Staples, MN
Population 2,359 · Minnesota
About Staples, MN
Staples is a small town located in Minnesota with a population of 2,359 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $51,506 per year, which is 31% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 41.5 years is close to the US median age of 38.9 years.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Staples features a median home value of $119,300, which is 51% below the national median of $244,900. This makes Staples one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $856, 26% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 1,137 total housing units, 67% are owner-occupied (649 units) and 33% are renter-occupied (322 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Staples shows an unemployment rate of 5.3%, which is near the national rate of 3.7%. The poverty rate stands at 17.8%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Staples have an average one-way commute time of 17.7 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
22.3% of Staples 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 2.3% White, 0.9% Hispanic or Latino, 4.3% Black or African American, and 0.0% Asian residents, with 0.2% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Staples, MN
Compared to national averages, Staples has a median household income of $51,506 (31% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $119,300, which is 51% below the national median. Monthly rent at $856 is 26% below the US average of $1,163. Within Minnesota, Staples's income is 31% below the state average of $74,221, and home values are 42% below the state median of $204,472.
Why Live in Staples, MN?
Staples offers affordable housing with a median home value of $119,300, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $856/month, and short commute times averaging just 17.7 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($51,506) that falls below the national average. However, Staples’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Staples has a population of 2,359 with a median age of 41.5 years. Compare Staples with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Minnesota.
Similar Cities Near Staples
Cities in Minnesota with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Excelsior | 2,359 | $108,611 | $839,500 | Compare |
| Spring Valley | 2,357 | $64,500 | $149,100 | Compare |
| Madelia | 2,380 | $77,500 | $158,300 | Compare |
| Lauderdale | 2,386 | $76,558 | $273,600 | Compare |
| Wells | 2,317 | $58,663 | $93,200 | Compare |
| Arlington | 2,298 | $66,458 | $181,600 | Compare |
| Janesville | 2,449 | $72,120 | $194,400 | Compare |
| Crosby | 2,253 | $43,250 | $175,600 | 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 Staples With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Staples
What is the population of Staples, MN?
The population of Staples, MN is 2,359 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 Staples?
The median household income in Staples, MN is $51,506 per year, which is 31% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Staples?
The median home value in Staples, MN is $119,300, which is 51% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Staples?
The median monthly rent in Staples, MN is $856, which is 26% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Staples?
The unemployment rate in Staples, MN is 5.3%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Staples, MN a good place to live?
Staples offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 2,359 and a median age of 41.5, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Staples, MN?
22.3% of residents in Staples 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 Staples?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Staples, MN: median home value is $119,300 (51% below national), median rent is $856/month, and median household income is $51,506. The home-value-to-income ratio is 2.3x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Staples?
The poverty rate in Staples, MN is 17.8%, 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 Staples, MN?
Staples's population is 2.3% White, 0.9% Hispanic or Latino, 4.3% Black or African American, 0.0% Asian, and 0.0% two or more races. 0.2% of residents are foreign-born.