Cost of Living in La Crescent, MN

Population 5,266 · Minnesota · Data vintage 2023

80
Cost Index
(100 = US avg)
Page updated: · Data vintage: 2023 ACS 5-Year
Sources: Census ACS·BLS·NOAA·EPA·Zillow · Methodology

La Crescent is a smaller Minnesota community of around 5000 residents, where median household incomes of $82,109 and housing costs ($245,000 for a typical home) give the local cost-of-living profile a distinctly small-town shape. The labor market has been unusually tight, with unemployment around 0.0% — below most comparable cities in the state.

Geographically, La Crescent is about 60 miles east of Rochester, the nearest large metro. Median home values run roughly 15% lower than Rochester's $288,000.

Cost Overview

Housing 80
Rent 81

Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.

About the Cost of Living in La Crescent

The median home value in La Crescent is $244,500 — 20% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,059/month, 19% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $82,109/year is 10% higher than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 0.0%, below the national average of 4.8%. Minnesota's top state income tax rate is 9.8% and the combined sales tax is 7.4%. The climate averages highs of 58.6°F and lows of 39.1°F, with about 46.3" of annual snowfall. Overall, La Crescent has a cost of living index of 80 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 20% less expensive.

🏠 Housing

Median Home Value
$244,500
20% below avg
Zillow Home Value
$254,417
Zillow ZHVI
Median Rent
$1,059/mo
19% below avg
Price-to-Rent Ratio
19.2x
Favors buying
Property Tax Rate
1.1%
Effective rate

HUD Fair Market Rents by Bedroom

Studio
$702
1 BR
$784
2 BR
$937
3 BR
$1,307
4 BR
$1,537
Owner-occupied 88.1%
Renter-occupied 11.9%

💰 Estimated Monthly Budget

Rent median rent
$1,059
Groceries national estimate
$400
Utilities local estimate
$88
Transportation local gas prices
$126
Estimated Total $1,673/mo

Estimates based on median data and national averages. Actual costs vary.

🛒 Food & Groceries

National BLS average prices (2023). Local prices may vary.

🥚
Eggs (dozen)
$0.548
🍞
White Bread (lb)
$1.912
🥩
Ground Beef (lb)
$5.61

🚗 Transportation

Avg Commute
21.0 min
22% below avg
Gas Price
$3.145/gal
0% below avg
Work From Home
12.0%

Commute Mode

Drove alone
80.7%
Carpooled
5.0%
Public transit
2.3%
Work from home
12.0%

Utilities

Electricity
$0.176/kWh
0% below avg

📋 Taxes

State Income Tax 9.8%
Total Sales Tax 7.4%
State rate 6.9%
Avg local rate 0.6%
Property Tax 1.1%

💼 Income & Employment

Median Household Income
$82,109
10% above avg
Per Capita Income
$42,359
Unemployment Rate
0.0%
100% below avg
Poverty Rate
5.7%
Labor Force Participation
61.4%

🎓 Education

Bachelor's degree+ 27.0%
Graduate degree 8.7%

👥 Demographics

Median Age 45.5
Male median age 46.4
Female median age 44

🌤 Climate

NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals

Avg High
58.6°F
Avg Low
39.1°F
Annual Precip
35.2"
Annual Snowfall
46.3"
10° 30° 50° 70° 90° JFMAMJJASOND High Low Precip
Month JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
High °F 273346607282858376624633
Low °F 111426385060656254423018
Precip" 1.251.192.043.754.335.084.233.903.632.491.851.49
Snow" 11.89.77.32.90.00.00.00.00.00.33.410.9

🏫 Schools

NCES CCD 2019 — public school district data

97%
4-Year Graduation Rate
13.6:1
Student-teacher ratio
3
Public schools
1,099
Total enrollment

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of living in La Crescent, MN?

La Crescent has a cost index of 80 (100 = national average). It is 20% below the national average.

What is average rent in La Crescent, MN?

The median gross rent in La Crescent is $1,059 per month based on 2023 Census data.

What is the average home price in La Crescent?

The median home value in La Crescent is $244,500 according to Zillow and Census data.

What is the median income in La Crescent?

The median household income in La Crescent is $82,109 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).

What is the sales tax in La Crescent, MN?

The combined state and local sales tax rate in La Crescent is 7.4%. The Minnesota state income tax top rate is 9.8%.

Is La Crescent, MN affordable?

Yes, La Crescent is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 80 — about 20% below the US national average of 100.

What is the weather like in La Crescent?

La Crescent has average high temperatures of 58.6°F and average lows of 39.1°F. Annual precipitation is 35.2". Average annual snowfall is 46.3". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.

La Crescent at a Glance

Population
5,266
Median Income
$82,109
Home Value
$244,500
Median Rent
$1,059/mo
Unemployment
0.0%
Avg High Temp
58.6°F
Sales Tax
7.4%
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