Is Red Wing Safe, Pros and cons of living in Red Wing

Red Wing, Minnesota, offers a blend of historic charm and natural beauty, situated along the scenic Mississippi River. This city provides a tranquil atmosphere, yet it is conveniently located within a reasonable driving distance of the Twin Cities metropolitan area. Red Wing is known for its strong sense of community, a relaxed pace of life, and a commitment to preserving its rich heritage.

The city boasts a picturesque downtown, unique shops, and local eateries, contributing to its appeal as a place where neighborly interactions are common and life moves at a comfortable rhythm. For those considering a move, Red Wing presents a compelling proposition, balancing affordability with a high quality of life. Its appeal extends to various demographics, including families, young professionals, and retirees, all drawn to its welcoming environment and access to outdoor recreation.

Is it Safe to Live in Red Wing?

Red Wing’s crime rates present a mixed picture. While the city is considered safer than many other communities nationwide, there are specific areas of concern. The overall chance of being a victim of crime in Red Wing is approximately 1 in 43 (according to AreaVibes). This includes a 1 in 495 chance of falling victim to violent crime and a 1 in 47 chance of being a victim of property crime.

When compared to the state and national averages, Red Wing’s crime rates show variations. Daily crime in Red Wing is 1.26 times higher than the state average and 1.11 times higher than the national average. However, violent crimes are notably lower than both state and national averages, with daily violent crimes being 1.27 times less than the Minnesota average and 1.78 times less than the national average (as reported by AreaVibes). Conversely, daily property crime rates are higher than both state and national averages, being 1.34 times more than the daily state average and 1.22 times more than the daily national numbers (as reported by AreaVibes).

Housing Costs and Availability

The housing market in Red Wing offers a range of options, with a median home value reported at $283,795 as of March 31, 2026 (according to Zillow). This figure indicates a slight increase of 2.2% over the past year. The median list price for homes in Red Wing was $303,617 as of March 31, 2026 (according to Zillow).

Rental prices in Red Wing are generally more affordable than the national average. The average rent for all property types is approximately $1,468 (according to Zillow). For a one-bedroom apartment, the average rent is around $1,245, while a two-bedroom apartment averages about $1,572 (according to Apartments.com). As of May 2026, the average rent in Red Wing, MN, is $1,205 per month, which is 27% lower than the national average rent of $1,642 per month (as reported by Apartments.com).

Job Market and Economy

Red Wing’s economy is supported by a diverse range of industries, with manufacturing, healthcare, and retail trade being the largest sectors. In 2024, manufacturing employed approximately 1,311 individuals, while health care and social assistance employed 1,148, and retail trade employed 938 (as reported by Data USA). The highest-paying industries in Red Wing include utilities, construction, and public administration.

The average annual salary in Red Wing is reported to be around $51,000, or $24.52 per hour (according to Zippia). This average salary is lower than the state average, as the median wage in Red Wing is $40.6K per year, while the state median wage is $44,429 per year (according to ZipRecruiter). The unemployment rate in Minnesota has recently held steady at 4.5% in March 2026 (according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics).

Climate and Weather Patterns

Red Wing experiences a continental climate with distinct seasons. The average high temperature throughout the year is around 55°F, with average lows around 35°F (as reported by Livability.com). The city receives an average annual rainfall of about 33 inches and an average annual snowfall of 48 inches (as reported by Livability.com).

Monthly temperature variations are significant. For instance, January typically sees high temperatures around 25°F, while July, the warmest month, can have average high temperatures reaching up to 83°F (as reported by Weather Averages). Precipitation is distributed throughout the year, with the highest amounts generally occurring in the summer months.

Education and School Ratings

The Red Wing Public School District serves the city’s educational needs, encompassing pre-kindergarten through 12th grade. The district has an overall Niche grade of C+, with specific grades varying across different aspects of its performance (as reported by Niche). State test scores indicate that 35% of students are proficient in math and 40% are proficient in reading within the district (as reported by Niche).

Individual schools also receive ratings. Burnside Elementary School has a rating of 4 out of 5, while Sunnyside Elementary School has a grade of C (as reported by Niche). Red Wing Senior High School holds an overall grade of C+ with a rating of 3.47 out of 5 based on 142 reviews (as reported by Niche).

Demographics and Diversity

Red Wing is home to a population of approximately 16,758 residents, with a median age of 42 (as reported by Point2Homes and Neilsberg). The population is relatively balanced in terms of gender, with 51.2% males and 48.8% females (as reported by Point2Homes). The racial makeup of Red Wing is predominantly White, with 85% of locals identifying as Caucasian. Other racial groups include African American (3.3%), Asian (0.8%), and those identifying with two or more races (5.7%) (as reported by Point2Homes).

The diversity index for Red Wing is reported at 35.9, indicating a moderate level of ethnic and racial diversity (as reported by Red Wing’s demographic data). While the majority of residents are White, there is a growing representation of other ethnic backgrounds. The percentage of foreign-born residents is approximately 2.56% (as reported by Data USA).

Major Employers

Red Wing’s economy is bolstered by several key employers across various sectors. Prominent companies include 3M, the City of Red Wing, and Mayo Red Wing Health Center. Other significant employers contributing to the local job market are Koozie, Red Wing Shoe Co., and Riedell Shoes Inc. (as listed by the Red Wing Port Authority).

These leading employers provide a range of job opportunities, from manufacturing and healthcare to retail and services. The presence of these companies helps to sustain the local economy and offers diverse career paths for residents. The Red Wing Port Authority actively works to support and attract businesses to the area, further strengthening the employment landscape.