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Moving to Vesta, Minnesota

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Vesta, Minnesota is a small town located in Redwood County of southwestern Minnesota. The population is just over 700 people, according to the 2010 census. Vesta is situated on the Redwood River and has a mix of rolling hills and flat land. The climate in the area is continental with cold winters and hot summers.

The history of Vesta dates back to 1871 when it was first founded by Scandinavian settlers. It was incorporated as a village in 1904, and as a city in 1911. Over the years, it has been an important agricultural center for the area, producing corn, wheat, soybeans, and other crops.

The politics of Vesta are heavily dominated by the Republican Party at both local and state levels. The economy largely relies on agricultural production but also includes some light manufacturing such as furniture production. There are several schools within the city including an elementary school, middle school, high school, technical college, and community college.

Vesta also has many landmarks that make it unique among other cities in Minnesota such as its historic downtown district with many 19th century buildings still standing today; its two churches – one Lutheran and one Catholic; its two museums – one devoted to local history and another devoted to agriculture; its public library; its outdoor swimming pool; and its annual summer festival which is held each year in July that features music performances from local bands along with food vendors and many other activities for all ages to enjoy!

Population: 339. Estimated population in July 2024: 322 (-5.0% change)
Males: 161 (47.5%), Females: 178 (52.5%)

Redwood County

Zip code: 56292

Demographics

Median resident age: 34.8 years
Median household income: $25,536
Median house value: $31,300

Population by Race

Races in Vesta:

  • White Non-Hispanic (97.6%)
  • Two or more races (1.2%)
  • Hispanic (0.9%)
  • American Indian (0.6%)

Ancestries: German (43.7%), Polish (14.7%), English (12.4%), Irish (5.3%), Norwegian (5.3%), Scottish (4.4%).

Elevation: 1060 feet

Land area: 0.4 square miles

Population by Education

Vesta, Minnesota is a small rural town located in the southwestern part of the state. The population of Vesta is approximately 1,000 people and is comprised mostly of families that have lived in the area for generations. The median household income in Vesta is $36,800, with a poverty rate of just under 10%. Housing costs are relatively low, with the median home value being around $95,000. Renting an apartment or house will likely cost between $500 and $1,000 per month depending on size and location.

Vesta is well known for its agricultural industry which has been a major part of its economy since its founding. There are several small family farms that grow corn and soybeans throughout the area. The local economy also benefits from tourism to nearby lakes and parks as well as local businesses such as restaurants and retail stores. The town also offers convenient access to larger cities such as Minneapolis and St. Paul which are only an hour away by car. Additionally, there are plenty of outdoor activities such as hiking trails, fishing spots, and camping sites near Vesta for those looking to get outdoors and explore nature.

For population 25 years and over in Vesta

  • High school or higher: 74.3%
  • Bachelor’s degree or higher: 9.6%
  • Graduate or professional degree: 3.2%
  • Unemployed: 3.0%
  • Mean travel time to work: 18.9 minutes

For population 15 years and over in Vesta city

  • Never married: 17.1%
  • Now married: 62.9%
  • Separated: 1.7%
  • Widowed: 13.3%
  • Divorced: 5.0%

4.4% Foreign born (3.2% North America, 1.2% Europe).

Population change in the 1990s: +38 (+12.6%).

Hospitals

Hospitals/medical centers near Vesta:

  • REDWOOD AREA HOSPITAL (about 21 miles; REDWOOD FALLS, MN)
  • TRACY HOSPITAL (about 23 miles; TRACY, MN)
  • MUNICIPAL HOSPITAL & GRANITE MANOR (about 23 miles; GRANITE FALLS, MN)

Airports

Airports certified for carrier operations nearest to Vesta:

  • BROOKINGS MUNI (about 98 miles; BROOKINGS, SD; Abbreviation: BKX)
  • JOE FOSS FIELD (about 112 miles; SIOUX FALLS, SD; Abbreviation: FSD)
  • ST CLOUD REGIONAL (about 118 miles; ST CLOUD, MN; Abbreviation: STC)

Other public-use airports nearest to Vesta:

  • GRANITE FALLS MUNI/LENZEN-ROE MEMORIAL FLD (about 20 miles; GRANITE FALLS, MN; Abbreviation: 1G2)
  • TRACY MUNI (about 23 miles; TRACY, MN; Abbreviation: Y68)
  • REDWOOD FALLS MUNI (about 25 miles; REDWOOD FALLS, MN; Abbreviation: RWF)

Colleges and Universities

Colleges/universities with over 2000 students nearest to Vesta:

  • SOUTHWEST STATE UNIVERSITY (about 26 miles; MARSHALL, MN; Full-time enrollment: 3,405)
  • RIDGEWATER COLLEGE (about 50 miles; WILLMAR, MN; Full-time enrollment: 2,711)
  • SOUTH DAKOTA STATE UNIVERSITY (about 96 miles; BROOKINGS, SD; Full-time enrollment: 7,353)
  • SOUTH CENTRAL TECHNICAL COLLEGE-MANKATO (about 98 miles; NORTH MANKATO, MN; Full-time enrollment: 2,186)
  • GUSTAVUS ADOLPHUS COLLEGE (about 100 miles; ST PETER, MN; Full-time enrollment: 2,355)
  • MINNESOTA STATE UNVERSITY-MANKATO (about 102 miles; MANKATO, MN; Full-time enrollment: 11,210)
  • SAINT CLOUD STATE UNIVERSITY (about 110 miles; ST CLOUD, MN; Full-time enrollment: 12,913)

Schools

Public high school in Vesta:

  • VESTA SEC. (Students: 13; Location: 320 CENTRE ST.; Grades: 08 – 12)

Public primary/middle school in Vesta:

  • VESTA EL. (Students: 21; Location: 320 CENTRE ST.; Grades: PK – 06)

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