Minnesota
Detroit Lakes is a small city in Minnesota with a population of 10,002. Residents earn $62,123 per year, which is 17% below the national average.
Based on current data, Detroit Lakes receives an overall livability score of 3.3 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include low unemployment, low crime rates, affordable housing, a low poverty rate. Detroit Lakes offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
The median household income in Detroit Lakes is $62,123, 17% below the national average of $75,149. Unemployment stands at 3.0%, indicating a healthy job market. Only 3.2% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 14 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
The median home value in Detroit Lakes is $246,200, 13% below the national median — offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $925 per month, below the national average — a plus for affordability. A price-to-income ratio of 4x indicates a reasonably affordable housing market.
Detroit Lakes is a very safe community with a violent crime rate of 123 per 100,000 residents — well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 3,709 per 100,000, 89% above the national average.
32.4% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 93.5% have completed high school. Local schools score 6.1/10 in standardized testing, reflecting strong academic performance.
Detroit Lakes has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 40°F. Winters average 7°F in January while summers reach 68°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 29.5 inches, including 47.6 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 36.
| English Only | 98.1% |
| 25% above US avg | |
| Spanish | 1.9% |
| 86% below US avg |
| Median HH Income | $62,123 |
| 17% below US avg | |
| Per Capita Income | $46,126 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,024 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $73,290 |
| Unemployment | 3.0% |
| 17% below US avg | |
| Poverty Rate | 3.2% |
| 74% below US avg | |
| Establishments (County) | 1,140 |
| County GDP | $2,058M |
| Restaurants | 83 |
| Healthcare | 95 |
| Retail | 135 |
| Manufacturing | 36 |
| Property Tax (IRS) | $4,803 |
| 37% above US avg | |
| Effective Tax Rate | 1.95% |
| Commute Time | 14.1 min |
| Work from Home | 5.5% |
| Census Median | $246,200 |
| 13% below US avg | |
| Zillow ZHVI | $353,478 |
| Census Median Rent | $925 |
| 20% below US avg |
| Studio | $809 |
| 1 Bedroom | $899 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,125 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,483 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,698 |
| Owner-Occupied | 59.6% |
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $4,803 |
| 37% above US avg | |
| Effective Rate | 1.95% |
| Obesity | 37.7% |
| 17% above US avg | |
| Diabetes | 9.0% |
| Heart Disease | 5.5% |
| High Blood Pressure | 31.0% |
| Asthma | 10.5% |
| COPD | 5.8% |
| Stroke | 3.0% |
| Binge Drinking | 22.3% |
| Physical Inactivity | 23.5% |
| Depression | 26.1% |
| Mental Distress | 17.9% |
| Physical Distress | 12.2% |
| Insurance Rate | 94.2% |
| Checkup Rate | 73.7% |
| Premature Death | 7,442/100K |
| Food Environment | 7.8/10 |
| Exercise Access | 61.7% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 95 |
| Total Violent | 122.5/100K |
| 68% below US avg | |
| Murder | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg | |
| Rape | 55.7/100K |
| Robbery | 0.0/100K |
| Assault | 66.8/100K |
| Total Property | 3,709.1/100K |
| 89% above US avg | |
| Burglary | 200.5/100K |
| Theft | 3,341.5/100K |
| Vehicle Theft | 167.1/100K |
| Arson | 0.0/100K |
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 1 |
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
| Annual Average | 40.1°F |
| 26% below US avg | |
| January Average | 7°F (-14°C) |
| July Average | 68°F (20°C) |
| Annual Rainfall | 29.5 inches |
| 23% below US avg | |
| Snowfall | 47.6 inches/yr |
| AQI Median | 36.0 |
| Rating | Good |
| Elevation | 1,344 ft (410 m) |
| Area | 11.8 sq mi (30.7 km²) |
| Population Density | 845/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 46.8076°N, 95.8466°W |
| County FIPS | 27005 |
Winner: Republican by 33.1 points
| Bachelor's Degree+ | 32.4% |
| 4% below US avg | |
| High School+ | 93.5% |
| School Test Score | 6.08 |
| RUCC Code 6 | Nonmetro — Urban 2.5K–20K, adjacent |
| Population Density | 845/sq mi |
| Total Area | 11.8 sq mi |
| EV Charging Stations | 4 |
| Alt Fuel Stations | 6 |
| Public Libraries | 1 |
| Healthcare Facilities | 95 |
| Restaurants | 83 |
| Retail Stores | 135 |
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 1 |
| Avg Commute | 14.1 min |
| Work from Home | 5.5% |