Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Albert Lea, MI
Considering a move to Albert Lea, MI? With a population of around 9,700, this friendly city offers affordable living, with median home prices at $146,000 and average rents near $840. Residents enjoy a short average commute of 16.5 minutes, low violent crime rates, and a close-knit community. With solid local schools, nearby healthcare, and a climate featuring 57% sunny days, Albert Lea is a great choice for those seeking comfort, value, and a relaxed pace of life.
Demographics - Albert Lea, MI
Demographics - Albert Lea, MI
Albert Lea is a small city of about 9,700 residents, with a predominantly White population and a median age of 44.2, reflecting a slightly older community. The area is family-friendly and has a balanced gender ratio, with nearly 6% of residents speaking a language other than English at home.
Population:
9,700
Density:
1,100 per sq mi
Median Age:
44.2
Gender Ratio:
95 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
5.8%

Ethnic Composition
White:
90.5%
Black:
2.0%
Asian:
1.2%
Others:
6.3%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Albert Lea, MI?
Living costs in Albert Lea are notably affordable, with a median home value of $146,000 and average rents around $840 per month. The overall cost of living index is below the national average, making it attractive for those seeking value without sacrificing essential amenities.
Median House Value:
$146,000
Gross Rent:
$840
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$120
Auto Insurance:
$1,180
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,120
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$420
State Taxes:
Low:
4.25%
|
High:
4.25%
Cost Of Living Index:
84.7
Grocery:
95.2
Housing:
70.4
Utilities:
96.1
Transportation:
93.8
Health Care:
98.3
Miscellaneous:
92.7
Crime
Is Albert Lea, MI a safe place to live?
Albert Lea experiences lower violent crime rates, with a chance of 1 in 537, providing residents with a sense of security. Property crime is more common but still manageable compared to larger urban areas, supporting the city's welcoming and safe environment.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
186
Property Crimes Per 100k:
1,540
Crime Index:
1,726
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 537
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 65
Weather
What is the weather like in Albert Lea, MI year-round?
Albert Lea has four distinct seasons, with warm summers reaching highs near 81°F and cold winters dipping to 16°F. The city enjoys about 57% sunny days annually and receives approximately 33 inches of rainfall, making for a balanced Midwestern climate.

Winter
Min:
16°F
Max:
30°F

Spring
Min:
36°F
Max:
60°F

Summer
Min:
58°F
Max:
81°F

Fall
Min:
38°F
Max:
62°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
32.8 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
57%
Neighbors
Residents in Albert Lea have a median household income of $52,400 and a typical commute of just over 16 minutes, reflecting a convenient small-town lifestyle. The community is close-knit, with nearly 89% of adults holding at least a high school diploma, though about 14% of residents live below the poverty line.
Median Income:
$38,000
Household Income:
$52,400
Family Income:
$64,200
Per Capita Income:
$27,100
Income Male:
$44,600
Income Female:
$33,900
Poverty Rate:
14.3%
Non English Speakers:
5.8%
Rent:
$840
Unemployment Rate:
4.7%
Public Transport Usage:
0.6%
Commute Time:
16.5 minutes

Education
High School or Higher:
88.9%
Bachelors or More:
18.1%
Education
How are the schools in Albert Lea, MI?
Albert Lea offers quality public and private school options, including Albert Lea Senior High School and Lakeview Elementary, both with favorable student-to-teacher ratios. For higher education, Riverland Community College is located just 20 miles away, providing convenient access to further academic opportunities.

Public Schools
Name:
Albert Lea Senior High School
Street:
2000 Tiger Ln
Phone:
507-379-5340
Students:
1,050
Student Teacher Ratio:
16.3
Name:
Lakeview Elementary School
Street:
902 Abbott St
Phone:
507-379-5160
Students:
420
Student Teacher Ratio:
15.8

Private Schools
Name:
St. Theodore Catholic School
Street:
323 E Clark St
Phone:
507-373-9657
Students:
110

Colleges
Name:
Riverland Community College
City:
Austin
State:
MN
Distance:
20 miles
Students:
3,200
Healthcare
Albert Lea provides strong access to healthcare, including the Mayo Clinic Health System hospital offering emergency services. The city has about 1.7 physicians per 1,000 residents and over 91% of people have health insurance coverage, ensuring comprehensive local care.

Major Hospitals
Name:
Mayo Clinic Health System – Albert Lea
Address:
404 W Fountain St, Albert Lea, MN 56007
Phone:
(507) 373-2384
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
1.7
Health Insurance Coverage:
91.3%
Health Care Index:
71.2
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Albert Lea, MI?
Albert Lea's housing market is affordable, with a median home price of $146,000 and a high owner-occupancy rate of 68.5%. Rental vacancies are moderate, and the area has seen steady home appreciation, making it a stable place to buy or rent.
Median Home Price:
$146,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$840
Owner Occupied Rate:
68.5%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
7.1%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
4.2%
New Construction Rate:
0.8%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.7%
DMV Information
DMV services for Albert Lea residents are managed through the Michigan Secretary of State, with a nearby office in Kalamazoo. Residents can access vehicle registration, licensing, and other motor vehicle services both in person and via the state’s official website.
State:
Michigan
Department:
Michigan Secretary of State
Address:
706 S Burdick St, Kalamazoo, MI 49007
Phone:
1-888-767-6424
Website:
Disclaimer: The information provided on this page is based on publicly available sources including AccuWeather, U.S. Census Bureau, local government data, and third-party partners such as Neustar. While we strive to ensure accuracy, all data is provided “as is” and should be independently verified before making any decisions. Movers.com makes no guarantees regarding the completeness or reliability of the information.