Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Balaton, MN
Considering a move to Balaton, MN? This friendly small town of 603 residents offers affordable living, with median home values at $116,000 and average rents around $630. Enjoy safe streets with low violent crime (151 per 100k), quick 19-minute commutes, and a welcoming rural atmosphere. With a solid public school system nearby and a climate boasting 62% sunny days each year, Balaton is a great pick for those seeking a peaceful, budget-friendly lifestyle in southwest Minnesota.
Demographics - Balaton, MN
Demographics - Balaton, MN
Balaton is a close-knit community of 603 residents with a median age of 44.6, reflecting a balanced mix of families and older adults. The population is predominantly White, with nearly 6% of residents speaking languages other than English at home.
Population:
603
Density:
557 per sq mi
Median Age:
44.6
Gender Ratio:
98 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
5.8%

Ethnic Composition
White:
94.1%
Black:
0.5%
Asian:
0.7%
Others:
4.7%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Balaton, MN?
Balaton offers an affordable cost of living, with a median home value of $116,000 and average rents at $630. The local cost of living index is 82.5, making it budget-friendly compared to national averages, particularly in housing expenses.
Median House Value:
$116,000
Gross Rent:
$630
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$115
Auto Insurance:
$1,190
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,045
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$425
State Taxes:
Low:
5.35%
|
High:
9.85%
Cost Of Living Index:
82.5
Grocery:
94.1
Housing:
56.2
Utilities:
98.7
Transportation:
93.0
Health Care:
97.8
Miscellaneous:
91.2
Crime
Is Balaton, MN a safe place to live?
Balaton enjoys a relatively low crime rate, with just 151 violent crimes and 1,090 property crimes per 100,000 residents. Residents have a 1 in 662 chance of being a victim of violent crime, contributing to the town's safe and peaceful environment.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
151
Property Crimes Per 100k:
1,090
Crime Index:
1,241
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 662
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 92
Weather
What is the weather like in Balaton, MN year-round?
Balaton experiences all four seasons, with cold winters seeing lows around 2°F, warm summers up to 82°F, and about 62% sunny days annually. The area receives moderate rainfall, making it suitable for those who appreciate a classic Midwest climate.

Winter
Min:
2°F
Max:
23°F

Spring
Min:
32°F
Max:
63°F

Summer
Min:
56°F
Max:
82°F

Fall
Min:
37°F
Max:
64°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
28.6 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
62%
Neighbors
Local households have a median income of $56,800, with a poverty rate below 10% and a low unemployment rate of 3.7%. Most residents commute about 19 minutes and over 91% have at least a high school diploma, reflecting a stable and well-educated community.
Median Income:
$32,000
Household Income:
$56,800
Family Income:
$68,900
Per Capita Income:
$27,800
Income Male:
$38,400
Income Female:
$29,800
Poverty Rate:
9.8%
Non English Speakers:
5.8%
Rent:
$630
Unemployment Rate:
3.7%
Public Transport Usage:
0.2%
Commute Time:
19.3 minutes

Education
High School or Higher:
91.6%
Bachelors or More:
20.8%
Education
How are the schools in Balaton, MN?
Families in Balaton have access to quality public schools with favorable student-teacher ratios, and higher education options like Southwest Minnesota State University are just 18 miles away. The community values education, with over 91% of adults holding at least a high school diploma.

Public Schools
Name:
Lakeview Elementary School
Street:
875 Barstad Rd N, Cottonwood, MN 56229
Phone:
507-423-5164
Students:
380
Student Teacher Ratio:
13.4
Name:
Lakeview Secondary School
Street:
875 Barstad Rd N, Cottonwood, MN 56229
Phone:
507-423-5164
Students:
310
Student Teacher Ratio:
13.2

Colleges
Name:
Southwest Minnesota State University
City:
Marshall
State:
MN
Distance:
18 miles
Students:
6,800
Healthcare
Balaton residents benefit from strong healthcare access, with the Avera Marshall Regional Medical Center just a short drive away and nearly 94% of locals covered by health insurance. The area offers a favorable healthcare index and an adequate number of physicians for its size.

Major Hospitals
Name:
Avera Marshall Regional Medical Center
Address:
300 S Bruce St, Marshall, MN 56258
Phone:
(507) 532-9661
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
1.3
Health Insurance Coverage:
93.9%
Health Care Index:
78.2
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Balaton, MN?
The housing market in Balaton is affordable and stable, featuring a median home price of $116,000 and an owner-occupancy rate exceeding 77%. Homes appreciate modestly, and rental vacancy rates are reasonable, making it attractive for both buyers and renters.
Median Home Price:
$116,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$630
Owner Occupied Rate:
77.3%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
7.9%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
1.9%
New Construction Rate:
0.7%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.3%
DMV Information
Balaton residents are served by the Minnesota Department of Public Safety for driver and vehicle services, with the main office located in St. Paul and comprehensive resources available online for licensing and registration needs.
State:
Minnesota
Department:
Minnesota Department of Public Safety - Driver and Vehicle Services
Address:
445 Minnesota St, Suite 190, St. Paul, MN 55101
Phone:
651-297-2126
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.