Albert Lea, MN
Population 18,379 · Minnesota
About Albert Lea, MN
Albert Lea is a mid-sized city located in Minnesota with a population of 18,379 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $62,522 per year, which is 17% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 44.3 years is notably older the US median age of 38.9 years, suggesting a more established community with a higher proportion of long-term residents.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Albert Lea features a median home value of $150,400, which is 39% below the national median of $244,900. This positions Albert Lea in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $845, 27% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 8,669 total housing units, 74% are owner-occupied (5,856 units) and 26% are renter-occupied (2,100 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Albert Lea shows an unemployment rate of 4.1%, which is near the national rate of 3.7%. The poverty rate stands at 11.5%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Albert Lea have an average one-way commute time of 18.9 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
17.3% of Albert Lea residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. The lower educational attainment rate may reflect the area's industry mix, with more employment in trades, manufacturing, or agricultural sectors. The community's demographic composition includes 12.2% White, 1.6% Hispanic or Latino, 0.3% Black or African American, and 2.0% Asian residents, with 4.8% of the population being foreign-born.
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.
Compare Albert Lea With Other Cities
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 US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a mid-sized city in Minnesota.
What is the median household income in Albert Lea?
The median household income in Albert Lea, MN is $62,522 per year, which is 17% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Albert Lea?
The median home value in Albert Lea, MN is $150,400, which is 39% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Albert Lea?
The median monthly rent in Albert Lea, MN is $845, which is 27% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Albert Lea?
The unemployment rate in Albert Lea, MN is 4.1%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Albert Lea, MN a good place to live?
Albert Lea offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 18,379 and a median age of 44.3, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Albert Lea, MN?
17.3% of residents in Albert Lea aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. The educational profile reflects the area's industry mix and employment landscape.
What is the cost of living in Albert Lea?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Albert Lea, MN: median home value is $150,400 (39% below national), median rent is $845/month, and median household income is $62,522. The home-value-to-income ratio is 2.4x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Albert Lea?
The poverty rate in Albert Lea, MN is 11.5%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Albert Lea, MN?
Albert Lea's population is 12.2% White, 1.6% Hispanic or Latino, 0.3% Black or African American, 2.0% Asian, and 1.8% two or more races. 4.8% of residents are foreign-born.