Median Income
$70,357
6% lower than US avg
Home Value
$141,400
50% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
18.8%
44% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
41.2%
28% higher than US avg
Unemployment
1.3%
64% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
3.0%
76% lower than US avg
How Ostrander Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population323
Median Age35.8 yrs
Density673/mi²
Male / Female38% / 63%
Largest GroupWhite 95%
Veterans5.3%
Economy
A
Median Income$70,357
Per Capita$31,237
Unemployment1.3%
Poverty3.0%
County GDP$2,995M
Commute26 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$141,400
Ownership83.3%
Zillow$289,898
Housing Units137
Rent Burden33.8%
Health
Obesity41.2%
Uninsured3.3%
Smoking17.2%
Depression27.0%
Heart Disease5.4%
Climate
Avg Temp43°F (6°C)
Rain36.4 in/yr
Elevation1,344 ft (410 m)
Education
C+
Bachelor's+18.8%
High School+90.1%
Graduate+6.7%
School Score5.35
Community
2024 VoteR 54% / D 44%
Commute26 min
Broadband88.9%
EV Stations2
Libraries4
Is Ostrander a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Ostrander receives an overall livability score of 4.0 out of 5.0, earning a grade of A. Key strengths include low unemployment, affordable housing, a low poverty rate, high health insurance coverage. Areas to be aware of include high obesity rates. Ostrander stands out as an excellent place to live, with strong marks across most quality-of-life indicators.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Ostrander is $70,357, roughly in line with the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 1.3%. Only 3.0% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 26 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Ostrander is $141,400, 50% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. At just 2x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Education
18.8% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 90.1% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.4/10.
Climate & Weather
Ostrander has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 43°F. Winters average 13°F in January while summers reach 69°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 36.4 inches, including 50.6 inches of snow.
Ostrander has a population of 323 with a density of 673 people per square mile, spread across 0.5 square miles. The median age is 35.8 years, 8% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 62.5% female and 37.5% male. The city is predominantly White (94.7%), with 1.9% Black. English is the primary language spoken at home by 100% of residents. 5.3% of the population are veterans. 9.6% of residents have a disability (below the 13.0% national average). 96.7% have health insurance coverage.
Population
323
Total Population
2023 Census
35.8yrs
Median Age
8% below US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Ostrander vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
100.0%
27% above US avg
Spanish
0.0%
100% below US avg
Social Characteristics
Ostrander vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Ostrander is $70,357, which is 6% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $31,237 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,174, 18% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 1.3% (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 900 business establishments, including 69 restaurants. The cost of living index is 98.6, roughly in line with the national average. Workers commute an average of 26 minutes. 11.5% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income: Ostrander vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $70,357 |
| 6% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $31,237 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,174 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $68,979 |
| Gini Index | 0.419 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 1.3% |
| 64% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 3.0% |
| 76% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 900 |
| County GDP | $2,995M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 69 |
| Healthcare | 109 |
| Retail | 119 |
| Manufacturing | 31 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $4,183 |
| 20% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 98.60 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 2.96% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 26.4 min |
| Drive Alone | 71.8% |
| Public Transit | 2.6% |
| Work from Home | 11.5% |
The median home value in Ostrander is $141,400, 50% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $289,898, higher than the Census estimate. Fair market rent ranges from $899 for a one-bedroom to $1,125 for a two-bedroom apartment. 83.3% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 137 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1972. The average annual property tax is $4,183 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 33.8% 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 | $141,400 |
| 50% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $289,898 |
Rental Costs
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $809 |
| 1 Bedroom | $899 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,125 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,483 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,698 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 83.3% |
| Owner-Occupied | 83.3% |
| Renter-Occupied | 16.7% |
| Housing Units | 137 |
| Median Year Built | 1972 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $4,183 |
| 20% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 2.96% |
In Ostrander, 41.2% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 9.0% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.4% of residents. 29.6% have high blood pressure. 17.2% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 20.3% report binge drinking. 24.2% are physically inactive. 27.0% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 18.4% experience frequent mental distress. 3.3% of residents lack health insurance (below the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,362. The dentist ratio is 1:1,825. 77.0% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.7 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Ostrander vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 41.2% |
| 28% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 9.0% |
| Heart Disease | 5.4% |
| High Blood Pressure | 29.6% |
| Asthma | 10.9% |
| COPD | 5.7% |
| Cancer | 7.3% |
| Stroke | 2.9% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 17.2% |
| 23% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 20.3% |
| Physical Inactivity | 24.2% |
| Depression | 27.0% |
| Mental Distress | 18.4% |
| Physical Distress | 12.3% |
| Short Sleep | 32.6% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 96.7% |
| Uninsured | 3.3% |
| 62% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:2,362 |
| Dentists | 1:1,825 |
| Mental Health | 1:598 |
| Checkup Rate | 71.8% |
| Dental Visits | 65.2% |
| Premature Death | 6,955/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.7/10 |
| Exercise Access | 77.0% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 109 |
Ostrander has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 43°F (6°C). Winters average 13°F in January while summers reach 69°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 36.4 inches. The area receives 50.6 inches of snow annually, making winter weather a significant factor for residents. The city sits at an elevation of 1,344 feet.
Temperature
13°F Jan (-11°C)
69°F Jul (21°C)
| Annual Average | 42.9°F |
| 21% below US avg |
| January Average | 13°F (-11°C) |
| July Average | 69°F (21°C) |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,344 ft (410 m) |
| Area | 0.5 sq mi (1.2 km²) |
| Population Density | 673/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 43.6137°N, 92.4263°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Mower County County |
| Nearest Airport | Rochester International (RST)
21 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
36.4"
4% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
5.75"
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 67.3 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 37.7 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 83.1 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hurricane |
No Rating |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hail |
Relatively Moderate |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Moderate |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Moderate |
| Lightning |
Very Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
Relatively High |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
1 earthquake (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M2.8. Most recent: M2.8 on Apr 25, 2017.
| Apr 25, 2017 |
Near Mankato, Minnesota |
M2.8 |
142 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990-2025)
Tornado History
503 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 23 fatalities, 254 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jun 17, 2010 |
EF4 |
98 km |
1 |
| Jul 12, 1971 |
EF4 |
43 km |
0 |
| Apr 30, 1967 |
EF4 |
90 km |
6 |
| Apr 30, 1967 |
EF4 |
63 km |
0 |
| Apr 30, 1967 |
EF4 |
81 km |
5 |
| Apr 30, 1967 |
EF4 |
69 km |
0 |
| May 5, 1965 |
EF4 |
49 km |
0 |
| Sep 16, 1962 |
EF4 |
40 km |
0 |
| May 10, 1953 |
EF4 |
18 km |
2 |
| Jun 17, 2010 |
EF3 |
63 km |
0 |
| Jun 17, 2010 |
EF3 |
67 km |
0 |
| Jun 17, 2010 |
EF3 |
80 km |
0 |
| Jun 11, 2004 |
EF3 |
26 km |
0 |
| Jul 19, 1994 |
EF3 |
38 km |
0 |
| Jun 7, 1984 |
EF3 |
75 km |
0 |
| May 17, 1982 |
EF3 |
69 km |
0 |
| Jun 5, 1980 |
EF3 |
97 km |
0 |
| May 28, 1974 |
EF3 |
71 km |
0 |
| Jul 12, 1971 |
EF3 |
58 km |
0 |
| Jun 24, 1971 |
EF3 |
78 km |
1 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950-2024)
Wildfire History
2 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: SNAKE TRAIL (1,496 ac, 2024).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2024 |
SNAKE TRAIL |
1,496 |
98 km |
| 2007 |
BEAVER CUTOFF |
982 |
70 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
13°F (-11°C) |
1.0 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
17°F (-8°C) |
1.0 in |
|
| March |
29°F (-2°C) |
1.9 in |
|
| April |
43°F (6°C) |
3.8 in |
|
| May |
55°F (13°C) |
4.7 in |
|
| June |
66°F (19°C) |
5.8 in |
Wettest |
| July |
69°F (21°C) |
4.4 in |
Warmest |
| August |
67°F (19°C) |
4.3 in |
|
| September |
59°F (15°C) |
3.6 in |
|
| October |
46°F (8°C) |
2.6 in |
|
| November |
32°F (0°C) |
1.8 in |
|
| December |
20°F (-7°C) |
1.3 in |
|
Ostrander has a seasonal temperature swing of 56°F / from 13°F in January to 69°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 36.4 inches, with June being the wettest month (5.8") and January the driest (1.0").
Average costs for common services in Ostrander. 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 Ostrander
What is the population of Ostrander?
Ostrander has a population of 323 residents and is located in Minnesota. The population density is 673 people per square mile, spread across 0.5 square miles. The median age of residents is 35.8 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 62.5% female and 37.5% male.
Is Ostrander expensive to live in?
Ostrander 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 $70,357, 6% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $141,400 (50% below the U.S. median). The home price-to-income ratio is 2x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
What is the weather like in Ostrander?
Ostrander has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 43°F (6°C). Winter temperatures average 13°F in January, while summers reach an average of 69°F in July. Annual rainfall totals 36.4 inches, with 50.6 inches of snow.
How is the job market in Ostrander?
The job market in Ostrander is very strong, with unemployment at just 1.3% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,174. There are 900 business establishments in the area, including 69 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 26 minutes, and 11.5% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Ostrander?
The median home value in Ostrander is $141,400. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $289,898. The homeownership rate is 83.3%. The average annual property tax is $4,183.
How are the schools in Ostrander?
Schools in Ostrander score 5.4 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 18.8% of adults in Ostrander hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 90.1% have completed high school. 6.7% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Ostrander?
The obesity rate in Ostrander is 41.2% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 17.2% of adults are smokers. 24.2% are physically inactive. 27.0% of residents report depression. 3.3% lack health insurance (below the national rate). 77.0% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,362.
What is transportation like in Ostrander?
The average commute in Ostrander is 26 minutes. 71.8% of workers drive alone to work, 2.6% use public transit, and 11.5% work from home.
What are the demographics of Ostrander?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Ostrander is 94.7% White, 1.9% Black or African American. 100% of residents speak only English at home. 5.3% of the population are military veterans. 9.6% of residents have a disability. 96.7% have health insurance coverage.