Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Staples, MN
Considering Staples, MN for your next move? This friendly city of about 3,000 offers a low cost of living, with median home prices around $152,000 and average rent near $725. Residents enjoy short average commutes of just 20 minutes, modest crime rates, and access to solid local schools and a hospital. With four-season weather and a welcoming small-town feel, Staples is a great choice for those seeking affordability and community in central Minnesota.
Demographics - Staples, MN
Demographics - Staples, MN
Staples is a close-knit city of nearly 3,000 residents, predominantly White (over 93%), with a median age approaching 40 and a balanced gender ratio. Non-English speakers make up just over 4% of the population, contributing to a largely homogenous but welcoming community. The moderate population density supports a small-town atmosphere with room to grow.
Population:
2,970
Density:
800 per sq mi
Median Age:
39.8
Gender Ratio:
97 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
4.1%

Ethnic Composition
White:
93.2%
Black:
0.8%
Asian:
0.6%
Others:
5.4%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Staples, MN?
With a cost of living index well below the national average at 83.7, Staples offers affordable housing—median values are around $152,000 and average rents near $725. Utilities and groceries remain reasonably priced, and state taxes range from 5.35% to 9.85%. Residents enjoy overall low expenses, making Staples ideal for budget-conscious families and retirees.
Median House Value:
$152,000
Gross Rent:
$725
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$110
Auto Insurance:
$1,100
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,120
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$420
State Taxes:
Low:
5.35%
|
High:
9.85%
Cost Of Living Index:
83.7
Grocery:
96.1
Housing:
63.2
Utilities:
104.2
Transportation:
92.4
Health Care:
97.2
Miscellaneous:
98.3
Crime
Is Staples, MN a safe place to live?
Staples experiences lower-than-average crime rates, with about 192 violent crimes and 1,420 property crimes per 100,000 residents annually. The chance of being a victim of violent crime is 1 in 520, while property crime risk is 1 in 70. Overall, the city maintains a feeling of safety and security for its residents.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
192
Property Crimes Per 100k:
1,420
Crime Index:
1,612
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 520
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 70
Weather
What is the weather like in Staples, MN year-round?
Staples experiences all four seasons, with cold winters averaging lows around 1°F and warm summers reaching up to 80°F. The city receives about 26.5 inches of annual rainfall and enjoys sunshine 54% of the year. Residents should be prepared for significant seasonal changes, making it ideal for those who appreciate distinct weather patterns.

Winter
Min:
1°F
Max:
21°F

Spring
Min:
32°F
Max:
60°F

Summer
Min:
54°F
Max:
80°F

Fall
Min:
33°F
Max:
59°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
26.5 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
54%
Neighbors
Typical household incomes in Staples are modest, with a median around $45,900 and a poverty rate of 16.9%. Most residents have completed high school, and the average commute is a convenient 20 minutes. The community features a low unemployment rate and a friendly, small-town vibe.
Median Income:
$32,500
Household Income:
$45,900
Family Income:
$56,500
Per Capita Income:
$22,100
Income Male:
$37,800
Income Female:
$29,400
Poverty Rate:
16.9%
Non English Speakers:
4.1%
Rent:
$725
Unemployment Rate:
5.3%
Public Transport Usage:
0.7%
Commute Time:
20.2 minutes

Education
High School or Higher:
89.2%
Bachelors or More:
16.5%
Education
How are the schools in Staples, MN?
Staples provides strong educational opportunities, featuring public schools with favorable student-teacher ratios and a local college campus. Staples-Motley schools serve both elementary and high school students, while Central Lakes College offers programs right within the city. The community’s commitment to education makes it an appealing choice for families.

Public Schools
Name:
Staples-Motley High School
Street:
401 Centennial Ln
Phone:
218-894-5400
Students:
400
Student Teacher Ratio:
15.2
Name:
Staples-Motley Elementary School
Street:
1025 4th St NE
Phone:
218-894-5400
Students:
500
Student Teacher Ratio:
14.3

Colleges
Name:
Central Lakes College - Staples Campus
City:
Staples
State:
MN
Distance:
0 miles
Students:
600
Healthcare
Staples offers quality healthcare access, anchored by Lakewood Health System Hospital, which provides comprehensive general and emergency services. With 1.3 physicians per 1,000 people and nearly 92% health insurance coverage, residents benefit from reliable medical care. The area’s healthcare index of 76.4 reflects solid local resources for families and seniors.

Major Hospitals
Name:
Lakewood Health System Hospital
Address:
49725 County 83, Staples, MN 56479
Phone:
(218) 894-1515
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
1.3
Health Insurance Coverage:
91.8%
Health Care Index:
76.4
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Staples, MN?
The Staples housing market is affordable, with a median home price of $152,000 and average two-bedroom rents at $725. Over 60% of homes are owner-occupied, and vacancy rates are moderate, making both buying and renting accessible. Home values have grown by over 6% in the past year, indicating a stable and appreciating market.
Median Home Price:
$152,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$725
Owner Occupied Rate:
61%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
7.3%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
6.2%
New Construction Rate:
0.8%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.7%
DMV Information
Staples residents are served by the Minnesota Department of Public Safety’s Driver and Vehicle Services, headquartered in St. Paul. All vehicle registration and licensing needs can be managed through their user-friendly website or by phone. The DMV provides essential information and services for new and existing drivers in Minnesota.
State:
Minnesota
Department:
Minnesota Department of Public Safety – Driver and Vehicle Services
Address:
445 Minnesota St, 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.