while 4.8% speak Spanish. 5.1% of the population are military veterans. 12.4% of residents have a disability. 95.0% have health insurance coverage.
All Countries
