Albert Lea is a city located in Freeborn County in southeast Minnesota. As of the 2000 census, the city had a total population of 18,356. It is the county seat of Freeborn County. The city is at the junction of I-90 and I-35, about 90 miles south of the Twin Cities. It is on the shores of Fountain Lake, Pickerel Lake, Albert Lea Lake, Goose Lake, School Lake, and Lake Chapeau. Fountain Lake is part of the Shell Rock River flowage and Albert Lea Lake. The city's early growth was based upon agriculture, farming support services and manufacturing. At one time it was the site of Cargill's headquarters. Other manufacturing included Edwards Manufacturing, Scotsman Ice Machines, Streater Store fixtures, and Universal Milking Machines. Like many U.S. towns much of the manufacturing base has diminished. A long-time center of the city's job opportunity was the Wilson & Company meat packing plant, later known as Farmstead and Farmland. This facility was destroyed by fire. The largest employer is currently Albert Lea Medical Center/Mayo with over 1,500 jobs. Albert Lea apartments for rent comparison page shows most up to date rent information on Albert Lea apartments and houses. Rent information is obtained from multiple rental sources but we cannot guarantee their accuracy.