Median Income
$47,045
37% lower than US avg
Home Value
$109,100
61% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
434/100K
14% higher than US avg
Bachelor's+
21.5%
36% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$730
37% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
44.8%
40% higher than US avg
Unemployment
10.4%
189% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
20.5%
65% higher than US avg
How Cass Lake Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population492
Median Age34.8 yrs
Density451/mi²
Male / Female44% / 57%
Largest GroupWhite 13%
Veterans5.5%
Economy
C
Median Income$47,045
Per Capita$20,471
Unemployment10.4%
Poverty20.5%
County GDP$968M
Commute13 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$109,100
Rent$730
Ownership27.6%
Zillow$226,689
Housing Units277
Rent Burden18.0%
Crime
F
Violent434/100K
Property8,089/100K
Health
Obesity44.8%
Uninsured12.6%
Smoking29.5%
Depression26.3%
Heart Disease8.2%
Climate
Avg Temp40°F (4°C)
AQI36 (Good)
Rain26.5 in/yr
Sunny Days276/yr
Elevation1,336 ft (407 m)
Education
C+
Bachelor's+21.5%
High School+81.7%
Graduate+1.3%
School Score5.82
Community
2024 VoteR 65% / D 33%
Commute13 min
Broadband81.4%
EV Stations1
Libraries1
Is Cass Lake a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Cass Lake receives an overall livability score of 2.7 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C+. Key strengths include affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include above-average unemployment, an elevated poverty rate, a high uninsured rate. Cass Lake has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Cass Lake is $47,045, 37% below the national average of $75,149. At 10.4%, unemployment is notably high. The poverty rate of 20.5% exceeds the national average of 12.4%, indicating economic hardship for a significant portion of the population. Workers commute an average of 13 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Cass Lake is $109,100, 61% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $730 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 2.3x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
The violent crime rate of 434 per 100,000 is above the national average of 380 / something for prospective residents to consider. Property crime occurs at a rate of 8,089 per 100,000, 313% above the national average.
Education
21.5% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 81.7% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.8/10.
Climate & Weather
Cass Lake has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 40°F. Winters average 7°F in January while summers reach 69°F in July. With 276 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 26.5 inches, including 48.9 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 36.
Cass Lake has a population of 492 with a density of 451 people per square mile, spread across 1.1 square miles. The median age is 34.8 years, 11% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 56.5% female and 43.5% male. The city is predominantly Hispanic (79.1%), with 13% White. English is the primary language spoken at home by 94% of residents, while 6% speak Spanish. 5.5% of the population are veterans. 17.9% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 82.3% have health insurance coverage.
Population
34.8yrs
Median Age
11% below US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Cass Lake vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
94.0%
20% above US avg
Spanish
6.0%
55% below US avg
Social Characteristics
Cass Lake vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Cass Lake is $47,045, which is 37% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $20,471 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $894, 38% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 10.4% (above the 3.6% US average). 20.5% of residents live below the poverty line, higher than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 684 business establishments, including 82 restaurants. The cost of living index is 98.6, roughly in line with the national average. Workers commute an average of 13 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 5.2% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income: Cass Lake vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $47,045 |
| 37% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $20,471 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $894 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $68,529 |
| Gini Index | 0.449 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 10.4% |
| 189% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 20.5% |
| 65% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 684 |
| County GDP | $968M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 82 |
| Healthcare | 56 |
| Retail | 109 |
| Manufacturing | 29 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $4,149 |
| 19% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 98.60 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 3.80% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 13.2 min |
| Drive Alone | 57.0% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 5.2% |
The median home value in Cass Lake is $109,100, 61% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $226,689, higher than the Census estimate. Homes sell for 76.1% of their list price, suggesting buyers have room to negotiate. Monthly rent averages $730 (37% 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. 27.6% of housing units are owner-occupied (below the 65.4% national rate). There are 277 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1964. The average annual property tax is $4,149 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 18.0% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.3x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $109,100 |
| 61% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $226,689 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
| $/Sq Ft | $46 |
| Homes Sold | 2 |
| Sale-to-List Ratio | 76.1% |
| Price Drops | 0.0% |
| Inventory | 7 |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $730 |
| 37% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 18.0% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $809 |
| 1 Bedroom | $899 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,125 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,483 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,698 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 27.6% |
| Owner-Occupied | 27.6% |
| Renter-Occupied | 72.4% |
| Housing Units | 277 |
| Median Year Built | 1964 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $4,149 |
| 19% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 3.80% |
In Cass Lake, 44.8% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 16.8% have diabetes (above the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 8.2% of residents, above the national average. 36.0% have high blood pressure. 29.5% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 17.6% report binge drinking. 36.4% are physically inactive, above the national average. 26.3% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 22.6% experience frequent mental distress. 12.6% of residents lack health insurance (above the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,670. The dentist ratio is 1:3,660. 56.6% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.4 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Cass Lake vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 44.8% |
| 40% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 16.8% |
| Heart Disease | 8.2% |
| High Blood Pressure | 36.0% |
| Asthma | 13.7% |
| COPD | 9.1% |
| Cancer | 6.3% |
| Stroke | 5.0% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 29.5% |
| 111% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 17.6% |
| Physical Inactivity | 36.4% |
| Depression | 26.3% |
| Mental Distress | 22.6% |
| Physical Distress | 18.8% |
| Short Sleep | 45.7% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 82.3% |
| Uninsured | 12.6% |
| 47% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,670 |
| Dentists | 1:3,660 |
| Mental Health | 1:632 |
| Checkup Rate | 72.3% |
| Dental Visits | 47.3% |
| Premature Death | 6,268/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.4/10 |
| Exercise Access | 56.6% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 56 |
Cass Lake has a violent crime rate of 434 per 100,000 residents, 14% above the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 8,089 per 100,000, 313% above the U.S. average. The county recorded 1 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Cass Lake receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Cass Lake vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 434.1/100K |
| 14% above US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 8,089.3/100K |
| 313% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 1 |
| Traffic Accidents | 123 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Cass Lake has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 40°F (4°C). Winters average 7°F in January while summers reach 69°F in July / a wide seasonal temperature swing of 62°F. 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 26.5 inches (drier than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 48.9 inches of snow annually, making winter weather a significant factor for residents. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 36. The city sits at an elevation of 1,336 feet.
Temperature
7°F Jan (-14°C)
69°F Jul (20°C)
| Annual Average | 40.0°F |
| 26% below US avg |
| January Average | 7°F (-14°C) |
| July Average | 69°F (20°C) |
| Sunny Days | 276 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,336 ft (407 m) |
| Area | 1.1 sq mi (2.8 km²) |
| Population Density | 451/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 47.3797°N, 94.5994°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Hubbard County County |
| Nearest Airport | Bemidji Regional (BJI)
18 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
26.5"
30% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
3.94"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 36.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 35.2 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 38.9 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 51.4 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Relatively Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Moderate |
| Lightning |
Relatively Low |
| Ice Storm |
Very Low |
| Drought |
Relatively Moderate |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Relatively Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Tornado History
145 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 13 fatalities, 84 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Aug 6, 1969 |
EF4 |
73 km |
12 |
| Jun 11, 1966 |
EF4 |
85 km |
0 |
| Jun 6, 2008 |
EF3 |
55 km |
0 |
| Aug 6, 1969 |
EF3 |
74 km |
0 |
| Jun 12, 2024 |
EF2 |
81 km |
0 |
| Jul 22, 2013 |
EF2 |
99 km |
0 |
| Jul 11, 2008 |
EF2 |
93 km |
0 |
| Jun 6, 2008 |
EF2 |
79 km |
0 |
| Oct 26, 1996 |
EF2 |
97 km |
0 |
| Jul 5, 1991 |
EF2 |
48 km |
0 |
| Aug 5, 1981 |
EF2 |
60 km |
0 |
| Sep 1, 1973 |
EF2 |
91 km |
0 |
| Aug 25, 1960 |
EF2 |
71 km |
0 |
| Jun 24, 2022 |
EF1 |
83 km |
0 |
| Jun 20, 2022 |
EF1 |
41 km |
0 |
| May 30, 2022 |
EF1 |
92 km |
0 |
| May 30, 2022 |
EF1 |
61 km |
0 |
| Oct 9, 2021 |
EF1 |
64 km |
0 |
| Jul 26, 2021 |
EF1 |
60 km |
0 |
| Jul 26, 2021 |
EF1 |
64 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950-2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: REINER 36 (67,641 ac, 2003).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2003 |
REINER 36 |
67,641 |
97 km |
| 1989 |
UNNAMED |
66,422 |
100 km |
| 1991 |
UNNAMED |
37,840 |
88 km |
| 1990 |
UNNAMED |
32,693 |
90 km |
| 1987 |
SANDY LAKE |
26,617 |
92 km |
| 1994 |
UNNAMED |
8,690 |
92 km |
| 2021 |
RL 005 UNIT 8 AND 9 |
6,352 |
84 km |
| 2003 |
HICKORY ONE |
6,152 |
99 km |
| 2002 |
RED LAKE 468 |
6,076 |
83 km |
| 2021 |
RL 203 GOODS |
5,555 |
95 km |
| 2000 |
RL205 |
5,239 |
100 km |
| 2018 |
RL 029 UNIT 4 |
5,076 |
84 km |
| 2007 |
RED LAKE 05 |
4,737 |
97 km |
| 1991 |
UNNAMED |
4,625 |
97 km |
| 2004 |
UNNAMED |
3,970 |
91 km |
| 2018 |
BOY RIVER |
3,546 |
37 km |
| 2005 |
RED LAKE 045 |
3,374 |
100 km |
| 1991 |
UNNAMED |
3,181 |
63 km |
| 1988 |
UNNAMED |
1,986 |
75 km |
| 1988 |
UNNAMED |
1,909 |
69 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
7°F (-14°C) |
0.8 in |
Coldest |
| February |
12°F (-11°C) |
0.6 in |
Driest |
| March |
24°F (-4°C) |
1.1 in |
|
| April |
39°F (4°C) |
2.1 in |
|
| May |
53°F (12°C) |
2.8 in |
|
| June |
63°F (17°C) |
3.9 in |
Wettest |
| July |
69°F (20°C) |
3.9 in |
Warmest |
| August |
66°F (19°C) |
3.4 in |
|
| September |
56°F (13°C) |
2.8 in |
|
| October |
44°F (7°C) |
2.4 in |
|
| November |
27°F (-3°C) |
1.1 in |
|
| December |
11°F (-12°C) |
0.9 in |
|
Cass Lake has a seasonal temperature swing of 61°F / from 7°F in January to 69°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 25.7 inches, with June being the wettest month (3.9") and February the driest (0.6").
Average costs for common services in Cass Lake. 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 | $1,070 |
| Toddler | $945 |
| Preschool | $891 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $621 |
| Toddler | $570 |
| Preschool | $570 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Cass Lake
What is the population of Cass Lake?
Cass Lake has a population of 492 residents and is located in Minnesota. The population density is 451 people per square mile, spread across 1.1 square miles. The median age of residents is 34.8 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 56.5% female and 43.5% male.
Is Cass Lake expensive to live in?
Cass Lake 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 $47,045, 37% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $109,100 (61% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $730 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.3x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Cass Lake safe?
The violent crime rate in Cass Lake is 434 per 100,000 residents, above the national average of 380. Prospective residents should research specific neighborhoods, as crime rates can vary significantly within the city. Property crime occurs at a rate of 8,089 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Cass Lake receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Cass Lake?
Cass Lake has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 40°F (4°C). Winter temperatures average 7°F in January, while summers reach an average of 69°F in July. The area receives 276 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 26.5 inches, with 48.9 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 36.
How is the job market in Cass Lake?
The job market in Cass Lake faces challenges, with unemployment at 10.4% / significantly above the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $894. There are 684 business establishments in the area, including 82 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 13 minutes, and 5.2% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Cass Lake?
The median home value in Cass Lake is $109,100. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $226,689. For renters, the median monthly rent is $730. Fair market rent is $899 for a 1-bedroom and $1,125 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 27.6%. The average annual property tax is $4,149.
How are the schools in Cass Lake?
Schools in Cass Lake score 5.8 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 21.5% of adults in Cass Lake hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 81.7% have completed high school. 1.3% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Cass Lake?
The obesity rate in Cass Lake is 44.8% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 29.5% of adults are smokers. 36.4% are physically inactive. 26.3% of residents report depression. 12.6% lack health insurance (above the national rate). 56.6% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,670.
What is transportation like in Cass Lake?
The average commute in Cass Lake is 13 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 57% of workers drive alone to work, and 5.2% work from home.
What are the demographics of Cass Lake?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Cass Lake is 13% White, 79.1% Hispanic or Latino. 94% of residents speak only English at home, while 6% speak Spanish. 5.5% of the population are military veterans. 17.9% of residents have a disability. 82.3% have health insurance coverage.
All Countries
