Median Income
$36,964
51% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
29.0%
14% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$581
50% lower than US avg
Unemployment
2.4%
33% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
45.4%
266% higher than US avg
How Stearns Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population1,509
Median Age36.9 yrs
Density375/mi²
Male / Female53% / 47%
Largest GroupWhite 100%
Economy
C+
Median Income$36,964
Per Capita$20,415
Unemployment2.4%
Poverty45.4%
County GDP$349M
Commute32 min
Housing
A+
Home ValueN/A
Rent$581
OwnershipN/A
Zillow$103,391
Climate
Avg Temp55°F
AQI41 (Good)
Rain56.1 in/yr
Elevation1,313 ft
Education
B
Bachelor's+29.0%
High School+84.3%
School Score5.50
Community
2024 VoteR 89% / D 10%
Commute32 min
Libraries2
Is Stearns a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Stearns receives an overall livability score of 3.6 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B+. Key strengths include low unemployment, high health insurance coverage. Areas to be aware of include an elevated poverty rate, below-average incomes. Stearns offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Stearns is $36,964, 51% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 2.4%. The poverty rate of 45.4% exceeds the national average of 12.4%, indicating economic hardship for a significant portion of the population. Workers commute an average of 32 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
Renters pay a median of $581 per month, below the national average — a plus for affordability.
Education
29.0% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 84.3% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.5/10.
Climate & Weather
Stearns experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 55°F. Winters average 35°F in January while summers reach 74°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 56.1 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 41.
Stearns has a population of 1,509 with a density of 375 people per square mile. The median age is 36.9 years, 5% younger than the national median of 38.9. The city is predominantly White (100%).
Population
36.9yrs
Median Age
5% below US avg
Language Spoken at Home
| English Only | 100.0% |
| 27% above US avg |
| Spanish | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
The median household income in Stearns is $36,964, which is 51% below the national average of $75,149. The unemployment rate is 2.4% (below the 3.6% US average). 45.4% of residents live below the poverty line. Workers commute an average of 32 minutes.
Income
| Median HH Income | $36,964 |
| 51% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $20,415 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $901 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $42,488 |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 2.4% |
| 33% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 45.4% |
| 266% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 303 |
| County GDP | $349M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 17 |
| Healthcare | 23 |
| Retail | 46 |
| Manufacturing | 9 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $1,575 |
| 55% below US avg |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 32.4 min |
| Work from Home | 10.5% |
Monthly rent averages $581 (50% below US avg). Zillow estimates the typical home value at $103,391.
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $581 |
| 50% below US avg |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $719 |
| 1 Bedroom | $794 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $984 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,277 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,442 |
Ownership & Property
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $1,575 |
| 55% below US avg |
Health Metrics: Stearns vs U.S. Average (%)
Behaviors & Mental Health
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 93.3% |
| |
| Premature Death | 14,730/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 6.3/10 |
| Exercise Access | 100.0% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 23 |
Crime Rates: Stearns vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 6 |
Safety Score
Stearns has an average annual temperature of 55°F (13°C). Winters average 35°F in January while summers reach 74°F in July. Annual precipitation is 56.1 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 41.
Temperature
35°F Jan (1°C)
74°F Jul (24°C)
| Annual Average | 54.9°F |
| 2% above US avg |
| January Average | 35°F (1°C) |
| July Average | 74°F (24°C) |
Precipitation & Snow
| Annual Rainfall | 56.1 inches |
| 48% above US avg |
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 41.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,313 ft (400 m) |
| Area | 4.0 sq mi (10.4 km²) |
| Population Density | 375/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 36.6943°N, 84.4745°W |
| County FIPS | 21147 |