Firstly why Saint-Cloud, Minnesota?
I’ll start with some quick stats and an overview:
- City: Saint-Cloud
- State: Minnesota
- Population: 67,241 people
- Saint-Cloud’s quick summary would be famous for its scenic rivers and strong arts community this vibrant city is perfect for those who appreciate culture and nature.
Some people I know rave about this place, others say it’s on the upswing or going through changes. Check out these migration details:
- How many people move-in: 1,600 annually
- While this many move-out: 441 annually
- Net Migration: 1159 more people in (net) annual change
- Non-Citizen Move-in: 980
- Number of Homeless people: 210
You might wonder why people choose to move here, I’d say generally because it features a small-town feel with access to outdoor activities attracting families
Perk #1: Saint-Cloud Demographic Mix & Lifestyle
- The percentage of Residents Age 30–50 is about 32%
- Percentage of Home Ownership is hovering around 69%
- Largest Local Ethnic Group is White
- The 2nd Largest Ethnic Group is mostly White
- The median income is (and growing) $72,390
- Income Required to Live Comfortably in Saint-Cloud is $78,000
- Average Extra Spending Money after paying bills yearly is approx. $5610 in positive cash flow
This and any cities local population can be a real melting pot—or sometimes it’s more homogeneous, depending on the area. Ask yourself: would you enjoy a bustling community with diverse backgrounds, or do you prefer a quieter, tight-knit vibe?
Perk #2: Housing & Saint-Cloud’s Cost of Living
- Cost of Living Index: 105 (100 is the US average)
- Annual Property Tax Per House: $2,300
- Property Tax %: 1.42%
- Rent for an average 2BD Apartment: $1,400
- Rent for an average house: $2,000
- Popular and Expensive Neighborhood: Saint Cloud
- Top 5 Growing Areas: Saint-Cloud, Sartell, St. Joseph, and probably could include Waite Park
- Avg. Age of Homes in Saint-Cloud: 37 years
- The Percentage of Realtors per 100 people here: 1.2%
If the cost-of-living index is low, you might find a place without selling your kidney. If it’s high, well, you’ll need to budget carefully. Some income earners thrive in pricey markets, others prefer less financially stressful areas.
Perk #3: Job Market & Saint-Cloud’s Economy
- 3 Industries gaining traction in Saint-Cloud are Healthcare, Retail, and Education
- Saint-Cloud Job Scene: moderate job market focused on education and healthcare
- The General Tech Scene: growing tech presence centered on education and health technology , ,
- Saint-Cloud Resident’s pay $1,600 in City Tax alone!
- Local Sales Tax in Saint-Cloud: 7.5%
- No. of Independent Businesses: 180 (excluding chains and corporates)
- Number of Local Branch Banks: 3
Maybe you’re a go-getter in finance, tech, or healthcare. Or you’d rather open a mom-and-pop shop. Either way, it’s worth checking if the local industries align with your skill set—or if you’re game to try something new.
Perk #4: Transportation & Commuting in Saint-Cloud
- Monthly Transportation Costs: $121 on average per person
- Freeway Access: I-94 runs through Saint Cloud linking areas to the south
- Commute Time: 27 minutes (public & private)
- Main Evening Traffic Area: traffic jams on Division Street
- Transportation Score: 38 out of 100 described as Some Transit
- No. of Vehicles Registered in Saint-Cloud: 45,000
- Cars registered per Person: 0.7
- No. of Car Washes: 3 in and around the city
- DMV Website for Saint-Cloud: dps.mn.gov/divisions/dvs
- The Bike-Friendly Score: 66 of 100
- Local Airport: St. Cloud Regional
Is a 15-minute commute your dream, or is 45 minutes stuck on the freeway a dealbreaker? If you can handle traffic or love public transit, this might be perfect. If not, brace yourself with a killer podcast lineup.
Perk #5: Saint-Cloud’s Weather & Natural Factors
- The Most Common Natural Disaster is Snowstorm
- General Weather in Saint-Cloud is best described as experiences cold winters with heavy snowfall and humid warm summers
- Winter Weather in Saint-Cloud i’d describe as very cold with snow
- Spring Weather in Saint-Cloud can be described as cool with rain likely
- Summer’s in Saint-Cloud are mostly warm and humid
- Fall ( the nicest time) in Saint-Cloud is usually cool and crisp
- How many days in a row over 90°F: 10 days in summer
- Days in a row in Saint-Cloud below Freezing: 50
- Average Annual Rainfall: 36 inches
- Summer Air Quality is usually good air quality with minimal urban impacts
- Saint-Cloud Winter Air generally good air quality with limited pollution sources
Do you live for sunny skies? Or maybe you can’t stand humidity. Some relish snowy winters; others run south at the first snowflake. And if hurricanes, tornadoes, or earthquakes are part of the package, put all that into your consideration matrix.
Perk #6: Saint-Cloud Education & Schools
- The GreatSchools.org City Rating:
- Number of Colleges and Universities in Saint-Cloud 2
- While the number of trade schools inside Saint-Clouds’s city limits are 1
- Library that I have visited and enjoyed is the Saint Cloud Public Library
If you’ve got kids—or you’re looking to further your own education—solid school ratings and local colleges can be a huge perk. If not, hey, a good library have more gems that you didn’t know existed, check it out.
Perk #7: Healthcare & Saint-Cloud Stats
- Typical EMS Response Time: 12 minutes
- Registered Full-Time Saint-Cloud only Doctors is about 110
- Local Hospitals here is 2
- Full-time Saint-Cloud only Police Officers is about 55
- Crime Rate Index: 38/100
Medical facilities could be important to you and who knows it could be related to the crime stats. Again some stats that are worth considering.
Perk #8: Utilities, Gyms & Water Quality
- Saint-Cloud’s Monthly utility bill average is $190
- Saint-Cloud’s Monthly Gym Membership: $41
- Saint-Cloud’s Water Quality Score: 72
Some of us freak out if water tastes off, others don’t mind. Gym buffs will appreciate a cheap membership; others prefer running outside for free. Check if these monthly costs fit inside your realistic lifestyle.
Perk #9: Events, Festivals & Vibe in Saint-Cloud
- Approx number of Festivals the city puts on is 1 annually
- The General Local City Vibe: similar vibe of community focus with outdoor amenities
- You might enjoy live performances at community venues
- Nightlife Scene (yes this is completely subjective), Saint-Cloud has a quiet nightlife scene with local bars and dining options that are perfect for low-key evenings
If you love a lively social calendar—fairs, concerts, maybe the odd chili cook-off—this is your jam. If crowds make you itch, you might only show up for the funnel cakes.
Perk #10: The Food, Sports & Culture of Saint-Cloud
- The Objective Restaurant Scene Offers local diners and casual eateries with American cuisine
- The Number of Independent Restaurants are 70 scattered around Saint-Cloud
- The Popular Sports Team is Local PickleBall Champs
- Top Level Political Climate in Saint-Cloud can be described as politically mixed city with a diverse community
- Saint-Cloud’s Longer standing religious establishment is Sacred Heart Church
Whether you’re a foodie wanting fancy cuisine or a sports nut who can’t miss the local team’s home game, see if your interests line up with what the city offers.
Perk #11: Saint-Cloud Parks & Green Spaces
- Did you know Saint-Cloud has 12 Parks?
- St. Cloud State University Campus is Saint-Cloud’s Green Space Center
- The local favorite Farmers Market is Saint Cloud Farmers Market normally open Saturday 8am-12pm
- Outdoor Activities that both weekend warriors are pro’s can enjoy are Hiking, picnicking, and biking
Love fresh air? A city investing in parks and markets can be a sanity-saver. If you prefer the indoors, maybe it’s less of a draw—but I still say fresh produce is never a bad thing.
Perk #12: Saint-Cloud Neighborhoods Pace & Proximity
- The Pace of Life in Saint-Cloud can be described as community-centered urban pace with family amenities
- 3 Family-Friendly Activities anyone can enjoy in Saint-Cloud hiking nature trails visiting parks local events
- The Cities people commute to from Saint-Cloud are Wilmot 21 miles away Clear-Lake 33 miles away Elk-River 30 miles away
Neighborhood pace can range from laid-back suburbs to frantic downtown vibes. If you need a quick getaway, big neighboring cities can scratch that itch for a weekend change of scene.
8 Drawbacks about Saint-Cloud or are they?
No place is perfect. I rate these as important based on your location and type of work you do. They might not be negatives or positives for everyone.
- Traffic/Commute Issues
Maybe you read: traffic jams on Division Street. If you hate gridlock, look at alternative routes or brace yourself with podcasts. - Natural Disaster or Extreme Weather
Saint-Cloud’s Snowstorm risk could be minimal or major. Dig more on that is your eyebrow just went up. - Pricey Neighborhoods
If Saint Cloud is out of your price point, you might consider these places nearby Saint-Cloud are Wilmot 21 miles away Clear-Lake 33 miles away Elk-River 30 miles away. - Crime Rate Concerns
With a 38 of 100, some neighborhoods might feel safer than others. Everyone has a different tolerance for this. - Harsh Climate Contrasts
Saint-Cloud has 50 days in a row below freezing and 10 days above 90 degrees. This might be your heaven or your nightmare. Some people can’t stand snow, while others pray for it. - Limited Extra Funds
After general costs of living here in Saint-Cloud people have an average (positive or negative) $5610 in positive cash flow left over in income to spend or pay off. Economics will make or break you here. - Homelessness or Social Challenges
210 homeless people living in Saint-Cloud. It can be tough for the community—no easy solutions. - Cultural/Political Mismatch
The general politically mixed city with a diverse community could change but probably not quickly. We all go thru cycles in our lifestyle and outlook. Think about this and your future outlook before a move to Saint-Cloud.
Retiree & Senior Life in Saint-Cloud
- Retiree Tax Benefits say seniors can might access income tax credits based on retirement income
- The most established Senior Citizen Community is The Novus
- Saint Cloud Senior Center provides community resources educational programs and social activities
If you’re in (or nearing) retirement, see if the city provides property tax breaks or comfy 55+ communities. Some places cater heavily to seniors, others less so.
Moving to Saint-Cloud, Minnesota?
If Saint-Cloud, Minnesota ir your next home or you are packing up, Let Allied Van Lines Help
As someone who’s hauled half his life across state lines more times than I can recall, let me say that Allied Van Lines simplifies the process. From big bulky couches to fragile antiques, they’ve got you covered.
A quick quote or phone call might be all you need to turn your daydream into reality. If you see me around Saint-Cloud, Minnesota, say hi—I’m the guy who once moved with nothing but a backpack and a guitar. Good luck on your new adventure!