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Albert Lea, Minnesota

city · Freeborn County

At a glance

18,330
Population
$157,500
Median home value (all homes)
48% below U.S. median
$181,799
Typical market value
Zillow, 2026-07
$857/mo
Median rent
36% below U.S. median
$64,603
Median household income
18% below U.S. median
17.8 min
Average commute
85.1%
Homes with broadband
98.24%
Locations with fiber available
5.7%
Unemployment

Cost of living (Clay Affordability Index)

CAI 86 — 14% below the national average. how it's computed

Housing30% below
Goods & services6% below
Utilities6% below
Taxes12% below
Insurance6% below
Commute cost36% below
For business: Minnesota is CBII band 3/5 · time to build band 4/5. See state page for the breakdown.

Living here

Nearest 4-year college30 mi
Nearest community college19 mi
Nearest technical college35 mi
High school graduates89.4%
College graduates17.4%

Doing business here

Economic development contacts, most local first:

city Albert Lea Economic Development Authority
The Albert Lea Economic Development Agency (ALEDA) consists of the Albert Lea Port Authority and Greater Jobs Inc. Its mission is to create jobs and enhance the tax base of the City of Albert Lea and all of Freeborn County; it promotes economic development and business growth in Albert Lea and Freeborn County.
state Arrowhead Regional Development Commission
ARDC is a multi-disciplined planning and development organization serving the seven-county Arrowhead Region in northeast Minnesota. Its mission is to provide local units of government and citizen groups a means to work cooperatively in identifying needs, solving problems, and fostering local leadership to promote economic growth.
state Economic Dev Association of Minnesota
EDAM champions economic development through education, collaboration and advocacy. It is a state-wide association of professionals who specialize in economic development, with members in public, private, and nonprofit sectors who stay informed and connected to current economic development strategies and best practices.
state Minnesota Dept of Empl & Economic Dev
Minnesota's state agency that provides employment services, workforce development, unemployment insurance support, business financing, and economic development programs for residents and businesses.
state Minnesota Power Economic Development
Minnesota Power has the resources, connections and experience to help companies find sites and secure capital for expansion and relocation projects in our service area. It also provides private sector leadership in economic development.
state North Saint Paul Economic Development
The North St. Paul Economic Development Authority (EDA) was established to precipitate future development, increase the tax base, promote employment, and enhance the overall quality of life in North St. Paul; it sets goals, meets regularly, and can provide momentum and a vision for economic development.
State sales taxYes
State income taxYes
Right-to-work stateNo

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