Cost of Living in Sauk Centre, MN
Population 4,589 · Minnesota · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Sauk Centre offers a notably favorable income-to-housing ratio for its region. The typical home — $196,000 — costs less than 3 times median household income of $65,763, a threshold many coastal markets passed a decade ago. Unemployment has stayed elevated relative to the national figure — 7.9% as of the most recent ACS release — which shows up in household-income and poverty figures as well.
Geographically, Sauk Centre lies roughly 100 miles northwest of the nearest major metro, Minneapolis. Median home values run roughly 43% lower than Minneapolis' $346,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Sauk Centre
The median home value in Sauk Centre is $196,000 — 36% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $778/month, 41% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $65,763/year is 12% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 7.9%, above 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 51.5°F and lows of 33.5°F. Overall, Sauk Centre has a cost of living index of 62 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 38% less expensive.
Sauk Centre has limited residential data
Detailed housing and income data is limited for this location. Here are the nearest cities with full cost of living data:
🏠 Housing
HUD Fair Market Rents by Bedroom
💰 Estimated Monthly Budget
Estimates based on median data and national averages. Actual costs vary.
🛒 Food & Groceries
National BLS average prices (2023). Local prices may vary.
🚗 Transportation
Commute Mode
⚡ Utilities
📋 Taxes
💼 Income & Employment
🎓 Education
👥 Demographics
🌤 Climate
NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High °F | 19 | 24 | 37 | 52 | 66 | 76 | 80 | 78 | 70 | 55 | 38 | 24 |
| Low °F | 2 | 6 | 19 | 33 | 46 | 56 | 61 | 59 | 50 | 37 | 23 | 10 |
| Precip" | 0.38 | 0.41 | 1.00 | 2.04 | 3.05 | 3.72 | 4.00 | 3.46 | 2.63 | 2.21 | 0.83 | 0.36 |
💨 Air Quality
EPA AQS 2023 — county-level monitoring data
🏫 Schools
NCES CCD 2019 — public school district data
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Sauk Centre, MN?
Sauk Centre has a cost index of 62 (100 = national average). It is 38% below the national average.
What is average rent in Sauk Centre, MN?
The median gross rent in Sauk Centre is $778 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Sauk Centre?
The median home value in Sauk Centre is $196,000 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Sauk Centre?
The median household income in Sauk Centre is $65,763 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Sauk Centre, MN?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Sauk Centre is 7.4%. The Minnesota state income tax top rate is 9.8%.
Is Sauk Centre, MN affordable?
Yes, Sauk Centre is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 62 — about 38% below the US national average of 100.
What is the weather like in Sauk Centre?
Sauk Centre has average high temperatures of 51.5°F and average lows of 33.5°F. Annual precipitation is 24.1". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.
Sauk Centre at a Glance
- Population
- 4,589
- Median Income
- $65,763
- Home Value
- $196,000
- Median Rent
- $778/mo
- Unemployment
- 7.9%
- Avg High Temp
- 51.5°F
- Sales Tax
- 7.4%
Nearby Cities
Explore county-level cost of living data
Minnesota Rankings
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