Median Income
$66,250
12% lower than US avg
Home Value
$112,500
60% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
0/100K
100% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
12.9%
62% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$538
54% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
39.9%
24% higher than US avg
Unemployment
0.5%
86% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
12.2%
2% lower than US avg
How Peterson Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population256
Median Age31.5 yrs
Density533/mi²
Male / Female52% / 48%
Largest GroupWhite 95%
Veterans8.9%
Economy
A
Median Income$66,250
Per Capita$30,438
Unemployment0.5%
Poverty12.2%
County GDP$2,964M
Commute30 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$112,500
Rent$538
Ownership91.8%
Zillow$362,154
Housing Units124
Rent Burden23.8%
Crime
Violent0/100K
Property0/100K
Health
Obesity39.9%
Uninsured7.2%
Smoking14.9%
Depression24.9%
Heart Disease5.2%
Climate
Avg Temp45°F (7°C)
AQI36 (Good)
Rain36.9 in/yr
Sunny Days260/yr
Elevation745 ft (227 m)
Education
C
Bachelor's+12.9%
High School+95.9%
Graduate+5.9%
School Score6.04
Community
2024 VoteR 52% / D 47%
Commute30 min
Broadband98.0%
EV Stations1
Libraries2
Is Peterson a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Peterson receives an overall livability score of 3.7 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 high obesity rates. Peterson offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Peterson is $66,250, 12% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 0.5%. 12.2% of residents live in poverty, near the national average of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 30 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Peterson is $112,500, 60% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $538 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 1.7x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Peterson is a very safe community with a violent crime rate of 0 per 100,000 residents / well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 0 per 100,000, 100% below the national average.
Education
12.9% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 95.9% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 6/10.
Climate & Weather
Peterson has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 45°F. Winters average 15°F in January while summers reach 71°F in July. With 260 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 36.9 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 36.
Peterson has a population of 256 with a density of 533 people per square mile, spread across 0.5 square miles. The median age is 31.5 years, 19% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 48% female and 52% male. The city is predominantly White (95.3%), with 3.9% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 100% of residents. 8.9% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 13.1% of residents have a disability. 90.3% have health insurance coverage.
Population
31.5yrs
Median Age
19% below US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
100.0%
27% above US avg
Spanish
0.0%
100% below US avg
The median household income in Peterson is $66,250, which is 12% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $30,438 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,016, 29% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 0.5% (below the 3.6% US average). 12.2% of residents live below the poverty line. The area has 1,256 business establishments, including 129 restaurants. The cost of living index is 98.6, roughly in line with the national average. Workers commute an average of 30 minutes. 5.5% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $66,250 |
| 12% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $30,438 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,016 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $71,301 |
| Gini Index | 0.435 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 0.5% |
| 86% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 12.2% |
| 2% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 1,256 |
| County GDP | $2,964M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 129 |
| Healthcare | 135 |
| Retail | 141 |
| Manufacturing | 99 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $3,717 |
| 6% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 98.60 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 3.30% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 29.9 min |
| Drive Alone | 70.3% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 5.5% |
The median home value in Peterson is $112,500, 60% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $362,154, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $538 (54% 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. 91.8% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 124 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1938. The average annual property tax is $3,717. 23.8% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.7x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $112,500 |
| 60% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $362,154 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $538 |
| 54% 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 | 91.8% |
| Owner-Occupied | 91.8% |
| Renter-Occupied | 8.2% |
| Housing Units | 124 |
| Median Year Built | 1938 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $3,717 |
| 6% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 3.30% |
In Peterson, 39.9% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 8.5% have diabetes (below the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 5.2% of residents. 28.9% have high blood pressure. 14.9% are current smokers. 21.6% report binge drinking. 21.4% are physically inactive. 24.9% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 16.5% experience frequent mental distress. 7.2% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,757. The dentist ratio is 1:1,499. 92.5% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 9.0 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Peterson vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 39.9% |
| 24% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 8.5% |
| Heart Disease | 5.2% |
| High Blood Pressure | 28.9% |
| Asthma | 10.0% |
| COPD | 5.0% |
| Cancer | 7.5% |
| Stroke | 2.7% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 14.9% |
| 6% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 21.6% |
| Physical Inactivity | 21.4% |
| Depression | 24.9% |
| Mental Distress | 16.5% |
| Physical Distress | 11.1% |
| Short Sleep | 30.4% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 90.3% |
| Uninsured | 7.2% |
| 16% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:2,757 |
| Dentists | 1:1,499 |
| Mental Health | 1:398 |
| Checkup Rate | 71.7% |
| Dental Visits | 67.2% |
| Premature Death | 5,475/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 9.0/10 |
| Exercise Access | 92.5% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 135 |
Peterson has a violent crime rate of 0 per 100,000 residents, 100% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 0 per 100,000, 100% below the U.S. average. The county recorded 5 fatal traffic crashes.
Crime Rates: Peterson vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 5 |
| Traffic Accidents | 17 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.1 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
Peterson has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 45°F (7°C). Winters average 15°F in January while summers reach 71°F in July. The area gets 260 sunny days per year, above the national average. Annual precipitation totals 36.9 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 36. The city sits at an elevation of 745 feet.
Temperature
15°F Jan (-9°C)
71°F Jul (22°C)
| Annual Average | 44.8°F |
| 17% below US avg |
| January Average | 15°F (-9°C) |
| July Average | 71°F (22°C) |
| Sunny Days | 260 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 745 ft (227 m) |
| Area | 0.5 sq mi (1.3 km²) |
| Population Density | 533/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 43.7885°N, 91.8320°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Winona County County |
| Nearest Airport | La Crosse Regional (LSE)
29 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
36.9"
3% below US avg
Wettest Month (Aug)
4.17"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 36.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 69.5 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 30.3 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 88.0 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hurricane |
No Rating |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hail |
Relatively Moderate |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Moderate |
| Lightning |
Relatively Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
Relatively Low |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Landslide |
Relatively Moderate |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Tornado History
389 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 3 fatalities, 172 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jul 12, 1971 |
EF4 |
80 km |
0 |
| May 5, 1965 |
EF4 |
98 km |
0 |
| Sep 16, 1962 |
EF4 |
54 km |
0 |
| May 10, 1953 |
EF4 |
59 km |
2 |
| Jun 11, 2004 |
EF3 |
72 km |
0 |
| May 15, 1998 |
EF3 |
87 km |
0 |
| Jul 19, 1994 |
EF3 |
64 km |
0 |
| Jun 5, 1980 |
EF3 |
51 km |
0 |
| Jun 24, 1971 |
EF3 |
80 km |
1 |
| May 5, 1965 |
EF3 |
36 km |
0 |
| May 26, 1959 |
EF3 |
41 km |
0 |
| Sep 12, 1951 |
EF3 |
96 km |
0 |
| Apr 12, 2022 |
EF2 |
72 km |
0 |
| May 22, 2011 |
EF2 |
31 km |
0 |
| May 22, 2011 |
EF2 |
68 km |
0 |
| Jun 17, 2009 |
EF2 |
97 km |
0 |
| Aug 18, 2005 |
EF2 |
91 km |
0 |
| Jul 8, 1999 |
EF2 |
24 km |
0 |
| Jul 27, 1995 |
EF2 |
76 km |
0 |
| Jul 19, 1994 |
EF2 |
77 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
1 wildfire (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: BEAVER CUTOFF (982 ac, 2007).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2007 |
BEAVER CUTOFF |
982 |
43 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
15°F (-9°C) |
0.8 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
20°F (-7°C) |
0.8 in |
|
| March |
32°F (0°C) |
1.9 in |
|
| April |
46°F (8°C) |
3.1 in |
|
| May |
58°F (15°C) |
3.7 in |
|
| June |
67°F (20°C) |
4.1 in |
|
| July |
71°F (22°C) |
4.1 in |
Warmest |
| August |
69°F (21°C) |
4.2 in |
Wettest |
| September |
61°F (16°C) |
4.0 in |
|
| October |
49°F (10°C) |
2.4 in |
|
| November |
33°F (1°C) |
1.8 in |
|
| December |
20°F (-7°C) |
1.3 in |
|
Peterson has a seasonal temperature swing of 55°F / from 15°F in January to 71°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 32.2 inches, with August being the wettest month (4.2") and January the driest (0.8").
Average costs for common services in Peterson. 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 Peterson
What is the population of Peterson?
Peterson has a population of 256 residents and is located in Minnesota. The population density is 533 people per square mile, spread across 0.5 square miles. The median age of residents is 31.5 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 48% female and 52% male.
Is Peterson expensive to live in?
Peterson 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 $66,250, 12% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $112,500 (60% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $538 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.7x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Peterson safe?
Peterson is considered a very safe city with a violent crime rate of 0 per 100,000 residents, well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 0 per 100,000 (below the national average).
What is the weather like in Peterson?
Peterson has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 45°F (7°C). Winter temperatures average 15°F in January, while summers reach an average of 71°F in July. The area receives 260 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 36.9 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 36.
How is the job market in Peterson?
The job market in Peterson is very strong, with unemployment at just 0.5% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,016. There are 1,256 business establishments in the area, including 129 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 30 minutes, and 5.5% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Peterson?
The median home value in Peterson is $112,500. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $362,154. For renters, the median monthly rent is $538. Fair market rent is $899 for a 1-bedroom and $1,125 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 91.8%. The average annual property tax is $3,717.
How are the schools in Peterson?
Schools in Peterson score 6 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 12.9% of adults in Peterson hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 95.9% have completed high school. 5.9% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Peterson?
The obesity rate in Peterson is 39.9% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 14.9% of adults are smokers. 21.4% are physically inactive. 24.9% of residents report depression. 7.2% lack health insurance (below the national rate). 92.5% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,757.
What is transportation like in Peterson?
The average commute in Peterson is 30 minutes. 70.3% of workers drive alone to work, and 5.5% work from home.
What are the demographics of Peterson?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Peterson is 95.3% White, 3.9% Hispanic or Latino. 100% of residents speak only English at home. 8.9% of the population are military veterans. 13.1% of residents have a disability. 90.3% have health insurance coverage.
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