Median Income
$51,506
31% lower than US avg
Home Value
$119,300
58% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
170/100K
55% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
22.3%
34% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$856
26% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
39.7%
24% higher than US avg
Unemployment
2.9%
19% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
21.9%
77% higher than US avg
How Staples Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population2,359
Median Age41.5 yrs
Density496/mi²
Male / Female51% / 49%
Largest GroupWhite 96%
Veterans11.6%
Economy
B
Median Income$51,506
Per Capita$25,738
Unemployment2.9%
Poverty21.9%
County GDP$744M
Commute18 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$119,300
Rent$856
Ownership66.8%
Zillow$203,472
Housing Units1,119
Rent Burden19.9%
Crime
F
Violent170/100K
Property2,105/100K
Murder0.0/100K
Assault68/100K
Burglary204/100K
Health
Obesity39.7%
Uninsured9.0%
Smoking18.7%
Depression27.4%
Heart Disease5.9%
Climate
Avg Temp40°F (5°C)
AQI36 (Good)
Rain29.3 in/yr
Sunny Days276/yr
Elevation1,281 ft (390 m)
Education
C+
Bachelor's+22.3%
High School+93.2%
Graduate+11.4%
School Score5.98
Community
2024 VoteR 75% / D 24%
Commute18 min
Broadband86.5%
EV Stations1
Libraries1
Is Staples a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Staples receives an overall livability score of 3.0 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 an elevated poverty rate, below-average incomes, high obesity rates. Staples offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Staples is $51,506, 31% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 2.9%. The poverty rate of 21.9% exceeds the national average of 12.4%, indicating economic hardship for a significant portion of the population. Workers commute an average of 18 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Staples is $119,300, 58% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $856 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 2.3x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Violent crime in Staples is below the national average at 170 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 2,105 per 100,000, near the national average.
Education
22.3% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 93.2% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 6/10.
Climate & Weather
Staples has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 40°F. Winters average 8°F in January while summers reach 68°F in July. With 276 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 29.3 inches, including 50.8 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 36.
Staples has a population of 2,359 with a density of 496 people per square mile, spread across 4.8 square miles. The median age is 41.5 years, 7% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 48.7% female and 51.3% male. The city is predominantly White (95.7%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 95% of residents. 11.6% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 19.5% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 96.5% have health insurance coverage.
Population
41.5yrs
Median Age
7% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
95.0%
21% above US avg
Spanish
5.0%
63% below US avg
The median household income in Staples is $51,506, which is 31% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $25,738 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $968, 32% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 2.9% (below the 3.6% US average). 21.9% of residents live below the poverty line, higher than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 451 business establishments, including 32 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). 5.5% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $51,506 |
| 31% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $25,738 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $968 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $57,069 |
| Gini Index | 0.406 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 2.9% |
| 19% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 21.9% |
| 77% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 451 |
| County GDP | $744M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 32 |
| Healthcare | 45 |
| Retail | 69 |
| Manufacturing | 22 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $3,889 |
| 11% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 98.60 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 3.26% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 17.7 min |
| Drive Alone | 73.5% |
| Public Transit | 1.8% |
| Work from Home | 5.5% |
The median home value in Staples is $119,300, 58% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $203,472, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $856 (26% 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. 66.8% of housing units are owner-occupied. There are 1,119 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1958. The average annual property tax is $3,889. 19.9% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.3x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $119,300 |
| 58% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $203,472 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $856 |
| 26% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 19.9% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $809 |
| 1 Bedroom | $899 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,125 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,483 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,698 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 66.8% |
| Owner-Occupied | 66.8% |
| Renter-Occupied | 33.2% |
| Housing Units | 1,119 |
| Median Year Built | 1958 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $3,889 |
| 11% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 3.26% |
In Staples, 39.7% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 10.0% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.9% of residents. 30.3% have high blood pressure. 18.7% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 19.4% report binge drinking. 26.4% are physically inactive. 27.4% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 18.5% experience frequent mental distress. 9.0% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,025. The dentist ratio is 1:1,301. 40.2% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.6 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Staples vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 39.7% |
| 24% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 10.0% |
| Heart Disease | 5.9% |
| High Blood Pressure | 30.3% |
| Asthma | 10.7% |
| COPD | 6.5% |
| Cancer | 7.3% |
| Stroke | 3.2% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 18.7% |
| 34% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 19.4% |
| Physical Inactivity | 26.4% |
| Depression | 27.4% |
| Mental Distress | 18.5% |
| Physical Distress | 13.0% |
| Short Sleep | 32.9% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 96.5% |
| Uninsured | 9.0% |
| 5% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:2,025 |
| Dentists | 1:1,301 |
| Mental Health | 1:259 |
| Checkup Rate | 71.3% |
| Dental Visits | 58.8% |
| Premature Death | 6,254/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.6/10 |
| Exercise Access | 40.2% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 45 |
Staples has a violent crime rate of 170 per 100,000 residents, 55% below the national average of 380. This breaks down to aggravated assault at 67.9 per 100,000, robbery at 0.0, rape at 101.9. The murder rate is 0.0 per 100,000 (below the national rate of 6.3). Property crime stands at 2,105 per 100,000, 7% above the U.S. average. This includes larceny/theft at 1,800, burglary at 204, vehicle theft at 102 per 100,000 residents. The county recorded 2 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Staples receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Staples vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 169.8/100K |
| 55% below US avg |
| Murder | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg |
| Rape | 101.9/100K |
| Robbery | 0.0/100K |
| Assault | 67.9/100K |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 2,105.3/100K |
| 7% above US avg |
| Burglary | 203.7/100K |
| Theft | 1,799.7/100K |
| Vehicle Theft | 101.9/100K |
| Arson | 0.0/100K |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 2 |
| Traffic Accidents | 187 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Staples has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 40°F (5°C). Winters average 8°F in January while summers reach 68°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 29.3 inches (drier than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 50.8 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 1,281 feet.
Temperature
8°F Jan (-13°C)
68°F Jul (20°C)
| Annual Average | 40.2°F |
| 26% below US avg |
| January Average | 8°F (-13°C) |
| July Average | 68°F (20°C) |
| Sunny Days | 276 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,281 ft (390 m) |
| Area | 4.8 sq mi (12.3 km²) |
| Population Density | 496/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 46.3722°N, 94.8150°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Wadena County County |
| Nearest Airport | Brainerd Lakes Regional (BRD)
33 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
29.3"
23% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
4.17"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 36.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 13.0 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 50.5 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 81.8 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Relatively Low |
| Flood |
Very Low |
| Hail |
Very Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Moderate |
| Lightning |
Relatively Low |
| Ice Storm |
Very Low |
| Drought |
Relatively Low |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
2 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M4.1. Most recent: M2.5 on Apr 29, 2011.
| Jun 5, 1993 |
11 km N of Johnson, Minnesota |
M4.1 |
138 km |
| Apr 29, 2011 |
Minnesota |
M2.5 |
70 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990-2025)
Tornado History
301 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 18 fatalities, 213 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jul 8, 2020 |
EF4 |
92 km |
1 |
| Jun 17, 2010 |
EF4 |
57 km |
1 |
| Jun 17, 2010 |
EF4 |
28 km |
0 |
| Aug 6, 1969 |
EF4 |
64 km |
12 |
| Jun 11, 1966 |
EF4 |
45 km |
0 |
| Jun 6, 2008 |
EF3 |
69 km |
0 |
| Jun 13, 2001 |
EF3 |
46 km |
0 |
| Sep 18, 1997 |
EF3 |
68 km |
1 |
| Jul 5, 1991 |
EF3 |
37 km |
0 |
| Aug 26, 1977 |
EF3 |
24 km |
0 |
| Jun 25, 1973 |
EF3 |
60 km |
0 |
| Aug 6, 1969 |
EF3 |
39 km |
0 |
| Jun 18, 1964 |
EF3 |
97 km |
0 |
| May 5, 1964 |
EF3 |
88 km |
0 |
| Jun 12, 2024 |
EF2 |
66 km |
0 |
| Jun 12, 2024 |
EF2 |
55 km |
0 |
| Jun 24, 2022 |
EF2 |
86 km |
0 |
| May 30, 2022 |
EF2 |
4 km |
0 |
| May 30, 2022 |
EF2 |
85 km |
0 |
| May 12, 2022 |
EF2 |
18 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950-2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: UNNAMED (9,055 ac, 2007).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2007 |
UNNAMED |
9,055 |
34 km |
| 2009 |
CENTER TANK RANGE |
6,131 |
36 km |
| 1988 |
UNNAMED |
4,475 |
36 km |
| 1988 |
UNNAMED |
3,642 |
67 km |
| 2009 |
HENDRICKSON IMPACT AREA |
2,757 |
35 km |
| 1988 |
UNNAMED |
2,243 |
97 km |
| 2009 |
EAST TANK RANGE |
1,801 |
37 km |
| 2016 |
UNNAMED |
1,777 |
100 km |
| 1987 |
UNNAMED |
1,655 |
67 km |
| 1988 |
UNNAMED |
1,589 |
76 km |
| 2012 |
JEEP FIRE |
1,437 |
24 km |
| 2000 |
00 14 |
1,377 |
91 km |
| 1998 |
WEST SKUNK |
1,129 |
66 km |
| 2000 |
UNIT 1 |
1,073 |
65 km |
| 1991 |
UNNAMED |
1,062 |
86 km |
| 1986 |
UNNAMED |
1,025 |
72 km |
| 1987 |
UNNAMED |
1,009 |
89 km |
| 1990 |
UNNAMED |
981 |
85 km |
| 1993 |
UNNAMED |
889 |
96 km |
| 1991 |
UNNAMED |
886 |
85 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
8°F (-13°C) |
0.8 in |
Coldest |
| February |
14°F (-10°C) |
0.6 in |
Driest |
| March |
27°F (-3°C) |
1.6 in |
|
| April |
43°F (6°C) |
2.1 in |
|
| May |
56°F (13°C) |
2.9 in |
|
| June |
64°F (18°C) |
4.2 in |
Wettest |
| July |
68°F (20°C) |
3.9 in |
Warmest |
| August |
67°F (19°C) |
3.3 in |
|
| September |
57°F (14°C) |
3.0 in |
|
| October |
45°F (7°C) |
2.4 in |
|
| November |
28°F (-2°C) |
1.3 in |
|
| December |
13°F (-11°C) |
0.8 in |
|
Staples has a seasonal temperature swing of 60°F / from 8°F in January to 68°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 26.8 inches, with June being the wettest month (4.2") and February the driest (0.6").
Average costs for common services in Staples. 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 | $556 |
| Toddler | $563 |
| Preschool | $563 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Staples
What is the population of Staples?
Staples has a population of 2,359 residents and is located in Minnesota. The population density is 496 people per square mile, spread across 4.8 square miles. The median age of residents is 41.5 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 48.7% female and 51.3% male.
Is Staples expensive to live in?
Staples 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 $51,506, 31% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $119,300 (58% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $856 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.3x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Staples safe?
Staples is safer than the national average, with a violent crime rate of 170 per 100,000 compared to the U.S. rate of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 2,105 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Staples receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Staples?
Staples has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 40°F (5°C). Winter temperatures average 8°F in January, while summers reach an average of 68°F in July. The area receives 276 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 29.3 inches, with 50.8 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 36.
How is the job market in Staples?
The job market in Staples is very strong, with unemployment at just 2.9% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $968. There are 451 business establishments in the area, including 32 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 18 minutes, and 5.5% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Staples?
The median home value in Staples is $119,300. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $203,472. For renters, the median monthly rent is $856. Fair market rent is $899 for a 1-bedroom and $1,125 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 66.8%. The average annual property tax is $3,889.
How are the schools in Staples?
Schools in Staples score 6 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 22.3% of adults in Staples hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 93.2% have completed high school. 11.4% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Staples?
The obesity rate in Staples is 39.7% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 18.7% of adults are smokers. 26.4% are physically inactive. 27.4% of residents report depression. 9.0% lack health insurance. 40.2% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,025.
What is transportation like in Staples?
The average commute in Staples is 18 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 73.5% of workers drive alone to work, 1.8% use public transit, and 5.5% work from home.
What are the demographics of Staples?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Staples is 95.7% White, 0.9% Hispanic or Latino. 95% of residents speak only English at home, while 5% speak Spanish. 11.6% of the population are military veterans. 19.5% of residents have a disability. 96.5% have health insurance coverage.
All Countries
