QUALITY OF LIFE

There's something special about living in Raymond. Perhaps it's the lower cost of living and affordable housing; the safe neighborhoods; the welcoming, family-friendly culture; the close proximity to Willmar; the parks and recreational opportunities; the strong faith community; the excellent school system; the responsive government; and more. But perhaps the best reason to move is that we want you here, and we'll welcome you with open arms.

We live our lives at a slower pace - less hectic than in the big city - with time to enjoy the finer things in life. People still know their neighbors, and we have cook-outs and community picnics and various family-friendly events throughout the year. We are a very patriotic city that celebrates and remembers the sacrifices that our veterans have made for us to live in freedom.

We encourage you to come explore the customer service-oriented business community and the family-friendly atmosphere in Raymond. You'll definitely find something you like, and you may choose to stay longer.

According to the U.S. Census, there are 764 residents in the city of Raymond. In addition, there are 1,579 people living in the 56282 zip code. The median age in Raymond is 35.9 years, as compared to the U.S. median of 37.6 years. The average household size is 2.69 people, and 67.15% of people in Raymond are married.

Compared to the rest of the country, Raymond's cost of living is 8.02% lower than the U.S. average (according to Sperling's Best Places data). The median household income in Raymond is $47,161, and per capita income is $20,023. The unemployment rate in Raymond is 3.9%, with future job growth of 11.85% projected for the next 10 years.

Raymond gets 26 inches of rain and 39 inches of snow per year on average, as compared to the U.S. average of 37 and 25, respectively. The number of days with any measurable precipitation is 85, while there are 199 sunny days per year. The July high is around 83 degrees, the January low is 2 degrees.

Raymond schools expend more than $5,823 per student, and keep a 16-to-1 student-to-teacher ratio. The percent of high school graduates in Raymond is 81.75%, which is higher than the U.S. rate of 79.62%.

The average one-way commute in Raymond takes 19.6 minutes, as compared to 27.4 minutes nationwide. Three-fourths (75%) of commuters drive their own car alone, while 10% carpool with others and 11% work from home.

Raymond has a very, very low crime rate. Raymond was the first city in the county to form a People On Patrol (P.O.P.) neighborhood watch group, and citizens volunteer to help keep the community safe.