Lester Prairie, MN Community Guide Book

Lester Prairie population increasing

By Ivan Raconteur
Staff Writer

Lester Prairie’s population growth in recent years has outpaced the growth of McLeod County as a whole, and the State of Minnesota.

From 1990 to 2000, the city added 197 people, resulting in an increase of 6.69 percent.

This was more than the 12.44 percent state average, and significantly more than the 8.95 increase for McLeod County.

The population of Bergen Township has also increased by approximately 5 percent during the past few years.

Population growth in LP and beyond

1990 Census | 2000 Census | Percent Change

Lester Prairie | 1,180 | 1,377 | +16.69%

McLeod Cty. | 32,030 | 34,898 | +8.95%

Minnesota | 4,375,099 | 4,919,479 | +12.44%

In spite of recent growth, the number of permits for new housing units in Lester Prairie has slowed, and reached a three-year low in 2006.

The city issued permits for 29 new housing units last year, compared to 38 in 2005, and 61 in 2004.

New housing permits have declined

Year | Permits Issued

2004 | 61

2005 | 38

2006 | 29