Is Faribault Safe, Pros and cons of living in Faribault
Faribault, Minnesota, offers a blend of small-town charm and access to larger city amenities, making it an attractive location for various individuals and families. Situated in Rice County, the city provides a unique community atmosphere with a growing population and a diverse economic landscape. This analysis delves into the safety, cost of living, job market, and overall quality of life in Faribault, offering a comprehensive overview for those considering a move.
The city’s location along Interstate 35 places it conveniently south of the Twin Cities metropolitan area, providing residents with opportunities for recreation and employment while maintaining a distinct community identity. Faribault’s history is rooted in its founding by Alexander Faribault in 1844, and its heritage is still visible in its historic downtown and older neighborhoods, complemented by modern developments and expanding commercial areas.
Is it Safe to Live in Faribault?
Faribault presents a mixed picture regarding safety, with crime rates that warrant consideration. The city’s overall crime rate is reported to be 32% lower than the national average per 100,000 residents (according to AreaVibes). However, other reports indicate that Faribault’s crime rate is considerably higher than the national average across all communities in America (according to NeighborhoodScout).
Violent crime in Faribault occurs at a rate higher than in most communities of all population sizes in America, with a chance of becoming a victim of violent crime at 1 in 329 (according to NeighborhoodScout). Property crime rates are also a concern, with a chance of becoming a victim of property crime at 1 in 90 (according to NeighborhoodScout). When looking at total crime counts, the east parts of Faribault see the most incidents annually, while the north part of the city has the fewest (according to CrimeMapping.com).
Crime Statistics Breakdown
The chance of being a victim of crime in Faribault varies by neighborhood, ranging from 1 in 17 in the east neighborhoods to 1 in 49 in the south (according to CrimeMapping.com). Faribault residents generally consider the south part of the city to be the safest (according to CrimeMapping.com). The city’s crime rate is higher than 83% of Minnesota’s cities and towns of all sizes (according to NeighborhoodScout).
Violent crimes in Faribault are 14% lower than the national average (according to AreaVibes). Specifically, there were 76 violent crimes reported in Faribault, equivalent to 308 per 100,000 residents, which is lower than the national average by 14.3% (according to AreaVibes). The chance of becoming a victim of violent crime is 1 in 326 (according to AreaVibes). Property crimes involve acts like burglary and theft, and in Faribault, the chance of becoming a victim of property crime is 1 in 89 (according to AreaVibes).
Cost of Living in Faribault
The cost of living in Faribault, MN, is generally considered to be more affordable than the national average. The average cost of living is reported to be $2,066 per month, ranking it among the more expensive cities globally and within the United States (according to ERI Economic Research Institute). However, other sources indicate that Faribault is 3% less expensive than the national average (according to ERI Economic Research Institute).
Rent in Faribault is also more affordable than the national average. The average rent for an apartment is $1,096 per month, which is 33% lower than the national average rent of $1,642/month (according to Apartments.com). This makes renting in Faribault more accessible than in most U.S. cities. To comfortably afford rent, a monthly income of approximately $3,653 or $43,836 annually is recommended, based on the guideline of spending no more than 30% of one’s income on rent (according to Apartments.com).
Housing Costs
The median home value in Faribault, MN, is approximately $297,210, showing a 3.6% increase over the past year (according to Zillow). This indicates a stable housing market with moderate appreciation. The median listing price for homes in Faribault, MN, is $319,900 (according to Realtor.com®).
For those looking to rent, the median rent for all bedroom counts and property types in Faribault, MN, is $1,295 (according to Zumper). This is 35.25% lower than the national average of $2,000 (according to Zillow). The average rent for a one-bedroom apartment is around $1,150 per month, while a two-bedroom apartment averages about $1,350 per month (according to Zumper).
Utilities and Transportation
Utilities in Faribault tend to be slightly less expensive than the national average. For example, energy costs are approximately 17.8% lower than the national average per month for a single person (according to Salary.com). Transportation costs are also more affordable, earning a score of 8 out of 10 on a scale where 1 is most expensive and 10 is cheapest (according to ERI SalaryExpert).
The average commute time for residents of Faribault County is 20.2 minutes, which is relatively short compared to national averages (according to Data USA). This suggests that daily commutes within or to nearby areas are generally manageable for Faribault residents.
Job Market and Economy
Faribault’s economy is supported by a diverse range of major employers across various sectors. Key industries include manufacturing, agriculture, healthcare, and education, providing a stable job market for its residents. The city is home to prominent companies such as Jennie-O Turkey Store, Daikin Applied, and Faribault Foods, Inc. (according to the Faribault Area Chamber of Commerce and Tourism).
The unemployment rate in Faribault County was 6.5% in 2026 (according to Data Commons). However, other data indicates an unemployment rate of 2.9% for Faribault County in 2024, which was higher than the state average (according to MN.gov). Following the pandemic recession, Faribault County’s unemployment rate declined compared to its pre-pandemic rate of 4% in 2019 (according to MN.gov).
Major Employers and Industries
Major employers in Faribault include Jennie-O Turkey Store, Faribault Public School, Minnesota Correctional Facility, Daikin, and Faribault Foods, Inc. (according to the Faribault Area Chamber of Commerce and Tourism). In Rice County, key employment sectors for residents are Health Care & Social Assistance, Manufacturing, and Agriculture, Forestry, Fishing & Hunting (according to Data USA).
The average annual salary in Faribault is approximately $46,569, or about $22.39 per hour (according to ZipRecruiter). This salary range typically falls between $34,494 and $55,602, depending on factors like occupation and experience (according to ZipRecruiter). Some of the highest-paying jobs in Faribault include roles in Cyber Security, Plant Controller, and Software Developer.
Climate and Weather
Faribault experiences a four-season climate with distinct variations throughout the year. Summers are generally long, warm, and wet, while winters are freezing, snowy, and windy. The city is partly cloudy year-round, with temperatures typically ranging from 8°F to 83°F and rarely falling below -13°F or exceeding 91°F (according to Faribault Municipal Airport).
The warm season spans from mid-May to mid-September, with average daily high temperatures above 71°F. July is the hottest month, with average highs around 83°F and lows of 62°F (according to Faribault Municipal Airport). The cold season lasts from late November to early March, with average daily high temperatures below 36°F. January is the coldest month, with average lows of 8°F and highs of 25°F (according to Faribault Municipal Airport).
Temperature and Precipitation
Faribault receives an annual precipitation of approximately 35 inches, with about 43 inches of snowfall (according to myPerfectWeather). The month with the most rainfall is typically June, with an average of 4.1 inches (according to Faribault Municipal Airport). January sees the least amount of rain, with an average of 0.1 inches (according to Faribault Municipal Airport).
The wetter season in Faribault lasts from early April to late September, with a greater than 25% chance of a wet day. June has the most wet days, averaging about 12.4 days with precipitation. The drier season extends from late September to early April, with February having the fewest wet days, averaging around 2.5 days (according to Faribault Municipal Airport).
Education and Schools
Faribault is served by the Faribault Public School District, which provides educational services to students from pre-kindergarten through 12th grade. The district is committed to offering a comprehensive educational experience, including a variety of academic programs, extracurricular activities, and support services designed to meet the diverse needs of its student population.
In addition to public schools, Faribault is home to Shattuck-St. Mary’s School, a well-regarded boarding and day school offering a rigorous academic program for students in grades 6-12. The presence of these educational institutions contributes to the community’s appeal for families seeking quality schooling options for their children.
Demographics and Community
Faribault has a population of approximately 24,631 residents, with a slight growth rate (according to Census Dots). The city’s demographics show a diverse racial composition, with White residents making up about 65.1%, followed by Black or African American at 16.6%, and Hispanic or Latino at 13.6% (according to Census Dots). This diversity makes Faribault more varied than Minnesota overall (according to Census Dots).
The median age in Faribault is 39 years, with a slight majority of males at 55.2% compared to females at 44.8% (according to Point2Homes). The community is characterized by a dense suburban feel, with most residents owning their homes. Faribault also offers a significant number of parks, contributing to a family-friendly environment with residents tending to hold moderate political views (according to Niche).
Population Trends and Diversity
The population of Faribault has seen a slight increase, with an estimated population of 24,631, representing a less than 1% change from the 2020 Census (according to Census Dots). The Black population has grown significantly since the 2020 Census, increasing by an estimated 12.7% (according to Census Dots). Faribault ranks among the top places in Minnesota for its share of Black residents (according to Census Dots).
The median household income in Faribault was $61,449 in 2024 (according to US Census Bureau’s American Community Survey). While Faribault households earn slightly more than those in Alexandria and St. Cloud, 12.9% of Faribault families live below the poverty line (according to US Census Bureau’s American Community Survey).