Median Income
$51,250
32% lower than US avg
Home Value
$215,600
24% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
72/100K
81% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
25.0%
26% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$1,600
38% higher than US avg
Obesity Rate
33.6%
5% higher than US avg
Unemployment
4.0%
11% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
3.9%
69% lower than US avg
How Dennison Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population214
Median Age37.7 yrs
Density171/mi²
Male / Female50% / 51%
Largest GroupWhite 96%
Veterans9.6%
Economy
B+
Median Income$51,250
Per Capita$48,255
Unemployment4.0%
Poverty3.9%
County GDP$4,083M
Commute28 min
Housing
A
Home Value$215,600
Rent$1,600
Ownership77.3%
Zillow$424,815
Housing Units99
Rent Burden21.3%
Crime
F
Violent72/100K
Property1,323/100K
Health
Obesity33.6%
Uninsured6.4%
Smoking12.9%
Depression24.5%
Heart Disease4.7%
Climate
Avg Temp45°F (7°C)
AQI36 (Good)
Rain35.5 in/yr
Sunny Days270/yr
Elevation1,040 ft (317 m)
Education
B
Bachelor's+25.0%
High School+90.5%
Graduate+5.3%
School Score6.05
Community
2024 VoteR 50% / D 48%
Commute28 min
Broadband97.0%
EV Stations12
Libraries3
Is Dennison a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Dennison 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 below-average incomes. Dennison offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Dennison is $51,250, 32% below the national average of $75,149. Unemployment stands at 4.0%, indicating a healthy job market. Only 3.9% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 28 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Dennison is $215,600, 24% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $1,600 per month, significantly above the national average of $1,163. A price-to-income ratio of 4.2x indicates a reasonably affordable housing market.
Safety & Crime
Dennison is a very safe community with a violent crime rate of 72 per 100,000 residents / well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,323 per 100,000, 33% below the national average.
Education
25.0% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 90.5% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 6/10.
Climate & Weather
Dennison has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 45°F. Winters average 14°F in January while summers reach 71°F in July. With 270 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 35.5 inches, including 43.3 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 36.
Dennison has a population of 214 with a density of 171 people per square mile, spread across 1.3 square miles. The median age is 37.7 years, 3% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 50.5% female and 49.5% male. The city is predominantly White (95.8%), with 3.7% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 99.5% of residents. 9.6% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 15.2% of residents have a disability. 92.4% have health insurance coverage.
Population
37.7yrs
Median Age
3% below US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
99.5%
27% above US avg
Spanish
0.5%
96% below US avg
The median household income in Dennison is $51,250, which is 32% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $48,255 (above the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,165, 19% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 4.0% (above the 3.6% US average). 3.9% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 1,786 business establishments, including 136 restaurants. The cost of living index is 98.6, roughly in line with the national average. Workers commute an average of 28 minutes. 2.0% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $51,250 |
| 32% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $48,255 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,165 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $80,468 |
| Gini Index | 0.433 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 4.0% |
| 11% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 3.9% |
| 69% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 1,786 |
| County GDP | $4,083M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 136 |
| Healthcare | 181 |
| Retail | 179 |
| Manufacturing | 76 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $4,496 |
| 28% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 98.60 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 2.09% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 28.1 min |
| Drive Alone | 96.0% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 2.0% |
The median home value in Dennison is $215,600, 24% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $424,815, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $1,600 (38% above the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $899 for a one-bedroom to $1,125 for a two-bedroom apartment. 77.3% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 99 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1938. The average annual property tax is $4,496 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 21.3% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 4.2x.
Home Values
| Census Median | $215,600 |
| 24% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $424,815 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $1,600 |
| 38% above US avg |
| Rent Burden | 21.3% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $809 |
| 1 Bedroom | $899 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,125 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,483 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,698 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 77.3% |
| Owner-Occupied | 77.3% |
| Renter-Occupied | 22.7% |
| Housing Units | 99 |
| Median Year Built | 1938 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $4,496 |
| 28% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 2.09% |
In Dennison, 33.6% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 7.6% have diabetes (below the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 4.7% of residents, below the national average. 26.7% have high blood pressure. 12.9% are current smokers. 21.9% report binge drinking. 20.2% are physically inactive, below the national average. 24.5% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 16.3% experience frequent mental distress. 6.4% of residents lack health insurance (below the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,160. The dentist ratio is 1:1,736. 86.2% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 9.0 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Dennison vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 33.6% |
| 5% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 7.6% |
| Heart Disease | 4.7% |
| High Blood Pressure | 26.7% |
| Asthma | 10.2% |
| COPD | 4.5% |
| Cancer | 7.5% |
| Stroke | 2.6% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 12.9% |
| 8% below US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 21.9% |
| Physical Inactivity | 20.2% |
| Depression | 24.5% |
| Mental Distress | 16.3% |
| Physical Distress | 10.5% |
| Short Sleep | 32.4% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 92.4% |
| Uninsured | 6.4% |
| 26% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,160 |
| Dentists | 1:1,736 |
| Mental Health | 1:472 |
| Checkup Rate | 71.3% |
| Dental Visits | 71.5% |
| Premature Death | 5,294/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 9.0/10 |
| Exercise Access | 86.2% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 181 |
Dennison has a violent crime rate of 72 per 100,000 residents, 81% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 1,323 per 100,000, 33% below the U.S. average. The county recorded 4 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Dennison receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Dennison vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 72.4/100K |
| 81% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 1,322.8/100K |
| 33% below US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 4 |
| Traffic Accidents | 58 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Dennison has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 45°F (7°C). Winters average 14°F in January while summers reach 71°F in July. The area gets 270 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 35.5 inches. The area receives 43.3 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 1,040 feet.
Temperature
14°F Jan (-10°C)
71°F Jul (22°C)
| Annual Average | 44.5°F |
| 18% below US avg |
| January Average | 14°F (-10°C) |
| July Average | 71°F (22°C) |
| Sunny Days | 270 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,040 ft (317 m) |
| Area | 1.3 sq mi (3.2 km²) |
| Population Density | 171/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 44.4088°N, 93.0303°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Rice County County |
| Nearest Airport | Owatonna Degner Regional (OWA)
23 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
35.5"
7% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jul)
4.17"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 36.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 75.5 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 33.2 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 91.1 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Moderate |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hail |
Relatively High |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively High |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Moderate |
| 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
1 earthquake (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M2.8. Most recent: M2.8 on Apr 25, 2017.
| Apr 25, 2017 |
Near Mankato, Minnesota |
M2.8 |
81 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
588 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF5. Total: 72 fatalities, 1,337 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jun 4, 1958 |
EF5 |
78 km |
21 |
| Jul 3, 1983 |
EF4 |
93 km |
0 |
| Apr 30, 1967 |
EF4 |
78 km |
6 |
| Apr 30, 1967 |
EF4 |
99 km |
5 |
| May 6, 1965 |
EF4 |
63 km |
0 |
| May 6, 1965 |
EF4 |
72 km |
3 |
| May 6, 1965 |
EF4 |
69 km |
6 |
| May 6, 1965 |
EF4 |
70 km |
3 |
| Sep 16, 1962 |
EF4 |
67 km |
0 |
| Jun 17, 2010 |
EF3 |
62 km |
0 |
| Jun 17, 2010 |
EF3 |
74 km |
0 |
| Jun 17, 2010 |
EF3 |
85 km |
0 |
| May 25, 2008 |
EF3 |
86 km |
1 |
| Aug 24, 2006 |
EF3 |
100 km |
1 |
| May 15, 1998 |
EF3 |
97 km |
0 |
| Mar 29, 1998 |
EF3 |
74 km |
0 |
| Mar 29, 1998 |
EF3 |
92 km |
1 |
| Jul 27, 1987 |
EF3 |
30 km |
0 |
| Jul 23, 1987 |
EF3 |
90 km |
0 |
| Jun 7, 1984 |
EF3 |
86 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
7 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: UNNAMED (2,904 ac, 2009).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2009 |
UNNAMED |
2,904 |
95 km |
| 2024 |
SNAKE TRAIL |
1,496 |
46 km |
| 2007 |
BEAVER CUTOFF |
982 |
88 km |
| 2004 |
EAGAN |
925 |
50 km |
| 1990 |
UNNAMED |
598 |
27 km |
| 1995 |
LV 68 CARVER |
532 |
58 km |
| 1990 |
UNNAMED |
513 |
47 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
14°F (-10°C) |
0.9 in |
Coldest |
| February |
19°F (-7°C) |
0.8 in |
Driest |
| March |
31°F (-1°C) |
1.9 in |
|
| April |
46°F (8°C) |
2.9 in |
|
| May |
59°F (15°C) |
3.8 in |
|
| June |
68°F (20°C) |
4.0 in |
|
| July |
71°F (22°C) |
4.2 in |
Warmest, Wettest |
| August |
69°F (21°C) |
4.1 in |
|
| September |
60°F (16°C) |
3.5 in |
|
| October |
48°F (9°C) |
2.4 in |
|
| November |
32°F (0°C) |
1.9 in |
|
| December |
18°F (-8°C) |
1.1 in |
|
Dennison has a seasonal temperature swing of 57°F / from 14°F in January to 71°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 31.3 inches, with July being the wettest month (4.2") and February the driest (0.8").
Average costs for common services in Dennison. 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 | $765 |
| Toddler | $650 |
| Preschool | $664 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Dennison
What is the population of Dennison?
Dennison has a population of 214 residents and is located in Minnesota. The population density is 171 people per square mile, spread across 1.3 square miles. The median age of residents is 37.7 years. The population is 50.5% female and 49.5% male.
Is Dennison expensive to live in?
Dennison 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 $51,250, 32% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $215,600 (24% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $1,600 per month, above the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 4.2x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Dennison safe?
Dennison is considered a very safe city with a violent crime rate of 72 per 100,000 residents, well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,323 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Dennison receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Dennison?
Dennison has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 45°F (7°C). Winter temperatures average 14°F in January, while summers reach an average of 71°F in July. The area receives 270 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 35.5 inches, with 43.3 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 36.
How is the job market in Dennison?
Dennison has a healthy job market with an unemployment rate of 4.0%, near the national average of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,165. There are 1,786 business establishments in the area, including 136 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 28 minutes, and 2.0% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Dennison?
The median home value in Dennison is $215,600. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $424,815. For renters, the median monthly rent is $1,600. Fair market rent is $899 for a 1-bedroom and $1,125 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 77.3%. The average annual property tax is $4,496.
How are the schools in Dennison?
Schools in Dennison score 6 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 25.0% of adults in Dennison hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 90.5% have completed high school. 5.3% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Dennison?
The obesity rate in Dennison is 33.6% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 12.9% of adults are smokers. 20.2% are physically inactive. 24.5% of residents report depression. 6.4% lack health insurance (below the national rate). 86.2% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,160.
What is transportation like in Dennison?
The average commute in Dennison is 28 minutes. 96% of workers drive alone to work, and 2.0% work from home.
What are the demographics of Dennison?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Dennison is 95.8% White, 3.7% Hispanic or Latino. 99.5% of residents speak only English at home. 9.6% of the population are military veterans. 15.2% of residents have a disability. 92.4% have health insurance coverage.
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