Median Income
$65,724
13% lower than US avg
Home Value
$160,400
43% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
0/100K
100% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
31.4%
7% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$718
38% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
36.9%
15% higher than US avg
Unemployment
1.5%
58% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
5.9%
52% lower than US avg
How Slayton Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population2,089
Median Age39.0 yrs
Density1,014/mi²
Male / Female47% / 53%
Largest GroupWhite 93%
Veterans5.4%
Economy
A
Median Income$65,724
Per Capita$38,760
Unemployment1.5%
Poverty5.9%
County GDP$1,897M
Commute18 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$160,400
Rent$718
Ownership69.7%
Zillow$239,255
Housing Units1,035
Rent Burden23.6%
Crime
C+
Violent0/100K
Property101/100K
Murder0.0/100K
Assault0/100K
Burglary51/100K
Health
Obesity36.9%
Uninsured8.5%
Smoking15.6%
Depression26.5%
Heart Disease5.3%
Climate
Avg Temp43°F (6°C)
AQI36 (Good)
Rain30.1 in/yr
Sunny Days260/yr
Elevation1,608 ft (490 m)
Education
B+
Bachelor's+31.4%
High School+89.6%
Graduate+5.7%
School Score5.12
Community
2024 VoteR 67% / D 31%
Commute18 min
Broadband82.2%
EV Stations3
Libraries2
Is Slayton a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Slayton receives an overall livability score of 3.8 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B+. Key strengths include low unemployment, low crime rates, affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Slayton offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Slayton is $65,724, 13% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 1.5%. Only 5.9% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 18 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Slayton is $160,400, 43% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $718 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 2.4x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Slayton 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 101 per 100,000, 95% below the national average.
Education
31.4% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 89.6% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.1/10.
Climate & Weather
Slayton has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 43°F. Winters average 13°F in January while summers reach 71°F in July. With 260 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 30.1 inches, including 46.3 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 36.
Slayton has a population of 2,089 with a density of 1,014 people per square mile, spread across 2.0 square miles. The median age is 39.0 years, 0% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 52.6% female and 47.4% male. The city is predominantly White (93.4%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 93.3% of residents, while 6.7% speak Spanish. 5.4% of the population are veterans. 14.3% of residents have a disability. 91.4% have health insurance coverage.
Population
39.0yrs
Median Age
0% below US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
93.3%
19% above US avg
Spanish
6.7%
50% below US avg
The median household income in Slayton is $65,724, which is 13% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $38,760. The average weekly wage is $1,065, 26% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 1.5% (below the 3.6% US average). 5.9% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 638 business establishments, including 42 restaurants. The cost of living index is 98.6, roughly in line with the national average. Workers commute an average of 18 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 5.1% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $65,724 |
| 13% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $38,760 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,065 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $67,633 |
| Gini Index | 0.419 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 1.5% |
| 58% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 5.9% |
| 52% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 638 |
| County GDP | $1,897M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 42 |
| Healthcare | 72 |
| Retail | 93 |
| Manufacturing | 25 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $3,427 |
| 2% below US avg |
| Cost of Living | 98.60 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 2.14% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 17.5 min |
| Drive Alone | 71.0% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 5.1% |
The median home value in Slayton is $160,400, 43% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $239,255, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $718 (38% 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. 69.7% of housing units are owner-occupied. There are 1,035 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1961. The average annual property tax is $3,427. 23.6% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.4x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $160,400 |
| 43% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $239,255 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $718 |
| 38% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 23.6% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $809 |
| 1 Bedroom | $899 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,125 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,483 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,698 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 69.7% |
| Owner-Occupied | 69.7% |
| Renter-Occupied | 30.3% |
| Housing Units | 1,035 |
| Median Year Built | 1961 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $3,427 |
| 2% below US avg |
| Effective Rate | 2.14% |
In Slayton, 36.9% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 8.9% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.3% of residents. 28.2% have high blood pressure. 15.6% are current smokers. 20.2% report binge drinking. 24.1% are physically inactive. 26.5% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 17.3% experience frequent mental distress. 8.5% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,571. The dentist ratio is 1:1,372. 54.9% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.2 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Slayton vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 36.9% |
| 15% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 8.9% |
| Heart Disease | 5.3% |
| High Blood Pressure | 28.2% |
| Asthma | 10.4% |
| COPD | 5.5% |
| Cancer | 7.4% |
| Stroke | 2.8% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 15.6% |
| 11% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 20.2% |
| Physical Inactivity | 24.1% |
| Depression | 26.5% |
| Mental Distress | 17.3% |
| Physical Distress | 11.8% |
| Short Sleep | 31.7% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 91.4% |
| Uninsured | 8.5% |
| 1% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,571 |
| Dentists | 1:1,372 |
| Mental Health | 1:701 |
| Checkup Rate | 71.1% |
| Dental Visits | 64.6% |
| Premature Death | 6,329/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.2/10 |
| Exercise Access | 54.9% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 72 |
Slayton 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 101 per 100,000, 95% below the U.S. average. This includes larceny/theft at 51, burglary at 51, vehicle theft at 0 per 100,000 residents. The county recorded 4 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Slayton receives a safety grade of C+.
Crime Rates: Slayton 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 | 101.1/100K |
| 95% below US avg |
| Burglary | 50.5/100K |
| Theft | 50.5/100K |
| Vehicle Theft | 0.0/100K |
| Arson | 0.0/100K |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 4 |
| Traffic Accidents | 121 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | C+ |
| Safety Score | 2.5 / 5.0 |
Slayton has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 43°F (6°C). Winters average 13°F in January while summers reach 71°F in July. The area gets 260 sunny days per year, above the national average. Annual precipitation totals 30.1 inches (drier than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 46.3 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 1,608 feet.
Temperature
13°F Jan (-11°C)
71°F Jul (21°C)
| Annual Average | 43.1°F |
| 20% below US avg |
| January Average | 13°F (-11°C) |
| July Average | 71°F (21°C) |
| Sunny Days | 260 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,608 ft (490 m) |
| Area | 2.0 sq mi (5.1 km²) |
| Population Density | 1,014/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 43.9902°N, 95.7584°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Nobles County County |
| Nearest Airport | Southwest Minnesota Regional Marshall/Ryan Field (MML)
32 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
30.1"
21% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
3.86"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 36.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 50.2 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 65.0 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 40.5 / 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 High |
| Lightning |
Relatively Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Moderate |
| Drought |
Relatively Moderate |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
3 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.1. Most recent: M2.7 on Jun 30, 2021.
| Feb 9, 1994 |
6 km NNE of Blomkest, Minnesota |
M3.1 |
127 km |
| Apr 25, 2017 |
Near Mankato, Minnesota |
M2.8 |
142 km |
| Jun 30, 2021 |
4 km E of Rembrandt, Iowa |
M2.7 |
140 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
488 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF5. Total: 14 fatalities, 329 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jun 16, 1992 |
EF5 |
30 km |
1 |
| Jun 13, 1968 |
EF5 |
20 km |
9 |
| Jun 25, 2010 |
EF4 |
63 km |
0 |
| Mar 29, 1998 |
EF4 |
19 km |
1 |
| Jun 7, 1993 |
EF4 |
98 km |
0 |
| Jun 16, 1992 |
EF4 |
12 km |
0 |
| Jul 7, 1955 |
EF4 |
65 km |
1 |
| Aug 1, 2006 |
EF3 |
84 km |
0 |
| Aug 7, 1994 |
EF3 |
58 km |
0 |
| Jun 7, 1993 |
EF3 |
97 km |
0 |
| Jun 7, 1993 |
EF3 |
98 km |
0 |
| Jun 16, 1992 |
EF3 |
51 km |
0 |
| Jun 16, 1992 |
EF3 |
88 km |
0 |
| Jun 16, 1992 |
EF3 |
88 km |
0 |
| Jun 16, 1992 |
EF3 |
30 km |
0 |
| Jun 16, 1992 |
EF3 |
13 km |
0 |
| Apr 20, 1985 |
EF3 |
29 km |
0 |
| May 31, 1971 |
EF3 |
87 km |
0 |
| May 31, 1971 |
EF3 |
78 km |
0 |
| May 31, 1971 |
EF3 |
76 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
13°F (-11°C) |
0.6 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
19°F (-7°C) |
0.7 in |
|
| March |
30°F (-1°C) |
1.9 in |
|
| April |
44°F (7°C) |
2.6 in |
|
| May |
58°F (14°C) |
3.2 in |
|
| June |
67°F (20°C) |
3.9 in |
Wettest |
| July |
71°F (21°C) |
3.6 in |
Warmest |
| August |
69°F (20°C) |
3.2 in |
|
| September |
60°F (16°C) |
3.2 in |
|
| October |
48°F (9°C) |
2.1 in |
|
| November |
31°F (-0°C) |
1.3 in |
|
| December |
18°F (-8°C) |
0.8 in |
|
Slayton has a seasonal temperature swing of 58°F / from 13°F in January to 71°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 26.8 inches, with June being the wettest month (3.9") and January the driest (0.6").
Average costs for common services in Slayton. 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 | $534 |
| Toddler | $541 |
| Preschool | $541 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Slayton
What is the population of Slayton?
Slayton has a population of 2,089 residents and is located in Minnesota. The population density is 1,014 people per square mile, spread across 2.0 square miles. The median age of residents is 39.0 years. The population is 52.6% female and 47.4% male.
Is Slayton expensive to live in?
Slayton 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 $65,724, 13% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $160,400 (43% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $718 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.4x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Slayton safe?
Slayton 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 101 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Slayton receives a safety grade of C+ based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Slayton?
Slayton has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 43°F (6°C). Winter temperatures average 13°F in January, while summers reach an average of 71°F in July. The area receives 260 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 30.1 inches, with 46.3 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 36.
How is the job market in Slayton?
The job market in Slayton is very strong, with unemployment at just 1.5% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,065. There are 638 business establishments in the area, including 42 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 18 minutes, and 5.1% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Slayton?
The median home value in Slayton is $160,400. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $239,255. For renters, the median monthly rent is $718. Fair market rent is $899 for a 1-bedroom and $1,125 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 69.7%. The average annual property tax is $3,427.
How are the schools in Slayton?
Schools in Slayton score 5.1 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 31.4% of adults in Slayton hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 89.6% have completed high school. 5.7% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Slayton?
The obesity rate in Slayton is 36.9% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 15.6% of adults are smokers. 24.1% are physically inactive. 26.5% of residents report depression. 8.5% lack health insurance. 54.9% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,571.
What is transportation like in Slayton?
The average commute in Slayton is 18 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 71% of workers drive alone to work, and 5.1% work from home.
What are the demographics of Slayton?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Slayton is 93.4% White, 0.6% Hispanic or Latino. 93.3% of residents speak only English at home, while 6.7% speak Spanish. 5.4% of the population are military veterans. 14.3% of residents have a disability. 91.4% have health insurance coverage.
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