Albany 74 Excellent
Albany Livability #208 ranked city in Minnesota#4,381 ranked city in the USARanks better than 85% of areas
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Pros and Cons of Living in Albany

PROS
  • Cost Of Living Cost Of Living

    The overall cost of living in this area is much lower than average. This includes everyday goods and services, as well as housing, utilities and health care.

  • Crime Crime

    With a lower than average crime rate per 100,000 people, this area could be considered a very safe place to live. Crime rates are based on both violent and property crimes.

  • Employment Employment

    The combination of higher than average median home income, income per capita and low unemployment rates results in a score that is well above average in the employment category.

  • Housing Housing

    This area has received high scores in the housing category. This could be due to a positive home affordability ratio, high appreciation rates or elevated home values.

  • Health & Safety Health & Safety

    A high score in the health and safety category is a result of good air quality and the accessibility to health facilities such as hospitals, clinics, doctors, pharmacies and fire stations.

CONS
  • Amenities Amenities

    A majority of amenities are not ideally situated within a reasonable walking distance, which may lead residents to rely on a vehicle or public transportation.

  • Commute Commute

    Public transportation is not readily available in this area and the average commute time to work could also be longer than the national average.

What's it like Living in Albany?

Located in the state of Minnesota, Albany is a smaller city with a population of 2,803 inhabitants. If we look at the most recent Census, Albany is known to have a predominantly White population. The next two most common races are Black and Asian. Long commute times to work can be incredibly frustrating, ranking just behind housework on the list of life's annoyances. If you opt to make Albany your home, your one-way commute time will typically last around 23 minutes, a duration that aligns with the national average commute time of 26 minutes.

If you’re considering relocating to any new city, it could be a very daunting task. However, it could also be a positive experience if you are willing to get to know the area before actually living in Albany, Minnesota. When searching for a new neighborhood, several key items should be considered. Safety is of utmost importance, ensuring a secure environment with low crime. Proximity to your workplace or school helps reduce commuting time and offers convenience. Access to amenities such as parks, grocery stores, and healthcare facilities enhances your daily life. Public transportation options contribute to easy mobility. A sense of community fosters a supportive and engaging environment. Lastly, the overall atmosphere should align with your desired lifestyle, ensuring a fulfilling living experience. Considering these items will guide you towards finding the perfect neighborhood that fits all your needs. To help you find the best places to live in and around Albany, AreaVibes has created a livability score using key metrics like amenities, crime, cost of living, employment and more.

Using data and statistics Albany has received a livability score of 74/100. This score is ranked in the 84th percentile when compared to all other cities. There are nine total categories that create the livability score. Albany ranks well for crime (A+), cost of living (B), education (B), employment (B+) and housing (A+) Albany does not do well for the following: amenities (F). It might be wise to take a closer look at each category to find out why.

The Albany unemployment rate of 0.5% has continued to decrease over the years and is now well below the national average. The result could lead to reduced poverty and inequality in the area, higher wages and increased economic growth. This is a positive sign in the overall health of the local economy.

Parents and families often rely on school test scores when making decisions about local public schools. Test score data serves as a crucial metric for comparing and assessing various educational institutions. In Albany, the average school test scores reached an impressive 70%, significantly higher than the national average. This remarkable performance underscores the commitment of the educational system to equip students with the knowledge and resources necessary for success. It allows your children to receive the support and skills that are essential for thriving academically, making Albany an excellent choice for families seeking a high-quality education.

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 Albany 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.

Assuming that Albany meets all of your requirements like low crime rates, good schools and great local amenities, the next most important item to examine is the affordability of real estate in Albany. Everything else becomes a lot less important if it turns out that home prices in Albany are simply unattainable. The median home price for Albany homes is $284,702, which is 16% lower than the Minnesota average. If we take a closer look at the affordability of homes in Albany, we’ll see that the home price to income ratio is 2.9, which is 21.6% lower than the Minnesota average.

Best Places to Live in and Around Albany

See all the best places to live around Albany

How Do You Rate The Livability In Albany?

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Compare Albany, MN Livability

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      Albany transportation information

      Statistic Albany Minnesota National
      Average one way commute23min23min26min
      Workers who drive to work83.2%78.0%76.4%
      Workers who carpool5.0%8.7%9.3%
      Workers who take public transit0.0%3.5%5.1%
      Workers who bicycle0.0%0.8%0.6%
      Workers who walk8.1%2.8%2.8%
      Working from home3.7%5.3%4.6%
      Source: The Albany, MN data and statistics displayed above are derived from the United States Census Bureau American Community Survey (ACS) and include 2026 modeled data developed using proprietary methodologies.