Firstly why St-Cloud, Minnesota?

I’ll start with some quick stats and an overview:

• City: St-Cloud
• State: Minnesota
• Population: 195,706 people
• St-Cloud’s quick summary would be St. Cloud revolves around the Mississippi River, St. Cloud State, and shows at the Paramount Theatre downtown.

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: 4,000 annually
• While this many move-out: 6,000 annually
• Net Migration: -2000 less people annual change
• Non-Citizen Move-in: 200
• Number of Homeless people: 150

You might wonder why people choose to move here, I’d say generally because it features a strong community and access to outdoor activities attracting families

Perk #1: St-Cloud Demographic Mix & Lifestyle

• The percentage of Residents Age 30–50 is about 32%
• Percentage of Home Ownership is hovering around 55%
• Largest Local Ethnic Group is White
• The 2nd Largest Ethnic Group is mostly White
• The median income is (and growing)  $58,500
• Income Required to Live Comfortably in St-Cloud is $50,000
• Average Extra Spending Money after paying bills yearly is approx. $-8500 in negative 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 & St-Cloud’s Cost of Living

• Cost of Living Index: 100 (100 is the US average)
• Annual Property Tax Per House: $2,413
• Property Tax %: 1.2%
• Rent for an average 2BD Apartment: $1,150
• Rent for an average house: $1,800
• Popular and Expensive Neighborhood: St. Cloud
• Top 5 Growing Areas: St-Cloud, Sartell, Clearwater, Sauk-Rapids, and probably could include Becker
• Avg. Age of Homes in St-Cloud: 62 years
• The Percentage of Realtors per 100 people here: 0.6%

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 & St-Cloud’s Economy

• 3 Industries gaining traction in St-Cloud are  Education, Healthcare, and Retail
• St-Cloud Job Scene: moderate job market focused on manufacturing and services
• The General Tech Scene: developing tech community focused on healthcare and education technology , ,
• St-Cloud Resident’s pay $600 in City Tax alone!
• Local Sales Tax in St-Cloud: 7.5%
• No. of Independent Businesses: 30 (excluding chains and corporates)
• Number of Local Branch Banks: 4

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 St-Cloud

• Monthly Transportation Costs: $100 on average per person
• Freeway Access: I-94 runs through St. Cloud providing key travel access
• Commute Time: 22 minutes (public & private)
• Main Evening Traffic Area: heavy backups on 94 near the river
• Transportation Score: 38 out of 100 described as Some Transit
• No. of Vehicles Registered in St-Cloud: 52,000
• Cars registered per Person: 0.3
• No. of Car Washes: 4 in and around the city
• DMV Website for St-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: St-Cloud’s Weather & Natural Factors

• The Most Common Natural Disaster is Blizzards
• General Weather in St-Cloud is best described as experienced cold snowy winters and warm humid summers with distinct seasonal variations
• Winter Weather in St-Cloud i’d describe as very cold with snowy conditions
• Spring Weather in St-Cloud can be described as cool with occasional rain
• Summer’s in St-Cloud are mostly warm and humid
• Fall ( the nicest time) in St-Cloud is usually cool with sunny days
• How many days in a row over 90°F: 3 days in summer
• Days in a row in St-Cloud below Freezing: 70
• Average Annual Rainfall: 30 inches
• Summer Air Quality is usually good air quality supported by nearby natural areas
• St-Cloud Winter Air generally good air quality with minimal risks

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: St-Cloud Education & Schools

• The GreatSchools.org City Rating:
• Number of Colleges and Universities in St-Cloud 1
• While the number of trade schools inside St-Clouds’s city limits are 2
• Library that I have visited and enjoyed is the St. 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 & St-Cloud Stats

• Typical EMS Response Time: 8 minutes
• Registered Full-Time St-Cloud only Doctors is about 50
• Local Hospitals here is  5
• Full-time St-Cloud only Police Officers is about 100
• Crime Rate Index: 30/100

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

• St-Cloud’s Monthly utility bill average is $100
• St-Cloud’s Monthly Gym Membership: $40
• St-Cloud’s Water Quality Score: 73

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 St-Cloud

• Approx number of Festivals the city puts on is 4 annually
• The General Local City Vibe: mid-sized city known for its strong community spirit
• You might enjoy live events at the St. Cloud Civic Center
• Nightlife Scene (yes this is completely subjective), St-Cloud  offers local bars and restaurants providing cozy settings for enjoyable evenings with friends and family

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 St-Cloud

• The Objective Restaurant Scene Features local diners and a variety of dining options
• The Number of Independent Restaurants are 20 scattered around St-Cloud
• The Popular Sports Team is St. Cloud Rox
• Top Level Political Climate in St-Cloud can be described as politically mixed area with a focus on local governance
• St-Cloud’s Longer standing religious establishment is St. Cloud State University Campus Ministry

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: St-Cloud Parks & Green Spaces

• Did you know St-Cloud has 20 Parks?
• Whitney Park is St-Cloud’s Green Space Center
• The local favorite Farmers Market is St. Cloud Farmers Market normally open Tuesday 4pm-7pm
• Outdoor Activities that both weekend warriors are pro’s can enjoy are Hiking, biking, and fishing

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: St-Cloud Neighborhoods Pace & Proximity

• The Pace of Life in St-Cloud can be described as steady urban lifestyle with focus on education and community
• 3 Family-Friendly Activities anyone can enjoy in St-Cloud picnicking at parks going to local fairs exploring nature
• The Cities people commute to from St-Cloud are Sartell 8 miles away Waite-Park 3 miles away Monticello 21 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 St-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.

1. Traffic/Commute Issues
   Maybe you read: heavy backups on 94 near the river. If you hate gridlock, look at alternative routes or brace yourself with podcasts.
2. Natural Disaster or Extreme Weather
   St-Cloud’s Blizzards risk could be minimal or major. Dig more on that is your eyebrow just went up.
3. Pricey Neighborhoods
   If St. Cloud is out of your price point, you might consider these places nearby St-Cloud are Sartell 8 miles away Waite-Park 3 miles away Monticello 21 miles away.
4. Crime Rate Concerns
   With a 30 of 100, some neighborhoods might feel safer than others. Everyone has a different tolerance for this.
5. Harsh Climate Contrasts
   St-Cloud has 70 days in a row below freezing and 3 days above 90 degrees. This might be your heaven or your nightmare. Some people can’t stand snow, while others pray for it.
6. Limited Extra Funds
   After general costs of living here in St-Cloud people have an average (positive or negative) $-8500 in negative cash flow left over in income to spend or pay off. Economics will make or break you here.
7. Homelessness or Social Challenges
   150 homeless people living in St-Cloud. It can be tough for the community—no easy solutions.
8. Cultural/Political Mismatch
   The general politically mixed area with a focus on local governance 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 St-Cloud.

Retiree & Senior Life in St-Cloud

• Retiree Tax Benefits say seniors can can enjoy exemptions that support fixed-income households
• The most established Senior Citizen Community is The Country Haven
• St Cloud Senior Center offers a range of programs meal services and community engagement for seniors

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 St-Cloud, Minnesota?

If St-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 St-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!