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: Chris Etzler
122 6th St NE
Staples, MN 56479
218-296-1419
cetzler@ci.staples.mn.us
Clerk: Tara Greer
122 6th St NE
Staples, MN 56479
218-894-2550
darcher@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 2025 the population of Staples, MN is 3,136. The population is expected to grow to 3,197 by 2030 - a growth rate of 0.39%.
The median age of Staples, MN residents is 41.
The diversity index of Staples, MN is 21.3, meaning that there is a 21% 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 $68,590 and projected to be $73,961 in 2030. Per capita income is $29,757, projected to be $31,980 in 2030. 1.31% of households – 41 – have an income of $200,000 or higher. Average net worth is $396,962 and the average disposable income is $52,399.
There are 1,576 housing units in Staples, MN; 835 are owner-occupied, 523 are rented, and 218 are vacant. The average home value is $182,132, with 107 homes built in 2010 or later, and 336 built in 1939 or earlier.
There are 172 businesses in Staples, MN, employing 3,059 workers and pulling from a labor force of 844 age 16 and above. 366 workers commute into Staples, MN from outside the county or state. Key industries for the area include:
460 residents both live and work in/around Staples, MN. The average travel time is 0.0 minutes. 14.13% people have a commute of less than 5 minutes while 0% commute 90 minutes or more each way. Of commuters, 620 drive alone, 147 carpool, and 15 take public transportation. 16 use other modes of transport such as motorcycle, bicycle, walking, etc. 46 residents work from home.
830 members of the workforce hold a high school diploma or GED. 228 have associates degrees, 311 have bachelor’s degrees, and 195 hold a graduate or professional degree.
