Is Sartell Safe, Pros and cons of living in Sartell

Sartell, Minnesota, offers a blend of suburban comfort and community engagement, making it an attractive place to consider for relocation. Nestled along the Mississippi River, this city provides residents with access to natural beauty and a growing local economy. It balances a family-friendly atmosphere with opportunities for professional development and a reasonable cost of living.

The city is part of the St. Cloud metropolitan area, benefiting from its proximity to a larger urban center while maintaining its own distinct identity. Sartell’s development has been shaped by its industrial past, particularly its paper mill, and its ongoing evolution as a residential community. This history contributes to a unique character that appeals to a diverse range of residents.

Is it Safe to Live in Sartell?

Sartell demonstrates a generally safe environment for its residents, with crime rates that are often lower than national averages. The overall crime rate in Sartell is 38% lower than the national average (according to AreaVibes). Property crime rates are also lower than the national average, with 12 property crimes per one thousand residents (according to NeighborhoodScout).

While violent crime is infrequent, with a rate of 66 violent crimes per 100,000 people, it’s important to note that crime can vary by neighborhood (according to AreaVibes). The northeast part of Sartell is generally considered the safest, with fewer incidents reported compared to central neighborhoods (according to AreaVibes).

Housing Costs and Availability

The housing market in Sartell presents a mix of opportunities for both homeowners and renters. The median home value in Sartell is approximately $338,333, showing a 3.4% increase over the past year (as reported by Zillow). For those considering renting, the average rent in Sartell is around $1,079 per month for a one-bedroom apartment (as reported by Apartments.com).

The rental market indicates a slight increase in prices, with rents rising by 2.1% over the past year (as reported by Apartments.com). Home prices in the 56377 ZIP code, which includes Sartell, have seen a significant year-over-year increase of 15% in median sale price, suggesting strong buyer demand (as reported by realtor.com®).

Homeownership Costs

For prospective homeowners, the median home value provides a key benchmark. The average Sartell home value stands at $338,333, with homes typically going pending in about 23 days (as reported by Zillow). The median list price for homes in Sartell was $407,250 as of March 2026 (as reported by Zillow).

Property taxes in Sartell are also a factor for homeowners. The median property tax is $3,098 annually (as reported by Livability.com). These figures offer a snapshot of the financial commitment involved in homeownership within the city.

Rental Market Dynamics

Renting in Sartell can be a more affordable option compared to the national average. The average rent for all bedroom types and property types in Sartell is $1,795 (as reported by Zillow). This is higher than some other reported averages, but it’s important to note that rental prices can vary significantly by location and property type.

A one-bedroom apartment averages around $1,079 per month, while a two-bedroom can be about $1,307 (as reported by Apartments.com). Houses for rent tend to be more expensive, averaging $2,200 per month (as reported by Zumper).

Job Market and Economy

Sartell’s economy is supported by a diverse range of industries, with healthcare and social assistance, retail trade, and educational services being prominent sectors for employment (as reported by Data USA). Major employers in the area include CentraCare Health, a significant healthcare provider, and DeZURIK, a manufacturer of valves (as reported by Zippia and Wikipedia).

The job market has seen growth, with employment in Sartell increasing by 4.43% from 2023 to 2024 (as reported by Data USA). Key job groups for residents include office and administrative support, education instruction, and sales-related occupations (as reported by Data USA).

Major Employers

CentraCare Health stands out as a major employer, offering comprehensive healthcare services throughout Central Minnesota (as reported by Zippia). DeZURIK, a company with a long-standing presence, contributes to the manufacturing sector (as reported by Wikipedia). Other notable companies include Granite Logistics and Opportunity Matters (as reported by Zippia).

The city also benefits from a network of small businesses, including retail stores, restaurants, and service providers, which contribute to local employment and economic vitality (as reported by Wikipedia).

Salary and Unemployment

The average annual salary in Sartell is approximately $48,484, translating to about $23.31 per hour (as reported by ZipRecruiter). Salaries in Sartell typically range between $33,565 and $59,403 annually (as reported by ZipRecruiter). The median household income was reported as $84,131 in 2024 (as reported by Census Depth).

The unemployment rate in Sartell has seen fluctuations, but data from 2017-2023 indicates trends based on U.S. Census Bureau ACS 5-Year Estimates (as reported by Census Depth). While specific current unemployment figures are not readily available, the growing employment rate suggests a positive job market outlook.

Climate and Weather

Sartell experiences a continental climate with distinct seasons. Summers are typically warm and wet, while winters are cold, snowy, and windy (as reported by Weather Spark). The temperature generally ranges from 5°F to 82°F throughout the year, rarely dropping below -18°F or exceeding 90°F (as reported by Weather Spark).

The warmest months are July, with average highs around 81°F, and the coldest is January, with average lows around 5°F (as reported by Weather Spark). The city receives about 29 inches of rain annually and 50 inches of snow (as reported by Livability.com).

Education and Schools

Sartell is primarily served by the Sartell-St. Stephen School District, which is highly regarded within the state. Sartell Senior High School has received an “A minus” overall Niche grade and is ranked among the top public high schools in Minnesota (as reported by Niche). Sartell Middle School also holds a strong “A” grade (as reported by Niche).

State test scores indicate that a significant percentage of students are proficient in math and reading. At Sartell Senior High School, 54% of students are proficient in math and 55% in reading (as reported by Niche). Sartell Middle School students show higher proficiency, with 67% in math and 64% in reading (as reported by Niche).

Demographics and Community

Sartell is a growing city with a population of approximately 19,800 residents as of 2024 (as reported by Data USA). The population is relatively young, with a median age of 34.8 years (as reported by ZipRecruiter). The racial makeup is predominantly White, at about 87.1%, with smaller percentages of Black or African American, Asian, and those identifying with two or more races (as reported by Point2Homes).

The community is largely comprised of families, with about 59.4% of households being family units (as reported by Point2Homes). The city is known for its community events and a generally friendly atmosphere, contributing to its appeal as a place to live.

Cost of Living

The overall cost of living in Sartell is slightly higher than the national average, estimated at 2% higher (as reported by Payscale). However, it is significantly lower than the state average for Minnesota (as reported by Salary.com).

Housing expenses in Sartell are about 4% higher than the national average (as reported by Payscale). Utility prices are notably lower, at 6% below the national average, and transportation costs are also cheaper, being 7% lower than the national average (as reported by Payscale).

Key Cost of Living Factors

While overall living costs are slightly elevated, specific categories show variation. Housing expenses are a significant component, with median home values around $338,333 (as reported by Zillow). Utility prices offer savings, being 6% lower than the national average (as reported by Payscale).

Transportation expenses are also favorable, at 7% below the national average (as reported by Payscale). Grocery prices are 4% lower than the national average, providing some relief on everyday expenses (as reported by Payscale).

Pros and Cons of Living in Sartell

Sartell offers a welcoming environment with a strong sense of community and good educational opportunities. The city boasts relatively low crime rates, making it a safe place for families and individuals alike. Its proximity to the Mississippi River also provides recreational benefits.

However, the cost of living, particularly housing, can be a consideration. While some expenses are below the national average, housing prices have been on an upward trend. Additionally, the climate features harsh winters, which is typical for the region but can be a deterrent for some.