Let the numbers do the talking.
Mankato, MN vs St. Cloud, MN
Mankato, MN vs St. Cloud, MN: What the data shows
Mankato, MN is in Mankato, MN while St. Cloud, MN is in St. Cloud, MN — both in the same state. On home prices, St. Cloud, MN is the more affordable option at $246,600 median — $2,800 less than Mankato, MN's $249,400. WYLT rates Mankato, MN as “Think twice” — a neighborhood that warrants careful research before committing — and St. Cloud, MN as “Good for now” — a solid choice worth serious consideration.
Both neighborhoods have similar safety profiles. Mankato, MN has Moderate violent crime and Moderate property crime. St. Cloud, MN has Moderate violent crime and Moderate property crime. On environmental risk, Mankato, MN has Low flood risk and St. Cloud, MN has Low flood risk.
For families weighing school quality, St. Cloud, MN has the higher school rating — Mankato, MN rates N/A and St. Cloud, MN rates 5.3/10.
| Category | Mankato, MN | St. Cloud, MN |
|---|---|---|
| Housing | ||
| Verdict | Think twice | Good for now |
| Median Price | $249K | $247K ✓ Lower price |
| Median Rent | $1K | $982 ✓ Lower rent |
| Median Income | $65K | $66K ✓ Higher income |
| Price Volatility | Moderate | Low ✓ More stable |
| Getting Around | ||
| Walk Score | Car-dependent | Car-dependent |
| Transit Score | 17/100 | 30/100 ✓ Better transit |
| Bike Score | 25/100 ✓ More bikeable | N/A |
| Commute | 107 min | 78 min ✓ Shorter commute |
| Safety & Environment | ||
| Safety Grade | D+ | D+ |
| Violent Crime | Moderate | Moderate |
| Property Crime | Moderate | Moderate |
| Flood Risk | Low | Low |
| Air Quality | Good | Good |
| Community | ||
| Schools | N/A | 5.3/10 ✓ Better schools |
| Best for | Affordability seekersCommunity activistsPeople who prefer small‑town feel | Families with childrenCollege students or staff at St. Cloud StateRetirees seeking low cost of living |
Bottom line
If you prioritize affording a home and living in a small town, Mankato might be a good fit despite its drawbacks. However, if you have a family with children, are part of a local workforce, or prefer a more traditional suburban lifestyle, St. Cloud's slightly lower commute and decent schools make it a more appealing choice. Ultimately, Mankato's low flood risk and lower home prices may outweigh St. Cloud's advantages for some.
Share this comparison