Cost Of Living
Taking into account the cost of goods and services like housing, groceries, transportation and utilities, the overall cost of living in this area is well below average.
Crime
Crime per 100,000 people is significantly lower than the national average, making it a safe place to live. These crime statistics include both violent and property crimes.
Employment
Higher than average median household income, income per capita and lower unemployment rates are seen in this area. The result is a high score in the employment category.
Housing
High scores in the housing category are a distinguishing feature of this area, possibly driven by a favorable home affordability ratio, higher home values and appreciation rates.
Ratings
Based on recent surveys and polls, locals gave high marks in the walkability to local amenities, safety, public transit, friendliness of neighbors and overall sense of community in the area.
Amenities
The majority of amenities are not ideally located within walking distance. To access these amenities, residents may be required to rely on a vehicle or public transit.
Commute
A low commute score could be due to longer-than-average work commutes and the limited availability of public transportation in this area.
Health & Safety
The low score in this category could be due to challenges related to air quality and the limited accessibility of health-related facilities like hospitals, nursing homes, doctors and pharmacies.
Owatonna is a medium-sized city located in the state of Minnesota. The city has a population of 26,702 people. At 90%, the majority of the Owatonna population is White; this is followed by 5% Black and 0% Asian. If you prefer shorter commutes, living in Owatonna will be a delight. With an average one-way commute time of just 16 minutes, traveling to and from work is notably more convenient than the national average, which stands at 26 minutes.
Are you trying to decide if living in Owatonna is the right fit for your lifestyle? To ensure a good experience before moving to any new city in Minnesota, you will probably want to make sure that you check all of the most important boxes. Several key factors deserve attention. For one, safety is paramount, ensuring that your new area is low in crime is key. Proximity to workplaces or schools minimizes commute times and fosters convenience. Access to essential amenities like parks, grocery stores, food, fitness, shops and healthcare facilities enhances daily life. Efficient public transportation options provide mobility and connectivity. The sense of community creates a welcoming and supportive environment. Lastly, the overall atmosphere, encompassing the vibe, aesthetics, and lifestyle offerings, contributes to a fulfilling living experience. Considering these elements helps identify the ideal neighborhood for your needs and preferences. Using the livability score which includes data from categories like cost of living, education, employment, you can easily compare the best places to live in Owatonna and also determine if there are any nearby cities that might be a better match for your lifestyle. You can also compare Owatonna to Minnesota and the national average.
The livability score in Owatonna is 75 out of 100 and the city is ranked in the 87th percentile of all cities across America. This is a fantastic score, as Owatonna ranks well in multiple categories! There are nine total categories that form the livability score. Owatonna ranks well for crime (B+), cost of living (A), education (B), employment (B+) and housing (A+) Owatonna does not rank well for the following: amenities (D-). It might be a good idea to take a closer look at each category to find out why.
Low rates of violent crime, encompassing offenses such as murder, rape, robbery and assault, contribute significantly to a safer living environment. This reduction in crime minimizes the chances of personal harm, property theft, or violent incidents. Furthermore, low crime rates can have a positive impact on property values and the overall desirability of an area. There were 151 crimes per 100,000 residents, which signifies that Owatonna boasts an impressively low violent crime rate that falls well below the national average.
The unemployment rate in Owatonna has consistently declined over the years and currently stands well below the national average at 2.6%. This downward trend holds the potential to reduce poverty and inequality within the region, promote higher wage levels and stimulate greater economic growth. Such positive indicators signal the overall robust health of the local economy, offering a promising outlook for its residents and fostering an environment of financial well-being and prosperity.
Real estate represents the most substantial investment for homebuyers, constituting their most valuable asset. Renters, on the other hand, typically see their monthly rent as their most significant expense. The Owatonna market earns a high score in the housing category, surpassing the national average in factors like home and rental affordability and appreciation rates. This robust real estate market not only benefits individual homeowners and renters but also spurs vigorous local economic activity and job growth, solidifying its significance in driving the region's prosperity and financial well-being.
Owatonna real estate prices and overall affordability will play a huge role in determining if the area is the right fit for you. Of course there are probably some other items on your “wish list”, but even before they are considered, let’s take a look at the home prices and affordability in Owatonna. The median home price for Owatonna homes is $306,387, which is 9.6% lower than the Minnesota average. If we take a closer look at the affordability of homes in Owatonna, we’ll see that the home price to income ratio is 3.1, which is 16.2% lower than the Minnesota average.
Why stop at city-to-city? With Local Insights, you can compare neighborhoods, zip codes, or even exact addresses. Access 300+ hyperlocal data points—from schools and crime to housing and amenities—to see which area is the better fit.
| Statistic | Owatonna | Minnesota | National |
| Average one way commute | 16min | 23min | 26min |
| Workers who drive to work | 84.3% | 78.0% | 76.4% |
| Workers who carpool | 6.3% | 8.7% | 9.3% |
| Workers who take public transit | 1.1% | 3.5% | 5.1% |
| Workers who bicycle | 0.0% | 0.8% | 0.6% |
| Workers who walk | 2.6% | 2.8% | 2.8% |
| Working from home | 4.9% | 5.3% | 4.6% |
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