Albert Lea, MN
Population 18,379 · Minnesota
About Albert Lea, MN
Albert Lea is a mid-sized city in Minnesota with a population of 18,379 residents. The median household income is $62,522 per year, which is near the national average. The median age in Albert Lea is 44.3 years.
Housing in Albert Lea has a median home value of $150,400 and median monthly rent of $845. Of the 8,669 total housing units, the majority are owner-occupied, with 5,856 owner-occupied and 2,100 renter-occupied units.
The unemployment rate in Albert Lea is 4.1% and the poverty rate is 11.5%. 17.3% of residents hold a bachelor's degree or higher. The average commute time is 18.9 minutes.
Cost of Living in Albert Lea, MN
Compared to national averages, Albert Lea has a median household income of $62,522 (17% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $150,400, which is 39% below the national median. Monthly rent at $845 is 27% below the US average of $1,163. Within Minnesota, Albert Lea's income is 16% below the state average of $74,221, and home values are 26% below the state median of $204,472.
Why Live in Albert Lea, MN?
Albert Lea offers affordable housing with a median home value of $150,400, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $845/month, and a low poverty rate of 11.5%, better than the national average. Additionally, the city features short commute times averaging just 18.9 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($62,522) that falls below the national average. However, Albert Lea’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Albert Lea has a population of 18,379 with a median age of 44.3 years. Compare Albert Lea with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Minnesota.
Similar Cities Near Albert Lea
Cities in Minnesota with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hopkins | 18,696 | $71,170 | $350,100 | Compare |
| Anoka | 17,941 | $75,262 | $292,900 | Compare |
| St. Michael | 19,267 | $130,814 | $365,800 | Compare |
| Stillwater | 19,323 | $109,297 | $398,100 | Compare |
| Sartell | 19,620 | $77,465 | $278,000 | Compare |
| Red Wing | 16,660 | $65,259 | $224,800 | Compare |
| Ham Lake | 16,575 | $116,845 | $430,100 | Compare |
| Buffalo | 16,388 | $88,306 | $281,900 | Compare |
Demographics
Racial & Ethnic Composition
Economy & Education
Housing
Other Cities in Minnesota
Data source: US Census Bureau ACS 5-Year Estimates. Last updated: 2026-04-05.
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Frequently Asked Questions about Albert Lea
What is the population of Albert Lea, MN?
The population of Albert Lea, MN is 18,379 according to the latest Census data.
What is the median household income in Albert Lea?
The median household income in Albert Lea, MN is $62,522 per year.
What is the median home value in Albert Lea?
The median home value in Albert Lea, MN is $150,400.
What is the average rent in Albert Lea?
The median monthly rent in Albert Lea, MN is $845.
What is the unemployment rate in Albert Lea?
The unemployment rate in Albert Lea, MN is 4.1%.