Median Income
$99,375
32% higher than US avg
Home Value
$228,900
19% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
21.7%
36% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
41.7%
30% higher than US avg
Unemployment
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
How Plato Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population193
Median Age40.5 yrs
Density551/mi²
Male / Female56% / 44%
Largest GroupWhite 99%
Veterans4.5%
Economy
A+
Median Income$99,375
Per Capita$42,802
Unemployment0.0%
Poverty0.0%
County GDP$2,397M
Commute27 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$228,900
Ownership98.8%
Zillow$371,752
Housing Units107
Rent Burden24.2%
Health
Obesity41.7%
Uninsured2.6%
Smoking15.9%
Depression25.2%
Heart Disease5.2%
Climate
Avg Temp44°F (6°C)
Rain32.5 in/yr
Elevation999 ft (304 m)
Education
C+
Bachelor's+21.7%
High School+93.7%
Graduate+3.8%
School Score6.45
Community
2024 VoteR 68% / D 30%
Commute27 min
Broadband93.8%
EV Stations2
Libraries4
Is Plato a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Plato receives an overall livability score of 4.2 out of 5.0, earning a grade of A. Key strengths include above-average household incomes, low unemployment, affordable housing, a low poverty rate. Areas to be aware of include high obesity rates. Plato stands out as an excellent place to live, with strong marks across most quality-of-life indicators.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Plato is $99,375, which is significantly higher than the national average / 32% above $75,149. This places Plato among higher-income communities. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 0.0%. Only 0.0% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 27 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Plato is $228,900, 19% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. At just 2.3x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Education
21.7% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 93.7% have completed high school. Local schools score 6.4/10 in standardized testing, reflecting strong academic performance.
Climate & Weather
Plato has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 44°F. Winters average 12°F in January while summers reach 71°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 32.5 inches, including 50.0 inches of snow.
Plato has a population of 193 with a density of 551 people per square mile, spread across 0.4 square miles. The median age is 40.5 years, 4% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 44% female and 56% male. The city is predominantly White (99%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 100% of residents. 4.5% of the population are veterans, below the national rate of 6.0%. 10.4% of residents have a disability. 97.4% have health insurance coverage.
Population
193
Total Population
2023 Census
40.5yrs
Median Age
4% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
100.0%
27% above US avg
Spanish
3.4%
75% below US avg
The median household income in Plato is $99,375, which is 32% above the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $42,802. The average weekly wage is $1,096, 23% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 0.0% (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 1,049 business establishments, including 68 restaurants. The cost of living index is 98.6, roughly in line with the national average. Workers commute an average of 27 minutes. 7.4% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $99,375 |
| 32% above US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $42,802 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,096 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $72,945 |
| Gini Index | 0.425 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 1,049 |
| County GDP | $2,397M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 68 |
| Healthcare | 124 |
| Retail | 133 |
| Manufacturing | 69 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $3,970 |
| 13% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 98.60 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 1.73% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 27.3 min |
| Drive Alone | 89.8% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 7.4% |
The median home value in Plato is $228,900, 19% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $371,752, higher than the Census estimate. Fair market rent ranges from $899 for a one-bedroom to $1,125 for a two-bedroom apartment. 98.8% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 107 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1972. The average annual property tax is $3,970. 24.2% 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 | $228,900 |
| 19% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $371,752 |
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 | 98.8% |
| Owner-Occupied | 98.8% |
| Renter-Occupied | 1.2% |
| Housing Units | 107 |
| Median Year Built | 1972 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $3,970 |
| 13% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 1.73% |
In Plato, 41.7% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 9.0% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.2% of residents. 28.1% have high blood pressure. 15.9% are current smokers. 21.6% report binge drinking. 23.5% are physically inactive. 25.2% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 17.2% experience frequent mental distress. 2.6% of residents lack health insurance (below the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,361. The dentist ratio is 1:1,266. 74.3% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.2 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Plato vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 41.7% |
| 30% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 9.0% |
| Heart Disease | 5.2% |
| High Blood Pressure | 28.1% |
| Asthma | 10.2% |
| COPD | 5.2% |
| Cancer | 7.4% |
| Stroke | 2.7% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 15.9% |
| 14% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 21.6% |
| Physical Inactivity | 23.5% |
| Depression | 25.2% |
| Mental Distress | 17.2% |
| Physical Distress | 11.4% |
| Short Sleep | 35.4% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 97.4% |
| Uninsured | 2.6% |
| 70% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,361 |
| Dentists | 1:1,266 |
| Mental Health | 1:375 |
| Checkup Rate | 70.8% |
| Dental Visits | 61.8% |
| Premature Death | 5,843/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.2/10 |
| Exercise Access | 74.3% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 124 |
Plato has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 44°F (6°C). Winters average 12°F in January while summers reach 71°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 32.5 inches. The area receives 50.0 inches of snow annually, making winter weather a significant factor for residents. The city sits at an elevation of 999 feet.
Temperature
12°F Jan (-11°C)
71°F Jul (22°C)
| Annual Average | 43.6°F |
| 19% below US avg |
| January Average | 12°F (-11°C) |
| July Average | 71°F (22°C) |
Geography
| Elevation | 999 ft (304 m) |
| Area | 0.4 sq mi (0.9 km²) |
| Population Density | 551/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 44.7724°N, 94.0393°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | McLeod County County |
| Nearest Airport | Mankato Regional (MKT)
38 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
32.5"
14% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
5.06"
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 46.6 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 20.5 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 96.7 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Moderate |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Moderate |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Moderate |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Moderate |
| Lightning |
Very Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
Relatively Low |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
2 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.1. Most recent: M2.8 on Apr 25, 2017.
| Feb 9, 1994 |
6 km NNE of Blomkest, Minnesota |
M3.1 |
80 km |
| Apr 25, 2017 |
Near Mankato, Minnesota |
M2.8 |
65 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990-2025)
Tornado History
542 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 31 fatalities, 1,132 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jul 3, 1983 |
EF4 |
75 km |
0 |
| May 6, 1965 |
EF4 |
66 km |
3 |
| May 6, 1965 |
EF4 |
23 km |
3 |
| May 6, 1965 |
EF4 |
41 km |
0 |
| May 6, 1965 |
EF4 |
57 km |
6 |
| Jun 19, 1951 |
EF4 |
29 km |
1 |
| Jul 11, 2008 |
EF3 |
93 km |
0 |
| May 25, 2008 |
EF3 |
90 km |
1 |
| Aug 24, 2006 |
EF3 |
59 km |
1 |
| Mar 29, 1998 |
EF3 |
50 km |
0 |
| Mar 29, 1998 |
EF3 |
56 km |
1 |
| Jul 1, 1997 |
EF3 |
39 km |
0 |
| Jun 16, 1992 |
EF3 |
31 km |
0 |
| Jul 23, 1987 |
EF3 |
61 km |
0 |
| Apr 26, 1984 |
EF3 |
69 km |
1 |
| Jun 14, 1981 |
EF3 |
61 km |
1 |
| Sep 3, 1980 |
EF3 |
85 km |
1 |
| May 6, 1965 |
EF3 |
15 km |
0 |
| May 24, 1958 |
EF3 |
95 km |
0 |
| Jul 20, 1951 |
EF3 |
46 km |
5 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950-2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: UNIT 4 (5,887 ac, 2002).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2002 |
UNIT 4 |
5,887 |
84 km |
| 2003 |
UNITS 37 38 39 A |
4,879 |
83 km |
| 1998 |
UNITS 1617 |
4,649 |
87 km |
| 2005 |
RX HFR 05 |
4,253 |
86 km |
| 2009 |
BU9 |
4,112 |
85 km |
| 2007 |
WUI 07 - UNIT 36 |
4,025 |
82 km |
| 2000 |
UNIT 25 |
3,412 |
82 km |
| 2009 |
BU11 |
3,242 |
82 km |
| 1997 |
BIG |
2,987 |
83 km |
| 2009 |
UNNAMED |
2,904 |
91 km |
| 2003 |
UNITS 34 33 W |
2,637 |
81 km |
| 2024 |
UNIT 8E RX |
2,551 |
84 km |
| 1992 |
SHARPTAIL |
2,288 |
80 km |
| 2010 |
WUI 10 UNIT D |
2,042 |
80 km |
| 1996 |
UNNAMED |
1,906 |
82 km |
| 2006 |
UNIT 4 |
1,732 |
86 km |
| 2009 |
UNIT 23 24 26 |
1,644 |
83 km |
| 1995 |
ANTLER |
1,603 |
80 km |
| 2004 |
WUI UNIT 16 |
1,592 |
87 km |
| 1995 |
UNIT 16 |
1,570 |
87 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
12°F (-11°C) |
0.8 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
16°F (-9°C) |
0.8 in |
|
| March |
29°F (-2°C) |
1.8 in |
|
| April |
44°F (7°C) |
2.9 in |
|
| May |
57°F (14°C) |
4.3 in |
|
| June |
68°F (20°C) |
5.1 in |
Wettest |
| July |
71°F (22°C) |
4.0 in |
Warmest |
| August |
69°F (20°C) |
4.4 in |
|
| September |
61°F (16°C) |
3.2 in |
|
| October |
47°F (8°C) |
2.6 in |
|
| November |
32°F (-0°C) |
1.6 in |
|
| December |
19°F (-8°C) |
1.1 in |
|
Plato has a seasonal temperature swing of 59°F / from 12°F in January to 71°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 32.5 inches, with June being the wettest month (5.1") and January the driest (0.8").
Average costs for common services in Plato. 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 Plato
What is the population of Plato?
Plato has a population of 193 residents and is located in Minnesota. The population density is 551 people per square mile, spread across 0.4 square miles. The median age of residents is 40.5 years. The population is 44% female and 56% male.
Is Plato expensive to live in?
Plato 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 $99,375, 32% above the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $228,900 (19% below the U.S. median). The home price-to-income ratio is 2.3x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
What is the weather like in Plato?
Plato has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 44°F (6°C). Winter temperatures average 12°F in January, while summers reach an average of 71°F in July. Annual rainfall totals 32.5 inches, with 50.0 inches of snow.
How is the job market in Plato?
The job market in Plato is very strong, with unemployment at just 0.0% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,096. There are 1,049 business establishments in the area, including 68 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 27 minutes, and 7.4% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Plato?
The median home value in Plato is $228,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $371,752. The homeownership rate is 98.8%. The average annual property tax is $3,970.
How are the schools in Plato?
Schools in Plato score 6.4 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 21.7% of adults in Plato hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 93.7% have completed high school. 3.8% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Plato?
The obesity rate in Plato is 41.7% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 15.9% of adults are smokers. 23.5% are physically inactive. 25.2% of residents report depression. 2.6% lack health insurance (below the national rate). 74.3% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,361.
What is transportation like in Plato?
The average commute in Plato is 27 minutes. 89.8% of workers drive alone to work, and 7.4% work from home.
What are the demographics of Plato?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Plato is 99% White. 100% of residents speak only English at home, while 3.4% speak Spanish. 4.5% of the population are military veterans. 10.4% of residents have a disability. 97.4% have health insurance coverage.