St. Peter
citySt. Peter, Minnesota, nestled in Nicollet County, is a city with a rich history and a growing future. Located in the scenic Minnesota River Valley, approximately 10 miles north of Mankato, St. Peter offers a blend of small-town charm and access to larger urban amenities. The city's population was approximately 12,644 in 2026. St. Peter is known for its historical significance, beautiful landscapes, and as the home of Gustavus Adolphus College. St. Peter's economy is diverse, with key industries including education, healthcare, and manufacturing. Major employers include Gustavus Adolphus College, the St. Peter Regional Treatment Center, and Alumacraft Boat Company. The city provides a mix of residential, commercial, and industrial opportunities, fostering a balanced economic environment. What makes St. Peter distinctive is its unique blend of history and progress. Founded in 1853, St. Peter was once a contender to be the state capital of Minnesota. The city is also near the historic site of the Treaty of Traverse des Sioux, a significant event in the state's history. With a vibrant downtown, historic buildings, and a strong sense of community, St. Peter offers a high quality of life for its residents.
St. Peter, Minnesota
- Classification
- City
- FIPS Code
- 27-58036
- Country
- United States
- County
- Nicollet County
- Region
- Minnesota River Valley
- Elevation
- 850 ft
- Total Area
- 6.24 sq mi
- Land Area
- 6.066 sq mi
- Water Area
- 0.175 sq mi
- Latitude
- 44.329498
- Longitude
- -93.965837
- Climate
- Typical Midwestern climate with cold winters and warm summers.
- Notable Features
- Minnesota River · Traverse des Sioux
- Neighboring Areas
- Kasota · Cleveland · Le Sueur · Mankato · North Mankato
- Population (2020)
- 12,066
- Est. Population (2026)
- 12,644
- Median Age
- 35.6
- Median Income
- $65,122
- Poverty Rate
- 16.81%
- Family Households
- 59.6%
- Owner-Occupied
- 64.9%
- Racial & Ethnic Composition
- The racial composition of St. Peter includes 80.35% White, 7.34% Black or African American, 5.01% other race, and smaller percentages for Asian, Native American and multiracial populations.
- Government Type
- Mayor-Council
- Governing Body
- City Council
- School District
- St. Peter Public School District
- Municipal Services
- Police · Fire · Public Works · Parks & Recreation · Senior Center · Library










- Unemployment Rate
- 3.6%
- Economic Profile
- Residential · Commercial · Industrial · College town
- Employment Sectors
- Educational Services · Health Care & Social Assistance · Manufacturing · Retail
- Major Employers
- Gustavus Adolphus College · St. Peter Regional Treatment Center · Alumacraft Boat Company
- Students
- 2,105
- Student-Teacher Ratio
- 15:1
- School Districts
- St. Peter Public School District
- Colleges & Universities
- Gustavus Adolphus College
- Transportation
- U.S. Highway 169 · Minnesota State Highways 22 and 99
- Utilities
- Municipal water · Municipal sewer · Fiber/broadband
- Major Facilities
- St. Peter Community Hospital
- Outdoor Access
- Yes
- Major Recreation Areas
- Minnesota Square Park
- Parks & Trails
- City parks · Trail systems
- Founded
- 1853
- Incorporated
- 1873
- Named After
- St. Pierre River, an early name for the Minnesota River
- Historical Significance
- St. Peter played a pivotal role in the early history of Minnesota, including its consideration as the state capital and its proximity to the signing of the Treaty of Traverse des Sioux.
- Key Events
- Founded by Captain William Bigelow Dodd · Unsuccessful attempt to become the state capital · Signing of the Treaty of Traverse des Sioux
