Median Income
$79,375
6% higher than US avg
Home Value
$169,200
40% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
69/100K
82% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
25.3%
25% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
35.2%
10% higher than US avg
Unemployment
0.6%
83% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
How Searles Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population211
Median Age44.6 yrs
Density480/mi²
Male / Female54% / 46%
Largest GroupWhite 94%
Veterans3.2%
Economy
A+
Median Income$79,375
Per Capita$45,452
Unemployment0.6%
Poverty0.0%
County GDP$1,983M
Commute21 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$169,200
Ownership100.0%
Zillow$238,584
Housing Units116
Rent Burden24.6%
Crime
F
Violent69/100K
Property2,002/100K
Health
Obesity35.2%
Uninsured7.1%
Smoking15.0%
Depression25.7%
Heart Disease5.4%
Climate
Avg Temp44°F (7°C)
AQI36 (Good)
Rain32.8 in/yr
Sunny Days270/yr
Elevation990 ft (302 m)
Education
B
Bachelor's+25.3%
High School+100.0%
Graduate+4.0%
School Score6.89
Community
2024 VoteR 49% / D 49%
Commute21 min
Broadband89.0%
EV Stations4
Libraries3
Is Searles a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Searles receives an overall livability score of 3.4 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include low unemployment, low crime rates, affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Searles offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Searles is $79,375, roughly in line with the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 0.6%. Only 0.0% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 21 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Searles is $169,200, 40% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. At just 2.1x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Searles is a very safe community with a violent crime rate of 69 per 100,000 residents / well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 2,002 per 100,000, near the national average.
Education
25.3% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 100.0% have completed high school. Local schools score 6.9/10 in standardized testing, reflecting strong academic performance.
Climate & Weather
Searles has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 44°F. Winters average 13°F in January while summers reach 71°F in July. With 270 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 32.8 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 36.
Searles has a population of 211 with a density of 480 people per square mile, spread across 0.4 square miles. The median age is 44.6 years, 15% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 46.4% female and 53.6% male. The city is predominantly White (93.8%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 98.1% of residents. 3.2% of the population are veterans, below the national rate of 6.0%. 1.8% of residents have a disability (below the 13.0% national average). 94.4% have health insurance coverage.
Population
44.6yrs
Median Age
15% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
98.1%
25% above US avg
Spanish
1.9%
86% below US avg
The median household income in Searles is $79,375, which is 6% above the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $45,452 (above the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,081, 25% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 0.6% (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 849 business establishments, including 55 restaurants. The cost of living index is 98.6, roughly in line with the national average. Workers commute an average of 21 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 1.6% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $79,375 |
| 6% above US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $45,452 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,081 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $79,374 |
| Gini Index | 0.460 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 0.6% |
| 83% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 849 |
| County GDP | $1,983M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 55 |
| Healthcare | 93 |
| Retail | 83 |
| Manufacturing | 47 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $4,641 |
| 33% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 98.60 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 2.74% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 20.7 min |
| Drive Alone | 75.4% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 1.6% |
The median home value in Searles is $169,200, 40% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $238,584, higher than the Census estimate. Fair market rent ranges from $899 for a one-bedroom to $1,125 for a two-bedroom apartment. 100.0% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 116 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 2005. The average annual property tax is $4,641 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 24.6% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.1x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $169,200 |
| 40% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $238,584 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
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 | 100.0% |
| Owner-Occupied | 100.0% |
| Renter-Occupied | 0.0% |
| Housing Units | 116 |
| Median Year Built | 2005 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $4,641 |
| 33% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 2.74% |
In Searles, 35.2% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 8.4% have diabetes (below the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 5.4% of residents. 27.7% have high blood pressure. 15.0% are current smokers. 21.2% report binge drinking. 21.3% are physically inactive. 25.7% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 17.3% experience frequent mental distress. 7.1% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,184. The dentist ratio is 1:1,276. 84.1% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.4 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Searles vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 35.2% |
| 10% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 8.4% |
| Heart Disease | 5.4% |
| High Blood Pressure | 27.7% |
| Asthma | 10.2% |
| COPD | 4.9% |
| Cancer | 7.4% |
| Stroke | 2.7% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 15.0% |
| 7% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 21.2% |
| Physical Inactivity | 21.3% |
| Depression | 25.7% |
| Mental Distress | 17.3% |
| Physical Distress | 11.1% |
| Short Sleep | 27.5% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 94.4% |
| Uninsured | 7.1% |
| 17% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,184 |
| Dentists | 1:1,276 |
| Mental Health | 1:317 |
| Checkup Rate | 73.2% |
| Dental Visits | 68.8% |
| Premature Death | 5,160/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.4/10 |
| Exercise Access | 84.1% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 93 |
Searles has a violent crime rate of 69 per 100,000 residents, 82% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 2,002 per 100,000, 2% above the U.S. average. Overall, Searles receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Searles vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 68.5/100K |
| 82% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 2,002.1/100K |
| 2% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Searles has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 44°F (7°C). Winters average 13°F in January while summers reach 71°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 32.8 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 36. The city sits at an elevation of 990 feet.
Temperature
13°F Jan (-10°C)
71°F Jul (22°C)
| Annual Average | 44.2°F |
| 18% below US avg |
| January Average | 13°F (-10°C) |
| July Average | 71°F (22°C) |
| Sunny Days | 270 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 990 ft (302 m) |
| Area | 0.4 sq mi (1.1 km²) |
| Population Density | 480/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 44.2308°N, 94.4361°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Nicollet County County |
| Nearest Airport | Mankato Regional (MKT)
26 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
32.8"
14% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
4.37"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 36.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 45.4 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 15.8 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 99.1 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Moderate |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively High |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Moderate |
| 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)
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 |
97 km |
| Apr 25, 2017 |
Near Mankato, Minnesota |
M2.8 |
35 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
509 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 19 fatalities, 584 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jun 17, 2010 |
EF4 |
97 km |
1 |
| Mar 29, 1998 |
EF4 |
93 km |
1 |
| Apr 30, 1967 |
EF4 |
88 km |
6 |
| May 6, 1965 |
EF4 |
82 km |
3 |
| May 6, 1965 |
EF4 |
100 km |
0 |
| Jun 19, 1951 |
EF4 |
72 km |
1 |
| Aug 24, 2006 |
EF3 |
14 km |
1 |
| Aug 1, 2006 |
EF3 |
43 km |
0 |
| Mar 29, 1998 |
EF3 |
22 km |
1 |
| Mar 29, 1998 |
EF3 |
40 km |
0 |
| Jun 16, 1992 |
EF3 |
76 km |
0 |
| Jun 16, 1992 |
EF3 |
89 km |
0 |
| Jun 16, 1992 |
EF3 |
91 km |
0 |
| Apr 30, 1967 |
EF3 |
93 km |
2 |
| May 6, 1965 |
EF3 |
54 km |
0 |
| Dec 15, 2021 |
EF2 |
90 km |
0 |
| Sep 20, 2018 |
EF2 |
79 km |
0 |
| Sep 20, 2018 |
EF2 |
87 km |
0 |
| Jul 11, 2016 |
EF2 |
100 km |
0 |
| Jun 25, 2010 |
EF2 |
28 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
4 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: SNAKE TRAIL (1,496 ac, 2024).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2024 |
SNAKE TRAIL |
1,496 |
81 km |
| 1990 |
UNNAMED |
598 |
88 km |
| 2024 |
LINCOLN WPA RX |
575 |
26 km |
| 1995 |
LV 68 CARVER |
532 |
86 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
13°F (-10°C) |
0.7 in |
Coldest |
| February |
19°F (-7°C) |
0.6 in |
Driest |
| March |
32°F (-0°C) |
1.9 in |
|
| April |
46°F (8°C) |
2.6 in |
|
| May |
59°F (15°C) |
3.4 in |
|
| June |
69°F (20°C) |
4.4 in |
Wettest |
| July |
71°F (22°C) |
4.0 in |
Warmest |
| August |
70°F (21°C) |
3.9 in |
|
| September |
61°F (16°C) |
2.9 in |
|
| October |
49°F (9°C) |
2.2 in |
|
| November |
32°F (0°C) |
1.8 in |
|
| December |
18°F (-8°C) |
0.8 in |
|
Searles has a seasonal temperature swing of 58°F / from 13°F in January to 71°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 29.1 inches, with June being the wettest month (4.4") and February the driest (0.6").
Average costs for common services in Searles. 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 | $948 |
| Toddler | $893 |
| Preschool | $821 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $621 |
| Toddler | $570 |
| Preschool | $570 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Searles
What is the population of Searles?
Searles has a population of 211 residents and is located in Minnesota. The population density is 480 people per square mile, spread across 0.4 square miles. The median age of residents is 44.6 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 46.4% female and 53.6% male.
Is Searles expensive to live in?
Searles 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 $79,375, 6% above the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $169,200 (40% below the U.S. median). The home price-to-income ratio is 2.1x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Searles safe?
Searles is considered a very safe city with a violent crime rate of 69 per 100,000 residents, well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 2,002 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Searles receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Searles?
Searles has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 44°F (7°C). Winter temperatures average 13°F in January, while summers reach an average of 71°F in July. The area receives 270 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 32.8 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 36.
How is the job market in Searles?
The job market in Searles is very strong, with unemployment at just 0.6% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,081. There are 849 business establishments in the area, including 55 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 21 minutes, and 1.6% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Searles?
The median home value in Searles is $169,200. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $238,584. The homeownership rate is 100.0%. The average annual property tax is $4,641.
How are the schools in Searles?
Schools in Searles score 6.9 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 25.3% of adults in Searles hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 100.0% have completed high school. 4.0% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Searles?
The obesity rate in Searles is 35.2% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 15.0% of adults are smokers. 21.3% are physically inactive. 25.7% of residents report depression. 7.1% lack health insurance (below the national rate). 84.1% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,184.
What is transportation like in Searles?
The average commute in Searles is 21 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 75.4% of workers drive alone to work, and 1.6% work from home.
What are the demographics of Searles?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Searles is 93.8% White. 98.1% of residents speak only English at home. 3.2% of the population are military veterans. 1.8% of residents have a disability. 94.4% have health insurance coverage.
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