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.
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
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.
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
Public transportation is not readily available in this area and the average commute time to work could also be longer than the national average.
Ratings
AreaVibes conducted surveys and polls with locals who live in the area. The results were not favorable for walkability of amenities, parks, public transit and the overall sense of community in the area.
Albert Lea is a moderately-sized city located in the state of Minnesota. The city has a population of 18,460 residents. If we take a look at the last Census, the vast majority of the population falls within one racial group (86% White). Given that fact, Albert Lea could be considered less diverse than other cities. Not a fan of sitting in traffic during your commute to work? Albert Lea offers shorter work commutes, with an average one-way commute time taking only 18 minutes, far lower than the national average of 26 minutes.
Without the right tools, relocating to any new town can be very stressful and challenging. Living in Albert Lea, Minnesota could be a great experience for anyone who puts in the time to do the research required. When searching for a new neighborhood, several key items should be considered. Safety is paramount, ensuring a secure environment for you and your family. Proximity to workplaces or schools reduces commuting time and enhances convenience. Access to amenities like parks, grocery stores and healthcare facilities contributes to a comfortable lifestyle. Reliable public transportation options promote easy mobility. A strong sense of community fosters social connections and a welcoming atmosphere. With useful information like crime, cost of living, education and other key data points, finding the best places to live in Albert Lea and in the areas around Albert Lea is a much easier task.
The livability score in Albert Lea is 71 out of 100 and the city is ranked in the 79th percentile of all cities across America. If we probe a little deeper into each category within the livability score, we see that Albert Lea has higher than average rankings for the following: crime (A-), cost of living (A+) and housing (A+). There is at least one category that did not score well in Albert Lea. The following was graded with a concerning score: amenities (F).
Unemployment rates can vary significantly among cities, impacting job prospects, wage levels and the overall economic health of an area. In Albert Lea, the unemployment rate stands at 2.6%, suggesting increased job opportunities and a heightened demand for workers. This scenario can lead to higher wages, as the demand for employees outpaces job availability. Importantly, a low unemployment rate often signifies a robust and flourishing local economy.
For home buyers, real estate will be the largest purchase they will ever make and it will also be their most valuable asset. For renters, the monthly rent paid on their Albert Lea apartments will most likely be their largest expense. Based on tangible metrics like home and rental affordability and appreciation rates, housing in this area has received a score that is well above the average of every other US city. A thriving real estate market can also generate strong local economic activity and job creation.
There are many factors that go into deciding if an area is the right fit for your lifestyle. Certain “must haves” like low crime, great schools and nearby amenities are all at the top of most people's lists. But before even considering if those options are attainable, we'll need to know if the real estate in Albert Lea is actually affordable. The median home price for Albert Lea homes is $185,653, which is 45.2% lower than the Minnesota average. If we take a closer look at the affordability of homes in Albert Lea, we’ll see that the home price to income ratio is 2.7, which is 27% lower than the Minnesota average.
| Statistic | Albert Lea | Minnesota | National |
| Average one way commute | 18min | 23min | 26min |
| Workers who drive to work | 80.7% | 78.0% | 76.4% |
| Workers who carpool | 10.4% | 8.7% | 9.3% |
| Workers who take public transit | 0.6% | 3.5% | 5.1% |
| Workers who bicycle | 0.9% | 0.8% | 0.6% |
| Workers who walk | 3.3% | 2.8% | 2.8% |
| Working from home | 3.7% | 5.3% | 4.6% |
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