Median Income
$68,750
9% lower than US avg
Home Value
$130,400
54% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
197/100K
48% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
20.1%
40% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$967
17% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
35.6%
11% higher than US avg
Unemployment
0.8%
78% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
2.1%
83% lower than US avg
How Vernon Center Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population326
Median Age40.5 yrs
Density665/mi²
Male / Female54% / 46%
Largest GroupWhite 97%
Veterans4.7%
Economy
A
Median Income$68,750
Per Capita$35,844
Unemployment0.8%
Poverty2.1%
County GDP$611M
Commute27 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$130,400
Rent$967
Ownership84.8%
Zillow$233,562
Housing Units146
Rent Burden15.0%
Crime
F
Violent197/100K
Property986/100K
Health
Obesity35.6%
Uninsured7.9%
Smoking15.5%
Depression27.2%
Heart Disease5.3%
Climate
Avg Temp47°F (8°C)
AQI36 (Good)
Rain32.8 in/yr
Sunny Days260/yr
Elevation1,024 ft (312 m)
Education
C+
Bachelor's+20.1%
High School+93.2%
Graduate+9.9%
School Score5.22
Community
2024 VoteR 63% / D 35%
Commute27 min
Broadband92.8%
EV Stations6
Libraries5
Is Vernon Center a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Vernon Center receives an overall livability score of 3.3 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include low unemployment, low crime rates, affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Vernon Center offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Vernon Center is $68,750, roughly in line with the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 0.8%. Only 2.1% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 27 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Vernon Center is $130,400, 54% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $967 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 1.9x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Violent crime in Vernon Center is below the national average at 197 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 986 per 100,000, 50% below the national average.
Education
20.1% 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 5.2/10.
Climate & Weather
Vernon Center experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 47°F. Winters average 17°F in January while summers reach 73°F in July. With 260 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 32.8 inches, including 46.3 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 36.
Vernon Center has a population of 326 with a density of 665 people per square mile, spread across 0.5 square miles. The median age is 40.5 years, 4% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 45.7% female and 54.3% male. The city is predominantly White (96.6%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 98.5% of residents. 4.7% of the population are veterans, below the national rate of 6.0%. 9.4% of residents have a disability (below the 13.0% national average). 94.8% have health insurance coverage.
Population
40.5yrs
Median Age
4% above US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Vernon Center vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
98.5%
25% above US avg
Spanish
1.5%
89% below US avg
Social Characteristics
Vernon Center vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Vernon Center is $68,750, which is 9% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $35,844. The average weekly wage is $929, 35% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 0.8% (below the 3.6% US average). 2.1% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 343 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 27 minutes. 6.5% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income: Vernon Center vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $68,750 |
| 9% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $35,844 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $929 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $64,714 |
| Gini Index | 0.446 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 0.8% |
| 78% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 2.1% |
| 83% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 343 |
| County GDP | $611M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 19 |
| Healthcare | 26 |
| Retail | 40 |
| Manufacturing | 16 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $2,808 |
| 20% below US avg |
| Cost of Living | 98.60 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 2.15% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 27.1 min |
| Drive Alone | 76.4% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 6.5% |
The median home value in Vernon Center is $130,400, 54% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $233,562, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $967 (17% 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. 84.8% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 146 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1938. The average annual property tax is $2,808 (lower than the $3,500 national average). 15.0% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.9x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $130,400 |
| 54% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $233,562 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $967 |
| 17% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 15.0% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $809 |
| 1 Bedroom | $899 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,125 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,483 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,698 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 84.8% |
| Owner-Occupied | 84.8% |
| Renter-Occupied | 15.2% |
| Housing Units | 146 |
| Median Year Built | 1938 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $2,808 |
| 20% below US avg |
| Effective Rate | 2.15% |
In Vernon Center, 35.6% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 9.1% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.3% of residents. 29.2% have high blood pressure. 15.5% are current smokers. 20.0% report binge drinking. 23.1% are physically inactive. 27.2% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 17.7% experience frequent mental distress. 7.9% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,856. The dentist ratio is 1:1,846. 71.4% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 9.0 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Vernon Center vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 35.6% |
| 11% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 9.1% |
| Heart Disease | 5.3% |
| High Blood Pressure | 29.2% |
| Asthma | 10.7% |
| COPD | 5.3% |
| Cancer | 7.2% |
| Stroke | 2.8% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 15.5% |
| 11% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 20.0% |
| Physical Inactivity | 23.1% |
| Depression | 27.2% |
| Mental Distress | 17.7% |
| Physical Distress | 11.4% |
| Short Sleep | 29.9% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 94.8% |
| Uninsured | 7.9% |
| 8% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,856 |
| Dentists | 1:1,846 |
| Mental Health | 1:1,385 |
| Checkup Rate | 73.0% |
| Dental Visits | 66.6% |
| Premature Death | 6,012/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 9.0/10 |
| Exercise Access | 71.4% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 26 |
Vernon Center has a violent crime rate of 197 per 100,000 residents, 48% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 986 per 100,000, 50% below the U.S. average. Overall, Vernon Center receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Vernon Center vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 197.2/100K |
| 48% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 986.2/100K |
| 50% below US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Traffic Accidents | 26 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Vernon Center experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 47°F (8°C). Winters average 17°F in January while summers reach 73°F in July. The area gets 260 sunny days per year, above the national average. Annual precipitation totals 32.8 inches. 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 1,024 feet.
Temperature
17°F Jan (-8°C)
73°F Jul (23°C)
| Annual Average | 47.2°F |
| 13% below US avg |
| January Average | 17°F (-8°C) |
| July Average | 73°F (23°C) |
| Sunny Days | 260 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,024 ft (312 m) |
| Area | 0.5 sq mi (1.3 km²) |
| Population Density | 665/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 43.9624°N, 94.1669°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Watonwan County County |
| Nearest Airport | Mankato Regional (MKT)
22 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
32.8"
14% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
4.41"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 36.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 23.9 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 41.7 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 56.9 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Very 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 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 |
133 km |
| Apr 25, 2017 |
Near Mankato, Minnesota |
M2.8 |
28 km |
| Jun 30, 2021 |
4 km E of Rembrandt, Iowa |
M2.7 |
147 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990-2025)
Tornado History
549 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 29 fatalities, 652 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jun 17, 2010 |
EF4 |
60 km |
1 |
| Apr 30, 1967 |
EF4 |
74 km |
5 |
| Apr 30, 1967 |
EF4 |
98 km |
0 |
| Apr 30, 1967 |
EF4 |
55 km |
6 |
| May 6, 1965 |
EF4 |
97 km |
3 |
| Jun 17, 2010 |
EF3 |
78 km |
0 |
| Jun 17, 2010 |
EF3 |
67 km |
0 |
| Jun 17, 2010 |
EF3 |
84 km |
0 |
| Aug 24, 2006 |
EF3 |
35 km |
1 |
| Aug 1, 2006 |
EF3 |
45 km |
0 |
| Mar 29, 1998 |
EF3 |
44 km |
0 |
| Mar 29, 1998 |
EF3 |
35 km |
1 |
| Jun 7, 1984 |
EF3 |
73 km |
0 |
| Jun 7, 1984 |
EF3 |
85 km |
0 |
| May 17, 1982 |
EF3 |
83 km |
0 |
| Jun 28, 1979 |
EF3 |
80 km |
2 |
| Jun 10, 1977 |
EF3 |
95 km |
0 |
| Apr 30, 1967 |
EF3 |
57 km |
2 |
| May 6, 1965 |
EF3 |
80 km |
0 |
| Mar 21, 1953 |
EF3 |
86 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950-2024)
Wildfire History
4 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: SNAKE TRAIL (1,496 ac, 2024).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2024 |
SNAKE TRAIL |
1,496 |
61 km |
| 1990 |
UNNAMED |
598 |
83 km |
| 2024 |
LINCOLN WPA RX |
575 |
11 km |
| 1995 |
LV 68 CARVER |
532 |
96 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
17°F (-8°C) |
0.8 in |
Coldest |
| February |
19°F (-7°C) |
0.6 in |
Driest |
| March |
32°F (-0°C) |
1.8 in |
|
| April |
46°F (8°C) |
2.8 in |
|
| May |
60°F (15°C) |
3.7 in |
|
| June |
69°F (21°C) |
4.4 in |
Wettest |
| July |
73°F (23°C) |
4.1 in |
Warmest |
| August |
69°F (21°C) |
4.0 in |
|
| September |
61°F (16°C) |
2.9 in |
|
| October |
49°F (9°C) |
2.3 in |
|
| November |
32°F (0°C) |
1.8 in |
|
| December |
18°F (-8°C) |
0.9 in |
|
Vernon Center has a seasonal temperature swing of 57°F / from 17°F in January to 73°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 30.1 inches, with June being the wettest month (4.4") and February the driest (0.6").
Average costs for common services in Vernon Center. 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 Vernon Center
What is the population of Vernon Center?
Vernon Center has a population of 326 residents and is located in Minnesota. The population density is 665 people per square mile, spread across 0.5 square miles. The median age of residents is 40.5 years. The population is 45.7% female and 54.3% male.
Is Vernon Center expensive to live in?
Vernon Center 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 $68,750, 9% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $130,400 (54% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $967 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.9x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Vernon Center safe?
Vernon Center is safer than the national average, with a violent crime rate of 197 per 100,000 compared to the U.S. rate of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 986 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Vernon Center receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Vernon Center?
Vernon Center has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 47°F (8°C). Winter temperatures average 17°F in January, while summers reach an average of 73°F in July. The area receives 260 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 32.8 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 Vernon Center?
The job market in Vernon Center is very strong, with unemployment at just 0.8% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $929. There are 343 business establishments in the area, including 19 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 27 minutes, and 6.5% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Vernon Center?
The median home value in Vernon Center is $130,400. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $233,562. For renters, the median monthly rent is $967. Fair market rent is $899 for a 1-bedroom and $1,125 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 84.8%. The average annual property tax is $2,808.
How are the schools in Vernon Center?
Schools in Vernon Center score 5.2 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 20.1% of adults in Vernon Center hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 93.2% have completed high school. 9.9% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Vernon Center?
The obesity rate in Vernon Center is 35.6% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 15.5% of adults are smokers. 23.1% are physically inactive. 27.2% of residents report depression. 7.9% lack health insurance. 71.4% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,856.
What is transportation like in Vernon Center?
The average commute in Vernon Center is 27 minutes. 76.4% of workers drive alone to work, and 6.5% work from home.
What are the demographics of Vernon Center?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Vernon Center is 96.6% White, 0.9% Black or African American, 0.9% Hispanic or Latino. 98.5% of residents speak only English at home. 4.7% of the population are military veterans. 9.4% of residents have a disability. 94.8% have health insurance coverage.
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