Staples City Healthcare

Staples city, near the border of Wadena and Todd counties in Minnesota, is primarily served by Lakewood Health System, a critical access hospital with 25 beds and several affiliated clinics. The hospital offers emergency, primary, and specialty care; over 70% of local residents are insured, with Medicaid and Medicare serving a sizable portion due to an above-average elderly population (over 20% aged 65+). Common local health issues include chronic diseases such as diabetes and heart conditions. Healthcare access challenges persist due to rural location and provider shortages, with about two primary care physicians per 10,000 residents.

Education in Staples City

Staples, a city spanning Wadena and Todd counties in Minnesota, is primarily served by Staples-Motley School District, featuring Staples-Motley High School (grades 6–12) and an elementary school. The high school graduation rate is approximately 89%, while about 17% of adults hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. Educational programs include vocational and dual-credit courses. SchoolDigger.com rates the district average at 3/5 for safety and academics. Staples is also home to Central Lakes College’s campus, offering various adult education and technical programs, supporting lifelong learning and career advancement opportunities for residents.

Transportation in Staples City

Staples, located in Wadena County, MN, relies predominantly on personal vehicles, with approximately 90% of residents commuting alone by car; fewer than 1% utilize public transit. The average commute time is around 18 minutes, shorter than the national average. Vehicle ownership is high, with over 95% of households owning at least one vehicle. Transportation infrastructure includes U.S. Highway 10 and a local Amtrak station. Major employment hubs consist of Lakewood Health System and Independent School District 2170, both within city limits, minimizing lengthy commutes. Public transportation options remain limited, reflecting the city’s rural character.

Staples City Demographics

Staples city, located in Wadena and Todd counties, Minnesota, had a 2020 population of approximately 2,898. The median age is around 37.5 years. About 49.7% are male and 50.3% female. Racially, the city is predominantly White (93.9%), with small percentages of Black or African American (0.7%), Native American (0.8%), Asian (0.3%), and those identifying with two or more races (3.2%). Hispanic or Latino residents make up about 2.7% of the population.

Staples City Housing

Staples, a city in Wadena County, MN, has a homeownership rate of roughly 67%, with a median home value around $120,000 (2022 data). Median rent is about $650 per month. The city features a mix of single-family homes, apartments, and older housing stock, mainly in quiet neighborhoods like the downtown historic district and residential areas to the west. Over the past five years, property values have risen modestly (about 3% annually). Property tax rates average 1.1% of assessed value, remaining affordable compared to larger Minnesota cities.

Other Cities in Minnesota