Median Income
$75,000
0% lower than US avg
Home Value
$184,800
34% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
0/100K
100% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
12.3%
64% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$769
34% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
42.0%
31% higher than US avg
Unemployment
3.7%
3% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
5.8%
53% lower than US avg
How Silver Lake Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population922
Median Age40.0 yrs
Density2,249/mi²
Male / Female55% / 45%
Largest GroupWhite 91%
Veterans5.2%
Economy
A
Median Income$75,000
Per Capita$36,252
Unemployment3.7%
Poverty5.8%
County GDP$2,397M
Commute24 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$184,800
Rent$769
Ownership78.9%
Zillow$296,886
Housing Units392
Rent Burden13.3%
Crime
C+
Violent0/100K
Property1,476/100K
Murder0.0/100K
Assault0/100K
Burglary0/100K
Health
Obesity42.0%
Uninsured8.1%
Smoking16.0%
Depression25.2%
Heart Disease5.1%
Climate
Avg Temp45°F (7°C)
AQI36 (Good)
Rain29.8 in/yr
Sunny Days276/yr
Elevation1,068 ft (326 m)
Education
D
Bachelor's+12.3%
High School+85.5%
Graduate+3.5%
School Score6.45
Community
2024 VoteR 68% / D 30%
Commute24 min
Broadband90.5%
EV Stations2
Libraries4
Is Silver Lake a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Silver Lake receives an overall livability score of 3.4 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include low crime rates, affordable housing, abundant sunshine, a low poverty rate. Areas to be aware of include high obesity rates. Silver Lake offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Silver Lake is $75,000, roughly in line with the national average of $75,149. Unemployment stands at 3.7%, indicating a healthy job market. Only 5.8% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 24 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Silver Lake is $184,800, 34% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $769 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 2.5x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Silver Lake 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 1,476 per 100,000, 25% below the national average.
Education
12.3% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 85.5% have completed high school. Local schools score 6.4/10 in standardized testing, reflecting strong academic performance.
Climate & Weather
Silver Lake has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 45°F. Winters average 13°F in January while summers reach 73°F in July. With 276 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 29.8 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 36.
Silver Lake has a population of 922 with a density of 2,249 people per square mile, spread across 0.4 square miles. The median age is 40.0 years, 3% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 45.1% female and 54.9% male. The city is predominantly White (91%), with 2.9% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 97% of residents. 5.2% of the population are veterans. 21.3% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 97.0% have health insurance coverage.
Population
40.0yrs
Median Age
3% above US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Silver Lake vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
97.0%
24% above US avg
Spanish
3.0%
78% below US avg
Social Characteristics
Silver Lake vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Silver Lake is $75,000, which is 0% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $36,252. The average weekly wage is $1,096, 23% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 3.7% (above the 3.6% US average). 5.8% 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 24 minutes. 4.7% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income: Silver Lake vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $75,000 |
| 0% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $36,252 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,096 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $72,945 |
| Gini Index | 0.425 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 3.7% |
| 3% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 5.8% |
| 53% 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 | 2.15% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 24.2 min |
| Drive Alone | 83.5% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 4.7% |
The median home value in Silver Lake is $184,800, 34% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $296,886, higher than the Census estimate. Homes sell for 96.9% of their list price, suggesting buyers have room to negotiate. Monthly rent averages $769 (34% 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. 78.9% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 392 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1957. The average annual property tax is $3,970. 13.3% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.5x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $184,800 |
| 34% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $296,886 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
| $/Sq Ft | $105 |
| Homes Sold | 2 |
| Sale-to-List Ratio | 96.9% |
| Price Drops | 0.0% |
| Inventory | 1 |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $769 |
| 34% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 13.3% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $809 |
| 1 Bedroom | $899 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,125 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,483 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,698 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 78.9% |
| Owner-Occupied | 78.9% |
| Renter-Occupied | 21.1% |
| Housing Units | 392 |
| Median Year Built | 1957 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $3,970 |
| 13% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 2.15% |
In Silver Lake, 42.0% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 9.0% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.1% of residents. 28.3% have high blood pressure. 16.0% are current smokers. 21.4% report binge drinking. 24.0% are physically inactive. 25.2% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 17.2% experience frequent mental distress. 8.1% of residents lack health insurance. 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: Silver Lake vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 42.0% |
| 31% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 9.0% |
| Heart Disease | 5.1% |
| High Blood Pressure | 28.3% |
| Asthma | 10.2% |
| COPD | 5.3% |
| Cancer | 7.4% |
| Stroke | 2.7% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 16.0% |
| 14% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 21.4% |
| Physical Inactivity | 24.0% |
| Depression | 25.2% |
| Mental Distress | 17.2% |
| Physical Distress | 11.5% |
| Short Sleep | 34.4% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 97.0% |
| Uninsured | 8.1% |
| 6% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,361 |
| Dentists | 1:1,266 |
| Mental Health | 1:375 |
| Checkup Rate | 70.9% |
| Dental Visits | 66.4% |
| Premature Death | 5,843/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.2/10 |
| Exercise Access | 74.3% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 124 |
Silver Lake 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 1,476 per 100,000, 25% below the U.S. average. This includes larceny/theft at 1,353, burglary at 0, vehicle theft at 123 per 100,000 residents. The county recorded 4 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Silver Lake receives a safety grade of C+.
Crime Rates: Silver Lake 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 | 1,476.0/100K |
| 25% below US avg |
| Burglary | 0.0/100K |
| Theft | 1,353.0/100K |
| Vehicle Theft | 123.0/100K |
| Arson | 0.0/100K |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 4 |
| Traffic Accidents | 75 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.1 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | C+ |
| Safety Score | 2.5 / 5.0 |
Silver Lake has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 45°F (7°C). Winters average 13°F in January while summers reach 73°F in July. The area gets 276 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 29.8 inches (drier than the 38-inch national average). Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 36. The city sits at an elevation of 1,068 feet.
Temperature
13°F Jan (-10°C)
73°F Jul (23°C)
| Annual Average | 45.2°F |
| 16% below US avg |
| January Average | 13°F (-10°C) |
| July Average | 73°F (23°C) |
| Sunny Days | 276 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,068 ft (326 m) |
| Area | 0.4 sq mi (1.1 km²) |
| Population Density | 2,249/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 44.9042°N, 94.1986°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | McLeod County County |
| Nearest Airport | St Cloud Regional (STC)
45 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
29.8"
22% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
4.29"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 36.0 |
| Rating | Good |
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 |
64 km |
| Apr 25, 2017 |
Near Mankato, Minnesota |
M2.8 |
81 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
522 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 31 fatalities, 1,147 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jul 3, 1983 |
EF4 |
77 km |
0 |
| May 6, 1965 |
EF4 |
65 km |
6 |
| May 6, 1965 |
EF4 |
74 km |
3 |
| May 6, 1965 |
EF4 |
38 km |
3 |
| May 6, 1965 |
EF4 |
53 km |
0 |
| Jun 19, 1951 |
EF4 |
14 km |
1 |
| Jul 11, 2008 |
EF3 |
76 km |
0 |
| May 25, 2008 |
EF3 |
95 km |
1 |
| Aug 24, 2006 |
EF3 |
71 km |
1 |
| Mar 29, 1998 |
EF3 |
69 km |
1 |
| Mar 29, 1998 |
EF3 |
67 km |
0 |
| Jul 1, 1997 |
EF3 |
28 km |
0 |
| Jun 16, 1992 |
EF3 |
13 km |
0 |
| Jul 23, 1987 |
EF3 |
63 km |
0 |
| Apr 26, 1984 |
EF3 |
77 km |
1 |
| Jun 14, 1981 |
EF3 |
74 km |
1 |
| Sep 3, 1980 |
EF3 |
70 km |
1 |
| May 6, 1965 |
EF3 |
25 km |
0 |
| May 5, 1964 |
EF3 |
88 km |
0 |
| Jul 20, 1951 |
EF3 |
55 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 |
75 km |
| 2003 |
UNITS 37 38 39 A |
4,879 |
75 km |
| 1998 |
UNITS 1617 |
4,649 |
78 km |
| 2005 |
RX HFR 05 |
4,253 |
78 km |
| 2009 |
BU9 |
4,112 |
75 km |
| 2007 |
WUI 07 - UNIT 36 |
4,025 |
74 km |
| 2000 |
UNIT 25 |
3,412 |
74 km |
| 2009 |
BU11 |
3,242 |
74 km |
| 1997 |
BIG |
2,987 |
75 km |
| 2009 |
UNNAMED |
2,904 |
94 km |
| 2003 |
UNITS 34 33 W |
2,637 |
74 km |
| 2024 |
UNIT 8E RX |
2,551 |
75 km |
| 1992 |
SHARPTAIL |
2,288 |
72 km |
| 2010 |
WUI 10 UNIT D |
2,042 |
73 km |
| 1996 |
UNNAMED |
1,906 |
75 km |
| 2006 |
UNIT 4 |
1,732 |
76 km |
| 2009 |
UNIT 23 24 26 |
1,644 |
75 km |
| 1995 |
ANTLER |
1,603 |
73 km |
| 2004 |
WUI UNIT 16 |
1,592 |
79 km |
| 1995 |
UNIT 16 |
1,570 |
79 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
13°F (-10°C) |
0.7 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
18°F (-8°C) |
0.7 in |
|
| March |
30°F (-1°C) |
1.5 in |
|
| April |
45°F (7°C) |
2.5 in |
|
| May |
59°F (15°C) |
3.3 in |
|
| June |
68°F (20°C) |
4.3 in |
Wettest |
| July |
73°F (23°C) |
3.7 in |
Warmest |
| August |
69°F (21°C) |
3.6 in |
|
| September |
60°F (16°C) |
2.8 in |
|
| October |
48°F (9°C) |
2.2 in |
|
| November |
31°F (-1°C) |
1.5 in |
|
| December |
17°F (-9°C) |
0.8 in |
|
Silver Lake has a seasonal temperature swing of 59°F / from 13°F in January to 73°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 27.6 inches, with June being the wettest month (4.3") and January the driest (0.7").
Average costs for common services in Silver Lake. 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 Silver Lake
What is the population of Silver Lake?
Silver Lake has a population of 922 residents and is located in Minnesota. The population density is 2,249 people per square mile, spread across 0.4 square miles. The median age of residents is 40.0 years. The population is 45.1% female and 54.9% male.
Is Silver Lake expensive to live in?
Silver Lake 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 $75,000, 0% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $184,800 (34% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $769 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.5x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Silver Lake safe?
Silver Lake 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 1,476 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Silver Lake receives a safety grade of C+ based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Silver Lake?
Silver Lake has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 45°F (7°C). Winter temperatures average 13°F in January, while summers reach an average of 73°F in July. The area receives 276 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 29.8 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 36.
How is the job market in Silver Lake?
Silver Lake has a healthy job market with an unemployment rate of 3.7%, near the national average 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 24 minutes, and 4.7% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Silver Lake?
The median home value in Silver Lake is $184,800. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $296,886. For renters, the median monthly rent is $769. Fair market rent is $899 for a 1-bedroom and $1,125 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 78.9%. The average annual property tax is $3,970.
How are the schools in Silver Lake?
Schools in Silver Lake score 6.4 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 12.3% of adults in Silver Lake hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 85.5% have completed high school. 3.5% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Silver Lake?
The obesity rate in Silver Lake is 42.0% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 16.0% of adults are smokers. 24.0% are physically inactive. 25.2% of residents report depression. 8.1% lack health insurance. 74.3% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,361.
What is transportation like in Silver Lake?
The average commute in Silver Lake is 24 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 83.5% of workers drive alone to work, and 4.7% work from home.
What are the demographics of Silver Lake?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Silver Lake is 91% White, 0.8% Black or African American, 2.9% Hispanic or Latino. 97% of residents speak only English at home. 5.2% of the population are military veterans. 21.3% of residents have a disability. 97.0% have health insurance coverage.
All Countries
