Median Income
$72,105
4% lower than US avg
Home Value
$168,800
40% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
80/100K
79% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
27.9%
17% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$791
32% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
34.7%
8% higher than US avg
Unemployment
1.4%
61% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
How Paynesville Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population2,476
Median Age40.6 yrs
Density1,081/mi²
Male / Female50% / 50%
Largest GroupWhite 90%
Veterans10.2%
Economy
A
Median Income$72,105
Per Capita$35,009
Unemployment1.4%
Poverty0.0%
County GDP$12,618M
Commute22 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$168,800
Rent$791
Ownership69.2%
Zillow$218,453
Housing Units1,167
Rent Burden23.9%
Crime
F
Violent80/100K
Property40/100K
Murder39.8/100K
Assault40/100K
Burglary40/100K
Health
Obesity34.7%
Uninsured7.1%
Smoking13.4%
Depression25.6%
Heart Disease4.7%
Climate
Avg Temp43°F (6°C)
AQI36 (Good)
Rain31.4 in/yr
Sunny Days270/yr
Elevation1,175 ft (358 m)
Education
B
Bachelor's+27.9%
High School+93.1%
Graduate+8.4%
School Score6.21
Community
2024 VoteR 62% / D 36%
Commute22 min
Broadband90.1%
EV Stations1
Libraries10
Is Paynesville a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Paynesville 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. Paynesville offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Paynesville is $72,105, roughly in line with the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 1.4%. Only 0.0% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 22 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Paynesville is $168,800, 40% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $791 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 2.3x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Paynesville is a very safe community with a violent crime rate of 80 per 100,000 residents / well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 40 per 100,000, 98% below the national average.
Education
27.9% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 93.1% have completed high school. Local schools score 6.2/10 in standardized testing, reflecting strong academic performance.
Climate & Weather
Paynesville has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 43°F. Winters average 11°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 31.4 inches, including 50.2 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 36.
Paynesville has a population of 2,476 with a density of 1,081 people per square mile, spread across 2.3 square miles. The median age is 40.6 years, 4% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 50.1% female and 49.9% male. The city is predominantly White (89.7%), with 4.1% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 98% of residents. 10.2% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 13.9% of residents have a disability. 94.9% have health insurance coverage.
Population
40.6yrs
Median Age
4% above US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Paynesville vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
98.0%
25% above US avg
Spanish
2.0%
85% below US avg
Social Characteristics
Paynesville vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Paynesville is $72,105, which is 4% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $35,009. The average weekly wage is $1,198, 16% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 1.4% (below the 3.6% US average). 0.0% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 4,733 business establishments, including 391 restaurants. The cost of living index is 98.6, roughly in line with the national average. Workers commute an average of 22 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 7.8% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income: Paynesville vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $72,105 |
| 4% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $35,009 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,198 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $79,564 |
| Gini Index | 0.431 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 1.4% |
| 61% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 4,733 |
| County GDP | $12,618M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 391 |
| Healthcare | 529 |
| Retail | 642 |
| Manufacturing | 231 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $5,101 |
| 46% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 98.60 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 3.02% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 21.5 min |
| Drive Alone | 83.1% |
| Public Transit | 0.1% |
| Work from Home | 7.8% |
The median home value in Paynesville is $168,800, 40% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $218,453, higher than the Census estimate. Homes sell for 99.8% of their list price. Monthly rent averages $791 (32% 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. 69.2% of housing units are owner-occupied. There are 1,167 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1971. The average annual property tax is $5,101 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 23.9% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.3x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $168,800 |
| 40% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $218,453 |
| Median List Price | $195,000 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
| Median List Price | $195,000 |
| $/Sq Ft | $147 |
| Homes Sold | 3 |
| Sale-to-List Ratio | 99.8% |
| Price Drops | 25.0% |
| Inventory | 12 |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $791 |
| 32% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 23.9% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $809 |
| 1 Bedroom | $899 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,125 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,483 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,698 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 69.2% |
| Owner-Occupied | 69.2% |
| Renter-Occupied | 30.8% |
| Housing Units | 1,167 |
| Median Year Built | 1971 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $5,101 |
| 46% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 3.02% |
In Paynesville, 34.7% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 8.0% have diabetes (below the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 4.7% of residents, below the national average. 26.0% have high blood pressure. 13.4% are current smokers. 21.2% report binge drinking. 20.0% are physically inactive, below the national average. 25.6% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 16.3% experience frequent mental distress. 7.1% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,025. The dentist ratio is 1:1,224. 77.6% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.5 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Paynesville vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 34.7% |
| 8% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 8.0% |
| Heart Disease | 4.7% |
| High Blood Pressure | 26.0% |
| Asthma | 10.1% |
| COPD | 4.6% |
| Cancer | 7.5% |
| Stroke | 2.5% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 13.4% |
| 4% below US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 21.2% |
| Physical Inactivity | 20.0% |
| Depression | 25.6% |
| Mental Distress | 16.3% |
| Physical Distress | 10.6% |
| Short Sleep | 30.7% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 94.9% |
| Uninsured | 7.1% |
| 17% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,025 |
| Dentists | 1:1,224 |
| Mental Health | 1:235 |
| Checkup Rate | 72.6% |
| Dental Visits | 70.0% |
| Premature Death | 6,211/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.5/10 |
| Exercise Access | 77.6% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 529 |
Paynesville has a violent crime rate of 80 per 100,000 residents, 79% below the national average of 380. This breaks down to aggravated assault at 39.8 per 100,000, robbery at 0.0, rape at 0.0. The murder rate is 39.8 per 100,000 (above the national rate of 6.3). Property crime stands at 40 per 100,000, 98% below the U.S. average. This includes larceny/theft at 0, burglary at 40, vehicle theft at 0 per 100,000 residents. The county recorded 10 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Paynesville receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Paynesville vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 79.7/100K |
| 79% below US avg |
| Murder | 39.8/100K |
| 532% above US avg |
| Rape | 0.0/100K |
| Robbery | 0.0/100K |
| Assault | 39.8/100K |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 39.8/100K |
| 98% below US avg |
| Burglary | 39.8/100K |
| Theft | 0.0/100K |
| Vehicle Theft | 0.0/100K |
| Arson | 0.0/100K |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 10 |
| Traffic Accidents | 150 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.3 / 5.0 |
Paynesville has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 43°F (6°C). Winters average 11°F in January while summers reach 72°F in July / a wide seasonal temperature swing of 61°F. 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 31.4 inches. The area receives 50.2 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 1,175 feet.
Temperature
11°F Jan (-12°C)
72°F Jul (22°C)
| Annual Average | 43.0°F |
| 20% below US avg |
| January Average | 11°F (-12°C) |
| July Average | 72°F (22°C) |
| Sunny Days | 270 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,175 ft (358 m) |
| Area | 2.3 sq mi (6.0 km²) |
| Population Density | 1,081/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 45.3785°N, 94.7216°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Stearns County County |
| Nearest Airport | St Cloud Regional (STC)
34 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
31.4"
17% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
4.57"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 36.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Air Pollutants (EPA 2023)
| Ozone (O₃) | 0.0456 ppm |
| PM2.5 (Fine Particles) | 8.7 μg/m³ |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Moderate |
| Risk Score | 87.6 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 24.1 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 96.2 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively High |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Relatively Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hail |
Relatively High |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively High |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively High |
| Lightning |
Relatively High |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Moderate |
| Drought |
Relatively Low |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Landslide |
Relatively Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
4 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M4.1. Most recent: M2.8 on Apr 25, 2017.
| Jun 5, 1993 |
11 km N of Johnson, Minnesota |
M4.1 |
127 km |
| Feb 9, 1994 |
6 km NNE of Blomkest, Minnesota |
M3.1 |
47 km |
| Apr 25, 2017 |
Near Mankato, Minnesota |
M2.8 |
144 km |
| Apr 29, 2011 |
Minnesota |
M2.5 |
93 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
453 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 10 fatalities, 343 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jun 17, 2010 |
EF4 |
96 km |
1 |
| Jul 25, 2000 |
EF4 |
92 km |
1 |
| Jun 19, 1951 |
EF4 |
62 km |
1 |
| Jul 11, 2008 |
EF3 |
47 km |
0 |
| Jun 13, 2001 |
EF3 |
100 km |
0 |
| Sep 18, 1997 |
EF3 |
93 km |
1 |
| Jul 1, 1997 |
EF3 |
62 km |
0 |
| Jun 16, 1992 |
EF3 |
55 km |
0 |
| Sep 3, 1980 |
EF3 |
43 km |
1 |
| May 6, 1965 |
EF3 |
89 km |
0 |
| Jun 18, 1964 |
EF3 |
65 km |
0 |
| May 5, 1964 |
EF3 |
23 km |
0 |
| May 30, 2022 |
EF2 |
65 km |
0 |
| Jul 11, 2016 |
EF2 |
32 km |
0 |
| Jul 11, 2016 |
EF2 |
26 km |
0 |
| Jul 14, 2009 |
EF2 |
58 km |
0 |
| Sep 16, 2006 |
EF2 |
88 km |
1 |
| Jun 24, 2003 |
EF2 |
79 km |
0 |
| Jun 13, 2001 |
EF2 |
69 km |
0 |
| Jun 11, 2001 |
EF2 |
71 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: UNNAMED (9,055 ac, 2007).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2007 |
UNNAMED |
9,055 |
97 km |
| 2009 |
CENTER TANK RANGE |
6,131 |
94 km |
| 2002 |
UNIT 4 |
5,887 |
75 km |
| 2003 |
UNITS 37 38 39 A |
4,879 |
82 km |
| 1998 |
UNITS 1617 |
4,649 |
81 km |
| 1988 |
UNNAMED |
4,475 |
93 km |
| 2005 |
RX HFR 05 |
4,253 |
81 km |
| 2009 |
BU9 |
4,112 |
75 km |
| 2007 |
WUI 07 - UNIT 36 |
4,025 |
82 km |
| 2000 |
UNIT 25 |
3,412 |
82 km |
| 2009 |
BU11 |
3,242 |
77 km |
| 1997 |
BIG |
2,987 |
80 km |
| 2003 |
UNITS 34 33 W |
2,637 |
80 km |
| 2024 |
UNIT 8E RX |
2,551 |
77 km |
| 1992 |
SHARPTAIL |
2,288 |
80 km |
| 1988 |
UNNAMED |
2,243 |
89 km |
| 2010 |
WUI 10 UNIT D |
2,042 |
80 km |
| 1996 |
UNNAMED |
1,906 |
83 km |
| 2009 |
EAST TANK RANGE |
1,801 |
90 km |
| 2006 |
UNIT 4 |
1,732 |
76 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
11°F (-12°C) |
0.8 in |
Coldest |
| February |
17°F (-8°C) |
0.7 in |
Driest |
| March |
29°F (-1°C) |
1.6 in |
|
| April |
45°F (7°C) |
2.5 in |
|
| May |
58°F (15°C) |
3.4 in |
|
| June |
67°F (20°C) |
4.6 in |
Wettest |
| July |
72°F (22°C) |
3.4 in |
Warmest |
| August |
69°F (21°C) |
3.5 in |
|
| September |
59°F (15°C) |
3.2 in |
|
| October |
47°F (8°C) |
2.4 in |
|
| November |
30°F (-1°C) |
1.3 in |
|
| December |
16°F (-9°C) |
0.8 in |
|
Paynesville has a seasonal temperature swing of 61°F / from 11°F in January to 72°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 28.1 inches, with June being the wettest month (4.6") and February the driest (0.7").
Average costs for common services in Paynesville. 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 | $1,865 |
| Toddler | $1,653 |
| Preschool | $1,458 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $621 |
| Toddler | $570 |
| Preschool | $570 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Paynesville
What is the population of Paynesville?
Paynesville has a population of 2,476 residents and is located in Minnesota. The population density is 1,081 people per square mile, spread across 2.3 square miles. The median age of residents is 40.6 years. The population is 50.1% female and 49.9% male.
Is Paynesville expensive to live in?
Paynesville 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 $72,105, 4% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $168,800 (40% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $791 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.3x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Paynesville safe?
Paynesville is considered a very safe city with a violent crime rate of 80 per 100,000 residents, well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 40 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Paynesville receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Paynesville?
Paynesville has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 43°F (6°C). Winter temperatures average 11°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 31.4 inches, with 50.2 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 36.
How is the job market in Paynesville?
The job market in Paynesville is very strong, with unemployment at just 1.4% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,198. There are 4,733 business establishments in the area, including 391 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 22 minutes, and 7.8% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Paynesville?
The median home value in Paynesville is $168,800. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $218,453. For renters, the median monthly rent is $791. Fair market rent is $899 for a 1-bedroom and $1,125 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 69.2%. The average annual property tax is $5,101.
How are the schools in Paynesville?
Schools in Paynesville score 6.2 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 27.9% of adults in Paynesville hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 93.1% have completed high school. 8.4% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Paynesville?
The obesity rate in Paynesville is 34.7% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 13.4% of adults are smokers. 20.0% are physically inactive. 25.6% of residents report depression. 7.1% lack health insurance (below the national rate). 77.6% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,025.
What is transportation like in Paynesville?
The average commute in Paynesville is 22 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 83.1% of workers drive alone to work, and 7.8% work from home.
What are the demographics of Paynesville?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Paynesville is 89.7% White, 4.1% Hispanic or Latino. 98% of residents speak only English at home. 10.2% of the population are military veterans. 13.9% of residents have a disability. 94.9% have health insurance coverage.
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