Is Winona Safe, Pros and cons of living in Winona

Winona, Minnesota, nestled along the scenic Mississippi River, offers a unique blend of natural beauty and small-city charm. This southeastern Minnesota city is known for its bluffs, outdoor recreational opportunities, and a strong sense of community. It provides a slower pace of life that appeals to many seeking an escape from the hustle and bustle of larger metropolitan areas.

The city’s historical roots are evident in its well-preserved architecture and a culture that values its heritage. Winona’s location also places it within reasonable driving distance of larger cities like Rochester and La Crosse, Wisconsin, offering residents access to amenities and services not readily available locally. This balance of tranquility and accessibility makes Winona an attractive place to consider for those looking for a new place to call home.

Is it Safe to Live in Winona?

Winona’s overall crime rate is considered higher than the national average, with a rate of 42.90 per 1,000 residents (according to CrimeGrade.org). However, safety can vary significantly by neighborhood, with residents often considering the southwest part of the city to be the safest.

Violent crime in Winona is reported at a rate of 3.937 per 1,000 residents (according to CrimeGrade.org). While this is slightly higher than the average U.S. city, the chance of being a victim of violent crime varies greatly by neighborhood, from 1 in 157 in the north to 1 in 458 in the southwest (according to CrimeGrade.org). Property crime rates are also a consideration, with a rate of 23.3 per 1,000 residents (according to Livability.com).

Housing Market and Cost of Living

Winona presents a more affordable cost of living compared to both the national average and the state of Minnesota. The cost of living in Winona is approximately 12% less expensive than the national average (according to ERI Economic Research Institute). Housing costs, in particular, are a significant factor in this affordability, with a median home price of $249,000 as of March 2026 (according to Redfin).

Rental prices in Winona also reflect this affordability. The average rent for an apartment is $758 per month, showing a 5.59% increase from the previous year (according to RentCafe). For a one-bedroom apartment, the average rent is $829, while a two-bedroom unit averages $923 (according to RentCafe).

Job Market and Economy

The average salary in Winona is approximately $46,707 annually, or about $22.46 per hour (according to ZipRecruiter). The median household income in Winona County was $35,797 in 2024 (according to Data Commons). However, other sources indicate a median household income of $56,337 (according to Zippia and U.S. Census data). The unemployment rate in Winona County was 4.3% as of February 2026 (according to Data Commons).

Major employers in Winona contribute to the local job market. These include institutions like Winona State University, Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota, and Minnesota State College Southeast, which are significant sources of employment in the education sector (according to Data USA). Other key employers often include healthcare facilities and manufacturing companies, though specific large employers can fluctuate.

Climate and Weather

Winona experiences a humid continental climate, characterized by warm, wet summers and cold, snowy winters. The average year-round temperature is 48.9°F (9.4°C), making it one of the warmer climates in Minnesota (according to Wikipedia). Summer high temperatures typically reach around 83°F in July, while winter low temperatures can drop to around 12°F in January (according to Weather Spark).

Precipitation in Winona averages about 35 inches annually (according to myPerfectWeather). The wettest month is typically June, with an average rainfall of 4.2 inches (according to Weather Spark). Snowfall is common in the winter months, with an average of 38 inches of snow per year, and December usually sees the most snow (according to myPerfectWeather).

Education and Demographics

Winona is home to a population of approximately 26,009 residents, with a median age of 31.3 years (according to Zippia). The racial makeup of the city is predominantly White, at 87.8%, followed by Black or African American at 3.6%, and Asian at 2% (according to Zippia). The majority of residents, 96.6%, are U.S.-born citizens (according to Zippia).

The city is served by several educational institutions. Winona State University and Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota are prominent higher education centers, attracting students from across the region (according to Data USA). The student-teacher ratio in Winona’s schools is 20.3:1 (according to Livability.com).