Mankato
RANK #211 / 996 NAT · #3 / 18 MN · POP 69,022
1YR FORECAST: +2.1%
5YR OUTLOOK: +32%
Blue Earth County, Minnesota, stands out for its namesake, the Blue Earth River, known for its distinctive blue-green clay that once drew French explorers. Located in south-central Minnesota, with Mankato as its county seat, the area is about an hour and a half drive south of Minneapolis. The community offers a blend of agricultural landscapes and natural beauty, including numerous rivers, over 30 lakes, and wooded bluffs, providing opportunities for outdoor recreation like hiking and camping. Commutes within the county are generally manageable, with several transit options available, including a dial-a-ride service connecting its various towns.
Life in Blue Earth County offers a quieter pace, appealing to families and those seeking a close-knit community. Public schools in the county are generally well-regarded. The economy is diverse, with agriculture remaining a core industry, particularly in hog, corn, and soybean production. Beyond agriculture, the county serves as a regional center for education, healthcare, and manufacturing. Recent economic developments include investments in energy efficiency across county facilities and broader initiatives to support local businesses and housing.
Below-average climate & terrain
Above national median (13x)
Housing looks undervalued at 3.8x — home prices are low relative to local economic output. The typical U.S. county is 4–6x.
Estimated local headcount ranges. Larger employers shown as floor + "+"; smaller employers show exact counts where reported.
Source: CDC/NCHS vital statistics via County Health Rankings (2020–2022 avg). Rates per 100,000 population. Grade based on homicide rate relative to national average (~6.3). Learn more →
| PROJECT | AMOUNT | STATUS |
|---|---|---|
|
Wilmarth - Fieldon 345.0kV Solar Project
None
|
$299M | Planned |
|
AAIM Minnesota 1 Data Center Expansion
AAIM Data Centers
|
$150M | Under Construction |
|
SunStar Solar Project (Verona Township)
Invenergy Solar
|
$150M | Proposed |
Source: public records, news, corporate announcements. Amounts are estimates where noted.
Bars show percentile rank among all 996 counties.
With a Boom Town Index score of 79/100, Blue Earth County sits in the upper half of all 996 ranked counties. Employment is expanding at +2.5%, and median household income stands at $70,906 — indicators that suggest solid fundamentals even if it's not among the fastest-growing counties in MN.
Housing in Blue Earth County is roughly in line with national affordability norms. The median home costs $239,200 and the income-to-home-value ratio sits at 0.30, with rents averaging $1,007/month. Not a bargain, but not a stretch for most local earners either.
Blue Earth County is growing on multiple fronts. Population is up +0.7% year-over-year while employers added jobs at a +2.5% clip — and home values reflect that momentum, rising +4.5% over the past 12 months.
In significant numbers — 7.62% of Blue Earth County's current population relocated from another state, well above the national norm. That level of in-migration usually signals a county where jobs, affordability, or quality of life are pulling people in from elsewhere.