Median Income
$67,500
10% lower than US avg
Home Value
$104,300
63% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
0/100K
100% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
21.7%
36% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
36.9%
15% higher than US avg
Unemployment
5.3%
47% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
How Vesta Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population311
Median Age36.2 yrs
Density778/mi²
Male / Female49% / 51%
Largest GroupWhite 97%
Veterans5.9%
Economy
B+
Median Income$67,500
Per Capita$29,996
Unemployment5.3%
Poverty0.0%
County GDP$1,490M
Commute22 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$104,300
Ownership96.7%
Zillow$181,264
Housing Units129
Rent Burden25.1%
Crime
C+
Violent0/100K
Property763/100K
Health
Obesity36.9%
Uninsured8.5%
Smoking16.9%
Depression26.5%
Heart Disease5.6%
Climate
Avg Temp45°F (7°C)
AQI36 (Good)
Rain30.9 in/yr
Sunny Days270/yr
Elevation1,056 ft (322 m)
Education
C+
Bachelor's+21.7%
High School+89.4%
Graduate+4.1%
School Score5.99
Community
2024 VoteR 71% / D 28%
Commute22 min
Broadband83.3%
EV Stations2
Libraries4
Is Vesta a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Vesta receives an overall livability score of 3.5 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B+. Key strengths include low crime rates, affordable housing, abundant sunshine, a low poverty rate. Areas to be aware of include above-average unemployment. Vesta offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Vesta is $67,500, 10% below the national average of $75,149. The unemployment rate of 5.3% is somewhat elevated compared to the national rate of 3.6%. Only 0.0% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 22 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Vesta is $104,300, 63% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. At just 1.5x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Vesta 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 763 per 100,000, 61% below the national average.
Education
21.7% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 89.4% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 6/10.
Climate & Weather
Vesta 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 270 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 30.9 inches, including 43.6 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 36.
Vesta has a population of 311 with a density of 778 people per square mile, spread across 0.4 square miles. The median age is 36.2 years, 7% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 51.1% female and 48.9% male. The city is predominantly White (96.5%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 97.4% of residents. 5.9% of the population are veterans. 6.8% of residents have a disability (below the 13.0% national average). 96.0% have health insurance coverage.
Population
36.2yrs
Median Age
7% below US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
97.4%
24% above US avg
Spanish
2.6%
81% below US avg
The median household income in Vesta is $67,500, which is 10% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $29,996 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,028, 28% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 5.3% (above the 3.6% US average). 0.0% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 592 business establishments, including 33 restaurants. The cost of living index is 98.6, roughly in line with the national average. Workers commute an average of 22 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 3.6% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $67,500 |
| 10% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $29,996 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,028 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $72,533 |
| Gini Index | 0.420 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 5.3% |
| 47% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 592 |
| County GDP | $1,490M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 33 |
| Healthcare | 56 |
| Retail | 58 |
| Manufacturing | 33 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $3,426 |
| 2% below US avg |
| Cost of Living | 98.60 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 3.28% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 22.1 min |
| Drive Alone | 89.1% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 3.6% |
The median home value in Vesta is $104,300, 63% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $181,264, higher than the Census estimate. Fair market rent ranges from $899 for a one-bedroom to $1,125 for a two-bedroom apartment. 96.7% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 129 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1960. The average annual property tax is $3,426. 25.1% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.5x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $104,300 |
| 63% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $181,264 |
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 | 96.7% |
| Owner-Occupied | 96.7% |
| Renter-Occupied | 3.3% |
| Housing Units | 129 |
| Median Year Built | 1960 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $3,426 |
| 2% below US avg |
| Effective Rate | 3.28% |
In Vesta, 36.9% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 9.6% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.6% of residents. 28.5% have high blood pressure. 16.9% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 20.9% report binge drinking. 23.2% are physically inactive. 26.5% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 18.2% experience frequent mental distress. 8.5% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,195. The dentist ratio is 1:2,560. 45.9% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.2 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Vesta vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 36.9% |
| 15% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 9.6% |
| Heart Disease | 5.6% |
| High Blood Pressure | 28.5% |
| Asthma | 10.7% |
| COPD | 5.9% |
| Cancer | 7.4% |
| Stroke | 3.0% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 16.9% |
| 21% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 20.9% |
| Physical Inactivity | 23.2% |
| Depression | 26.5% |
| Mental Distress | 18.2% |
| Physical Distress | 12.3% |
| Short Sleep | 27.9% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 96.0% |
| Uninsured | 8.5% |
| 1% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:2,195 |
| Dentists | 1:2,560 |
| Mental Health | 1:1,911 |
| Checkup Rate | 71.5% |
| Dental Visits | 68.8% |
| Premature Death | 6,747/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.2/10 |
| Exercise Access | 45.9% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 56 |
Vesta has a violent crime rate of 0 per 100,000 residents, 100% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 763 per 100,000, 61% below the U.S. average. Overall, Vesta receives a safety grade of C+.
Crime Rates: Vesta vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 763.4/100K |
| 61% below US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Traffic Accidents | 47 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | C+ |
| Safety Score | 2.5 / 5.0 |
Vesta 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 270 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 30.9 inches. The area receives 43.6 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 1,056 feet.
Temperature
14°F Jan (-10°C)
72°F Jul (22°C)
| Annual Average | 44.8°F |
| 17% below US avg |
| January Average | 14°F (-10°C) |
| July Average | 72°F (22°C) |
| Sunny Days | 270 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,056 ft (322 m) |
| Area | 0.4 sq mi (1.0 km²) |
| Population Density | 778/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 44.5066°N, 95.4141°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Redwood County County |
| Nearest Airport | Southwest Minnesota Regional Marshall/Ryan Field (MML)
21 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
30.9"
19% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jul)
3.66"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 36.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 35.1 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 36.8 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 92.6 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Moderate |
| 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: M4.1. Most recent: M2.8 on Apr 25, 2017.
| Jun 5, 1993 |
11 km N of Johnson, Minnesota |
M4.1 |
147 km |
| Feb 9, 1994 |
6 km NNE of Blomkest, Minnesota |
M3.1 |
64 km |
| Apr 25, 2017 |
Near Mankato, Minnesota |
M2.8 |
118 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
440 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF5. Total: 16 fatalities, 362 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jun 16, 1992 |
EF5 |
92 km |
1 |
| Jun 13, 1968 |
EF5 |
46 km |
9 |
| Jul 25, 2000 |
EF4 |
48 km |
1 |
| Mar 29, 1998 |
EF4 |
63 km |
1 |
| Jun 16, 1992 |
EF4 |
73 km |
0 |
| Jul 7, 1955 |
EF4 |
62 km |
1 |
| Jun 19, 1951 |
EF4 |
92 km |
1 |
| Jul 11, 2008 |
EF3 |
66 km |
0 |
| Aug 24, 2006 |
EF3 |
95 km |
1 |
| Aug 1, 2006 |
EF3 |
87 km |
0 |
| Jun 16, 1992 |
EF3 |
34 km |
0 |
| Jun 16, 1992 |
EF3 |
18 km |
0 |
| Jun 16, 1992 |
EF3 |
43 km |
0 |
| Jun 16, 1992 |
EF3 |
46 km |
0 |
| Jun 16, 1992 |
EF3 |
56 km |
0 |
| Apr 20, 1985 |
EF3 |
87 km |
0 |
| May 12, 2022 |
EF2 |
88 km |
0 |
| Jul 11, 2016 |
EF2 |
97 km |
0 |
| Jul 1, 2011 |
EF2 |
62 km |
0 |
| Jun 25, 2010 |
EF2 |
88 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
2 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: CHIPPEWA PRAIRIE (2,067 ac, 2003).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2003 |
CHIPPEWA PRAIRIE |
2,067 |
85 km |
| 2000 |
SVOR |
661 |
96 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
14°F (-10°C) |
0.7 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
19°F (-7°C) |
0.8 in |
|
| March |
31°F (-1°C) |
1.6 in |
|
| April |
46°F (8°C) |
2.6 in |
|
| May |
60°F (15°C) |
3.1 in |
|
| June |
69°F (21°C) |
3.6 in |
|
| July |
72°F (22°C) |
3.7 in |
Warmest, Wettest |
| August |
70°F (21°C) |
3.0 in |
|
| September |
61°F (16°C) |
2.7 in |
|
| October |
48°F (9°C) |
2.1 in |
|
| November |
31°F (-0°C) |
1.3 in |
|
| December |
17°F (-8°C) |
0.8 in |
|
Vesta has a seasonal temperature swing of 58°F / from 14°F in January to 72°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 25.9 inches, with July being the wettest month (3.7") and January the driest (0.7").
Average costs for common services in Vesta. 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 Vesta
What is the population of Vesta?
Vesta has a population of 311 residents and is located in Minnesota. The population density is 778 people per square mile, spread across 0.4 square miles. The median age of residents is 36.2 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 51.1% female and 48.9% male.
Is Vesta expensive to live in?
Vesta 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 $67,500, 10% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $104,300 (63% below the U.S. median). The home price-to-income ratio is 1.5x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Vesta safe?
Vesta 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 763 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Vesta receives a safety grade of C+ based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Vesta?
Vesta 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 270 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 30.9 inches, with 43.6 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 36.
How is the job market in Vesta?
The unemployment rate in Vesta is 5.3%, somewhat above the national average of 3.6%. Job seekers may face moderate competition. The average weekly wage is $1,028. There are 592 business establishments in the area, including 33 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 22 minutes, and 3.6% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Vesta?
The median home value in Vesta is $104,300. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $181,264. The homeownership rate is 96.7%. The average annual property tax is $3,426.
How are the schools in Vesta?
Schools in Vesta score 6 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 21.7% of adults in Vesta hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 89.4% have completed high school. 4.1% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Vesta?
The obesity rate in Vesta is 36.9% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 16.9% of adults are smokers. 23.2% are physically inactive. 26.5% of residents report depression. 8.5% lack health insurance. 45.9% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,195.
What is transportation like in Vesta?
The average commute in Vesta is 22 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 89.1% of workers drive alone to work, and 3.6% work from home.
What are the demographics of Vesta?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Vesta is 96.5% White. 97.4% of residents speak only English at home. 5.9% of the population are military veterans. 6.8% of residents have a disability. 96.0% have health insurance coverage.
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