Median Income
$46,250
38% lower than US avg
Home Value
$104,300
63% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
11.2%
67% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$807
31% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
34.1%
6% higher than US avg
Unemployment
5.3%
47% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
30.8%
148% higher than US avg
How Dent Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population232
Median Age30.9 yrs
Density644/mi²
Male / Female53% / 47%
Largest GroupWhite 99%
Veterans9.7%
Economy
C
Median Income$46,250
Per Capita$22,707
Unemployment5.3%
Poverty30.8%
County GDP$3,285M
Commute18 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$104,300
Rent$807
Ownership85.3%
Zillow$400,342
Housing Units106
Rent Burden18.8%
Health
Obesity34.1%
Uninsured5.2%
Smoking16.4%
Depression26.8%
Heart Disease5.3%
Climate
Avg Temp41°F (5°C)
Rain28.2 in/yr
Elevation1,368 ft (417 m)
Education
D
Bachelor's+11.2%
High School+95.5%
Graduate+0.0%
School Score6.36
Community
2024 VoteR 66% / D 32%
Commute18 min
Broadband87.3%
EV Stations1
Libraries5
Is Dent a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Dent receives an overall livability score of 3.0 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include affordable housing, high health insurance coverage. Areas to be aware of include above-average unemployment, an elevated poverty rate, below-average incomes. Dent offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Dent is $46,250, 38% below the national average of $75,149. The unemployment rate of 5.3% is somewhat elevated compared to the national rate of 3.6%. The poverty rate of 30.8% exceeds the national average of 12.4%, indicating economic hardship for a significant portion of the population. Workers commute an average of 18 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Dent is $104,300, 63% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $807 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.
Education
11.2% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 95.5% have completed high school. Local schools score 6.4/10 in standardized testing, reflecting strong academic performance.
Climate & Weather
Dent has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 41°F. Winters average 8°F in January while summers reach 69°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 28.2 inches, including 45.6 inches of snow.
Dent has a population of 232 with a density of 644 people per square mile, spread across 0.4 square miles. The median age is 30.9 years, 21% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 47.4% female and 52.6% male. The city is predominantly White (98.7%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 100% of residents. 9.7% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 15.5% of residents have a disability. 94.8% have health insurance coverage.
Population
232
Total Population
2023 Census
30.9yrs
Median Age
21% below US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
100.0%
27% above US avg
Spanish
0.0%
100% below US avg
The median household income in Dent is $46,250, which is 38% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $22,707 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,000, 30% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 5.3% (above the 3.6% US average). 30.8% of residents live below the poverty line, higher than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 1,908 business establishments, including 165 restaurants. The cost of living index is 98.6, roughly in line with the national average. Workers commute an average of 18 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 12.0% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $46,250 |
| 38% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $22,707 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,000 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $71,755 |
| Gini Index | 0.434 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 5.3% |
| 47% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 30.8% |
| 148% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 1,908 |
| County GDP | $3,285M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 165 |
| Healthcare | 181 |
| Retail | 250 |
| Manufacturing | 89 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $4,298 |
| 23% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 98.60 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 4.12% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 18.1 min |
| Drive Alone | 76.9% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 12.0% |
The median home value in Dent is $104,300, 63% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $400,342, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $807 (31% 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. 85.3% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 106 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1948. The average annual property tax is $4,298 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 18.8% 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 | $104,300 |
| 63% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $400,342 |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $807 |
| 31% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 18.8% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $809 |
| 1 Bedroom | $899 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,125 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,483 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,698 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 85.3% |
| Owner-Occupied | 85.3% |
| Renter-Occupied | 14.7% |
| Housing Units | 106 |
| Median Year Built | 1948 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $4,298 |
| 23% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 4.12% |
In Dent, 34.1% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 8.6% have diabetes (below the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 5.3% of residents. 25.4% have high blood pressure. 16.4% are current smokers. 20.3% report binge drinking. 23.3% are physically inactive. 26.8% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 18.0% experience frequent mental distress. 5.2% of residents lack health insurance (below the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,876. The dentist ratio is 1:1,441. 50.9% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.7 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Dent vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 34.1% |
| 6% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 8.6% |
| Heart Disease | 5.3% |
| High Blood Pressure | 25.4% |
| Asthma | 10.7% |
| COPD | 5.4% |
| Cancer | 7.5% |
| Stroke | 2.8% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 16.4% |
| 17% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 20.3% |
| Physical Inactivity | 23.3% |
| Depression | 26.8% |
| Mental Distress | 18.0% |
| Physical Distress | 11.7% |
| Short Sleep | 32.4% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 94.8% |
| Uninsured | 5.2% |
| 40% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,876 |
| Dentists | 1:1,441 |
| Mental Health | 1:619 |
| Checkup Rate | 71.5% |
| Dental Visits | 63.8% |
| Premature Death | 6,919/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.7/10 |
| Exercise Access | 50.9% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 181 |
Dent has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 41°F (5°C). Winters average 8°F in January while summers reach 69°F in July / a wide seasonal temperature swing of 61°F. Annual precipitation totals 28.2 inches (drier than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 45.6 inches of snow annually, making winter weather a significant factor for residents. The city sits at an elevation of 1,368 feet.
Temperature
8°F Jan (-14°C)
69°F Jul (21°C)
| Annual Average | 40.9°F |
| 24% below US avg |
| January Average | 8°F (-14°C) |
| July Average | 69°F (21°C) |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,368 ft (417 m) |
| Area | 0.4 sq mi (1.0 km²) |
| Population Density | 644/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 46.5532°N, 95.7186°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Otter Tail County County |
| Nearest Airport | Hector International (FAR)
58 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
28.2"
26% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
4.76"
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 79.4 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 53.5 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 92.6 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Moderate |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Relatively Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hail |
Relatively Moderate |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively High |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Very High |
| Lightning |
Relatively Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
Relatively Low |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively High |
| Landslide |
Relatively Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
3 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 |
107 km |
| Oct 20, 1995 |
8 km SSE of New Effington, South Dakota |
M3.7 |
123 km |
| Apr 29, 2011 |
Minnesota |
M2.5 |
64 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990-2025)
Tornado History
391 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 10 fatalities, 189 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jul 8, 2020 |
EF4 |
54 km |
1 |
| Aug 7, 2010 |
EF4 |
86 km |
0 |
| Jun 17, 2010 |
EF4 |
56 km |
1 |
| Jun 17, 2010 |
EF4 |
44 km |
0 |
| Jun 28, 1975 |
EF4 |
85 km |
0 |
| Jul 2, 1955 |
EF4 |
98 km |
2 |
| Jun 6, 2008 |
EF3 |
71 km |
0 |
| Jun 13, 2001 |
EF3 |
52 km |
0 |
| May 10, 1982 |
EF3 |
83 km |
0 |
| Aug 26, 1977 |
EF3 |
96 km |
0 |
| Jun 28, 1975 |
EF3 |
75 km |
0 |
| Aug 6, 1969 |
EF3 |
78 km |
0 |
| May 5, 1964 |
EF3 |
88 km |
0 |
| Aug 30, 1956 |
EF3 |
91 km |
0 |
| Jul 2, 1955 |
EF3 |
75 km |
0 |
| Jun 24, 2023 |
EF2 |
79 km |
0 |
| Jun 24, 2022 |
EF2 |
34 km |
0 |
| May 30, 2022 |
EF2 |
73 km |
0 |
| May 30, 2022 |
EF2 |
95 km |
0 |
| May 30, 2022 |
EF2 |
78 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950-2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: ROTHSAY (3,015 ac, 2003).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2003 |
ROTHSAY |
3,015 |
50 km |
| 2024 |
DORAN WMA |
2,455 |
59 km |
| 2009 |
DOWNING |
1,506 |
70 km |
| 2012 |
JEEP FIRE |
1,437 |
64 km |
| 2012 |
SPRING CREEK |
1,413 |
66 km |
| 2000 |
00 14 |
1,377 |
48 km |
| 1987 |
UNNAMED |
1,341 |
95 km |
| 2007 |
FLICKERTAIL |
1,239 |
75 km |
| 2011 |
NEAL WMA |
1,213 |
85 km |
| 1996 |
UNNAMED |
1,153 |
65 km |
| 1998 |
UNNAMED |
1,026 |
66 km |
| 1999 |
HELLIKSEN |
993 |
65 km |
| 2010 |
UNNAMED |
931 |
96 km |
| 1992 |
MEADOWS |
922 |
62 km |
| 2010 |
UNNAMED |
888 |
92 km |
| 2002 |
1000 AC S |
880 |
47 km |
| 2005 |
HILLICKSON 05 |
818 |
64 km |
| 1989 |
UNNAMED |
807 |
66 km |
| 1988 |
UNNAMED |
778 |
66 km |
| 2012 |
DONELY TILMAN |
773 |
56 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
8°F (-14°C) |
0.6 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
13°F (-11°C) |
0.6 in |
|
| March |
26°F (-4°C) |
1.2 in |
|
| April |
41°F (5°C) |
2.2 in |
|
| May |
55°F (13°C) |
3.4 in |
|
| June |
65°F (18°C) |
4.8 in |
Wettest |
| July |
69°F (21°C) |
4.3 in |
Warmest |
| August |
68°F (20°C) |
3.3 in |
|
| September |
59°F (15°C) |
3.2 in |
|
| October |
45°F (7°C) |
2.7 in |
|
| November |
29°F (-2°C) |
1.1 in |
|
| December |
15°F (-9°C) |
0.8 in |
|
Dent has a seasonal temperature swing of 62°F / from 8°F in January to 69°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 28.2 inches, with June being the wettest month (4.8") and January the driest (0.6").
Average costs for common services in Dent. 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 | $948 |
| Toddler | $893 |
| Preschool | $821 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $621 |
| Toddler | $570 |
| Preschool | $570 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Dent
What is the population of Dent?
Dent has a population of 232 residents and is located in Minnesota. The population density is 644 people per square mile, spread across 0.4 square miles. The median age of residents is 30.9 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 47.4% female and 52.6% male.
Is Dent expensive to live in?
Dent 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 $46,250, 38% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $104,300 (63% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $807 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.
What is the weather like in Dent?
Dent has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 41°F (5°C). Winter temperatures average 8°F in January, while summers reach an average of 69°F in July. Annual rainfall totals 28.2 inches, with 45.6 inches of snow.
How is the job market in Dent?
The unemployment rate in Dent is 5.3%, somewhat above the national average of 3.6%. Job seekers may face moderate competition. The average weekly wage is $1,000. There are 1,908 business establishments in the area, including 165 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 18 minutes, and 12.0% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Dent?
The median home value in Dent is $104,300. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $400,342. For renters, the median monthly rent is $807. Fair market rent is $899 for a 1-bedroom and $1,125 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 85.3%. The average annual property tax is $4,298.
How are the schools in Dent?
Schools in Dent score 6.4 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 11.2% of adults in Dent hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 95.5% have completed high school. 0.0% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Dent?
The obesity rate in Dent is 34.1% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 16.4% of adults are smokers. 23.3% are physically inactive. 26.8% of residents report depression. 5.2% lack health insurance (below the national rate). 50.9% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,876.
What is transportation like in Dent?
The average commute in Dent is 18 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 76.9% of workers drive alone to work, and 12.0% work from home.
What are the demographics of Dent?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Dent is 98.7% White. 100% of residents speak only English at home. 9.7% of the population are military veterans. 15.5% of residents have a disability. 94.8% have health insurance coverage.