Median Income
$58,663
22% lower than US avg
Home Value
$93,200
67% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
92/100K
76% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
19.8%
41% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$699
40% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
38.9%
21% higher than US avg
Unemployment
2.4%
33% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
3.8%
69% lower than US avg
How Wells Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population2,317
Median Age41.8 yrs
Density1,109/mi²
Male / Female54% / 46%
Largest GroupWhite 90%
Veterans12.1%
Economy
A
Median Income$58,663
Per Capita$31,393
Unemployment2.4%
Poverty3.8%
County GDP$788M
Commute19 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$93,200
Rent$699
Ownership76.0%
Zillow$136,098
Housing Units1,135
Rent Burden28.2%
Crime
F
Violent92/100K
Property277/100K
Murder0.0/100K
Assault92/100K
Burglary0/100K
Health
Obesity38.9%
Uninsured11.0%
Smoking18.5%
Depression26.1%
Heart Disease6.2%
Climate
Avg Temp46°F (8°C)
AQI36 (Good)
Rain34.5 in/yr
Sunny Days260/yr
Elevation1,135 ft (346 m)
Education
C+
Bachelor's+19.8%
High School+89.7%
Graduate+5.1%
School Score5.99
Community
2024 VoteR 68% / D 30%
Commute19 min
Broadband81.1%
EV Stations6
Libraries4
Is Wells a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Wells receives an overall livability score of 3.2 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 below-average incomes, high obesity rates. Wells offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Wells is $58,663, 22% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 2.4%. Only 3.8% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 19 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Wells is $93,200, 67% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $699 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 1.6x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Wells is a very safe community with a violent crime rate of 92 per 100,000 residents / well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 277 per 100,000, 86% below the national average.
Education
19.8% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 89.7% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 6/10.
Climate & Weather
Wells experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 46°F. Winters average 14°F in January while summers reach 72°F in July. With 260 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 34.5 inches, including 40.1 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 36.
Wells has a population of 2,317 with a density of 1,109 people per square mile, spread across 2.1 square miles. The median age is 41.8 years, 7% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 46.4% female and 53.6% male. The city is predominantly White (90.1%), with 1.7% Hispanic, 1.3% Black. English is the primary language spoken at home by 96.4% of residents. 12.1% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 16.9% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 99.1% have health insurance coverage.
Population
41.8yrs
Median Age
7% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
96.4%
23% above US avg
Spanish
3.6%
73% below US avg
The median household income in Wells is $58,663, which is 22% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $31,393 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $998, 30% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 2.4% (below the 3.6% US average). 3.8% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 492 business establishments, including 34 restaurants. The cost of living index is 98.6, roughly in line with the national average. Workers commute an average of 19 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 6.7% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $58,663 |
| 22% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $31,393 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $998 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $64,356 |
| Gini Index | 0.424 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 2.4% |
| 33% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 3.8% |
| 69% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 492 |
| County GDP | $788M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 34 |
| Healthcare | 47 |
| Retail | 57 |
| Manufacturing | 31 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $2,944 |
| 16% below US avg |
| Cost of Living | 98.60 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 3.16% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 18.8 min |
| Drive Alone | 82.7% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 6.7% |
The median home value in Wells is $93,200, 67% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $136,098, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $699 (40% 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. 76.0% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 1,135 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1954. The average annual property tax is $2,944 (lower than the $3,500 national average). 28.2% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.6x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $93,200 |
| 67% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $136,098 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $699 |
| 40% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 28.2% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $809 |
| 1 Bedroom | $899 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,125 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,483 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,698 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 76.0% |
| Owner-Occupied | 76.0% |
| Renter-Occupied | 24.0% |
| Housing Units | 1,135 |
| Median Year Built | 1954 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $2,944 |
| 16% below US avg |
| Effective Rate | 3.16% |
In Wells, 38.9% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 10.4% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 6.2% of residents. 30.3% have high blood pressure. 18.5% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 19.5% report binge drinking. 28.8% are physically inactive. 26.1% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 18.3% experience frequent mental distress. 11.0% of residents lack health insurance (above the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,987. The dentist ratio is 1:2,785. 62.5% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.7 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Wells vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 38.9% |
| 21% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 10.4% |
| Heart Disease | 6.2% |
| High Blood Pressure | 30.3% |
| Asthma | 10.7% |
| COPD | 6.7% |
| Cancer | 7.2% |
| Stroke | 3.3% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 18.5% |
| 32% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 19.5% |
| Physical Inactivity | 28.8% |
| Depression | 26.1% |
| Mental Distress | 18.3% |
| Physical Distress | 13.4% |
| Short Sleep | 31.5% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 99.1% |
| Uninsured | 11.0% |
| 28% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,987 |
| Dentists | 1:2,785 |
| Mental Health | 1:1,261 |
| Checkup Rate | 71.4% |
| Dental Visits | 64.4% |
| Premature Death | 7,137/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.7/10 |
| Exercise Access | 62.5% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 47 |
Wells has a violent crime rate of 92 per 100,000 residents, 76% below the national average of 380. This breaks down to aggravated assault at 92.2 per 100,000, robbery at 0.0, rape at 0.0. The murder rate is 0.0 per 100,000 (below the national rate of 6.3). Property crime stands at 277 per 100,000, 86% below the U.S. average. This includes larceny/theft at 184, burglary at 0, vehicle theft at 92 per 100,000 residents. The county recorded 3 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Wells receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Wells vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 92.2/100K |
| 76% below US avg |
| Murder | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg |
| Rape | 0.0/100K |
| Robbery | 0.0/100K |
| Assault | 92.2/100K |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 276.5/100K |
| 86% below US avg |
| Burglary | 0.0/100K |
| Theft | 184.3/100K |
| Vehicle Theft | 92.2/100K |
| Arson | 0.0/100K |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 3 |
| Traffic Accidents | 179 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.1 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Wells experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 46°F (8°C). Winters average 14°F in January while summers reach 72°F in July. The area gets 260 sunny days per year, above the national average. Annual precipitation totals 34.5 inches. The area receives 40.1 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 1,135 feet.
Temperature
14°F Jan (-10°C)
72°F Jul (22°C)
| Annual Average | 45.5°F |
| 16% below US avg |
| January Average | 14°F (-10°C) |
| July Average | 72°F (22°C) |
| Sunny Days | 260 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,135 ft (346 m) |
| Area | 2.1 sq mi (5.4 km²) |
| Population Density | 1,109/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 43.7432°N, 93.7329°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Faribault County County |
| Nearest Airport | Mankato Regional (MKT)
34 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
34.5"
9% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
4.41"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 36.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 45.5 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 57.0 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 87.8 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Moderate |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Moderate |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Moderate |
| Lightning |
Relatively Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
Relatively High |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
1 earthquake (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M2.8. Most recent: M2.8 on Apr 25, 2017.
| Apr 25, 2017 |
Near Mankato, Minnesota |
M2.8 |
54 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
586 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 25 fatalities, 298 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jun 17, 2010 |
EF4 |
20 km |
1 |
| Apr 30, 1967 |
EF4 |
18 km |
6 |
| Apr 30, 1967 |
EF4 |
67 km |
0 |
| Apr 30, 1967 |
EF4 |
56 km |
0 |
| Apr 30, 1967 |
EF4 |
31 km |
5 |
| May 5, 1965 |
EF4 |
90 km |
0 |
| Aug 29, 1964 |
EF4 |
100 km |
0 |
| May 10, 1953 |
EF4 |
77 km |
0 |
| Jun 12, 2013 |
EF3 |
96 km |
0 |
| Jun 17, 2010 |
EF3 |
40 km |
0 |
| Jun 17, 2010 |
EF3 |
26 km |
0 |
| Jun 17, 2010 |
EF3 |
50 km |
0 |
| Aug 24, 2006 |
EF3 |
73 km |
1 |
| Aug 1, 2006 |
EF3 |
81 km |
0 |
| Mar 29, 1998 |
EF3 |
68 km |
0 |
| Mar 29, 1998 |
EF3 |
69 km |
1 |
| Jun 18, 1994 |
EF3 |
72 km |
0 |
| Jun 7, 1984 |
EF3 |
32 km |
0 |
| Jun 7, 1984 |
EF3 |
72 km |
0 |
| May 17, 1982 |
EF3 |
41 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
3 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: SNAKE TRAIL (1,496 ac, 2024).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2024 |
SNAKE TRAIL |
1,496 |
48 km |
| 1990 |
UNNAMED |
598 |
83 km |
| 2024 |
LINCOLN WPA RX |
575 |
54 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
14°F (-10°C) |
0.7 in |
Coldest |
| February |
19°F (-7°C) |
0.6 in |
Driest |
| March |
32°F (-0°C) |
1.7 in |
|
| April |
46°F (8°C) |
2.6 in |
|
| May |
59°F (15°C) |
3.5 in |
|
| June |
69°F (21°C) |
4.4 in |
Wettest |
| July |
72°F (22°C) |
4.3 in |
Warmest |
| August |
69°F (21°C) |
4.0 in |
|
| September |
61°F (16°C) |
3.1 in |
|
| October |
49°F (9°C) |
2.2 in |
|
| November |
32°F (0°C) |
1.4 in |
|
| December |
18°F (-8°C) |
0.9 in |
|
Wells has a seasonal temperature swing of 58°F / from 14°F in January to 72°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 29.4 inches, with June being the wettest month (4.4") and February the driest (0.6").
Average costs for common services in Wells. 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 | $642 |
| Toddler | $592 |
| Preschool | $592 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Wells
What is the population of Wells?
Wells has a population of 2,317 residents and is located in Minnesota. The population density is 1,109 people per square mile, spread across 2.1 square miles. The median age of residents is 41.8 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 46.4% female and 53.6% male.
Is Wells expensive to live in?
Wells 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 $58,663, 22% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $93,200 (67% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $699 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.6x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Wells safe?
Wells is considered a very safe city with a violent crime rate of 92 per 100,000 residents, well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 277 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Wells receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Wells?
Wells has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 46°F (8°C). Winter temperatures average 14°F in January, while summers reach an average of 72°F in July. The area receives 260 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 34.5 inches, with 40.1 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 36.
How is the job market in Wells?
The job market in Wells is very strong, with unemployment at just 2.4% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $998. There are 492 business establishments in the area, including 34 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 19 minutes, and 6.7% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Wells?
The median home value in Wells is $93,200. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $136,098. For renters, the median monthly rent is $699. Fair market rent is $899 for a 1-bedroom and $1,125 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 76.0%. The average annual property tax is $2,944.
How are the schools in Wells?
Schools in Wells score 6 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 19.8% of adults in Wells hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 89.7% have completed high school. 5.1% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Wells?
The obesity rate in Wells is 38.9% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 18.5% of adults are smokers. 28.8% are physically inactive. 26.1% of residents report depression. 11.0% lack health insurance (above the national rate). 62.5% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,987.
What is transportation like in Wells?
The average commute in Wells is 19 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 82.7% of workers drive alone to work, and 6.7% work from home.
What are the demographics of Wells?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Wells is 90.1% White, 1.3% Black or African American, 1.7% Hispanic or Latino. 96.4% of residents speak only English at home, while 3.6% speak Spanish. 12.1% of the population are military veterans. 16.9% of residents have a disability. 99.1% have health insurance coverage.
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