Median Income
$61,944
18% lower than US avg
Home Value
$205,300
27% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
233/100K
39% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
20.1%
40% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$914
21% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
36.9%
15% higher than US avg
Unemployment
6.6%
83% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
3.1%
75% lower than US avg
How Carlton Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population891
Median Age50.6 yrs
Density234/mi²
Male / Female51% / 49%
Largest GroupWhite 89%
Veterans7.4%
Economy
B+
Median Income$61,944
Per Capita$35,765
Unemployment6.6%
Poverty3.1%
County GDP$1,907M
Commute20 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$205,300
Rent$914
Ownership69.2%
Zillow$317,252
Housing Units428
Rent Burden33.6%
Crime
F
Violent233/100K
Property4,081/100K
Health
Obesity36.9%
Uninsured7.3%
Smoking14.4%
Depression27.6%
Heart Disease4.9%
Climate
Avg Temp40°F (4°C)
AQI34 (Good)
Rain30.9 in/yr
Sunny Days249/yr
Elevation1,092 ft (333 m)
Education
C+
Bachelor's+20.1%
High School+91.7%
Graduate+5.9%
School Score6.47
Community
2024 VoteR 50% / D 48%
Commute20 min
Broadband86.9%
EV Stations1
Libraries3
Is Carlton a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Carlton receives an overall livability score of 3.0 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include low crime rates, affordable housing, abundant sunshine, a low poverty rate. Areas to be aware of include above-average unemployment. Carlton offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Carlton is $61,944, 18% below the national average of $75,149. The unemployment rate of 6.6% is somewhat elevated compared to the national rate of 3.6%. Only 3.1% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 20 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Carlton is $205,300, 27% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $914 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. A price-to-income ratio of 3.3x indicates a reasonably affordable housing market.
Safety & Crime
Violent crime in Carlton is below the national average at 233 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 4,081 per 100,000, 108% above the national average.
Education
20.1% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 91.7% have completed high school. Local schools score 6.5/10 in standardized testing, reflecting strong academic performance.
Climate & Weather
Carlton has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 40°F. Winters average 9°F in January while summers reach 66°F in July. The area gets 249 sunny days per year. Annual precipitation totals 30.9 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 34.
Carlton has a population of 891 with a density of 234 people per square mile, spread across 2.3 square miles. The median age is 50.6 years, 30% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 48.7% female and 51.3% male. The city is predominantly White (89%), with 6.1% Hispanic, 2.9% Black. English is the primary language spoken at home by 97.3% of residents. 7.4% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 21.1% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 95.1% have health insurance coverage.
Population
50.6yrs
Median Age
30% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
97.3%
24% above US avg
Spanish
2.7%
80% below US avg
The median household income in Carlton is $61,944, which is 18% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $35,765. The average weekly wage is $1,117, 22% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 6.6% (above the 3.6% US average). 3.1% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 816 business establishments, including 54 restaurants. The cost of living index is 98.6, roughly in line with the national average. Workers commute an average of 20 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 10.3% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $61,944 |
| 18% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $35,765 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,117 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $67,169 |
| Gini Index | 0.407 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 6.6% |
| 83% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 3.1% |
| 75% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 816 |
| County GDP | $1,907M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 54 |
| Healthcare | 102 |
| Retail | 99 |
| Manufacturing | 27 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $4,404 |
| 26% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 98.60 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 2.15% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 19.7 min |
| Drive Alone | 75.0% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 10.3% |
The median home value in Carlton is $205,300, 27% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $317,252, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $914 (21% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $978 for a one-bedroom to $1,232 for a two-bedroom apartment. 69.2% of housing units are owner-occupied. There are 428 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1962. The average annual property tax is $4,404 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 33.6% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 3.3x.
Home Values
| Census Median | $205,300 |
| 27% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $317,252 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $914 |
| 21% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 33.6% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $849 |
| 1 Bedroom | $978 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,232 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,689 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $2,067 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 69.2% |
| Owner-Occupied | 69.2% |
| Renter-Occupied | 30.8% |
| Housing Units | 428 |
| Median Year Built | 1962 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $4,404 |
| 26% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 2.15% |
In Carlton, 36.9% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 8.7% have diabetes (below the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 4.9% of residents, below the national average. 27.2% have high blood pressure. 14.4% are current smokers. 22.4% report binge drinking. 21.8% are physically inactive. 27.6% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 16.6% experience frequent mental distress. 7.3% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,138. The dentist ratio is 1:1,530. 62.7% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.5 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Carlton vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 36.9% |
| 15% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 8.7% |
| Heart Disease | 4.9% |
| High Blood Pressure | 27.2% |
| Asthma | 10.7% |
| COPD | 4.7% |
| Cancer | 7.5% |
| Stroke | 2.6% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 14.4% |
| 3% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 22.4% |
| Physical Inactivity | 21.8% |
| Depression | 27.6% |
| Mental Distress | 16.6% |
| Physical Distress | 11.0% |
| Short Sleep | 35.2% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 95.1% |
| Uninsured | 7.3% |
| 15% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,138 |
| Dentists | 1:1,530 |
| Mental Health | 1:444 |
| Checkup Rate | 70.6% |
| Dental Visits | 65.7% |
| Premature Death | 7,923/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.5/10 |
| Exercise Access | 62.7% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 102 |
Carlton has a violent crime rate of 233 per 100,000 residents, 39% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 4,081 per 100,000, 108% above the U.S. average. The county recorded 4 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Carlton receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Carlton vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 232.8/100K |
| 39% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 4,081.5/100K |
| 108% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 4 |
| Traffic Accidents | 491 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.1 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Carlton has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 40°F (4°C). Winters average 9°F in January while summers reach 66°F in July. The area gets 249 sunny days per year, above the national average. Annual precipitation totals 30.9 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 34. 89% of days have good air quality. The city sits at an elevation of 1,092 feet.
Temperature
9°F Jan (-13°C)
66°F Jul (19°C)
| Annual Average | 39.7°F |
| 26% below US avg |
| January Average | 9°F (-13°C) |
| July Average | 66°F (19°C) |
| Sunny Days | 249 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,092 ft (333 m) |
| Area | 2.3 sq mi (5.9 km²) |
| Population Density | 234/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 46.6558°N, 92.4304°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Carlton County County |
| Nearest Airport | Duluth International (DLH)
17 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
30.9"
19% below US avg
Wettest Month (Aug)
4.21"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 34.0 |
| Rating | Good |
| Good Days % | 89.1% |
| Unhealthy Days | 1 |
Air Pollutants (EPA 2023)
| Ozone (O₃) | 0.0395 ppm |
| PM2.5 (Fine Particles) | 5.8 μg/m³ |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 70.1 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 27.5 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 90.8 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Low |
| Lightning |
Relatively Moderate |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
Relatively Low |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively High |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Tornado History
82 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF3. Total: 5 fatalities, 51 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jun 18, 2001 |
EF3 |
99 km |
2 |
| Aug 6, 1969 |
EF3 |
82 km |
1 |
| Aug 6, 1969 |
EF3 |
53 km |
0 |
| Aug 6, 1969 |
EF3 |
49 km |
2 |
| Jun 30, 1968 |
EF3 |
71 km |
0 |
| Jul 1, 2011 |
EF2 |
57 km |
0 |
| Sep 18, 1997 |
EF2 |
97 km |
0 |
| Sep 3, 1980 |
EF2 |
43 km |
0 |
| Sep 8, 1977 |
EF2 |
88 km |
0 |
| Jun 7, 1977 |
EF2 |
95 km |
0 |
| Jul 7, 1970 |
EF2 |
39 km |
0 |
| Jun 30, 1968 |
EF2 |
67 km |
0 |
| Sep 19, 2024 |
EF1 |
49 km |
0 |
| Jul 11, 2022 |
EF1 |
32 km |
0 |
| May 30, 2022 |
EF1 |
81 km |
0 |
| Aug 14, 2020 |
EF1 |
41 km |
0 |
| Aug 14, 2020 |
EF1 |
59 km |
0 |
| Jul 18, 2020 |
EF1 |
58 km |
0 |
| Jul 18, 2019 |
EF1 |
74 km |
0 |
| Jun 28, 2017 |
EF1 |
99 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: GERMANN ROAD FIRE (6,751 ac, 2013).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2013 |
GERMANN ROAD FIRE |
6,751 |
73 km |
| 2019 |
NW SANDS UNITS I/F/C/A |
3,386 |
89 km |
| 2003 |
UNNAMED |
2,998 |
68 km |
| 2015 |
TAMARACK |
2,745 |
61 km |
| 2016 |
UNNAMED |
2,682 |
87 km |
| 1987 |
UNNAMED |
2,512 |
67 km |
| 1991 |
UNNAMED |
2,486 |
81 km |
| 2013 |
UNNAMED |
2,240 |
88 km |
| 2024 |
RX-86_FY23 |
2,187 |
87 km |
| 2014 |
UNNAMED |
2,116 |
91 km |
| 1987 |
UNNAMED |
1,963 |
87 km |
| 1987 |
UNNAMED |
1,799 |
83 km |
| 1987 |
UNNAMED |
1,760 |
81 km |
| 2015 |
UNNAMED |
1,407 |
90 km |
| 2004 |
SOUTH MAIN ROAD |
1,384 |
72 km |
| 2006 |
WUI RX BURN UNIT 15 |
1,380 |
71 km |
| 1990 |
UNNAMED |
1,371 |
86 km |
| 2015 |
UNNAMED |
1,361 |
87 km |
| 2021 |
NW SANDS - BLOCK E RX |
1,361 |
91 km |
| 1987 |
UNNAMED |
1,352 |
54 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
9°F (-13°C) |
1.0 in |
Coldest |
| February |
15°F (-10°C) |
0.7 in |
Driest |
| March |
26°F (-3°C) |
1.7 in |
|
| April |
40°F (5°C) |
2.2 in |
|
| May |
53°F (12°C) |
3.3 in |
|
| June |
61°F (16°C) |
4.1 in |
|
| July |
66°F (19°C) |
4.0 in |
Warmest |
| August |
65°F (19°C) |
4.2 in |
Wettest |
| September |
57°F (14°C) |
3.9 in |
|
| October |
45°F (7°C) |
2.6 in |
|
| November |
29°F (-2°C) |
1.9 in |
|
| December |
14°F (-10°C) |
1.1 in |
|
Carlton has a seasonal temperature swing of 57°F / from 9°F in January to 66°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 30.6 inches, with August being the wettest month (4.2") and February the driest (0.7").
Average costs for common services in Carlton. 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 | $765 |
| Toddler | $650 |
| Preschool | $664 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Carlton
What is the population of Carlton?
Carlton has a population of 891 residents and is located in Minnesota. The population density is 234 people per square mile, spread across 2.3 square miles. The median age of residents is 50.6 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 48.7% female and 51.3% male.
Is Carlton expensive to live in?
Carlton 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 $61,944, 18% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $205,300 (27% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $914 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 3.3x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Carlton safe?
Carlton is safer than the national average, with a violent crime rate of 233 per 100,000 compared to the U.S. rate of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 4,081 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Carlton receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Carlton?
Carlton has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 40°F (4°C). Winter temperatures average 9°F in January, while summers reach an average of 66°F in July. The area receives 249 sunny days per year. Annual rainfall totals 30.9 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 34.
How is the job market in Carlton?
The unemployment rate in Carlton is 6.6%, somewhat above the national average of 3.6%. Job seekers may face moderate competition. The average weekly wage is $1,117. There are 816 business establishments in the area, including 54 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 20 minutes, and 10.3% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Carlton?
The median home value in Carlton is $205,300. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $317,252. For renters, the median monthly rent is $914. Fair market rent is $978 for a 1-bedroom and $1,232 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 69.2%. The average annual property tax is $4,404.
How are the schools in Carlton?
Schools in Carlton score 6.5 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 20.1% of adults in Carlton hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 91.7% have completed high school. 5.9% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Carlton?
The obesity rate in Carlton is 36.9% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 14.4% of adults are smokers. 21.8% are physically inactive. 27.6% of residents report depression. 7.3% lack health insurance. 62.7% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,138.
What is transportation like in Carlton?
The average commute in Carlton is 20 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 75% of workers drive alone to work, and 10.3% work from home.
What are the demographics of Carlton?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Carlton is 89% White, 2.9% Black or African American, 6.1% Hispanic or Latino. 97.3% of residents speak only English at home. 7.4% of the population are military veterans. 21.1% of residents have a disability. 95.1% have health insurance coverage.
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