Blue Earth, MN
Population 3,170 · Minnesota
About Blue Earth, MN
Blue Earth is a small town located in Minnesota with a population of 3,170 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $59,118 per year, which is 21% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 45 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 Blue Earth features a median home value of $125,200, which is 49% below the national median of $244,900. This makes Blue Earth one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $916, 21% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 1,497 total housing units, 65% are owner-occupied (895 units) and 35% are renter-occupied (477 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Blue Earth shows an unemployment rate of 2.1%, which is lower than the national rate of 3.7%, indicating a relatively strong job market. The poverty rate stands at 13.2%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Blue Earth have an average one-way commute time of 10.7 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
26.2% of Blue Earth residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This is in line with national trends in educational attainment. The community's demographic composition includes 12.5% White, 0.4% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 0.7% Asian residents, with 4.6% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Blue Earth, MN
Compared to national averages, Blue Earth has a median household income of $59,118 (21% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $125,200, which is 49% below the national median. Monthly rent at $916 is 21% below the US average of $1,163. Within Minnesota, Blue Earth's income is 20% below the state average of $74,221, and home values are 39% below the state median of $204,472.
Why Live in Blue Earth, MN?
Blue Earth offers affordable housing with a median home value of $125,200, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $916/month, and a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 2.1%. Additionally, the city features short commute times averaging just 10.7 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($59,118) that falls below the national average. However, Blue Earth’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Blue Earth has a population of 3,170 with a median age of 45 years. Compare Blue Earth with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Minnesota.
Similar Cities Near Blue Earth
Cities in Minnesota with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Proctor | 3,102 | $80,913 | $219,500 | Compare |
| Ely | 3,239 | $46,042 | $150,800 | Compare |
| Rush City | 3,262 | $58,543 | $199,000 | Compare |
| Eagle Lake | 3,268 | $97,161 | $249,600 | Compare |
| Moose Lake | 3,297 | $61,576 | $205,000 | Compare |
| Jackson | 3,298 | $57,328 | $118,900 | Compare |
| Milaca | 3,033 | $49,063 | $184,900 | Compare |
| Pine City | 3,339 | $51,654 | $181,800 | 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 Blue Earth With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Blue Earth
What is the population of Blue Earth, MN?
The population of Blue Earth, MN is 3,170 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a small town in Minnesota.
What is the median household income in Blue Earth?
The median household income in Blue Earth, MN is $59,118 per year, which is 21% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Blue Earth?
The median home value in Blue Earth, MN is $125,200, which is 49% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Blue Earth?
The median monthly rent in Blue Earth, MN is $916, which is 21% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Blue Earth?
The unemployment rate in Blue Earth, MN is 2.1%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. This lower-than-average rate suggests a relatively healthy local job market.
Is Blue Earth, MN a good place to live?
Blue Earth offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and a strong job market. With a population of 3,170 and a median age of 45, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Blue Earth, MN?
26.2% of residents in Blue Earth 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 Blue Earth?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Blue Earth, MN: median home value is $125,200 (49% below national), median rent is $916/month, and median household income is $59,118. The home-value-to-income ratio is 2.1x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Blue Earth?
The poverty rate in Blue Earth, MN is 13.2%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. Residents and prospective movers should be aware of the economic challenges facing parts of this community.
How diverse is Blue Earth, MN?
Blue Earth's population is 12.5% White, 0.4% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 0.7% Asian, and 1.1% two or more races. 4.6% of residents are foreign-born.