To see Staples' complete, detailed demographic information, click here.
Staples is a welcoming and growing community located in the heart of central Minnesota. With strong roots in manufacturing, healthcare, and education, Staples is home to several well-known employers including 3M and Lakewood Health System. The community is deeply committed to progress, collaboration, and quality of life, which is evident in ongoing downtown revitalization efforts and partnerships with organizations like Sourcewell and Region Five Development Commission.
Staples also boasts a rich cultural and recreational landscape. The historic Batcher Block Opera House is undergoing exciting restoration efforts to bring live performance and arts programming back to downtown. Dower Lake Recreation Area offers a wide range of outdoor activities, and the Legacy Trail provides safe and scenic connections for walkers and cyclists.
With excellent rail access, a municipal airport, and proximity to major highways, Staples is positioned as both a regional hub and a peaceful place to call home. Whether you're visiting, relocating, or looking to invest, Staples is a community full of opportunity, resilience, and small-town charm.
Mayor: Ron Murray
122 6th St NE
Staples, MN 56479
218-296-0910.
cetzler@ci.staples.mn.us
Clerk: Tara Greer
122 6th St NE
Staples, MN 56479
218-894-2550
tgreer@ci.staples.mn.us
Administrator: Jerel Nelsen
122 6th St NE
Staples, MN 56479
218-894-2550
jnelsen@ci.staples.mn.us
*City Council Meetings are held the 2nd and 4th Tuesday of each month at 7:00 PM at the Staples Government Center, Staples, MN 56479
* Construction and Utilities Permits for within the City of Staples can be picked up at the Staples Government center.
* Elections are held at the Staples Community Center, 425 4th St NE, Staples, MN 56479
Documents/Forms:
City Parcel Map
As of 2026 the population of Staples, MN is 3,155. The population is expected to grow to 3,238 by 2031 - a growth rate of 0.52%.
The median age of Staples, MN residents is 40.
The diversity index of Staples, MN is 22.4, meaning that there is a 22% chance that any two people selected out of 100 residents will be of different race or ethnicity from one another.
The average household income in Staples, MN is $67,871 and projected to be $73,932 in 2031. Per capita income is $30,132, projected to be $33,024 in 2031. 1.11% of households – 35 – have an income of $200,000 or higher. Average net worth is $449,197 and the average disposable income is $51,154.
There are 1,605 housing units in Staples, MN; 807 are owner-occupied, 588 are rented, and 210 are vacant. The average home value is $174,622, with 113 homes built in 2010 or later, and 374 built in 1939 or earlier.
There are 171 businesses in Staples, MN, employing 3,030 workers and pulling from a labor force of 790 age 16 and above. 317 workers commute into Staples, MN from outside the county or state. Key industries for the area include:
457 residents both live and work in/around Staples, MN. The average travel time is 22.1 minutes. 18.82% people have a commute of less than 5 minutes while 5.47% commute 90 minutes or more each way. Of commuters, 542 drive alone, 153 carpool, and 30 take public transportation. 20 use other modes of transport such as motorcycle, bicycle, walking, etc. 45 residents work from home.
861 members of the workforce hold a high school diploma or GED. 270 have associates degrees, 301 have bachelor’s degrees, and 193 hold a graduate or professional degree.
Source: ESRI, 2026-09-09
