Median Income
$59,583
21% lower than US avg
Home Value
$81,000
71% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
0/100K
100% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
11.1%
67% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$575
51% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
31.1%
3% lower than US avg
Unemployment
1.1%
69% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
26.1%
110% higher than US avg
How Walnut Grove Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population719
Median Age33.8 yrs
Density660/mi²
Male / Female51% / 49%
Largest GroupWhite 42%
Veterans3.5%
Economy
B
Median Income$59,583
Per Capita$25,008
Unemployment1.1%
Poverty26.1%
County GDP$1,490M
Commute23 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$81,000
Rent$575
Ownership70.1%
Zillow$157,184
Housing Units362
Rent Burden24.6%
Crime
C+
Violent0/100K
Property756/100K
Health
Obesity31.1%
Uninsured8.0%
Smoking15.2%
Depression20.8%
Heart Disease5.4%
Climate
Avg Temp44°F (7°C)
AQI36 (Good)
Rain29.3 in/yr
Sunny Days276/yr
Elevation1,208 ft (368 m)
Education
D
Bachelor's+11.1%
High School+82.3%
Graduate+2.6%
School Score5.99
Community
2024 VoteR 71% / D 28%
Commute23 min
Broadband81.8%
EV Stations3
Libraries4
Is Walnut Grove a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Walnut Grove receives an overall livability score of 3.1 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. Walnut Grove offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Walnut Grove is $59,583, 21% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 1.1%. The poverty rate of 26.1% exceeds the national average of 12.4%, indicating economic hardship for a significant portion of the population. Workers commute an average of 23 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Walnut Grove is $81,000, 71% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $575 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 1.4x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Walnut Grove 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
11.1% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 82.3% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 6/10.
Climate & Weather
Walnut Grove has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 44°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 29.3 inches, including 46.3 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 36.
Walnut Grove has a population of 719 with a density of 660 people per square mile, spread across 1.1 square miles. The median age is 33.8 years, 13% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 48.7% female and 51.3% male. The city is predominantly White (42.1%), with 4.5% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 70.7% of residents, while 29.3% speak Spanish. 3.5% of the population are veterans, below the national rate of 6.0%. 9.9% of residents have a disability (below the 13.0% national average). 85.6% have health insurance coverage.
Population
33.8yrs
Median Age
13% below US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Walnut Grove vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
70.7%
10% below US avg
Spanish
29.3%
119% above US avg
Social Characteristics
Walnut Grove vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Walnut Grove is $59,583, which is 21% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $25,008 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,028, 28% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 1.1% (below the 3.6% US average). 26.1% of residents live below the poverty line, higher 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 23 minutes. 2.7% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income: Walnut Grove vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $59,583 |
| 21% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $25,008 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,028 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $72,533 |
| Gini Index | 0.420 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 1.1% |
| 69% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 26.1% |
| 110% above 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 | 4.23% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 23.4 min |
| Drive Alone | 79.5% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 2.7% |
The median home value in Walnut Grove is $81,000, 71% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $157,184, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $575 (51% 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. 70.1% of housing units are owner-occupied. There are 362 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1958. The average annual property tax is $3,426. 24.6% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.4x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $81,000 |
| 71% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $157,184 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $575 |
| 51% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 24.6% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $809 |
| 1 Bedroom | $899 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,125 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,483 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,698 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 70.1% |
| Owner-Occupied | 70.1% |
| Renter-Occupied | 29.9% |
| Housing Units | 362 |
| Median Year Built | 1958 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $3,426 |
| 2% below US avg |
| Effective Rate | 4.23% |
In Walnut Grove, 31.1% of adults are obese, below the national rate of 32.1%. 10.7% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.4% of residents. 28.1% have high blood pressure. 15.2% are current smokers. 16.5% report binge drinking. 25.9% are physically inactive. 20.8% report depression. 15.3% experience frequent mental distress. 8.0% 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: Walnut Grove vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 31.1% |
| 3% below US avg |
| Diabetes | 10.7% |
| Heart Disease | 5.4% |
| High Blood Pressure | 28.1% |
| Asthma | 8.9% |
| COPD | 5.2% |
| Cancer | 6.6% |
| Stroke | 2.9% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 15.2% |
| 9% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 16.5% |
| Physical Inactivity | 25.9% |
| Depression | 20.8% |
| Mental Distress | 15.3% |
| Physical Distress | 11.2% |
| Short Sleep | 31.1% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 85.6% |
| Uninsured | 8.0% |
| 7% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:2,195 |
| Dentists | 1:2,560 |
| Mental Health | 1:1,911 |
| Checkup Rate | 72.4% |
| Dental Visits | 58.4% |
| Premature Death | 6,747/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.2/10 |
| Exercise Access | 45.9% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 56 |
Walnut Grove 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. Overall, Walnut Grove receives a safety grade of C+.
Crime Rates: Walnut Grove 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
| Traffic Accidents | 16 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | C+ |
| Safety Score | 2.5 / 5.0 |
Walnut Grove has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 44°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 29.3 inches (drier than the 38-inch national average). 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 1,208 feet.
Temperature
14°F Jan (-10°C)
72°F Jul (22°C)
| Annual Average | 44.4°F |
| 18% below US avg |
| January Average | 14°F (-10°C) |
| July Average | 72°F (22°C) |
| Sunny Days | 276 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,208 ft (368 m) |
| Area | 1.1 sq mi (2.8 km²) |
| Population Density | 660/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 44.2250°N, 95.4692°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Redwood County County |
| Nearest Airport | Southwest Minnesota Regional Marshall/Ryan Field (MML)
24 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
29.3"
23% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jul)
3.70"
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
2 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.1. Most recent: M2.8 on Apr 25, 2017.
| Feb 9, 1994 |
6 km NNE of Blomkest, Minnesota |
M3.1 |
94 km |
| Apr 25, 2017 |
Near Mankato, Minnesota |
M2.8 |
117 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
417 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF5. Total: 15 fatalities, 367 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jun 16, 1992 |
EF5 |
65 km |
1 |
| Jun 13, 1968 |
EF5 |
23 km |
9 |
| Jun 25, 2010 |
EF4 |
96 km |
0 |
| Jul 25, 2000 |
EF4 |
77 km |
1 |
| Mar 29, 1998 |
EF4 |
31 km |
1 |
| Jun 16, 1992 |
EF4 |
46 km |
0 |
| Jul 7, 1955 |
EF4 |
65 km |
1 |
| Jul 11, 2008 |
EF3 |
98 km |
0 |
| Aug 24, 2006 |
EF3 |
96 km |
1 |
| Aug 1, 2006 |
EF3 |
70 km |
0 |
| Aug 7, 1994 |
EF3 |
89 km |
0 |
| Jun 16, 1992 |
EF3 |
69 km |
0 |
| Jun 16, 1992 |
EF3 |
31 km |
0 |
| Jun 16, 1992 |
EF3 |
9 km |
0 |
| Jun 16, 1992 |
EF3 |
16 km |
0 |
| Jun 16, 1992 |
EF3 |
67 km |
0 |
| Apr 20, 1985 |
EF3 |
62 km |
0 |
| May 31, 1971 |
EF3 |
100 km |
0 |
| May 31, 1971 |
EF3 |
96 km |
0 |
| May 12, 2022 |
EF2 |
99 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
1 wildfire (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: LINCOLN WPA RX (575 ac, 2024).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2024 |
LINCOLN WPA RX |
575 |
98 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
14°F (-10°C) |
0.6 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
19°F (-7°C) |
0.6 in |
|
| March |
31°F (-1°C) |
1.6 in |
|
| April |
45°F (7°C) |
2.7 in |
|
| May |
59°F (15°C) |
3.2 in |
|
| June |
69°F (20°C) |
3.6 in |
|
| July |
72°F (22°C) |
3.7 in |
Warmest, Wettest |
| August |
70°F (21°C) |
2.8 in |
|
| September |
61°F (16°C) |
3.0 in |
|
| October |
48°F (9°C) |
2.1 in |
|
| November |
32°F (-0°C) |
1.2 in |
|
| December |
18°F (-8°C) |
0.7 in |
|
Walnut Grove 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 (0.6").
Average costs for common services in Walnut Grove. 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 Walnut Grove
What is the population of Walnut Grove?
Walnut Grove has a population of 719 residents and is located in Minnesota. The population density is 660 people per square mile, spread across 1.1 square miles. The median age of residents is 33.8 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 48.7% female and 51.3% male.
Is Walnut Grove expensive to live in?
Walnut Grove 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 $59,583, 21% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $81,000 (71% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $575 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.4x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Walnut Grove safe?
Walnut Grove 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, Walnut Grove receives a safety grade of C+ based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Walnut Grove?
Walnut Grove has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 44°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 29.3 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 Walnut Grove?
The job market in Walnut Grove is very strong, with unemployment at just 1.1% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. 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 23 minutes, and 2.7% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Walnut Grove?
The median home value in Walnut Grove is $81,000. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $157,184. For renters, the median monthly rent is $575. Fair market rent is $899 for a 1-bedroom and $1,125 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 70.1%. The average annual property tax is $3,426.
How are the schools in Walnut Grove?
Schools in Walnut Grove score 6 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 11.1% of adults in Walnut Grove hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 82.3% have completed high school. 2.6% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Walnut Grove?
The obesity rate in Walnut Grove is 31.1% (below the national rate of 32.1%). 15.2% of adults are smokers. 25.9% are physically inactive. 20.8% of residents report depression. 8.0% 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 Walnut Grove?
The average commute in Walnut Grove is 23 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 79.5% of workers drive alone to work, and 2.7% work from home.
What are the demographics of Walnut Grove?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Walnut Grove is 42.1% White, 4.5% Hispanic or Latino. 70.7% of residents speak only English at home, while 29.3% speak Spanish. 3.5% of the population are military veterans. 9.9% of residents have a disability. 85.6% have health insurance coverage.
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