Is Redwood Falls Safe, Pros and cons of living in Redwood Falls
Redwood Falls, Minnesota, presents a blend of small-town charm and practical amenities, making it a notable place for those seeking a change of scenery. With a population of just over 5,000 residents, the city offers a more relaxed pace of life compared to larger metropolitan areas. Its location in Redwood County positions it within a region rich in agricultural history and natural beauty.
The community is characterized by a predominantly white population, with a small percentage of residents born outside the country. The median age is around 43 years, suggesting a balanced demographic of working adults and retirees. Many residents own their homes, contributing to a sense of stability and community investment.
Is it Safe to Live in Redwood Falls?
Redwood Falls has a crime rate that is slightly higher than the average U.S. city, earning it a C- grade for safety (as reported by CrimeGrade.org). The overall crime rate is approximately 30.13 per 1,000 residents annually (as reported by CrimeGrade.org). Your likelihood of being a victim of crime can vary significantly by neighborhood, with some areas being considerably safer than others (as reported by CrimeGrade.org).
While the overall crime rate is a consideration, the cost of crime per resident in Redwood Falls is notably lower than the national and state averages. The projected total cost of crime for 2025 is estimated at $1.94 million, translating to about $331 per resident (as reported by CrimeGrade.org). This figure includes criminal justice system costs, direct costs to victims, and lost economic contributions from offenders (as reported by CrimeGrade.org).
Housing Costs and Real Estate Trends
The housing market in Redwood Falls offers a degree of affordability, with a median home value of approximately $167,808 (as of March 31, 2026) (as reported by Zillow). This is significantly lower than the national median home value. The median listing price for homes in Redwood Falls is around $191,900, indicating a market that balances accessibility for buyers with market value (as reported by Redfin).
Rental prices in Redwood Falls are also relatively low, with a median gross rent of $832 per month (as reported by Point2Homes). The average rent for all property types in Redwood Falls is reported as $315, though this figure may represent a specific segment of the rental market (as reported by Zillow). For those considering homeownership, the median property tax is $2,276 annually (as reported by Livability.com).
Economic Landscape and Job Market
Redwood Falls boasts an employment rate of 96.7%, with a workforce of over 2,200 residents (as reported by Point2Homes). The majority of the workforce, about 70.5%, is employed in white-collar professions, while the remaining 29.5% are in blue-collar roles (as reported by Point2Homes). A significant portion of residents are employed by private companies, with others working in the public sector or being self-employed (as reported by Point2Homes).
The average annual household income in Redwood Falls was reported as $75,651 in 2024, a 3% increase from the previous year (as reported by Point2Homes). The median household income is $61,750 (as reported by Point2Homes). Key industries in Redwood Falls include Healthcare & Social Assistance, Manufacturing, and Retail Trade (as reported by Data USA).
Climate and Weather Patterns
The climate in Redwood Falls is characterized by distinct seasonal changes, with significant temperature variations between summer and winter. Average daytime temperatures in July can reach up to 84°F, while January temperatures can drop to a low of 4°F (as reported by myPerfectWeather). The city experiences an average annual rainfall of around 30 inches, with June typically being the wettest month (as reported by myPerfectWeather).
Winter months bring colder temperatures and snowfall, with an average annual snowfall of 44 inches (as reported by myPerfectWeather). The warm season generally lasts from May to September, offering comfortable temperatures for outdoor activities. The period from mid-May to September is often considered the best time to visit for pleasant weather conditions (as reported by myPerfectWeather).
Education and School System
Redwood Falls is served by the Redwood Area School District, which has received an overall Niche grade of B (as reported by Niche). Public schools in the district have an average math proficiency score of 46% and a reading proficiency score of 49% (as reported by Niche). These scores are comparable to the state average in math but slightly below the state average in reading (as reported by Niche).
The district includes schools like Reede Gray Elementary School, Redwood Valley Middle School, and Redwood Valley Senior High School. While Redwood Valley Senior High School has a graduation rate of 92%, its math and reading proficiency scores are lower than the district average (as reported by Homes.com). Overall, the public schools in Redwood Falls are considered above average (as reported by Niche).
Demographics and Community Profile
Redwood Falls has a population of approximately 5,068 residents (as reported by Point2Homes). The racial makeup is predominantly White, with smaller percentages of other racial groups, including Native American. The gender distribution is nearly even, with 49% males and 51% females (as reported by Point2Homes).
The median age in Redwood Falls is 43, with a notable portion of the population aged 65 and older, suggesting a significant retiree presence. The community tends to be conservative, and many residents own their homes, contributing to a stable and established feel (as reported by Niche).
Major Employers and Economic Drivers
Key industries supporting the workforce in Redwood Falls include Healthcare & Social Assistance, Manufacturing, and Retail Trade (as reported by Data USA). Major employers within the city include Walmart, McDonald’s, and Dairy Queen, along with other retail and service-based businesses (as reported by Indeed.com). Redwood Area Hospital is also a significant employer within the healthcare sector (as reported by Zippia).
The agricultural sector also plays a vital role in the county’s economy, with Redwood County being a major producer of corn in the state (as reported by Redwood County EDA). This robust agricultural ecosystem supports various related industries, including research, manufacturing, and finance, giving the county a competitive edge (as reported by Redwood County EDA).