Median Income
$65,625
13% lower than US avg
Home Value
$174,600
38% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
222/100K
42% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
9.1%
73% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$888
24% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
34.0%
6% higher than US avg
Unemployment
4.4%
22% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
5.4%
56% lower than US avg
How Carlos Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population465
Median Age34.6 yrs
Density1,033/mi²
Male / Female48% / 53%
Largest GroupWhite 95%
Veterans4.5%
Economy
B+
Median Income$65,625
Per Capita$31,633
Unemployment4.4%
Poverty5.4%
County GDP$2,860M
Commute22 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$174,600
Rent$888
Ownership84.2%
Zillow$319,385
Housing Units196
Rent Burden25.6%
Crime
F
Violent222/100K
Property3,748/100K
Health
Obesity34.0%
Uninsured6.7%
Smoking13.0%
Depression25.8%
Heart Disease4.6%
Climate
Avg Temp43°F (6°C)
AQI36 (Good)
Rain24.1 in/yr
Sunny Days276/yr
Elevation1,369 ft (417 m)
Education
D
Bachelor's+9.1%
High School+92.1%
Graduate+3.2%
School Score6.93
Community
2024 VoteR 67% / D 32%
Commute22 min
Broadband87.7%
EV Stations9
Libraries1
Is Carlos a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Carlos receives an overall livability score of 2.9 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C+. Key strengths include low crime rates, affordable housing, abundant sunshine, a low poverty rate. Carlos has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Carlos is $65,625, 13% below the national average of $75,149. Unemployment stands at 4.4%, indicating a healthy job market. Only 5.4% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 22 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Carlos is $174,600, 38% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $888 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 2.7x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Violent crime in Carlos is below the national average at 222 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 3,748 per 100,000, 91% above the national average.
Education
9.1% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 92.1% have completed high school. Local schools score 6.9/10 in standardized testing, reflecting strong academic performance.
Climate & Weather
Carlos has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 43°F. Winters average 11°F in January while summers reach 71°F in July. With 276 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 24.1 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 36.
Carlos has a population of 465 with a density of 1,033 people per square mile, spread across 0.5 square miles. The median age is 34.6 years, 11% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 52.5% female and 47.5% male. The city is predominantly White (94.6%), with 1.9% Black. English is the primary language spoken at home by 97.9% of residents. 4.5% of the population are veterans, below the national rate of 6.0%. 11.7% of residents have a disability. 89.9% have health insurance coverage.
Population
34.6yrs
Median Age
11% below US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
97.9%
25% above US avg
Spanish
2.1%
84% below US avg
The median household income in Carlos is $65,625, which is 13% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $31,633 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,097, 23% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 4.4% (above the 3.6% US average). 5.4% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 1,499 business establishments, including 124 restaurants. The cost of living index is 98.6, roughly in line with the national average. Workers commute an average of 22 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 3.1% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $65,625 |
| 13% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $31,633 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,097 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $83,113 |
| Gini Index | 0.438 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 4.4% |
| 22% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 5.4% |
| 56% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 1,499 |
| County GDP | $2,860M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 124 |
| Healthcare | 155 |
| Retail | 216 |
| Manufacturing | 87 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $5,084 |
| 45% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 98.60 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 2.91% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 21.7 min |
| Drive Alone | 90.8% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 3.1% |
The median home value in Carlos is $174,600, 38% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $319,385, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $888 (24% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $899 for a one-bedroom to $1,125 for a two-bedroom apartment. 84.2% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 196 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1975. The average annual property tax is $5,084 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 25.6% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.7x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $174,600 |
| 38% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $319,385 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $888 |
| 24% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 25.6% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $809 |
| 1 Bedroom | $899 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,125 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,483 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,698 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 84.2% |
| Owner-Occupied | 84.2% |
| Renter-Occupied | 15.8% |
| Housing Units | 196 |
| Median Year Built | 1975 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $5,084 |
| 45% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 2.91% |
In Carlos, 34.0% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 7.8% have diabetes (below the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 4.6% of residents, below the national average. 25.2% have high blood pressure. 13.0% are current smokers. 20.7% report binge drinking. 19.6% are physically inactive, below the national average. 25.8% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 15.8% experience frequent mental distress. 6.7% of residents lack health insurance (below the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:892. The dentist ratio is 1:1,322. 74.7% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.8 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Carlos vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 34.0% |
| 6% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 7.8% |
| Heart Disease | 4.6% |
| High Blood Pressure | 25.2% |
| Asthma | 9.9% |
| COPD | 4.3% |
| Cancer | 7.4% |
| Stroke | 2.4% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 13.0% |
| 7% below US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 20.7% |
| Physical Inactivity | 19.6% |
| Depression | 25.8% |
| Mental Distress | 15.8% |
| Physical Distress | 10.0% |
| Short Sleep | 29.4% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 89.9% |
| Uninsured | 6.7% |
| 22% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:892 |
| Dentists | 1:1,322 |
| Mental Health | 1:408 |
| Checkup Rate | 72.4% |
| Dental Visits | 68.6% |
| Premature Death | 6,113/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.8/10 |
| Exercise Access | 74.7% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 155 |
Carlos has a violent crime rate of 222 per 100,000 residents, 42% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 3,748 per 100,000, 91% above the U.S. average. The county recorded 4 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Carlos receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Carlos vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 222.0/100K |
| 42% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 3,748.0/100K |
| 91% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 4 |
| Traffic Accidents | 30 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.1 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Carlos has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 43°F (6°C). Winters average 11°F in January while summers reach 71°F in July. The area gets 276 sunny days per year, well above the U.S. average of 205 / making it one of the sunnier locations in the country. Annual precipitation totals 24.1 inches (drier than the 38-inch national average). Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 36. The city sits at an elevation of 1,369 feet.
Temperature
11°F Jan (-12°C)
71°F Jul (21°C)
| Annual Average | 42.5°F |
| 21% below US avg |
| January Average | 11°F (-12°C) |
| July Average | 71°F (21°C) |
| Sunny Days | 276 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,369 ft (417 m) |
| Area | 0.5 sq mi (1.2 km²) |
| Population Density | 1,033/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 45.9735°N, 95.2923°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Douglas County County |
| Nearest Airport | Brainerd Lakes Regional (BRD)
63 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
24.1"
37% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
4.09"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 36.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 44.3 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 22.7 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 97.6 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Moderate |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively High |
| Lightning |
Relatively Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
Relatively Low |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Landslide |
Relatively Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
4 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M4.1. Most recent: M2.5 on Apr 29, 2011.
| Jun 5, 1993 |
11 km N of Johnson, Minnesota |
M4.1 |
84 km |
| Oct 20, 1995 |
8 km SSE of New Effington, South Dakota |
M3.7 |
123 km |
| Feb 9, 1994 |
6 km NNE of Blomkest, Minnesota |
M3.1 |
111 km |
| Apr 29, 2011 |
Minnesota |
M2.5 |
19 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
427 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 7 fatalities, 177 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jul 8, 2020 |
EF4 |
52 km |
1 |
| Jun 17, 2010 |
EF4 |
49 km |
0 |
| Jun 17, 2010 |
EF4 |
17 km |
1 |
| Jun 13, 2001 |
EF3 |
22 km |
0 |
| Sep 18, 1997 |
EF3 |
97 km |
1 |
| Jul 5, 1991 |
EF3 |
91 km |
0 |
| May 10, 1982 |
EF3 |
91 km |
0 |
| Sep 3, 1980 |
EF3 |
97 km |
1 |
| Aug 26, 1977 |
EF3 |
74 km |
0 |
| Aug 6, 1969 |
EF3 |
94 km |
0 |
| Jun 18, 1964 |
EF3 |
41 km |
0 |
| May 5, 1964 |
EF3 |
59 km |
0 |
| May 30, 2022 |
EF2 |
64 km |
0 |
| May 30, 2022 |
EF2 |
54 km |
0 |
| May 30, 2022 |
EF2 |
29 km |
0 |
| May 30, 2022 |
EF2 |
56 km |
0 |
| May 12, 2022 |
EF2 |
47 km |
0 |
| May 12, 2022 |
EF2 |
92 km |
0 |
| Aug 14, 2020 |
EF2 |
61 km |
0 |
| Jul 8, 2020 |
EF2 |
38 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: UNNAMED (9,055 ac, 2007).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2007 |
UNNAMED |
9,055 |
73 km |
| 2009 |
CENTER TANK RANGE |
6,131 |
71 km |
| 1988 |
UNNAMED |
4,475 |
71 km |
| 2009 |
HENDRICKSON IMPACT AREA |
2,757 |
77 km |
| 2024 |
DORAN WMA |
2,455 |
75 km |
| 2009 |
EAST TANK RANGE |
1,801 |
69 km |
| 1987 |
UNNAMED |
1,655 |
84 km |
| 2012 |
JEEP FIRE |
1,437 |
75 km |
| 1998 |
WEST SKUNK |
1,129 |
83 km |
| 2000 |
UNIT 1 |
1,073 |
80 km |
| 1985 |
UNNAMED |
880 |
60 km |
| 1987 |
UNNAMED |
770 |
62 km |
| 2009 |
WEST TANK RANGE |
727 |
68 km |
| 2010 |
WALDEN |
717 |
59 km |
| 2000 |
SVOR |
661 |
69 km |
| 2002 |
BY PASS |
650 |
89 km |
| 2003 |
UNIT 1 |
618 |
81 km |
| 2000 |
ASHLEY N |
588 |
34 km |
| 2024 |
AGASSIZ BEACHLINE RX |
564 |
81 km |
| 1994 |
ARTICHOKE |
556 |
95 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
11°F (-12°C) |
0.9 in |
Coldest |
| February |
16°F (-9°C) |
0.7 in |
Driest |
| March |
28°F (-2°C) |
1.5 in |
|
| April |
43°F (6°C) |
2.2 in |
|
| May |
57°F (14°C) |
2.9 in |
|
| June |
66°F (19°C) |
4.1 in |
Wettest |
| July |
71°F (21°C) |
3.3 in |
Warmest |
| August |
68°F (20°C) |
3.4 in |
|
| September |
58°F (15°C) |
2.7 in |
|
| October |
46°F (8°C) |
2.2 in |
|
| November |
29°F (-2°C) |
1.2 in |
|
| December |
14°F (-10°C) |
0.8 in |
|
Carlos has a seasonal temperature swing of 60°F / from 11°F in January to 71°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 25.9 inches, with June being the wettest month (4.1") and February the driest (0.7").
Average costs for common services in Carlos. Prices are estimated based on regional cost of living data and may vary by provider.
Healthcare
| Doctor Visit (Primary Care) |
$247 ($148–$394) |
| Specialist Visit |
$345 ($197–$542) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$197 ($99–$345) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$2,169 ($789–$4,930) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$128 ($74–$197) |
| Dental Filling |
$247 ($148–$394) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$44 ($25–$74) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$74 ($49–$118) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$296 ($148–$493) |
| Tire Rotation |
$39 ($20–$74) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$592 ($394–$986) |
| Battery Replacement |
$197 ($99–$345) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$99 ($59–$148) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$89 ($49–$138) |
| HVAC Repair |
$394 ($148–$789) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,902 ($3,944–$11,832) |
| Roof Repair |
$986 ($394–$1,972) |
| Roof Replacement |
$8,874 ($5,423–$14,790) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,479 ($493–$3,451) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$14,790 ($4,930–$29,580) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,930 ($1,972–$9,860) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,479 ($789–$2,958) |
| Will Preparation |
$493 ($197–$986) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,465 ($986–$4,930) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$25 ($15–$44) |
| Women's Haircut |
$54 ($30–$99) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$148 ($74–$247) |
| Manicure |
$25 ($15–$44) |
| Pedicure |
$39 ($25–$64) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$79 ($49–$128) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$4.04 ($2.96–$5.42) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.45 ($2.47–$4.93) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.75 ($2.47–$5.42) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.44 ($2.96–$6.41) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$5.42 ($3.94–$7.40) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.99 ($0.59–$1.77) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$138 ($79–$247) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$69 ($30–$148) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$69 ($39–$118) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$69 ($39–$99) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$64 ($30–$99) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$84 ($49–$148) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$197 ($74–$493) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,972 ($1,183–$3,451) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$69 ($30–$128) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$15 ($7.89–$25) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$99 ($30–$247) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$30 ($15–$74) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,183 ($592–$2,465) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$986 ($493–$1,972) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$394 ($197–$690) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$49 ($25–$99) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$986 ($394–$2,465) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$12,325 ($4,930–$29,580) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$59 ($30–$99) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$99 ($49–$197) |
| Dog Grooming |
$59 ($30–$99) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$39 ($20–$74) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$296 ($148–$493) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$197 ($99–$394) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $914 |
| Toddler | $853 |
| Preschool | $787 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $621 |
| Toddler | $570 |
| Preschool | $570 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Carlos
What is the population of Carlos?
Carlos has a population of 465 residents and is located in Minnesota. The population density is 1,033 people per square mile, spread across 0.5 square miles. The median age of residents is 34.6 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 52.5% female and 47.5% male.
Is Carlos expensive to live in?
Carlos has a cost of living roughly in line with the national average, with an index of 98.6 (baseline: 100). The median household income is $65,625, 13% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $174,600 (38% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $888 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.7x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Carlos safe?
Carlos is safer than the national average, with a violent crime rate of 222 per 100,000 compared to the U.S. rate of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 3,748 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Carlos receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Carlos?
Carlos has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 43°F (6°C). Winter temperatures average 11°F in January, while summers reach an average of 71°F in July. The area receives 276 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 24.1 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 36.
How is the job market in Carlos?
Carlos has a healthy job market with an unemployment rate of 4.4%, near the national average of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,097. There are 1,499 business establishments in the area, including 124 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 22 minutes, and 3.1% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Carlos?
The median home value in Carlos is $174,600. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $319,385. For renters, the median monthly rent is $888. Fair market rent is $899 for a 1-bedroom and $1,125 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 84.2%. The average annual property tax is $5,084.
How are the schools in Carlos?
Schools in Carlos score 6.9 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 9.1% of adults in Carlos hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 92.1% have completed high school. 3.2% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Carlos?
The obesity rate in Carlos is 34.0% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 13.0% of adults are smokers. 19.6% are physically inactive. 25.8% of residents report depression. 6.7% lack health insurance (below the national rate). 74.7% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:892.
What is transportation like in Carlos?
The average commute in Carlos is 22 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 90.8% of workers drive alone to work, and 3.1% work from home.
What are the demographics of Carlos?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Carlos is 94.6% White, 1.9% Black or African American, 0.6% Hispanic or Latino. 97.9% of residents speak only English at home. 4.5% of the population are military veterans. 11.7% of residents have a disability. 89.9% have health insurance coverage.
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