What to know when moving to Sauk Rapids, MN
TL;DR: Sauk Rapids at a Glance
- The Vibe:
- A community with a median household income of $71,964 and 33.4% of residents renting.
- The Major Draw:
- Median gross rent is $972, making it relatively affordable.
- The Reality Check:
- Only 0.6% of residents use public transit, indicating a car-dependent environment.
- Top Tip:
- Prepare for 23.3 inches of rain annually, so invest in waterproof gear.
The 'Vibe' Check: Who Thrives Here?
Sauk Rapids is home to around 17,300 residents, with 27.7% holding a bachelor's degree or higher. The community has a relatively low poverty rate of 6.8%, indicating a stable economic environment. With 33.4% of the population renting, there is a mix of both renters and homeowners, making it appealing for those looking for affordable housing options.
Probably not your spot if: you prefer a robust public transit system, as only 0.6% of residents commute via public transit.
Your Money: Housing & Cost Snapshot
- Median gross rent is $972, while the median owner-occupied home value is $251,500.
- About 27.7% of residents hold a bachelor's degree or higher, contributing to a well-educated community.
- The poverty rate stands at 6.8%, reflecting economic stability.
- Renter percentage is 33.4%, indicating a significant portion of the population rents.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-Year Data Profiles.
Crime & Safety: What the Numbers Say
In Minnesota, the annual violent crime rate is 223.2 per 100,000 residents, which is 31.4% lower than the national average. Property crime stands at 1,420.7 per 100,000 residents, 8.2% lower than the national average. Notably, the homicide rate has dropped by 32.1% since 2022.
- Violent crime: 223.2 per 100k (state) vs 325.3 per 100k (national).
- Property crime: 1,420.7 per 100k (state) vs 1,546.9 per 100k (national).
- Notable trend: Homicide rate down 32.1% since 2022.
Source: FBI Crime Data Explorer (state-level summarized data for Minnesota).
Schools & Higher Ed
Access to education is available through several nearby institutions:
- College of Saint Benedict
- Model College of Hair Design
- Rasmussen University-Minnesota
- Saint Cloud State University
- St Cloud Technical and Community College
Source: ArcGIS Postsecondary School Locations, U.S. Dept. of Education College Scorecard.
Weather & Getting Outside
Benton County experiences an average annual precipitation of 23.3 inches, with approximately 80 rainy days. Summer highs average around 78°F, while winter lows can drop to about -5°F. Residents can enjoy local parks and outdoor spaces, including:
- Quarry Park and Nature Preserve (4.7 stars, 1,768 reviews)
- Lake George/Eastman Park (4.6 stars, 1,702 reviews)
- Wilson Park (4.5 stars, 525 reviews)
- Sauk Rapids Municipal Park (4.6 stars, 294 reviews)
Sources: NOAA Climate Data Online, Google Places.