Median Income
$69,800
7% lower than US avg
Home Value
$230,600
18% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
30/100K
92% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
26.8%
20% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$774
33% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
39.3%
22% higher than US avg
Unemployment
3.5%
3% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
14.1%
14% higher than US avg
How Plainview Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population3,501
Median Age35.0 yrs
Density1,636/mi²
Male / Female52% / 48%
Largest GroupWhite 95%
Veterans8.3%
Economy
B+
Median Income$69,800
Per Capita$31,654
Unemployment3.5%
Poverty14.1%
County GDP$1,094M
Commute24 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$230,600
Rent$774
Ownership75.2%
Zillow$267,456
Housing Units1,416
Rent Burden36.6%
Crime
F
Violent30/100K
Property668/100K
Murder0.0/100K
Assault0/100K
Burglary182/100K
Health
Obesity39.3%
Uninsured8.8%
Smoking15.9%
Depression25.2%
Heart Disease5.5%
Climate
Avg Temp45°F (7°C)
AQI36 (Good)
Rain35.5 in/yr
Sunny Days270/yr
Elevation1,167 ft (356 m)
Education
B
Bachelor's+26.8%
High School+92.1%
Graduate+6.4%
School Score6.71
Community
2024 VoteR 63% / D 35%
Commute24 min
Broadband72.6%
EV Stations1
Libraries3
Is Plainview a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Plainview receives an overall livability score of 3.2 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. Plainview offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Plainview is $69,800, roughly in line with the national average of $75,149. Unemployment stands at 3.5%, indicating a healthy job market. 14.1% of residents live in poverty, near the national average of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 24 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Plainview is $230,600, 18% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $774 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. A price-to-income ratio of 3.3x indicates a reasonably affordable housing market.
Safety & Crime
Plainview is a very safe community with a violent crime rate of 30 per 100,000 residents / well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 668 per 100,000, 66% below the national average.
Education
26.8% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 92.1% have completed high school. Local schools score 6.7/10 in standardized testing, reflecting strong academic performance.
Climate & Weather
Plainview 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 48.3 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 36.
Plainview has a population of 3,501 with a density of 1,636 people per square mile, spread across 2.1 square miles. The median age is 35.0 years, 10% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 48% female and 52% male. The city is predominantly White (95.1%), with 1.4% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 92.5% of residents, while 7.5% speak Spanish. 8.3% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 12.5% of residents have a disability. 94.1% have health insurance coverage.
Population
35.0yrs
Median Age
10% below US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Plainview vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
92.5%
18% above US avg
Spanish
7.5%
44% below US avg
Social Characteristics
Plainview vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Plainview is $69,800, which is 7% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $31,654 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $916, 36% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 3.5% (below the 3.6% US average). 14.1% of residents live below the poverty line. The area has 608 business establishments, including 58 restaurants. The cost of living index is 98.6, roughly in line with the national average. Workers commute an average of 24 minutes. 4.7% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income: Plainview vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $69,800 |
| 7% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $31,654 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $916 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $74,149 |
| Gini Index | 0.412 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 3.5% |
| 3% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 14.1% |
| 14% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 608 |
| County GDP | $1,094M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 58 |
| Healthcare | 58 |
| Retail | 70 |
| Manufacturing | 25 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $4,056 |
| 16% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 98.60 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 1.76% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 24.2 min |
| Drive Alone | 78.5% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 4.7% |
The median home value in Plainview is $230,600, 18% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $267,456, higher than the Census estimate. Homes sell for 98.2% of their list price. Monthly rent averages $774 (33% 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. 75.2% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 1,416 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1979. The average annual property tax is $4,056 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 36.6% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 3.3x.
Home Values
| Census Median | $230,600 |
| 18% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $267,456 |
| Median List Price | $214,900 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
| Median List Price | $214,900 |
| $/Sq Ft | $138 |
| Homes Sold | 6 |
| Sale-to-List Ratio | 98.2% |
| Price Drops | 100.0% |
| Inventory | 5 |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $774 |
| 33% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 36.6% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $809 |
| 1 Bedroom | $899 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,125 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,483 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,698 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 75.2% |
| Owner-Occupied | 75.2% |
| Renter-Occupied | 24.8% |
| Housing Units | 1,416 |
| Median Year Built | 1979 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $4,056 |
| 16% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 1.76% |
In Plainview, 39.3% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 9.4% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.5% of residents. 27.6% have high blood pressure. 15.9% are current smokers. 20.6% report binge drinking. 24.1% are physically inactive. 25.2% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 17.4% experience frequent mental distress. 8.8% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,265. The dentist ratio is 1:1,274. 89.9% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 9.3 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Plainview vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 39.3% |
| 22% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 9.4% |
| Heart Disease | 5.5% |
| High Blood Pressure | 27.6% |
| Asthma | 10.4% |
| COPD | 5.7% |
| Cancer | 7.4% |
| Stroke | 2.9% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 15.9% |
| 14% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 20.6% |
| Physical Inactivity | 24.1% |
| Depression | 25.2% |
| Mental Distress | 17.4% |
| Physical Distress | 12.0% |
| Short Sleep | 32.6% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 94.1% |
| Uninsured | 8.8% |
| 2% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,265 |
| Dentists | 1:1,274 |
| Mental Health | 1:2,710 |
| Checkup Rate | 72.5% |
| Dental Visits | 66.2% |
| Premature Death | 6,282/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 9.3/10 |
| Exercise Access | 89.9% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 58 |
Plainview has a violent crime rate of 30 per 100,000 residents, 92% below the national average of 380. This breaks down to aggravated assault at 0.0 per 100,000, robbery at 0.0, rape at 30.4. The murder rate is 0.0 per 100,000 (below the national rate of 6.3). Property crime stands at 668 per 100,000, 66% below the U.S. average. This includes larceny/theft at 455, burglary at 182, vehicle theft at 30 per 100,000 residents. The county recorded 6 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Plainview receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Plainview vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 30.4/100K |
| 92% below US avg |
| Murder | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg |
| Rape | 30.4/100K |
| Robbery | 0.0/100K |
| Assault | 0.0/100K |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 667.7/100K |
| 66% below US avg |
| Burglary | 182.1/100K |
| Theft | 455.2/100K |
| Vehicle Theft | 30.4/100K |
| Arson | 0.0/100K |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 6 |
| Traffic Accidents | 43 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.1 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Plainview 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 48.3 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 1,167 feet.
Temperature
14°F Jan (-10°C)
72°F Jul (22°C)
| Annual Average | 45.0°F |
| 17% below US avg |
| January Average | 14°F (-10°C) |
| July Average | 72°F (22°C) |
| Sunny Days | 270 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,167 ft (356 m) |
| Area | 2.1 sq mi (5.5 km²) |
| Population Density | 1,636/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 44.1647°N, 92.1692°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Wabasha County County |
| Nearest Airport | Rochester International (RST)
24 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
35.5"
7% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jul)
4.65"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 36.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 45.6 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 18.1 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 89.9 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Hurricane |
No Rating |
| 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 |
Relatively Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
Relatively Low |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Relatively 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 |
146 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
441 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF5. Total: 42 fatalities, 302 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jun 4, 1958 |
EF5 |
83 km |
21 |
| Sep 16, 1962 |
EF4 |
31 km |
0 |
| Jun 4, 1958 |
EF4 |
98 km |
4 |
| May 10, 1953 |
EF4 |
82 km |
2 |
| Sep 24, 2019 |
EF3 |
87 km |
0 |
| Jun 17, 2010 |
EF3 |
97 km |
0 |
| Jun 17, 2010 |
EF3 |
84 km |
0 |
| Jun 11, 2004 |
EF3 |
90 km |
0 |
| May 15, 1998 |
EF3 |
53 km |
0 |
| Aug 27, 1994 |
EF3 |
80 km |
2 |
| Jul 19, 1994 |
EF3 |
96 km |
0 |
| Jul 27, 1987 |
EF3 |
63 km |
0 |
| Jul 15, 1980 |
EF3 |
90 km |
1 |
| Jun 5, 1980 |
EF3 |
94 km |
0 |
| May 5, 1965 |
EF3 |
75 km |
0 |
| May 26, 1959 |
EF3 |
63 km |
0 |
| Sep 12, 1951 |
EF3 |
52 km |
0 |
| Apr 12, 2022 |
EF2 |
80 km |
0 |
| Sep 20, 2018 |
EF2 |
95 km |
0 |
| May 22, 2011 |
EF2 |
74 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 |
15 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 (-0°C) |
2.0 in |
|
| April |
46°F (8°C) |
3.1 in |
|
| May |
58°F (14°C) |
3.7 in |
|
| June |
67°F (20°C) |
4.1 in |
|
| July |
72°F (22°C) |
4.7 in |
Warmest, Wettest |
| August |
69°F (20°C) |
4.2 in |
|
| September |
60°F (16°C) |
3.9 in |
|
| October |
48°F (9°C) |
2.6 in |
|
| November |
32°F (0°C) |
1.9 in |
|
| December |
18°F (-8°C) |
1.3 in |
|
Plainview has a seasonal temperature swing of 57°F / from 14°F in January to 72°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 33.2 inches, with July being the wettest month (4.7") and February the driest (0.8").
Average costs for common services in Plainview. 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 Plainview
What is the population of Plainview?
Plainview has a population of 3,501 residents and is located in Minnesota. The population density is 1,636 people per square mile, spread across 2.1 square miles. The median age of residents is 35.0 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 48% female and 52% male.
Is Plainview expensive to live in?
Plainview 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 $69,800, 7% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $230,600 (18% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $774 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 3.3x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Plainview safe?
Plainview is considered a very safe city with a violent crime rate of 30 per 100,000 residents, well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 668 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Plainview receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Plainview?
Plainview 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 48.3 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 36.
How is the job market in Plainview?
Plainview has a healthy job market with an unemployment rate of 3.5%, near the national average of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $916. There are 608 business establishments in the area, including 58 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 24 minutes, and 4.7% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Plainview?
The median home value in Plainview is $230,600. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $267,456. For renters, the median monthly rent is $774. Fair market rent is $899 for a 1-bedroom and $1,125 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 75.2%. The average annual property tax is $4,056.
How are the schools in Plainview?
Schools in Plainview score 6.7 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 26.8% of adults in Plainview hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 92.1% have completed high school. 6.4% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Plainview?
The obesity rate in Plainview is 39.3% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 15.9% of adults are smokers. 24.1% are physically inactive. 25.2% of residents report depression. 8.8% lack health insurance. 89.9% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,265.
What is transportation like in Plainview?
The average commute in Plainview is 24 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 78.5% of workers drive alone to work, and 4.7% work from home.
What are the demographics of Plainview?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Plainview is 95.1% White, 1.4% Hispanic or Latino. 92.5% of residents speak only English at home, while 7.5% speak Spanish. 8.3% of the population are military veterans. 12.5% of residents have a disability. 94.1% have health insurance coverage.
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