Is Willmar Safe, Pros and cons of living in Willmar
Willmar, Minnesota, offers a blend of small-town charm and essential amenities, making it a noteworthy place to consider for relocation. Situated in Kandiyohi County, this city serves as a regional hub for West Central Minnesota, providing employment opportunities that extend beyond its immediate borders. Residents can enjoy convenient access to natural recreational areas like Foot Lake and Swan Lake, as well as the 55-acre Robbins Island Park, which features trails and a swimming beach.
The city’s community spirit is evident in its various summer events, including Aqua Fest, International Fest, and Kaffee Fest. Willmar also boasts a well-connected transportation network, with easy access to U.S. Routes 12 and 71, facilitating travel and commerce. The local economy is supported by a diverse range of industries, contributing to its overall appeal as a place to live and work.
Is it Safe to Live in Willmar?
The crime rate in Willmar presents a mixed picture, with statistics indicating it is higher than the national average in some aspects. Overall crime in Willmar averages 17 crimes per one thousand residents (according to NeighborhoodScout analysis of FBI crime data). Your chance of being a victim of violent crime in Willmar is 1 in 233, while the chance of being a victim of property crime is 1 in 79 (as reported by NeighborhoodScout). Willmar’s crime rate is higher than 88% of Minnesota’s cities and towns of all sizes (according to NeighborhoodScout).
However, there are variations within the city, with residents considering the southwest part of Willmar to be the safest. The chance of being a victim of crime can range from 1 in 19 in the southeast neighborhoods to 1 in 46 in the southwest (as reported by Niche). While Willmar’s crime rate is considered higher than the average U.S. city, it is not among those with the very highest rates.
Housing Costs and Availability
The housing market in Willmar offers a median home value that is lower than the national average. The median property value in Willmar was $243,200 in 2024 (as reported by Data USA), which is 0.731 times smaller than the national average of $332,700. The homeownership rate in Willmar is 72.5%, which is higher than the national average of 65.2% (according to Data USA).
Rental costs in Willmar are generally more affordable than the national average. As of May 2026, the average rent in Willmar is $1,067 per month, which is 35% lower than the national average rent of $1,642 per month (as reported by Apartments.com). The average rent for a studio apartment is approximately $872, a one-bedroom is $1,067, and a two-bedroom is around $1,082 (as reported by Apartments.com).
Job Market and Economy
Willmar’s economy is supported by several key employment sectors. The most common employment sectors for Willmar residents are Health Care & Social Assistance, Manufacturing, and Retail Trade (as reported by Data USA). In terms of job groups, Management Occupations, Sales & Related Occupations, and Office & Administrative Support Occupations are the most prevalent (as reported by Data USA).
The average annual salary in Willmar is approximately $49,163, which breaks down to about $23.64 per hour (as reported by ZipRecruiter). The median household income in Willmar is reported as $56,060 (as reported by Apartments.com), and the cost of living is noted as being 12% less expensive than the national average (as reported by ERI Economic Research Institute).
Climate and Weather Patterns
Willmar experiences a climate with significant seasonal variations. Temperatures throughout the year typically range from 6°F to 82°F, with rare extremes below -15°F or above 91°F (as reported by Weather Spark). The warm season extends from mid-May to mid-September, with July being the hottest month, averaging highs of 82°F and lows of 62°F (as reported by Weather Spark).
Winters are cold, snowy, and windy, with January being the coldest month, featuring average highs of 23°F and lows of 6°F (as reported by Weather Spark). The city receives an average of 29 inches of precipitation annually, with about 46 inches of snowfall (as reported by Livability.com). June is typically the wettest month, while January is the driest.
Education and School Systems
Willmar Public School District serves the educational needs of the city’s students. For the 2026 school year, there are 13 public schools serving over 4,300 students in Willmar (as reported by Niche). The district’s average testing ranking is in the bottom 50% of public schools in Minnesota, with a math proficiency score of 39% and a reading proficiency score of 36% (as reported by Niche).
The district’s graduation rate has seen an increase over the past five school years, reaching 76% (as reported by Public School Review). Willmar Public School District is recognized for its diversity, ranking among the top 1% of school districts in Minnesota for this characteristic (as reported by Public School Review).
Demographics and Community Profile
Willmar is home to a population of approximately 21,015 residents, according to the 2020 census (as reported by Wikipedia). The city’s demographics show a significant White population, with other racial and ethnic groups also contributing to the community’s diversity. Hispanic or Latino individuals make up a notable percentage of the population (as reported by Wikipedia).
The median age in Willmar is around 34.2 years (as reported by Wikipedia). The city has a higher proportion of homeowners than renters, with 56% owning their homes and 44% renting (as reported by Apartments.com). Willmar’s population is also characterized by a substantial percentage of U.S. citizens, which is slightly higher than the national average (as reported by Data USA).
Major Employers and Economic Drivers
Willmar’s economy is bolstered by several major employers across various sectors. Key industries include Healthcare & Social Assistance, Manufacturing, and Retail Trade (as reported by Data USA). Large companies such as Walmart, McDonald’s, and FedEx have a presence in Willmar, contributing significantly to local employment (as reported by Indeed.com).
Other notable employers include CentraCare Health, Affiliated Community Medical Centers, and manufacturing entities like Hormel Foods and Jennie-O Turkey Store (as reported by Indeed.com, Lensa). These companies play a vital role in the city’s economic landscape, providing a diverse range of job opportunities for residents.
Pros and Cons of Living in Willmar
Willmar offers a compelling mix of advantages and disadvantages for potential residents. On the positive side, the city provides a lower cost of living compared to the national average, with more affordable housing and rental prices (as reported by ERI Economic Research Institute, Apartments.com). Its small-town atmosphere, coupled with access to recreational areas and community events, enhances the quality of life for many.
However, the city’s crime rates are higher than the national average, which may be a concern for some (as reported by NeighborhoodScout). Additionally, the public school system’s performance, while improving in some areas like graduation rates, ranks below the state average in proficiency scores (as reported by Niche, Public School Review). The climate also features significant seasonal temperature swings, with cold winters.