Median Age
30 Years
Largest Age Group
20-29 Years
Approximately 27% of Residents
Under 20
24%
Over 65
14%
Area Guide
Avg Rent
$1,175
Population
46,861
Renter Mix
49% Rent
Located along the Minnesota River, Mankato combines small-city charm with the energy of a college town. As home to Minnesota State University, the city offers both peaceful residential areas and lively entertainment districts. Outdoor enthusiasts can explore Sibley Park's riverside trails, while music lovers gather at the Vetter Stone Amphitheater for seasonal performances. Downtown Mankato preserves its historic character with local businesses, while River Hills Mall provides additional shopping options. The rental market remains strong, with one-bedroom apartments renting for $1,082, reflecting a 3.4% annual increase, while two-bedroom units average $1,232.
Mankato's housing landscape spans 20 square miles, featuring apartment communities near campus and established residential neighborhoods throughout the city. Minnesota State University, the state's second-largest university, anchors the local economy and enriches community life. The city celebrates its heritage through preserved landmarks like the Blue Earth County Courthouse and the R.D. Hubbard House, while its parks system provides year-round recreational opportunities. The rental market accommodates various needs, with studio apartments averaging $963 and three-bedroom residences available at approximately $1,563 monthly.
A row of traditional style homes in the Sibley Park neighborhood.
The confluence of the Blue Earth River and the Minnesota River borders Sibley Park.
Sibley Park has a decorative tractor next to the koi pond.
Residents can fish on the Rivershores of Land of Memories Park.
Front Street is lined with restaurants and is a popular destination in downtown Mankato.
Local food trucks serve areas in and around downtown Mankato and Five Corners.
Median Household Income
$63,167
Average: $80,563
Education
14,491
Residents Have a Degree
Job Market
26,744
Workers Employed
Median Age
30 Years
Largest Age Group
20-29 Years
Approximately 27% of Residents
Under 20
24%
Over 65
14%
Housing Distribution
In Mankato, there are roughly the same number of renters and homeowners.
Education Distribution
Review this city's overall education levels.
As of May 2026, the average apartment rent in Mankato, MN is $1,101 for a studio, $1,174 for one bedroom, $1,298 for two bedrooms, and $1,645 for three bedrooms. Apartment rent in Mankato has increased by 1.4% in the past year.
The cost of living in Mankato, MN is 6.4% lower than the national average. Generally, housing in Mankato is 21.0% less expensive than the national average, with rent falling between $1,101 - $1,645. You can expect to pay 1.6% more for groceries, 4.8% less for utilities, and 2.7% less for transportation.
Compare Cities
Explore how walkable, bikeable, drivable, and transit-friendly Mankato, MN is for everyday living.
Somewhat Walkable
Walkability
Exceptionally Drivable
Drivability
Fairly Bikeable
Bikeability
Public
Grades K-5
376 Students
Public
Grades K-5
376 Students
Public
Grades PK-5
370 Students
Public
Grades PK-5
370 Students
Public
Grades K-5
333 Students
Public
Grades 6-8
954 Students
Public
Grades 6-12
68 Students
Public
Grades PK-12
267 Students
Public
Grades 6-8
Mankato West Senior High School
Public
Grades 9-12
1,223 Students
Public
Grades 9-12
1,223 Students
Mankato East Senior High School
Public
Grades 9-12
1,293 Students
Public
Grades 9-12
1,293 Students
Central High Area Learning Center
Public
Grades 9-12
92 Students
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† Our analysis of utilities, groceries, transportation, healthcare, home prices, and other goods and services is sourced from the Cost of Living Index, a respected benchmark published by the Council for Community and Economic Research (C2ER) that provides a thorough overview of living expenses across different regions.
Rent data is provided by CoStar Group’s Market Trend reports. As the industry leader in commercial real estate information, analytics, and news, CoStar conducts extensive research to produce and maintain a comprehensive database of commercial real estate information. We combine this data with public record to provide the most up-to-date rental information available.
Consumer goods, services, and home prices are sourced from the Cost of Living Index published by the Council for Community and Economic Research (C2ER). The data on this page is updated quarterly. It was last published in February 2026.
Demographic information comes from Neustar and combines detailed address data with U.S. Census and American Community Survey statistics to produce reliable local estimates.