Median Income
$88,929
18% higher than US avg
Home Value
$391,900
39% higher than US avg
Violent Crime
0/100K
100% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
30.4%
10% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
35.7%
11% higher than US avg
Unemployment
1.0%
72% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
2.3%
81% lower than US avg
How The Lakes Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population666
Median Age63.4 yrs
Density20/mi²
Male / Female48% / 52%
Largest GroupWhite 95%
Veterans8.0%
Economy
A+
Median Income$88,929
Per Capita$56,246
Unemployment1.0%
Poverty2.3%
County GDP$721M
Commute33 min
Housing
A
Home Value$391,900
Ownership94.4%
Zillow$132,903
Housing Units813
Rent Burden20.8%
Crime
C+
Violent0/100K
Property756/100K
Health
Obesity35.7%
Uninsured7.3%
Smoking14.6%
Depression26.2%
Heart Disease5.1%
Climate
Avg Temp45°F (7°C)
AQI36 (Good)
Rain29.2 in/yr
Sunny Days276/yr
Elevation1,526 ft (465 m)
Education
B
Bachelor's+30.4%
High School+98.8%
Graduate+7.5%
School Score6.40
Community
2024 VoteR 70% / D 28%
Commute33 min
Broadband88.5%
EV Stations3
Libraries2
Is The Lakes a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, The Lakes receives an overall livability score of 3.7 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B+. Key strengths include above-average household incomes, low unemployment, low crime rates, abundant sunshine. The Lakes offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in The Lakes is $88,929, 18% above the national average of $75,149. Residents generally enjoy above-average earning potential. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 1.0%. Only 2.3% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 33 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in The Lakes is $391,900, 39% above the national median. A price-to-income ratio of 4.4x indicates a reasonably affordable housing market.
Safety & Crime
The Lakes 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 756 per 100,000, 61% below the national average.
Education
30.4% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 98.8% have completed high school. Local schools score 6.4/10 in standardized testing, reflecting strong academic performance.
Climate & Weather
The Lakes has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 45°F. Winters average 14°F in January while summers reach 72°F in July. With 276 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 29.2 inches, including 49.3 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 36.
The Lakes has a population of 666 with a density of 20 people per square mile, spread across 43.4 square miles. The median age is 63.4 years, 63% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 52.3% female and 47.7% male. The city is predominantly White (94.6%), with 2% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 97.8% of residents. 8.0% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 11.0% of residents have a disability. 98.6% have health insurance coverage.
Population
63.4yrs
Median Age
63% above US avg
Race & Ethnicity
The Lakes vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
97.8%
25% above US avg
Spanish
2.2%
84% below US avg
Social Characteristics
The Lakes vs U.S. Average
The median household income in The Lakes is $88,929, which is 18% above the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $56,246 (above the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $943, 34% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 1.0% (below the 3.6% US average). 2.3% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 341 business establishments, including 19 restaurants. The cost of living index is 98.6, roughly in line with the national average. Workers commute an average of 33 minutes (longer than the 28-minute US average). 15.3% of workers work from home.
Income: The Lakes vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $88,929 |
| 18% above US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $56,246 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $943 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $76,683 |
| Gini Index | 0.411 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 1.0% |
| 72% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 2.3% |
| 81% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 341 |
| County GDP | $721M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 19 |
| Healthcare | 16 |
| Retail | 40 |
| Manufacturing | 5 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $2,845 |
| 19% below US avg |
| Cost of Living | 98.60 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 0.73% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 33.0 min |
| Drive Alone | 72.9% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 15.3% |
The median home value in The Lakes is $391,900, 39% above the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $132,903, lower than the Census estimate. Fair market rent ranges from $899 for a one-bedroom to $1,125 for a two-bedroom apartment. 94.4% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 813 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1986. The average annual property tax is $2,845 (lower than the $3,500 national average). 20.8% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 4.4x.
Home Values
| Census Median | $391,900 |
| 39% above US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $132,903 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $809 |
| 1 Bedroom | $899 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,125 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,483 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,698 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 94.4% |
| Owner-Occupied | 94.4% |
| Renter-Occupied | 5.6% |
| Housing Units | 813 |
| Median Year Built | 1986 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $2,845 |
| 19% below US avg |
| Effective Rate | 0.73% |
In The Lakes, 35.7% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 8.3% have diabetes (below the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 5.1% of residents. 27.4% have high blood pressure. 14.6% are current smokers. 20.9% report binge drinking. 22.3% are physically inactive. 26.2% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 16.8% experience frequent mental distress. 7.3% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,715. The dentist ratio is 1:4,030. 56.7% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 9.1 out of 10.
Health Metrics: The Lakes vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 35.7% |
| 11% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 8.3% |
| Heart Disease | 5.1% |
| High Blood Pressure | 27.4% |
| Asthma | 10.1% |
| COPD | 5.0% |
| Cancer | 7.5% |
| Stroke | 2.6% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 14.6% |
| 4% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 20.9% |
| Physical Inactivity | 22.3% |
| Depression | 26.2% |
| Mental Distress | 16.8% |
| Physical Distress | 11.1% |
| Short Sleep | 31.3% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 98.6% |
| Uninsured | 7.3% |
| 15% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:2,715 |
| Dentists | 1:4,030 |
| Mental Health | 1:1,342 |
| Checkup Rate | 71.1% |
| Dental Visits | 67.2% |
| Premature Death | 5,092/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 9.1/10 |
| Exercise Access | 56.7% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 16 |
The Lakes has a violent crime rate of 0 per 100,000 residents, 100% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 756 per 100,000, 61% below the U.S. average. The county recorded 4 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, The Lakes receives a safety grade of C+.
Crime Rates: The Lakes vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 756.1/100K |
| 61% below US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 4 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | C+ |
| Safety Score | 2.5 / 5.0 |
The Lakes has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 45°F (7°C). Winters average 14°F in January while summers reach 72°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 29.2 inches (drier than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 49.3 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 1,526 feet.
Temperature
14°F Jan (-10°C)
72°F Jul (22°C)
| Annual Average | 44.6°F |
| 17% below US avg |
| January Average | 14°F (-10°C) |
| July Average | 72°F (22°C) |
| Sunny Days | 276 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,526 ft (465 m) |
| Area | 43.4 sq mi (112.3 km²) |
| Population Density | 20/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 44.1049°N, 95.6702°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Murray County County |
| Nearest Airport | Southwest Minnesota Regional Marshall/Ryan Field (MML)
25 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
29.2"
23% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
3.74"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 36.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 19.8 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 40.4 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 92.2 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Very Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Moderate |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Moderate |
| Lightning |
Very Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
Relatively Moderate |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| 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 |
113 km |
| Apr 25, 2017 |
Near Mankato, Minnesota |
M2.8 |
133 km |
| Jun 30, 2021 |
4 km E of Rembrandt, Iowa |
M2.7 |
149 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990-2025)
Tornado History
444 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF5. Total: 15 fatalities, 331 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jun 16, 1992 |
EF5 |
44 km |
1 |
| Jun 13, 1968 |
EF5 |
10 km |
9 |
| Jun 25, 2010 |
EF4 |
77 km |
0 |
| Jul 25, 2000 |
EF4 |
88 km |
1 |
| Mar 29, 1998 |
EF4 |
21 km |
1 |
| Jun 16, 1992 |
EF4 |
25 km |
0 |
| Jul 7, 1955 |
EF4 |
59 km |
1 |
| Aug 1, 2006 |
EF3 |
79 km |
0 |
| Aug 7, 1994 |
EF3 |
72 km |
0 |
| Jun 16, 1992 |
EF3 |
36 km |
0 |
| Jun 16, 1992 |
EF3 |
16 km |
0 |
| Jun 16, 1992 |
EF3 |
76 km |
0 |
| Jun 16, 1992 |
EF3 |
12 km |
0 |
| Jun 16, 1992 |
EF3 |
76 km |
0 |
| Apr 20, 1985 |
EF3 |
41 km |
0 |
| May 31, 1971 |
EF3 |
87 km |
0 |
| May 31, 1971 |
EF3 |
86 km |
0 |
| May 12, 2022 |
EF2 |
97 km |
0 |
| Aug 18, 2017 |
EF2 |
85 km |
0 |
| Jul 1, 2011 |
EF2 |
42 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950-2024)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
14°F (-10°C) |
0.6 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
18°F (-8°C) |
0.7 in |
|
| March |
30°F (-1°C) |
1.8 in |
|
| April |
44°F (7°C) |
2.6 in |
|
| May |
58°F (14°C) |
3.2 in |
|
| June |
67°F (20°C) |
3.7 in |
Wettest |
| July |
72°F (22°C) |
3.6 in |
Warmest |
| August |
69°F (21°C) |
2.9 in |
|
| September |
60°F (16°C) |
3.1 in |
|
| October |
48°F (9°C) |
2.1 in |
|
| November |
31°F (-1°C) |
1.3 in |
|
| December |
17°F (-8°C) |
0.8 in |
|
The Lakes has a seasonal temperature swing of 58°F / from 14°F in January to 72°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 26.3 inches, with June being the wettest month (3.7") and January the driest (0.6").
Average costs for common services in The Lakes. 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 | $723 |
| Toddler | $657 |
| Preschool | $602 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $556 |
| Toddler | $563 |
| Preschool | $563 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About The Lakes
What is the population of The Lakes?
The Lakes has a population of 666 residents and is located in Minnesota. The population density is 20 people per square mile, spread across 43.4 square miles. The median age of residents is 63.4 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 52.3% female and 47.7% male.
Is The Lakes expensive to live in?
The Lakes 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 $88,929, 18% above the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $391,900 (39% above the U.S. median). The home price-to-income ratio is 4.4x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is The Lakes safe?
The Lakes 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 756 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, The Lakes receives a safety grade of C+ based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in The Lakes?
The Lakes has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 45°F (7°C). Winter temperatures average 14°F in January, while summers reach an average of 72°F in July. The area receives 276 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 29.2 inches, with 49.3 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 36.
How is the job market in The Lakes?
The job market in The Lakes is very strong, with unemployment at just 1.0% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $943. There are 341 business establishments in the area, including 19 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 33 minutes, and 15.3% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in The Lakes?
The median home value in The Lakes is $391,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $132,903. The homeownership rate is 94.4%. The average annual property tax is $2,845.
How are the schools in The Lakes?
Schools in The Lakes score 6.4 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 30.4% of adults in The Lakes hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 98.8% have completed high school. 7.5% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is The Lakes?
The obesity rate in The Lakes is 35.7% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 14.6% of adults are smokers. 22.3% are physically inactive. 26.2% of residents report depression. 7.3% lack health insurance. 56.7% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,715.
What is transportation like in The Lakes?
The average commute in The Lakes is 33 minutes, longer than the national average of 28 minutes. 72.9% of workers drive alone to work, and 15.3% work from home.
What are the demographics of The Lakes?
The racial and ethnic makeup of The Lakes is 94.6% White, 2% Hispanic or Latino. 97.8% of residents speak only English at home. 8.0% of the population are military veterans. 11.0% of residents have a disability. 98.6% have health insurance coverage.
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