Sauk Centre, MN
Population 4,589 · Minnesota
About Sauk Centre, MN
Sauk Centre is a small town located in Minnesota with a population of 4,589 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $65,763 per year, which is 12% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 39.3 years is close to the US median age of 38.9 years.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Sauk Centre features a median home value of $196,000, which is 20% below the national median of $244,900. This positions Sauk Centre in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $778, 33% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 2,193 total housing units, 61% are owner-occupied (1,213 units) and 39% are renter-occupied (776 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Sauk Centre shows an unemployment rate of 7.9%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 15.4%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Sauk Centre have an average one-way commute time of 29.2 minutes.
Education & Demographics
19.9% of Sauk Centre 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 2.5% White, 1.4% Hispanic or Latino, 1.1% Black or African American, and 1.5% Asian residents, with 1.0% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Sauk Centre, MN
Compared to national averages, Sauk Centre has a median household income of $65,763 (12% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $196,000, which is 20% below the national median. Monthly rent at $778 is 33% below the US average of $1,163. Within Minnesota, Sauk Centre's income is 11% below the state average of $74,221, and home values are 4% below the state median of $204,472.
Why Live in Sauk Centre, MN?
Sauk Centre offers affordable housing with a median home value of $196,000, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $778/month.
Potential considerations include median household income ($65,763) that falls below the national average. However, Sauk Centre’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Sauk Centre has a population of 4,589 with a median age of 39.3 years. Compare Sauk Centre with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Minnesota.
Similar Cities Near Sauk Centre
Cities in Minnesota with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nowthen | 4,539 | $134,491 | $440,200 | Compare |
| Rockford | 4,521 | $82,228 | $265,900 | Compare |
| Dilworth | 4,664 | $89,577 | $268,100 | Compare |
| Newport | 4,460 | $63,365 | $331,300 | Compare |
| Chisholm | 4,731 | $54,815 | $108,100 | Compare |
| St. James | 4,740 | $57,031 | $109,600 | Compare |
| Watertown | 4,747 | $93,008 | $315,200 | Compare |
| Oak Park Heights | 4,782 | $84,639 | $333,600 | 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 Sauk Centre With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Sauk Centre
What is the population of Sauk Centre, MN?
The population of Sauk Centre, MN is 4,589 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 Sauk Centre?
The median household income in Sauk Centre, MN is $65,763 per year, which is 12% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Sauk Centre?
The median home value in Sauk Centre, MN is $196,000, which is 20% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Sauk Centre?
The median monthly rent in Sauk Centre, MN is $778, which is 33% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Sauk Centre?
The unemployment rate in Sauk Centre, MN is 7.9%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Sauk Centre, MN a good place to live?
Sauk Centre offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 4,589 and a median age of 39.3, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Sauk Centre, MN?
19.9% of residents in Sauk Centre 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 Sauk Centre?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Sauk Centre, MN: median home value is $196,000 (20% below national), median rent is $778/month, and median household income is $65,763. The home-value-to-income ratio is 3.0x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Sauk Centre?
The poverty rate in Sauk Centre, MN is 15.4%, 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 Sauk Centre, MN?
Sauk Centre's population is 2.5% White, 1.4% Hispanic or Latino, 1.1% Black or African American, 1.5% Asian, and 0.5% two or more races. 1.0% of residents are foreign-born.