Avon is a small Stearns County city along Interstate 94, west of St. Cloud and part of the St. Cloud metro area. If you are thinking about buying or moving here, this spotlight covers the basics: where it is, a little history, schools, the trail and what homes have been selling for in the county.
Where it is
Avon sits right on I-94, between St. Joseph to the east and Albany to the west. Stearns County Road 9 is another main route through town. The city covers about 1.5 square miles, with several lakes in the surrounding area.
Community and history
The 2020 Census counted 1,618 residents in Avon, up from 1,396 in 2010. The city was incorporated in 1900 and marked its centennial in 2000 with a local history book, sold at Avon City Hall.
The Lake Wobegon Trail
The paved Lake Wobegon Trail runs right through Avon on an old railroad line. The city’s trailhead park at 108 Second St. NE has trail parking, and a public beach is a block off the trail. By the city’s count, it is about 9 miles by trail to St. Joseph and 6.9 miles to Albany. In winter, the trail is groomed for snowmobiles, and the city lists groomed cross-country ski trails nearby.
Schools
Avon is served by Albany Area Schools (ISD 745). The district runs Avon Elementary in town, plus Albany Elementary and a combined middle school and high school in Albany. If you are shopping for a home outside city limits, check with the district on which schools serve a specific address.
The market in Stearns County
In September 2026, Stearns County, which includes Avon, recorded 183 closed sales with a median sale price of $316,250, according to the Minnesota Realtors local market update. That is a county-wide number, not Avon only, and October figures were not out yet when we checked. See our full September home sales report.
Tips if you are looking in Avon
- Looking at lake property? Ask about shoreland rules, well and septic inspections, and check with Stearns County on zoning before you make an offer.
- First-time buyer? Read our guide to Minnesota Housing’s Start Up program.
- Property tax notices arrive in November. See our Truth in Taxation guide.
- Bought this year? Apply for homestead by Dec. 31. See our homestead deadline guide.
- Comparing towns? See our spotlights on Albany, St. Joseph, Cold Spring and Sauk Rapids.
Sources: City of Avon: Lake Wobegon Trail; City of Avon: History Book; Lake Wobegon Trail Association; Albany Area Schools; Wikipedia: Avon, Minnesota; Minnesota Realtors Local Market Update, September 2026: Stearns County. Checked Nov. 3, 2026.
Market figures change often and are for general information only. Please confirm details yourself with the city, the school district or a licensed professional before making decisions.
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