Twinsies? Which City is Most Like Austin, MN?

Austin, Minnesota, may be a small Midwestern city, but it punches above its weight in industry, tourism, and community-driven commerce. Home to just over 26,000 residents, Austin thrives on food production, small business growth, and quirky tourism attractions like the SPAM® Museum. But how does it compare to its regional counterparts? Let’s take a tour through similarly sized Midwestern cities, examining their economic strengths, business landscapes, and local attractions.

TABLE 1. List of Midwestern Cities with comparable population to Austin, Minnesota.

Economic Drivers: Industry and Innovation

Austin’s economy is deeply rooted in food manufacturing, thanks to Hormel Foods (yes, the birthplace of SPAM®). It also has a strong presence in healthcare and education, with the Hormel Institute leading cancer research initiatives. Other Midwestern cities of similar size have also built economies based on their historical and geographical strengths:

• Stevens Point, WI – A hub for insurance (Sentry Insurance) and brewing, balancing finance with food production.
• Brookings, SD – Anchored by South Dakota State University, with a focus on agriculture and engineering research.
• Fort Dodge, IA – A manufacturing powerhouse, specializing in agribusiness and gypsum mining.
• Kearney, NE – A logistics and distribution hub, benefiting from its location along Interstate 80.
• Manitowoc, WI – A shipbuilding and manufacturing center with deep blue-collar roots and waterfront charm.

Each of these cities, like Austin, has capitalized on its unique economic drivers, from agriculture and manufacturing to education and logistics.

Small Business Strength: The Heart of Local Economies

Beyond large employers, small businesses define a city’s character and economic resilience. Austin thrives on local manufacturing firms, a vibrant arts and food scene, and small retailers. Similarly, other Midwestern cities have distinct business landscapes:

• Fridley, MN – A medical technology hub with strong small industrial firms.
• Ottumwa, IA – Known for family-owned agribusinesses and a growing downtown redevelopment.
• Leavenworth, KS – A blend of military-driven commerce and historic charm.
• Hutchinson, KS – Home to the Kansas State Fair, with industries in aerospace and salt production.

Like Austin, these cities maintain a strong mix of legacy industries and new entrepreneurial ventures, proving that small businesses are the lifeblood of the Midwest.

Tourism & Attractions: What’s There to See?

Austin’s SPAM® Museum draws 80,000 to 100,000 visitors annually, alongside attractions like the Jay C. Hormel Nature Center and Buffy the Cow. But how does it compare to other Midwestern tourism hotspots?

• Winona, MN – A scenic river town, hosting the Great River Shakespeare Festival.
• Galesburg, IL – Celebrates its railroad history and literary roots (birthplace of poet Carl Sandburg).
• Watertown, SD – Home to the Terry Redlin Art Center, attracting art lovers.
• Kearney, NE – A global destination for the Sandhill Crane migration.
• Marion, IN – A hidden gem for basketball fans, being the birthplace of James Dean.

While some cities lean on nature and history, Austin carves its niche in food culture and quirky charm.

Housing Market Comparisons

Austin’s housing market is somewhat competitive, with homes typically selling in about 22 days. How do other cities stack up?

• Stevens Point, WI – 51-day market, median sale price: $315K (up 83.7% YoY).
• Watertown, SD – Slower market, median price: $214K (down 3.7% YoY).
• Brookings, SD – Growing market, median price: $253K (up 68.5% YoY).
• Manitowoc, WI – Very competitive, median price: $220K (up 27.1% YoY).
• Freeport, IL – Affordable market, median price: $85K (up 6.3% YoY).

While Stevens Point has a higher median home price, cities like Freeport and Brookings offer more affordable alternatives with similar-sized workforces.

Which City Is Most Like Austin?

Based on population size, economy, tourism, and housing trends, Stevens Point, WI, emerges as the most comparable city to Austin. Here’s why:

1. Population – Nearly identical: Austin (26,174) vs. Stevens Point (26,717).
2. Economic Drivers –
   • Austin: Food production (Hormel Foods), healthcare, and manufacturing.
   • Stevens Point: Insurance (Sentry Insurance) and brewing.
   • Both rely on major private-sector employers.
3. Tourism –
   • Austin: SPAM® Museum draws 100,000 visitors annually.
   • Stevens Point: Green Circle Trail and craft breweries attract outdoor enthusiasts.
4. Housing Market –
   • Austin: Homes sell in 22 days, median price: ~$200K.
   • Stevens Point: Homes sell in 51 days, median price: $315K (significantly more expensive).
5. Healthcare –
   • Austin: Served by the Mayo Clinic Healthcare System with a hospital.
   • Stevens Point: Served with a hospital through the Aspirus system.