Lester Prairie, MN
Population 1,848 · Minnesota
About Lester Prairie, MN
Lester Prairie is a small town located in Minnesota with a population of 1,848 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $87,188 per year, which is 16% above the national median of $75,149. The median age of 36.1 years is close to the US median age of 38.9 years.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Lester Prairie features a median home value of $217,000, which is 11% below the national median of $244,900. This positions Lester Prairie in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $735, 37% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 727 total housing units, 86% are owner-occupied (609 units) and 14% are renter-occupied (101 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Lester Prairie shows an unemployment rate of 0.3%, which is lower than the national rate of 3.7%, indicating a relatively strong job market. The poverty rate stands at 5.3%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Lester Prairie have an average one-way commute time of 31.2 minutes.
Education & Demographics
15.8% of Lester Prairie 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 15.1% White, 0.4% Hispanic or Latino, 0.2% Black or African American, and 2.1% Asian residents, with 5.2% of the population being foreign-born.
How Lester Prairie Ranks in Minnesota
Cost of Living in Lester Prairie, MN
Compared to national averages, Lester Prairie has a median household income of $87,188 (16% above the national median of $75,149). Home values average $217,000, which is 11% below the national median. Monthly rent at $735 is 37% below the US average of $1,163. Within Minnesota, Lester Prairie's income is 17% above the state average of $74,221, and home values are 6% above the state median of $204,472.
Why Live in Lester Prairie, MN?
Lester Prairie offers a strong local economy with a median household income of $87,188, well above the national average, and affordable housing with a median home value of $217,000, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $735/month. Additionally, the city features a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 0.3%, and a low poverty rate of 5.3%, better than the national average.
Lester Prairie has a population of 1,848 with a median age of 36.1 years. Compare Lester Prairie with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Minnesota.
Similar Cities Near Lester Prairie
Cities in Minnesota with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ada | 1,834 | $67,857 | $140,500 | Compare |
| Mountain Lake | 1,833 | $59,115 | $118,900 | Compare |
| Howard Lake | 1,864 | $99,464 | $239,100 | Compare |
| Spring Park | 1,869 | $46,860 | $598,400 | Compare |
| Tracy | 1,869 | $60,682 | $110,900 | Compare |
| Dundas | 1,882 | $111,250 | $293,400 | Compare |
| Kenyon | 1,811 | $74,643 | $184,500 | Compare |
| Coleraine | 1,888 | $67,083 | $179,900 | 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 Lester Prairie With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Lester Prairie
What is the population of Lester Prairie, MN?
The population of Lester Prairie, MN is 1,848 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 Lester Prairie?
The median household income in Lester Prairie, MN is $87,188 per year, which is 16% above the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Lester Prairie?
The median home value in Lester Prairie, MN is $217,000, which is 11% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Lester Prairie?
The median monthly rent in Lester Prairie, MN is $735, which is 37% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Lester Prairie?
The unemployment rate in Lester Prairie, MN is 0.3%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. This lower-than-average rate suggests a relatively healthy local job market.
Is Lester Prairie, MN a good place to live?
Lester Prairie offers above-average incomes, affordable housing, and a strong job market. With a population of 1,848 and a median age of 36.1, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Lester Prairie, MN?
15.8% of residents in Lester Prairie 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 Lester Prairie?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Lester Prairie, MN: median home value is $217,000 (11% below national), median rent is $735/month, and median household income is $87,188. The home-value-to-income ratio is 2.5x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Lester Prairie?
The poverty rate in Lester Prairie, MN is 5.3%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Lester Prairie, MN?
Lester Prairie's population is 15.1% White, 0.4% Hispanic or Latino, 0.2% Black or African American, 2.1% Asian, and 0.4% two or more races. 5.2% of residents are foreign-born.