Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Mankato, MN
Thinking of moving to Mankato, MN? With a youthful population of 44,488, Mankato offers affordable living with median home prices around $265,000 and average rents near $1,050. Residents enjoy a short average commute of just over 15 minutes, access to quality healthcare, and strong educational options—including Minnesota State University. While property crime rates are slightly above national averages, the city’s vibrant college-town atmosphere, four-season climate, and growing housing market make it a friendly and inviting place to call home.
Demographics - Mankato, MN
Demographics - Mankato, MN
Mankato is home to a youthful population of 44,488, with a median age of 27.8 and a nearly balanced gender ratio. The city is predominantly White, but also includes Black, Asian, and other minority groups, and about 8% of residents speak a language other than English at home. Its moderate population density creates a lively yet manageable urban environment.
Population:
44,488
Density:
1,900 per sq mi
Median Age:
27.8
Gender Ratio:
98 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
8.3%

Ethnic Composition
White:
87.2%
Black:
5.4%
Asian:
3.7%
Others:
3.7%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Mankato, MN?
Mankato offers an affordable cost of living, with median home values around $265,000 and average rents near $1,050. The overall cost of living index is below the national average, making it an accessible city for both homeowners and renters. Groceries, utilities, and transportation costs remain reasonable, while healthcare expenses are slightly above average.
Median House Value:
$265,000
Gross Rent:
$1,050
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$120
Auto Insurance:
$1,320
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,650
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$540
State Taxes:
Low:
5.35%
|
High:
9.85%
Cost Of Living Index:
93.8
Grocery:
97.0
Housing:
82.5
Utilities:
99.0
Transportation:
95.6
Health Care:
102.3
Miscellaneous:
95.0
Crime
Is Mankato, MN a safe place to live?
Mankato experiences a relatively low rate of violent crime, with about 224 incidents per 100,000 people, but property crime is more common, occurring at a rate of 2,223 per 100,000. Residents have a 1 in 446 chance of experiencing violent crime and a 1 in 45 chance of property crime, which is slightly above national averages for property-related incidents. The city maintains an active community and police presence to help ensure safety.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
224
Property Crimes Per 100k:
2,223
Crime Index:
2,447
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 446
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 45
Weather
What is the weather like in Mankato, MN year-round?
Mankato residents enjoy all four seasons, with cold winters averaging lows of 7°F and warm summers reaching highs of 84°F. The area receives about 31 inches of rainfall annually and enjoys sunshine roughly 58% of the year. This climate offers a classic Midwest experience, perfect for those who appreciate seasonal variety.

Winter
Min:
7°F
Max:
26°F

Spring
Min:
35°F
Max:
63°F

Summer
Min:
59°F
Max:
84°F

Fall
Min:
36°F
Max:
66°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
31.2 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
58%
Neighbors
Typical households in Mankato have an income of about $56,700, while the per capita income stands at $27,300. The community is well-educated, with nearly 96% holding a high school diploma or higher, and the average commute is a quick 15 minutes. Although the poverty rate is higher than average at 20.3%, the city features a low unemployment rate and a diverse, welcoming atmosphere.
Median Income:
$26,350
Household Income:
$56,700
Family Income:
$83,600
Per Capita Income:
$27,300
Income Male:
$35,200
Income Female:
$27,600
Poverty Rate:
20.3%
Non English Speakers:
8.3%
Rent:
$1,050
Unemployment Rate:
3.1%
Public Transport Usage:
1.1%
Commute Time:
15.4 minutes

Education
High School or Higher:
95.9%
Bachelors or More:
38.1%
Education
How are the schools in Mankato, MN?
Mankato offers strong educational opportunities, including well-regarded public and private schools with favorable student-teacher ratios. The city is also home to Minnesota State University, Mankato, which enrolls about 14,500 students, and is near South Central College. This makes the city an excellent choice for families and students seeking quality education at all levels.

Public Schools
Name:
Mankato East Senior High
Street:
2600 Hoffman Rd
Phone:
507-387-5671
Students:
1,050
Student Teacher Ratio:
16.4
Name:
Rosa Parks Elementary
Street:
1001 Heron Dr
Phone:
507-388-8880
Students:
650
Student Teacher Ratio:
15.1

Private Schools
Name:
Loyola Catholic School
Street:
145 Good Counsel Dr
Phone:
507-388-0600
Students:
540

Colleges
Name:
Minnesota State University, Mankato
City:
Mankato
State:
MN
Distance:
0 miles
Students:
14,500
Name:
South Central College
City:
North Mankato
State:
MN
Distance:
3 miles
Students:
3,800
Healthcare
Healthcare in Mankato is robust, with major facilities like the Mayo Clinic Health System and Mankato Clinic serving the area. There are 2.2 physicians per 1,000 residents, and over 95% of locals have health insurance coverage. Access to general, surgical, and emergency care is convenient for city residents.

Major Hospitals
Name:
Mayo Clinic Health System – Mankato
Address:
1025 Marsh St, Mankato, MN 56001
Phone:
(507) 625-4031
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Name:
Mankato Clinic
Address:
1230 E Main St, Mankato, MN 56001
Phone:
(507) 625-1811
Type:
General Practice
Emergency Services:
No
Physicians Per 1000:
2.2
Health Insurance Coverage:
95.7%
Health Care Index:
77.4
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Mankato, MN?
The housing market in Mankato is both dynamic and accessible, with a median home price of $265,000 and average rent for a two-bedroom apartment at $1,050. Just over half of housing units are owner-occupied, and the market has shown steady appreciation with a 7.1% increase in home values over the past year. Rental vacancies remain low, reflecting consistent demand.
Median Home Price:
$265,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$1,050
Owner Occupied Rate:
51.3%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
4.9%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
7.1%
New Construction Rate:
2.2%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.4%
DMV Information
Mankato residents handle their driver and vehicle needs at the Minnesota Department of Public Safety’s local office on Bassett Drive. The DMV provides comprehensive services for licensing, registration, and title transfers. Information and online resources are available through the state’s official website.
State:
Minnesota
Department:
Minnesota Department of Public Safety – Driver and Vehicle Services
Address:
2161 Bassett Dr, Mankato, MN 56001
Phone:
(507) 389-7885
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.