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Moving to Vernon Center, Minnesota

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Vernon Center, Minnesota is a small town located in the south-central part of the state. It has a population of around 500 people and covers an area of just over 1 square mile. The geography of Vernon Center is characterized by rolling hills and farmland. The town is located on the banks of the Blue Earth River, which provides ample recreational opportunities for residents and visitors alike.

The climate in Vernon Center is typical of Minnesota with hot summers and cold winters. In summer, temperatures can reach into the 80s while winter temperatures can dip into the single digits. Snowfall in winter months averages around 30 inches per year, making it great for winter activities such as skiing and snowmobiling.

Vernon Center was founded in 1854 by settlers from Wisconsin who were drawn to the area by its rich soil and abundant resources. Since then, it has been a major agricultural center with many farms dotting its landscape. The town has also been influenced by its proximity to Mankato, one of Minnesota’s larger cities.

Politically, Vernon Center leans conservative but is home to voters from both major political parties. Local government consists of five elected city council members who are responsible for setting policy for the town and appointing a mayor who serves as head of government operations.

The economy of Vernon Center revolves largely around agriculture but also includes some small businesses such as restaurants, shops, and service providers that cater to locals and visitors alike. Schools in Vernon Center include one elementary school (K-6) that educates students from throughout Blue Earth County as well as several local churches that offer Sunday school programs for all ages in addition to worship services .

Notable landmarks include St Joseph’s Catholic Church which was built in 1876, Stag Park which offers scenic views overlooking the valley below, and Blue Earth River Park which features walking trails along with picnic areas perfect for family gatherings or outdoor recreation activities like fishing or canoeing on the river itself .

Population: 359. Estimated population in July 2024: 333 (-7.2% change)
Males: 172 (47.9%), Females: 187 (52.1%)

Blue Earth County

Zip code: 56090

Demographics

Median resident age: 34.2 years
Median household income: $50,703
Median house value: $64,400

Population by Race

Races in Vernon Center:

  • White Non-Hispanic (98.3%)
  • Hispanic (1.4%)

Ancestries: German (46.2%), English (7.0%), Irish (5.8%), Norwegian (4.7%), Swedish (4.5%), Welsh (3.6%).

Elevation: 1030 feet

Land area: 0.5 square miles

Population by Education

Vernon Center, Minnesota is a small rural town located in the southern part of the state. It has a population of about 500 people and is known for its quiet, peaceful atmosphere. The median household income in Vernon Center is $50,000 per year, which is lower than the state average. Most of the population are blue-collar workers who are employed in the area’s farming industry and local businesses. The cost of living in Vernon Center is relatively low compared to other areas in Minnesota. Housing costs are among the lowest in Minnesota, with median home prices around $100,000. Utilities and groceries also tend to be cheaper than other parts of the state as well. The town has several amenities that make life more convenient for its residents, including a grocery store, post office, and library. There are also several parks and lakes within reach that provide recreational opportunities to residents looking to get out into nature. All in all, living in Vernon Center provides a peaceful atmosphere at an affordable cost for those looking for a small-town life away from big city hustle and bustle.

For population 25 years and over in Vernon Center

  • High school or higher: 87.1%
  • Bachelor’s degree or higher: 6.9%
  • Graduate or professional degree: 1.7%
  • Unemployed: 5.3%
  • Mean travel time to work: 28.8 minutes

For population 15 years and over in Vernon Center city

  • Never married: 15.1%
  • Now married: 69.1%
  • Separated: 0.7%
  • Widowed: 8.1%
  • Divorced: 7.0%

1.7% Foreign born

Population change in the 1990s: +13 (+3.8%).

Hospitals

Hospitals/medical centers near Vernon Center:

  • IMMANUEL-ST JOSEPHS-MAYO HEALTH SYSTEN (about 10 miles; MANKATO, MN)
  • MADELIA COMMUNITY HOSPITAL (about 19 miles; MADELIA, MN)
  • UNITED HOSPITAL DISTRICT (about 24 miles; BLUE EARTH, MN)

Airports

Airports certified for carrier operations nearest to Vernon Center:

  • MASON CITY MUNI (about 82 miles; MASON CITY, IA; Abbreviation: MCW)
  • MINNEAPOLIS-ST PAUL INTL/WOLD-CHAMBERLAIN/ (about 91 miles; MINNEAPOLIS, MN; Abbreviation: MSP)
  • FORT DODGE REGIONAL (about 98 miles; FORT DODGE, IA; Abbreviation: FOD)

Other public-use airports nearest to Vernon Center:

  • MANKATO REGIONAL (about 25 miles; MANKATO, MN; Abbreviation: MKT)
  • ST JAMES MUNI (about 27 miles; ST JAMES, MN; Abbreviation: JYG)
  • BLUE EARTH MUNI (about 27 miles; BLUE EARTH, MN; Abbreviation: SBU)

Colleges and Universities

Colleges/universities with over 2000 students nearest to Vernon Center:

  • SOUTH CENTRAL TECHNICAL COLLEGE-MANKATO (about 18 miles; NORTH MANKATO, MN; Full-time enrollment: 2,186)
  • MINNESOTA STATE UNVERSITY-MANKATO (about 18 miles; MANKATO, MN; Full-time enrollment: 11,210)
  • GUSTAVUS ADOLPHUS COLLEGE (about 29 miles; ST PETER, MN; Full-time enrollment: 2,355)
  • SAINT OLAF COLLEGE (about 78 miles; NORTHFIELD, MN; Full-time enrollment: 2,968)
  • NORMANDALE COMMUNITY COLLEGE (about 85 miles; BLOOMINGTON, MN; Full-time enrollment: 4,636)
  • NORTH IOWA AREA COMMUNITY COLLEGE (about 87 miles; MASON CITY, IA; Full-time enrollment: 2,161)
  • MINNEAPOLIS COMMUNITY AND TECHNICAL COLLEGE (about 93 miles; MINNEAPOLIS, MN; Full-time enrollment: 3,857)

Private primary/middle school in Vernon Center:

  • ST JOHN LUTHERAN SCHOOL (Students: 68; Location: R 1 BOX 58; Grades: KG – 8)

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