Median Income
$77,552
3% higher than US avg
Home Value
$175,900
38% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
66/100K
83% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
15.7%
53% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$955
18% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
35.9%
12% higher than US avg
Unemployment
2.3%
36% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
3.2%
74% lower than US avg
How Dodge Center Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population2,864
Median Age38.3 yrs
Density1,188/mi²
Male / Female51% / 49%
Largest GroupWhite 88%
Veterans6.8%
Economy
A+
Median Income$77,552
Per Capita$41,375
Unemployment2.3%
Poverty3.2%
County GDP$1,065M
Commute22 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$175,900
Rent$955
Ownership81.4%
Zillow$282,212
Housing Units1,115
Rent Burden20.6%
Crime
F
Violent66/100K
Property1,104/100K
Health
Obesity35.9%
Uninsured9.1%
Smoking14.3%
Depression24.6%
Heart Disease5.0%
Climate
Avg Temp43°F (6°C)
AQI36 (Good)
Rain36.0 in/yr
Sunny Days270/yr
Elevation1,280 ft (390 m)
Education
C
Bachelor's+15.7%
High School+92.7%
Graduate+5.6%
School Score6.38
Community
2024 VoteR 65% / D 33%
Commute22 min
Broadband88.4%
EV Stations1
Libraries3
Is Dodge Center a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Dodge Center receives an overall livability score of 3.2 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include low unemployment, low crime rates, affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Dodge Center offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Dodge Center is $77,552, roughly in line with the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 2.3%. Only 3.2% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 22 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Dodge Center is $175,900, 38% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $955 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
Dodge Center is a very safe community with a violent crime rate of 66 per 100,000 residents / well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,104 per 100,000, 44% below the national average.
Education
15.7% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 92.7% have completed high school. Local schools score 6.4/10 in standardized testing, reflecting strong academic performance.
Climate & Weather
Dodge Center has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 43°F. Winters average 13°F in January while summers reach 70°F in July. With 270 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 36.0 inches, including 44.4 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 36.
Dodge Center has a population of 2,864 with a density of 1,188 people per square mile, spread across 2.4 square miles. The median age is 38.3 years, 2% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 49.2% female and 50.8% male. The city is predominantly White (88.2%), with 1.5% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 81.6% of residents, while 18.4% speak Spanish. 6.8% of the population are veterans. 10.4% of residents have a disability. 92.2% have health insurance coverage.
Population
38.3yrs
Median Age
2% below US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Dodge Center vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
81.6%
4% above US avg
Spanish
18.4%
37% above US avg
Social Characteristics
Dodge Center vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Dodge Center is $77,552, which is 3% above the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $41,375. The average weekly wage is $1,178, 18% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 2.3% (below the 3.6% US average). 3.2% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 502 business establishments, including 29 restaurants. The cost of living index is 98.6, roughly in line with the national average. Workers commute an average of 22 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 5.9% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income: Dodge Center vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $77,552 |
| 3% above US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $41,375 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,178 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $82,634 |
| Gini Index | 0.386 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 2.3% |
| 36% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 3.2% |
| 74% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 502 |
| County GDP | $1,065M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 29 |
| Healthcare | 37 |
| Retail | 50 |
| Manufacturing | 23 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $4,064 |
| 16% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 98.60 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 2.31% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 21.8 min |
| Drive Alone | 80.9% |
| Public Transit | 1.3% |
| Work from Home | 5.9% |
The median home value in Dodge Center is $175,900, 38% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $282,212, higher than the Census estimate. Homes sell for 95.7% of their list price, suggesting buyers have room to negotiate. Monthly rent averages $955 (18% 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. 81.4% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 1,115 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1978. The average annual property tax is $4,064 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 20.6% 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 | $175,900 |
| 38% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $282,212 |
| Median List Price | $292,500 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
| Median List Price | $292,500 |
| $/Sq Ft | $168 |
| Homes Sold | 1 |
| Sale-to-List Ratio | 95.7% |
| Price Drops | 0.0% |
| Inventory | 7 |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $955 |
| 18% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 20.6% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $809 |
| 1 Bedroom | $899 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,125 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,483 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,698 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 81.4% |
| Owner-Occupied | 81.4% |
| Renter-Occupied | 18.6% |
| Housing Units | 1,115 |
| Median Year Built | 1978 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $4,064 |
| 16% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 2.31% |
In Dodge Center, 35.9% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 8.9% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.0% of residents. 27.0% have high blood pressure. 14.3% are current smokers. 20.5% report binge drinking. 23.9% are physically inactive. 24.6% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 16.5% experience frequent mental distress. 9.1% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,326. The dentist ratio is 1:5,245. 71.4% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 9.6 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Dodge Center vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 35.9% |
| 12% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 8.9% |
| Heart Disease | 5.0% |
| High Blood Pressure | 27.0% |
| Asthma | 10.0% |
| COPD | 4.7% |
| Cancer | 7.1% |
| Stroke | 2.6% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 14.3% |
| 2% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 20.5% |
| Physical Inactivity | 23.9% |
| Depression | 24.6% |
| Mental Distress | 16.5% |
| Physical Distress | 11.2% |
| Short Sleep | 33.0% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 92.2% |
| Uninsured | 9.1% |
| 6% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:2,326 |
| Dentists | 1:5,245 |
| Mental Health | 1:1,757 |
| Checkup Rate | 71.0% |
| Dental Visits | 65.5% |
| Premature Death | 5,217/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 9.6/10 |
| Exercise Access | 71.4% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 37 |
Dodge Center has a violent crime rate of 66 per 100,000 residents, 83% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 1,104 per 100,000, 44% below the U.S. average. The county recorded 2 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Dodge Center receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Dodge Center vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 65.9/100K |
| 83% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 1,103.6/100K |
| 44% below US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 2 |
| Traffic Accidents | 161 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Dodge Center has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 43°F (6°C). Winters average 13°F in January while summers reach 70°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 36.0 inches. The area receives 44.4 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 1,280 feet.
Temperature
13°F Jan (-11°C)
70°F Jul (21°C)
| Annual Average | 43.3°F |
| 20% below US avg |
| January Average | 13°F (-11°C) |
| July Average | 70°F (21°C) |
| Sunny Days | 270 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,280 ft (390 m) |
| Area | 2.4 sq mi (6.2 km²) |
| Population Density | 1,188/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 44.0285°N, 92.8522°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Dodge County County |
| Nearest Airport | Rochester International (RST)
19 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
36.0"
5% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jul)
4.33"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 36.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 14.2 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 10.6 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 92.9 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Very Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Low |
| Lightning |
Very Low |
| Ice Storm |
Very Low |
| Drought |
Relatively Low |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Very 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 |
94 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
572 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 29 fatalities, 424 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jun 17, 2010 |
EF4 |
81 km |
1 |
| Jul 12, 1971 |
EF4 |
95 km |
0 |
| Apr 30, 1967 |
EF4 |
59 km |
6 |
| Apr 30, 1967 |
EF4 |
69 km |
5 |
| Apr 30, 1967 |
EF4 |
85 km |
0 |
| Apr 30, 1967 |
EF4 |
69 km |
0 |
| May 5, 1965 |
EF4 |
83 km |
0 |
| Sep 16, 1962 |
EF4 |
33 km |
0 |
| May 10, 1953 |
EF4 |
74 km |
2 |
| Jun 17, 2010 |
EF3 |
29 km |
0 |
| Jun 17, 2010 |
EF3 |
58 km |
0 |
| Jun 17, 2010 |
EF3 |
43 km |
0 |
| Jun 11, 2004 |
EF3 |
74 km |
0 |
| Mar 29, 1998 |
EF3 |
94 km |
0 |
| Jul 19, 1994 |
EF3 |
94 km |
0 |
| Jul 27, 1987 |
EF3 |
61 km |
0 |
| Jun 7, 1984 |
EF3 |
56 km |
0 |
| May 17, 1982 |
EF3 |
61 km |
0 |
| Jun 14, 1981 |
EF3 |
94 km |
1 |
| May 28, 1974 |
EF3 |
83 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
6 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: SNAKE TRAIL (1,496 ac, 2024).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2024 |
SNAKE TRAIL |
1,496 |
48 km |
| 2007 |
BEAVER CUTOFF |
982 |
71 km |
| 2004 |
EAGAN |
925 |
95 km |
| 1990 |
UNNAMED |
598 |
62 km |
| 1995 |
LV 68 CARVER |
532 |
99 km |
| 1990 |
UNNAMED |
513 |
92 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
13°F (-11°C) |
0.9 in |
Coldest |
| February |
18°F (-8°C) |
0.8 in |
Driest |
| March |
31°F (-1°C) |
1.9 in |
|
| April |
45°F (7°C) |
3.1 in |
|
| May |
58°F (15°C) |
3.9 in |
|
| June |
68°F (20°C) |
4.1 in |
|
| July |
70°F (21°C) |
4.3 in |
Warmest, Wettest |
| August |
68°F (20°C) |
4.2 in |
|
| September |
60°F (16°C) |
3.6 in |
|
| October |
48°F (9°C) |
2.5 in |
|
| November |
32°F (-0°C) |
1.9 in |
|
| December |
18°F (-8°C) |
1.1 in |
|
Dodge Center has a seasonal temperature swing of 57°F / from 13°F in January to 70°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 32.2 inches, with July being the wettest month (4.3") and February the driest (0.8").
Average costs for common services in Dodge Center. 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 | $592 |
| Toddler | $534 |
| Preschool | $548 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Dodge Center
What is the population of Dodge Center?
Dodge Center has a population of 2,864 residents and is located in Minnesota. The population density is 1,188 people per square mile, spread across 2.4 square miles. The median age of residents is 38.3 years. The population is 49.2% female and 50.8% male.
Is Dodge Center expensive to live in?
Dodge Center 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 $77,552, 3% above the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $175,900 (38% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $955 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 Dodge Center safe?
Dodge Center is considered a very safe city with a violent crime rate of 66 per 100,000 residents, well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,104 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Dodge Center receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Dodge Center?
Dodge Center has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 43°F (6°C). Winter temperatures average 13°F in January, while summers reach an average of 70°F in July. The area receives 270 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 36.0 inches, with 44.4 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 36.
How is the job market in Dodge Center?
The job market in Dodge Center is very strong, with unemployment at just 2.3% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,178. There are 502 business establishments in the area, including 29 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 22 minutes, and 5.9% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Dodge Center?
The median home value in Dodge Center is $175,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $282,212. For renters, the median monthly rent is $955. Fair market rent is $899 for a 1-bedroom and $1,125 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 81.4%. The average annual property tax is $4,064.
How are the schools in Dodge Center?
Schools in Dodge Center score 6.4 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 15.7% of adults in Dodge Center hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 92.7% have completed high school. 5.6% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Dodge Center?
The obesity rate in Dodge Center is 35.9% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 14.3% of adults are smokers. 23.9% are physically inactive. 24.6% of residents report depression. 9.1% lack health insurance. 71.4% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,326.
What is transportation like in Dodge Center?
The average commute in Dodge Center is 22 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 80.9% of workers drive alone to work, 1.3% use public transit, and 5.9% work from home.
What are the demographics of Dodge Center?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Dodge Center is 88.2% White, 1.5% Hispanic or Latino. 81.6% of residents speak only English at home, while 18.4% speak Spanish. 6.8% of the population are military veterans. 10.4% of residents have a disability. 92.2% have health insurance coverage.
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