Median Income
$64,811
14% lower than US avg
Home Value
$138,500
51% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
179/100K
53% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
21.0%
38% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$757
35% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
37.5%
17% higher than US avg
Unemployment
1.8%
50% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
6.3%
49% lower than US avg
How Sleepy Eye Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population3,438
Median Age41.7 yrs
Density1,839/mi²
Male / Female50% / 50%
Largest GroupWhite 89%
Veterans5.2%
Economy
A
Median Income$64,811
Per Capita$37,186
Unemployment1.8%
Poverty6.3%
County GDP$2,006M
Commute15 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$138,500
Rent$757
Ownership82.7%
Zillow$164,435
Housing Units1,654
Rent Burden51.0%
Crime
F
Violent179/100K
Property508/100K
Murder0.0/100K
Assault90/100K
Burglary90/100K
Health
Obesity37.5%
Uninsured10.7%
Smoking16.0%
Depression24.7%
Heart Disease5.4%
Climate
Avg Temp44°F (7°C)
AQI36 (Good)
Rain29.6 in/yr
Sunny Days276/yr
Elevation1,034 ft (315 m)
Education
C+
Bachelor's+21.0%
High School+94.1%
Graduate+1.9%
School Score6.16
Community
2024 VoteR 67% / D 32%
Commute15 min
Broadband88.3%
EV Stations4
Libraries5
Is Sleepy Eye a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Sleepy Eye receives an overall livability score of 3.2 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include low unemployment, low crime rates, affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Sleepy Eye offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Sleepy Eye is $64,811, 14% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 1.8%. Only 6.3% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 15 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Sleepy Eye is $138,500, 51% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $757 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 2.1x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Violent crime in Sleepy Eye is below the national average at 179 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 508 per 100,000, 74% below the national average.
Education
21.0% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 94.1% have completed high school. Local schools score 6.2/10 in standardized testing, reflecting strong academic performance.
Climate & Weather
Sleepy Eye has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 44°F. Winters average 14°F in January while summers reach 71°F in July. With 276 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 29.6 inches, including 42.3 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 36.
Sleepy Eye has a population of 3,438 with a density of 1,839 people per square mile, spread across 2.0 square miles. The median age is 41.7 years, 7% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 49.8% female and 50.2% male. The city is predominantly White (89%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 87.1% of residents, while 12.9% speak Spanish. 5.2% of the population are veterans. 9.3% of residents have a disability (below the 13.0% national average). 97.2% have health insurance coverage.
Population
41.7yrs
Median Age
7% above US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Sleepy Eye vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
87.1%
11% above US avg
Spanish
12.9%
4% below US avg
Social Characteristics
Sleepy Eye vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Sleepy Eye is $64,811, which is 14% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $37,186. The average weekly wage is $1,066, 26% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 1.8% (below the 3.6% US average). 6.3% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 902 business establishments, including 66 restaurants. The cost of living index is 98.6, roughly in line with the national average. Workers commute an average of 15 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 5.0% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income: Sleepy Eye vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $64,811 |
| 14% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $37,186 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,066 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $77,300 |
| Gini Index | 0.400 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 1.8% |
| 50% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 6.3% |
| 49% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 902 |
| County GDP | $2,006M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 66 |
| Healthcare | 93 |
| Retail | 103 |
| Manufacturing | 40 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $3,718 |
| 6% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 98.60 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 2.68% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 15.1 min |
| Drive Alone | 87.0% |
| Public Transit | 1.1% |
| Work from Home | 5.0% |
The median home value in Sleepy Eye is $138,500, 51% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $164,435, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $757 (35% 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. 82.7% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 1,654 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1959. The average annual property tax is $3,718. 51.0% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing, indicating a significant affordability challenge for renters. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.1x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $138,500 |
| 51% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $164,435 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $757 |
| 35% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 51.0% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $809 |
| 1 Bedroom | $899 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,125 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,483 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,698 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 82.7% |
| Owner-Occupied | 82.7% |
| Renter-Occupied | 17.3% |
| Housing Units | 1,654 |
| Median Year Built | 1959 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $3,718 |
| 6% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 2.68% |
In Sleepy Eye, 37.5% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 9.7% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.4% of residents. 29.1% have high blood pressure. 16.0% are current smokers. 19.9% report binge drinking. 25.3% are physically inactive. 24.7% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 17.1% experience frequent mental distress. 10.7% of residents lack health insurance (above the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,076. The dentist ratio is 1:1,608. 82.4% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 9.1 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Sleepy Eye vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 37.5% |
| 17% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 9.7% |
| Heart Disease | 5.4% |
| High Blood Pressure | 29.1% |
| Asthma | 10.1% |
| COPD | 5.6% |
| Cancer | 7.2% |
| Stroke | 2.9% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 16.0% |
| 14% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 19.9% |
| Physical Inactivity | 25.3% |
| Depression | 24.7% |
| Mental Distress | 17.1% |
| Physical Distress | 12.2% |
| Short Sleep | 28.8% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 97.2% |
| Uninsured | 10.7% |
| 24% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,076 |
| Dentists | 1:1,608 |
| Mental Health | 1:434 |
| Checkup Rate | 73.1% |
| Dental Visits | 63.9% |
| Premature Death | 4,833/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 9.1/10 |
| Exercise Access | 82.4% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 93 |
Sleepy Eye has a violent crime rate of 179 per 100,000 residents, 53% below the national average of 380. This breaks down to aggravated assault at 89.6 per 100,000, robbery at 0.0, rape at 89.6. The murder rate is 0.0 per 100,000 (below the national rate of 6.3). Property crime stands at 508 per 100,000, 74% below the U.S. average. This includes larceny/theft at 359, burglary at 90, vehicle theft at 60 per 100,000 residents. Overall, Sleepy Eye receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Sleepy Eye vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 179.3/100K |
| 53% below US avg |
| Murder | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg |
| Rape | 89.6/100K |
| Robbery | 0.0/100K |
| Assault | 89.6/100K |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 507.9/100K |
| 74% below US avg |
| Burglary | 89.6/100K |
| Theft | 358.5/100K |
| Vehicle Theft | 59.8/100K |
| Arson | 29.9/100K |
Traffic Safety
| Traffic Accidents | 172 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Sleepy Eye has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 44°F (7°C). Winters average 14°F in January while summers reach 71°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 29.6 inches (drier than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 42.3 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 1,034 feet.
Temperature
14°F Jan (-10°C)
71°F Jul (22°C)
| Annual Average | 44.4°F |
| 18% below US avg |
| January Average | 14°F (-10°C) |
| July Average | 71°F (22°C) |
| Sunny Days | 276 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,034 ft (315 m) |
| Area | 2.0 sq mi (5.1 km²) |
| Population Density | 1,839/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 44.2989°N, 94.7236°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Brown County County |
| Nearest Airport | Mankato Regional (MKT)
40 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
29.6"
22% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
3.90"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 36.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 50.4 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 11.4 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 98.9 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Moderate |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Moderate |
| Lightning |
Very Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
Relatively Moderate |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively High |
| 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 |
81 km |
| Apr 25, 2017 |
Near Mankato, Minnesota |
M2.8 |
59 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
460 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF5. Total: 19 fatalities, 674 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jun 13, 1968 |
EF5 |
83 km |
9 |
| Mar 29, 1998 |
EF4 |
75 km |
1 |
| May 6, 1965 |
EF4 |
94 km |
3 |
| Jun 19, 1951 |
EF4 |
70 km |
1 |
| Jul 11, 2008 |
EF3 |
92 km |
0 |
| Aug 24, 2006 |
EF3 |
36 km |
1 |
| Aug 1, 2006 |
EF3 |
44 km |
0 |
| Mar 29, 1998 |
EF3 |
62 km |
0 |
| Mar 29, 1998 |
EF3 |
44 km |
1 |
| Jun 16, 1992 |
EF3 |
69 km |
0 |
| Jun 16, 1992 |
EF3 |
89 km |
0 |
| Jun 16, 1992 |
EF3 |
90 km |
0 |
| Jun 16, 1992 |
EF3 |
52 km |
0 |
| May 6, 1965 |
EF3 |
61 km |
0 |
| Jul 11, 2016 |
EF2 |
93 km |
0 |
| Jun 25, 2010 |
EF2 |
64 km |
0 |
| Jun 25, 2010 |
EF2 |
7 km |
0 |
| Jun 25, 2010 |
EF2 |
52 km |
0 |
| Jun 25, 2010 |
EF2 |
30 km |
0 |
| Jul 14, 2003 |
EF2 |
76 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
1 wildfire (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: LINCOLN WPA RX (575 ac, 2024).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2024 |
LINCOLN WPA RX |
575 |
47 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
14°F (-10°C) |
0.6 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
19°F (-7°C) |
0.7 in |
|
| March |
31°F (-0°C) |
1.8 in |
|
| April |
46°F (8°C) |
2.6 in |
|
| May |
59°F (15°C) |
3.1 in |
|
| June |
69°F (20°C) |
3.9 in |
Wettest |
| July |
71°F (22°C) |
3.8 in |
Warmest |
| August |
70°F (21°C) |
3.4 in |
|
| September |
61°F (16°C) |
3.0 in |
|
| October |
49°F (9°C) |
2.1 in |
|
| November |
32°F (-0°C) |
1.5 in |
|
| December |
18°F (-8°C) |
0.8 in |
|
Sleepy Eye has a seasonal temperature swing of 58°F / from 14°F in January to 71°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 27.2 inches, with June being the wettest month (3.9") and January the driest (0.6").
Average costs for common services in Sleepy Eye. 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 | $621 |
| Toddler | $570 |
| Preschool | $570 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Sleepy Eye
What is the population of Sleepy Eye?
Sleepy Eye has a population of 3,438 residents and is located in Minnesota. The population density is 1,839 people per square mile, spread across 2.0 square miles. The median age of residents is 41.7 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 49.8% female and 50.2% male.
Is Sleepy Eye expensive to live in?
Sleepy Eye 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 $64,811, 14% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $138,500 (51% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $757 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.1x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Sleepy Eye safe?
Sleepy Eye is safer than the national average, with a violent crime rate of 179 per 100,000 compared to the U.S. rate of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 508 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Sleepy Eye receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Sleepy Eye?
Sleepy Eye 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 71°F in July. The area receives 276 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 29.6 inches, with 42.3 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 36.
How is the job market in Sleepy Eye?
The job market in Sleepy Eye is very strong, with unemployment at just 1.8% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,066. There are 902 business establishments in the area, including 66 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 15 minutes, and 5.0% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Sleepy Eye?
The median home value in Sleepy Eye is $138,500. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $164,435. For renters, the median monthly rent is $757. Fair market rent is $899 for a 1-bedroom and $1,125 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 82.7%. The average annual property tax is $3,718.
How are the schools in Sleepy Eye?
Schools in Sleepy Eye score 6.2 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 21.0% of adults in Sleepy Eye hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 94.1% have completed high school. 1.9% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Sleepy Eye?
The obesity rate in Sleepy Eye is 37.5% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 16.0% of adults are smokers. 25.3% are physically inactive. 24.7% of residents report depression. 10.7% lack health insurance (above the national rate). 82.4% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,076.
What is transportation like in Sleepy Eye?
The average commute in Sleepy Eye is 15 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 87% of workers drive alone to work, 1.1% use public transit, and 5.0% work from home.
What are the demographics of Sleepy Eye?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Sleepy Eye is 89% White. 87.1% of residents speak only English at home, while 12.9% speak Spanish. 5.2% of the population are military veterans. 9.3% of residents have a disability. 97.2% have health insurance coverage.
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