Median Income
$81,276
8% higher than US avg
Home Value
$234,600
17% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
105/100K
72% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
32.3%
4% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$1,010
13% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
37.5%
17% higher than US avg
Unemployment
2.1%
42% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
4.4%
65% lower than US avg
How Owatonna Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population26,462
Median Age40.0 yrs
Density1,744/mi²
Male / Female50% / 50%
Largest GroupWhite 86%
Veterans7.4%
Economy
A+
Median Income$81,276
Per Capita$41,718
Unemployment2.1%
Poverty4.4%
County GDP$2,874M
Commute18 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$234,600
Rent$1,010
Ownership76.7%
Zillow$289,821
Housing Units11,297
Rent Burden34.7%
Crime
F
Violent105/100K
Property1,563/100K
Murder0.0/100K
Assault70/100K
Burglary120/100K
Health
Obesity37.5%
Uninsured8.8%
Smoking14.5%
Depression24.1%
Heart Disease5.1%
Climate
Avg Temp45°F (7°C)
AQI36 (Good)
Rain35.5 in/yr
Sunny Days270/yr
Elevation1,134 ft (346 m)
Education
B+
Bachelor's+32.3%
High School+94.2%
Graduate+11.5%
School Score6.03
Community
2024 VoteR 61% / D 37%
Commute18 min
Broadband88.1%
EV Stations9
Libraries2
Is Owatonna a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Owatonna receives an overall livability score of 3.5 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B+. Key strengths include low unemployment, low crime rates, affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Owatonna offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Owatonna is $81,276, roughly in line with the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 2.1%. Only 4.4% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 18 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Owatonna is $234,600, 17% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $1,010 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 2.9x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Owatonna is a very safe community with a violent crime rate of 105 per 100,000 residents / well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,563 per 100,000, near the national average.
Education
32.3% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 94.2% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 6/10.
Climate & Weather
Owatonna 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 270 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 35.5 inches, including 44.2 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 36.
Owatonna has a population of 26,462 with a density of 1,744 people per square mile, spread across 14.6 square miles. The median age is 40.0 years, 3% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 49.9% female and 50.1% male. The city is predominantly White (85.8%), with 1.2% Hispanic, 4.8% Black. English is the primary language spoken at home by 93.5% of residents, while 6.5% speak Spanish. 7.4% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 11.4% of residents have a disability. 96.6% have health insurance coverage.
Population
40.0yrs
Median Age
3% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
93.5%
19% above US avg
Spanish
6.5%
51% below US avg
The median household income in Owatonna is $81,276, which is 8% above the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $41,718. The average weekly wage is $1,190, 17% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 2.1% (below the 3.6% US average). 4.4% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 1,130 business establishments, including 79 restaurants. The cost of living index is 98.6, roughly in line with the national average. Workers commute an average of 18 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 8.4% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $81,276 |
| 8% above US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $41,718 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,190 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $71,956 |
| Gini Index | 0.426 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 2.1% |
| 42% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 4.4% |
| 65% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 1,130 |
| County GDP | $2,874M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 79 |
| Healthcare | 124 |
| Retail | 146 |
| Manufacturing | 60 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $4,510 |
| 29% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 98.60 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 1.92% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 17.6 min |
| Drive Alone | 80.7% |
| Public Transit | 1.4% |
| Work from Home | 8.4% |
The median home value in Owatonna is $234,600, 17% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $289,821, higher than the Census estimate. Homes sell for 99.1% of their list price. Monthly rent averages $1,010 (13% 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. 76.7% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 11,297 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1976. The average annual property tax is $4,510 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 34.7% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.9x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $234,600 |
| 17% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $289,821 |
| Median List Price | $289,900 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
| Median List Price | $289,900 |
| $/Sq Ft | $159 |
| Homes Sold | 15 |
| Sale-to-List Ratio | 99.1% |
| Price Drops | 19.2% |
| Inventory | 52 |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $1,010 |
| 13% below US avg |
| Zillow Rent (ZORI) | $1,142 |
| Rent Burden | 34.7% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $809 |
| 1 Bedroom | $899 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,125 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,483 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,698 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 76.7% |
| Owner-Occupied | 76.7% |
| Renter-Occupied | 23.3% |
| Housing Units | 11,297 |
| Median Year Built | 1976 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $4,510 |
| 29% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 1.92% |
In Owatonna, 37.5% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 9.0% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.1% of residents. 28.5% have high blood pressure. 14.5% are current smokers. 20.1% report binge drinking. 23.0% are physically inactive. 24.1% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 16.3% experience frequent mental distress. 8.8% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,698. The dentist ratio is 1:1,169. 70.2% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 9.0 out of 10.
Air Quality (Open-Meteo CAMS — 2026-05-23)
PM2.5
5.2
μg/m³
Fine particulate
PM10
5.6
μg/m³
Coarse particulate
NO₂
1.7
μg/m³
Nitrogen dioxide
SO₂
1.2
μg/m³
Sulphur dioxide
CO
146.0
μg/m³
Carbon monoxide
Health Metrics: Owatonna vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 37.5% |
| 17% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 9.0% |
| Heart Disease | 5.1% |
| High Blood Pressure | 28.5% |
| Asthma | 10.0% |
| COPD | 5.1% |
| Cancer | 7.2% |
| Stroke | 2.7% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 14.5% |
| 4% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 20.1% |
| Physical Inactivity | 23.0% |
| Depression | 24.1% |
| Mental Distress | 16.3% |
| Physical Distress | 11.3% |
| Short Sleep | 30.9% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 96.6% |
| Uninsured | 8.8% |
| 2% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,698 |
| Dentists | 1:1,169 |
| Mental Health | 1:323 |
| Checkup Rate | 71.7% |
| Dental Visits | 65.4% |
| Premature Death | 6,151/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 9.0/10 |
| Exercise Access | 70.2% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 124 |
Owatonna has a violent crime rate of 105 per 100,000 residents, 72% below the national average of 380. This breaks down to aggravated assault at 69.8 per 100,000, robbery at 3.9, rape at 31.0. The murder rate is 0.0 per 100,000 (below the national rate of 6.3). Property crime stands at 1,563 per 100,000, 20% below the U.S. average. This includes larceny/theft at 1,314, burglary at 120, vehicle theft at 128 per 100,000 residents. The county recorded 2 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Owatonna receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Owatonna vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 104.7/100K |
| 72% below US avg |
| Murder | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg |
| Rape | 31.0/100K |
| Robbery | 3.9/100K |
| Assault | 69.8/100K |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 1,562.5/100K |
| 20% below US avg |
| Burglary | 120.2/100K |
| Theft | 1,314.4/100K |
| Vehicle Theft | 128.0/100K |
| Arson | 3.9/100K |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 2 |
| Traffic Accidents | 875 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.1 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Owatonna 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 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 35.5 inches. The area receives 44.2 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 1,134 feet.
Temperature
14°F Jan (-10°C)
72°F Jul (22°C)
| Annual Average | 44.8°F |
| 17% below US avg |
| January Average | 14°F (-10°C) |
| July Average | 72°F (22°C) |
| Sunny Days | 270 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,134 ft (346 m) |
| Area | 14.6 sq mi (37.9 km²) |
| Population Density | 1,744/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 44.0919°N, 93.2317°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Steele County County |
| Nearest Airport | Owatonna Degner Regional (OWA) 3 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
35.5"
7% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jul)
4.21"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 36.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 37.2 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 10.6 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 98.2 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Moderate |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Moderate |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Moderate |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Low |
| Lightning |
Very Low |
| Ice Storm |
Very Low |
| Drought |
Relatively Moderate |
| 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 |
63 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
599 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 47 fatalities, 1,043 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jun 17, 2010 |
EF4 |
66 km |
1 |
| Apr 30, 1967 |
EF4 |
72 km |
0 |
| Apr 30, 1967 |
EF4 |
40 km |
6 |
| Apr 30, 1967 |
EF4 |
88 km |
0 |
| Apr 30, 1967 |
EF4 |
60 km |
5 |
| May 6, 1965 |
EF4 |
99 km |
6 |
| May 6, 1965 |
EF4 |
88 km |
0 |
| May 6, 1965 |
EF4 |
87 km |
3 |
| May 5, 1965 |
EF4 |
96 km |
0 |
| Sep 16, 1962 |
EF4 |
64 km |
0 |
| May 10, 1953 |
EF4 |
98 km |
2 |
| Jun 17, 2010 |
EF3 |
27 km |
0 |
| Jun 17, 2010 |
EF3 |
37 km |
0 |
| Jun 17, 2010 |
EF3 |
46 km |
0 |
| Aug 24, 2006 |
EF3 |
85 km |
1 |
| Jun 11, 2004 |
EF3 |
94 km |
0 |
| Mar 29, 1998 |
EF3 |
78 km |
1 |
| Mar 29, 1998 |
EF3 |
63 km |
0 |
| Jul 27, 1987 |
EF3 |
67 km |
0 |
| Jun 7, 1984 |
EF3 |
48 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
7 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: SNAKE TRAIL (1,496 ac, 2024).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2024 |
SNAKE TRAIL |
1,496 |
17 km |
| 2007 |
BEAVER CUTOFF |
982 |
100 km |
| 2004 |
EAGAN |
925 |
83 km |
| 1990 |
UNNAMED |
598 |
41 km |
| 2024 |
LINCOLN WPA RX |
575 |
84 km |
| 1995 |
LV 68 CARVER |
532 |
77 km |
| 1990 |
UNNAMED |
513 |
78 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
14°F (-10°C) |
0.9 in |
Coldest |
| February |
19°F (-7°C) |
0.8 in |
Driest |
| March |
31°F (-1°C) |
1.9 in |
|
| April |
46°F (8°C) |
2.9 in |
|
| May |
59°F (15°C) |
3.7 in |
|
| June |
68°F (20°C) |
3.9 in |
|
| July |
72°F (22°C) |
4.2 in |
Warmest, Wettest |
| August |
69°F (21°C) |
4.1 in |
|
| September |
60°F (16°C) |
3.5 in |
|
| October |
48°F (9°C) |
2.4 in |
|
| November |
32°F (0°C) |
1.7 in |
|
| December |
18°F (-8°C) |
1.1 in |
|
Owatonna has a seasonal temperature swing of 58°F / from 14°F in January to 72°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 30.9 inches, with July being the wettest month (4.2") and February the driest (0.8").
Average costs for common services in Owatonna. 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 | $1,016 |
| Toddler | $920 |
| Preschool | $869 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $534 |
| Toddler | $541 |
| Preschool | $541 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Owatonna
What is the population of Owatonna?
Owatonna has a population of 26,462 residents and is located in Minnesota. The population density is 1,744 people per square mile, spread across 14.6 square miles. The median age of residents is 40.0 years. The population is 49.9% female and 50.1% male.
Is Owatonna expensive to live in?
Owatonna 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 $81,276, 8% above the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $234,600 (17% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $1,010 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.9x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Owatonna safe?
Owatonna is considered a very safe city with a violent crime rate of 105 per 100,000 residents, well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,563 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Owatonna receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Owatonna?
Owatonna 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 270 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 35.5 inches, with 44.2 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 36.
How is the job market in Owatonna?
The job market in Owatonna is very strong, with unemployment at just 2.1% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,190. There are 1,130 business establishments in the area, including 79 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 18 minutes, and 8.4% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Owatonna?
The median home value in Owatonna is $234,600. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $289,821. For renters, the median monthly rent is $1,010. Fair market rent is $899 for a 1-bedroom and $1,125 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 76.7%. The average annual property tax is $4,510.
How are the schools in Owatonna?
Schools in Owatonna score 6 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 32.3% of adults in Owatonna hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 94.2% have completed high school. 11.5% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Owatonna?
The obesity rate in Owatonna is 37.5% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 14.5% of adults are smokers. 23.0% are physically inactive. 24.1% of residents report depression. 8.8% lack health insurance. 70.2% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,698.
What is transportation like in Owatonna?
The average commute in Owatonna is 18 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 80.7% of workers drive alone to work, 1.4% use public transit, and 8.4% work from home.
What are the demographics of Owatonna?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Owatonna is 85.8% White, 4.8% Black or African American, 1.2% Hispanic or Latino. 93.5% of residents speak only English at home, while 6.5% speak Spanish. 7.4% of the population are military veterans. 11.4% of residents have a disability. 96.6% have health insurance coverage.