Median Income
$60,438
20% lower than US avg
Home Value
$169,600
40% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
0/100K
100% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
27.6%
18% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$649
44% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
41.2%
28% higher than US avg
Unemployment
2.3%
36% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
7.7%
38% lower than US avg
How Preston Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population1,315
Median Age41.3 yrs
Density532/mi²
Male / Female52% / 48%
Largest GroupWhite 97%
Veterans7.5%
Economy
A
Median Income$60,438
Per Capita$36,526
Unemployment2.3%
Poverty7.7%
County GDP$877M
Commute22 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$169,600
Rent$649
Ownership72.9%
Zillow$254,689
Housing Units624
Rent Burden26.0%
Crime
C+
Violent0/100K
Property233/100K
Murder0.0/100K
Assault0/100K
Burglary0/100K
Health
Obesity41.2%
Uninsured8.3%
Smoking17.0%
Depression26.2%
Heart Disease5.5%
Climate
Avg Temp44°F (7°C)
AQI36 (Good)
Rain36.8 in/yr
Sunny Days260/yr
Elevation954 ft (291 m)
Education
B
Bachelor's+27.6%
High School+97.4%
Graduate+8.8%
School Score6.36
Community
2024 VoteR 62% / D 36%
Commute22 min
Broadband86.2%
EV Stations3
Libraries7
Is Preston a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Preston 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. Preston offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Preston is $60,438, 20% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 2.3%. Only 7.7% 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 Preston is $169,600, 40% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $649 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 2.8x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Preston 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 233 per 100,000, 88% below the national average.
Education
27.6% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 97.4% have completed high school. Local schools score 6.4/10 in standardized testing, reflecting strong academic performance.
Climate & Weather
Preston has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 44°F. Winters average 14°F in January while summers reach 70°F in July. With 260 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 36.8 inches, including 42.2 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 36.
Preston has a population of 1,315 with a density of 532 people per square mile, spread across 2.4 square miles. The median age is 41.3 years, 6% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 47.9% female and 52.1% male. The city is predominantly White (96.7%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 99.7% of residents. 7.5% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 18.6% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 95.6% have health insurance coverage.
Population
41.3yrs
Median Age
6% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
99.7%
27% above US avg
Spanish
0.3%
98% below US avg
The median household income in Preston is $60,438, which is 20% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $36,526. The average weekly wage is $852, 41% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 2.3% (below the 3.6% US average). 7.7% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 802 business establishments, including 64 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). 11.9% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $60,438 |
| 20% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $36,526 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $852 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $68,191 |
| Gini Index | 0.400 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 2.3% |
| 36% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 7.7% |
| 38% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 802 |
| County GDP | $877M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 64 |
| Healthcare | 46 |
| Retail | 89 |
| Manufacturing | 45 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $3,479 |
| 1% below US avg |
| Cost of Living | 98.60 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 2.05% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 21.7 min |
| Drive Alone | 77.5% |
| Public Transit | 1.1% |
| Work from Home | 11.9% |
The median home value in Preston is $169,600, 40% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $254,689, higher than the Census estimate. Homes sell for 86.8% of their list price, suggesting buyers have room to negotiate. Monthly rent averages $649 (44% 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. 72.9% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 624 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1957. The average annual property tax is $3,479. 26.0% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.8x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $169,600 |
| 40% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $254,689 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
| $/Sq Ft | $140 |
| Homes Sold | 2 |
| Sale-to-List Ratio | 86.8% |
| Price Drops | 0.0% |
| Inventory | 1 |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $649 |
| 44% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 26.0% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $809 |
| 1 Bedroom | $899 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,125 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,483 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,698 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 72.9% |
| Owner-Occupied | 72.9% |
| Renter-Occupied | 27.1% |
| Housing Units | 624 |
| Median Year Built | 1957 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $3,479 |
| 1% below US avg |
| Effective Rate | 2.05% |
In Preston, 41.2% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 9.3% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.5% of residents. 29.9% have high blood pressure. 17.0% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 20.5% report binge drinking. 24.1% are physically inactive. 26.2% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 17.8% experience frequent mental distress. 8.3% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:3,545. The dentist ratio is 1:1,784. 78.7% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 9.5 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Preston vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 41.2% |
| 28% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 9.3% |
| Heart Disease | 5.5% |
| High Blood Pressure | 29.9% |
| Asthma | 10.5% |
| COPD | 5.8% |
| Cancer | 7.3% |
| Stroke | 2.9% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 17.0% |
| 21% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 20.5% |
| Physical Inactivity | 24.1% |
| Depression | 26.2% |
| Mental Distress | 17.8% |
| Physical Distress | 12.2% |
| Short Sleep | 31.9% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 95.6% |
| Uninsured | 8.3% |
| 3% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:3,545 |
| Dentists | 1:1,784 |
| Mental Health | 1:2,391 |
| Checkup Rate | 71.6% |
| Dental Visits | 63.4% |
| Premature Death | 6,032/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 9.5/10 |
| Exercise Access | 78.7% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 46 |
Preston has a violent crime rate of 0 per 100,000 residents, 100% below the national average of 380. This breaks down to aggravated assault at 0.0 per 100,000, robbery at 0.0, rape at 0.0. The murder rate is 0.0 per 100,000 (below the national rate of 6.3). Property crime stands at 233 per 100,000, 88% below the U.S. average. This includes larceny/theft at 233, burglary at 0, vehicle theft at 0 per 100,000 residents. The county recorded 1 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Preston receives a safety grade of C+.
Crime Rates: Preston vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg |
| Murder | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg |
| Rape | 0.0/100K |
| Robbery | 0.0/100K |
| Assault | 0.0/100K |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 232.6/100K |
| 88% below US avg |
| Burglary | 0.0/100K |
| Theft | 232.6/100K |
| Vehicle Theft | 0.0/100K |
| Arson | 0.0/100K |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 1 |
| Traffic Accidents | 66 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | C+ |
| Safety Score | 2.5 / 5.0 |
Preston has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 44°F (7°C). Winters average 14°F in January while summers reach 70°F in July. The area gets 260 sunny days per year, above the national average. Annual precipitation totals 36.8 inches. The area receives 42.2 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 954 feet.
Temperature
14°F Jan (-10°C)
70°F Jul (21°C)
| Annual Average | 43.8°F |
| 19% below US avg |
| January Average | 14°F (-10°C) |
| July Average | 70°F (21°C) |
| Sunny Days | 260 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 954 ft (291 m) |
| Area | 2.4 sq mi (6.3 km²) |
| Population Density | 532/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 43.6726°N, 92.0828°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Fillmore County County |
| Nearest Airport | Rochester International (RST)
26 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
36.8"
3% below US avg
Wettest Month (Aug)
4.25"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 36.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 49.8 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 32.7 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 90.7 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Hurricane |
No Rating |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Low |
| Lightning |
Very Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
Relatively Low |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Landslide |
Relatively Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Tornado History
434 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 9 fatalities, 155 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jul 12, 1971 |
EF4 |
57 km |
0 |
| Apr 30, 1967 |
EF4 |
91 km |
0 |
| Apr 30, 1967 |
EF4 |
97 km |
0 |
| May 5, 1965 |
EF4 |
74 km |
0 |
| Sep 16, 1962 |
EF4 |
44 km |
0 |
| May 10, 1953 |
EF4 |
36 km |
2 |
| Jun 17, 2010 |
EF3 |
86 km |
0 |
| Jun 17, 2010 |
EF3 |
93 km |
0 |
| Jun 11, 2004 |
EF3 |
48 km |
0 |
| Jul 19, 1994 |
EF3 |
44 km |
0 |
| May 17, 1982 |
EF3 |
97 km |
0 |
| Jun 5, 1980 |
EF3 |
69 km |
0 |
| May 28, 1974 |
EF3 |
99 km |
0 |
| Jul 12, 1971 |
EF3 |
85 km |
0 |
| Jun 24, 1971 |
EF3 |
70 km |
1 |
| Apr 30, 1967 |
EF3 |
98 km |
0 |
| May 5, 1965 |
EF3 |
20 km |
0 |
| May 26, 1959 |
EF3 |
64 km |
0 |
| Apr 12, 2022 |
EF2 |
49 km |
0 |
| May 22, 2011 |
EF2 |
51 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 |
54 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
14°F (-10°C) |
0.9 in |
Coldest |
| February |
20°F (-7°C) |
0.8 in |
Driest |
| March |
32°F (-0°C) |
2.0 in |
|
| April |
46°F (8°C) |
3.0 in |
|
| May |
58°F (14°C) |
3.8 in |
|
| June |
67°F (20°C) |
4.2 in |
|
| July |
70°F (21°C) |
4.2 in |
Warmest |
| August |
69°F (21°C) |
4.3 in |
Wettest |
| September |
60°F (16°C) |
4.0 in |
|
| October |
49°F (9°C) |
2.5 in |
|
| November |
33°F (0°C) |
1.8 in |
|
| December |
19°F (-7°C) |
1.3 in |
|
Preston has a seasonal temperature swing of 56°F / from 14°F in January to 70°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 32.7 inches, with August being the wettest month (4.3") and February the driest (0.8").
Average costs for common services in Preston. 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 | $758 |
| Toddler | $697 |
| Preschool | $637 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $592 |
| Toddler | $534 |
| Preschool | $548 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Preston
What is the population of Preston?
Preston has a population of 1,315 residents and is located in Minnesota. The population density is 532 people per square mile, spread across 2.4 square miles. The median age of residents is 41.3 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 47.9% female and 52.1% male.
Is Preston expensive to live in?
Preston 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 $60,438, 20% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $169,600 (40% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $649 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.8x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Preston safe?
Preston 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 233 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Preston receives a safety grade of C+ based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Preston?
Preston has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 44°F (7°C). Winter temperatures average 14°F in January, while summers reach an average of 70°F in July. The area receives 260 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 36.8 inches, with 42.2 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 36.
How is the job market in Preston?
The job market in Preston is very strong, with unemployment at just 2.3% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $852. There are 802 business establishments in the area, including 64 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 22 minutes, and 11.9% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Preston?
The median home value in Preston is $169,600. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $254,689. For renters, the median monthly rent is $649. Fair market rent is $899 for a 1-bedroom and $1,125 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 72.9%. The average annual property tax is $3,479.
How are the schools in Preston?
Schools in Preston score 6.4 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 27.6% of adults in Preston hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 97.4% have completed high school. 8.8% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Preston?
The obesity rate in Preston is 41.2% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 17.0% of adults are smokers. 24.1% are physically inactive. 26.2% of residents report depression. 8.3% lack health insurance. 78.7% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:3,545.
What is transportation like in Preston?
The average commute in Preston is 22 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 77.5% of workers drive alone to work, 1.1% use public transit, and 11.9% work from home.
What are the demographics of Preston?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Preston is 96.7% White, 0.7% Black or African American, 0.8% Hispanic or Latino. 99.7% of residents speak only English at home. 7.5% of the population are military veterans. 18.6% of residents have a disability. 95.6% have health insurance coverage.
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