The City of Sartell in Benton County, MN, offers “small-town charm with big opportunities.” Located in Central Minnesota along the upper Mississippi River, just 60 miles northwest of Minneapolis–St. Paul, Sartell is one of the region’s fastest-growing communities. The cost of living is below the national average, and the median home value reflects a strong housing market with continued affordability. Residents enjoy access to boating, fishing, golf courses, miles of scenic trails, and expansive parks. With a well-educated population, many Sartell residents are employed in healthcare, education, retail, and advanced manufacturing. Learn more about what makes Sartell a vibrant and growing city in Central Minnesota.
As of 2026 the population of Sartell is 20,491. The population is expected to grow to 21,032 by 2031 - a growth rate of 0.52%.
The median age of Sartell residents is 36.
The diversity index of Sartell is 29.2, meaning that there is a 29% 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 Sartell is $108,350 and projected to be $118,859 in 2031. Per capita income is $42,518, projected to be $47,109 in 2031. 4.5% of households – 922 – have an income of $200,000 or higher. Average net worth is $929,514 and the average disposable income is $78,477.
There are 8,193 housing units in Sartell; 4,676 are owner-occupied, 3,334 are rented, and 183 are vacant. The average home value is $413,066, with 1,767 homes built in 2010 or later, and 104 built in 1939 or earlier.
There are 432 businesses in Sartell, employing 8,059 workers and pulling from a labor force of 10,320 age 16 and above. 2,464 workers commute into Sartell from outside the county or state. Key industries for the area include:
7,750 residents both live and work in/around Sartell. The average travel time is 18.8 minutes. 2.97% people have a commute of less than 5 minutes while 1.72% commute 90 minutes or more each way. Of commuters, 8,315 drive alone, 594 carpool, and 42 take public transportation. 80 use other modes of transport such as motorcycle, bicycle, walking, etc. 1,251 residents work from home.
2,388 members of the workforce hold a high school diploma or GED. 2,191 have associates degrees, 3,482 have bachelor’s degrees, and 1,824 hold a graduate or professional degree.
Source: ESRI, 2026-08-31
