A multicultural community within the North Star State
As the regional economic hub of Southwestern Minnesota, Worthington welcomes immigrants seeking opportunity, a practice rooted in the late 1800s when Germans arrived to purchase inexpensive farmland through the Homestead Act. Today, Worthington is one of the most diverse communities in the state with roughly 23% of its 14,000 population being persons of color. In addition to its diversity, the city’s real estate is lower than other areas of the state, it has a strong economy and local dining options influenced by its many cultures. "It's a very welcoming, open community," says Jaime Salinas, a resident of over 10 years and executive director of Forward Worthington. "That's what really makes me happy about living here."
Many homes in Worthington are within walking distance to Lake Okabena.
Downtown Worthington offers an eclectic mix of of international cuisine.
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Single and multifamily housing investments in Nobles County
While existing housing is present, there is a concerted effort to accommodate newcomers through new builds in the area. "One of the things with Nobles County is that there is a housing shortage," Jaime says. "The city of Worthington has worked hard to attract developers and get more multifamily housing." Single-family and multifamily homes mostly date back to the early 1900s, but some split-levels were built in 1880. The median sale price is $260,000, lower than the state and national medians. A few new custom homes and condos are being built, but land sales are more common, selling at an average of $135,000 per acre before construction costs.
Ranch style homes are common throughout Worthington.
A mix of bungalows and two story homes line many of the streets of Worthington.
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A meat-packing leader in JBS Food Group
As one of the nation's leaders in meat processing and packaging, JBS is Worthington's biggest employer by far, with around 2,400 employees. With an industry largely driven by manufacturing and health care, Sanford Medical Group is another major employer that provides emergency care services through its many clinics within the city.
The JBS meat packing plant is Worthington's largest employer.
Sanford Medical Center provides healthcare services for Worthington residents.
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Top Asian and Mexican cuisine
Worthington's growing diversity is most visible in its shopping and dining selections. The city has plenty of multicultural grocery stores, including Top Asian Food and El Mexicano. Authentic pan dulce is served at Panaderia Mi Tierra, while fresh sambusa is available at Jebena Ethiopian Cuisine. "It's fun to see these stores pop up," Jaime says. "With the level of diversity we have, it's great to see that they're investing in the community and want to remain and be part of it." There are also boutique stores and retailers specializing in clothing and embroidery.
El Mexicano is a popular Mexican restaurant in downtown Worthington.
Top Asian Food is a local grocer specializing in Asian foods.
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Festivals of celebration near Lake Okabena
The crown jewel of Worthington's 25 public parks is Lake Okabena, a 776-acre lake that attracts hundreds of visitors to the Windsurfing Regatta and Music Festival every summer. The community's cultural influence extends to the International Festival as well, which features live performances, a fashion show and culinary delights from around the world. The city also puts on King Turkey Day every fall, which includes a parade, a carnival and a live turkey race in the Great Gobbler Gallop.
Public and private school options in the Minnesota West
Over 3,000 students attend the Worthington Public School District, which has an 18-to-1 student-teacher ratio and a B-minus rating on Niche.com. Private schooling options include St. Mary's Catholic School and Worthington Christian School, which teaches students kindergarten through eighth grade. Post-secondary education is available at Minnesota West Community & Technical College, which offers two-year associate degrees.
Worthington High School received an overall grade of B from Niche.com.
Worthington students can earn an associates degree at Minnesota West Community & Technical College.
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Transportation through the prairie land
Interstate 90 and U.S. Route 59 provide access into the city of Worthington. The Southern Minnesota Opportunity Council also offers public transportation through the Prairieland Transit System and low-fare taxi services. The Sioux Falls Regional Airport is 60 miles west.
Weather & Crime
While Worthington sees relatively warm summers with average high temperatures of 92 degrees, it gets equally freezing winters with average low temperatures of 12 below zero. The street department regularly starts snow plowing early in the morning to ensure roads are clear before school starts. According to the Worthington Police Department, both the violent and property crime rates are below the national average, although violent crime rose slightly between 2023 and 2024.
Written By
David Dunn
Photography Contributed By
Brandon Rowell
Video By
Charlie Lingner
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Worthington by the Numbers
81
Average Days on Market
Home Trends
Median Price (12 Mo)$261,000
Median Single Family Price$263,000
Average Price Per Sq Ft$152
Months Of Supply4
Average Home Value
Source: Public Records
Top Schools in Worthington, MN
Source:
Best Public Elementary Schools
#1 518 Virtual Instruction by Excellence Elementary
Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
