Albany is a 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 and what homes have been selling for in the county.
Where it is
Albany sits right on I-94, so St. Cloud is a short drive east and the Twin Cities are about 80 miles away. Minnesota Highway 238 also runs through town. The city covers a little over 2 square miles.
Community and history
The 2020 Census counted 2,780 residents in Albany, up from 2,561 in 2010. The city was incorporated in 1890 and celebrated its centennial in 1990. Railroads once ran along the edge of town, which helps explain why most of the businesses on Railroad Avenue, the main street, were built on one side.
Schools
Albany is served by Albany Area Schools (ISD 745). The district runs Albany Elementary plus a combined middle school and high school on one campus in Albany, and Avon Elementary in nearby Avon. Besides Albany and Avon, the district serves the Farming, St. Anthony and St. Martin areas. 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 Albany, 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 Albany only, and October figures were not out yet when we checked. See our full September home sales report.
Tips if you are looking in Albany
- Looking at a rural lot? Ask about 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 St. Joseph, Cold Spring, Rice and Foley.
Sources: City of Albany: About Us; City of Albany: History; Albany Area Schools; Wikipedia: Albany, Minnesota; Minnesota Realtors Local Market Update, September 2026: Stearns County. Checked Nov. 2, 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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