Median Income
$29,408
61% lower than US avg
Home Value
$48,900
83% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
231/100K
39% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
5.4%
84% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
35.1%
9% higher than US avg
Unemployment
36.5%
914% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
2.1%
83% lower than US avg
How Dunnell Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population189
Median Age66.5 yrs
Density1,260/mi²
Male / Female30% / 70%
Largest GroupWhite 100%
Veterans3.9%
Economy
C
Median Income$29,408
Per Capita$35,113
Unemployment36.5%
Poverty2.1%
County GDP$519M
Commute36 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$48,900
Ownership50.8%
Zillow$326,155
Housing Units180
Rent Burden23.7%
Crime
F
Violent231/100K
Property3,112/100K
Health
Obesity35.1%
Uninsured8.4%
Smoking16.0%
Depression23.6%
Heart Disease5.4%
Climate
Avg Temp45°F (7°C)
AQI36 (Good)
Rain30.7 in/yr
Sunny Days260/yr
Elevation1,319 ft (402 m)
Education
F
Bachelor's+5.4%
High School+93.4%
Graduate+0.5%
School Score6.08
Community
2024 VoteR 72% / D 27%
Commute36 min
Broadband78.5%
EV Stations1
Libraries3
Is Dunnell a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Dunnell receives an overall livability score of 2.5 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C+. Key strengths include low crime rates, affordable housing, abundant sunshine, a low poverty rate. Areas to be aware of include above-average unemployment, below-average incomes, long commute times. Dunnell has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Dunnell is $29,408, 61% below the national average of $75,149. At 36.5%, unemployment is notably high. Only 2.1% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 36 minutes, longer than the typical American commute of 28 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Dunnell is $48,900, 83% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. At just 1.7x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Violent crime in Dunnell is below the national average at 231 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 3,112 per 100,000, 59% above the national average.
Education
5.4% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 93.4% have completed high school. Local schools score 6.1/10 in standardized testing, reflecting strong academic performance.
Climate & Weather
Dunnell has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 45°F. Winters average 15°F in January while summers reach 72°F in July. With 260 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 30.7 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 36.
Dunnell has a population of 189 with a density of 1,260 people per square mile, spread across 0.2 square miles. The median age is 66.5 years, 71% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 70.4% female and 29.6% male. The city is predominantly White (100%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 74.7% of residents, while 25.3% speak Spanish. 3.9% of the population are veterans, below the national rate of 6.0%. 17.0% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 97.8% have health insurance coverage.
Population
66.5yrs
Median Age
71% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
74.7%
5% below US avg
Spanish
25.3%
89% above US avg
The median household income in Dunnell is $29,408, which is 61% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $35,113. The average weekly wage is $925, 35% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 36.5% (above the 3.6% US average). 2.1% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 330 business establishments, including 14 restaurants. The cost of living index is 98.6, roughly in line with the national average. Workers commute an average of 36 minutes (longer than the 28-minute US average). 4.8% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $29,408 |
| 61% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $35,113 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $925 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $63,021 |
| Gini Index | 0.428 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 36.5% |
| 914% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 2.1% |
| 83% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 330 |
| County GDP | $519M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 14 |
| Healthcare | 28 |
| Retail | 43 |
| Manufacturing | 15 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $3,190 |
| 9% below US avg |
| Cost of Living | 98.60 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 6.52% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 35.6 min |
| Drive Alone | 90.3% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 4.8% |
The median home value in Dunnell is $48,900, 83% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $326,155, higher than the Census estimate. Homes sell for 107.1% of their list price, indicating a competitive market where bidding wars are common. Fair market rent ranges from $899 for a one-bedroom to $1,125 for a two-bedroom apartment. 50.8% of housing units are owner-occupied (below the 65.4% national rate). There are 180 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1956. The average annual property tax is $3,190. 23.7% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.7x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $48,900 |
| 83% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $326,155 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
| $/Sq Ft | $75 |
| Homes Sold | 1 |
| Sale-to-List Ratio | 107.1% |
| Price Drops | 0.0% |
| Inventory | 1 |
Rental Costs
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $809 |
| 1 Bedroom | $899 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,125 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,483 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,698 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 50.8% |
| Owner-Occupied | 50.8% |
| Renter-Occupied | 49.2% |
| Housing Units | 180 |
| Median Year Built | 1956 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $3,190 |
| 9% below US avg |
| Effective Rate | 6.52% |
In Dunnell, 35.1% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 9.0% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.4% of residents. 26.9% have high blood pressure. 16.0% are current smokers. 22.3% report binge drinking. 24.1% are physically inactive. 23.6% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 16.5% experience frequent mental distress. 8.4% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,553. The dentist ratio is 1:2,294. 79.7% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 7.6 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Dunnell vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 35.1% |
| 9% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 9.0% |
| Heart Disease | 5.4% |
| High Blood Pressure | 26.9% |
| Asthma | 9.6% |
| COPD | 5.2% |
| Cancer | 7.2% |
| Stroke | 2.7% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 16.0% |
| 14% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 22.3% |
| Physical Inactivity | 24.1% |
| Depression | 23.6% |
| Mental Distress | 16.5% |
| Physical Distress | 11.5% |
| Short Sleep | 31.2% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 97.8% |
| Uninsured | 8.4% |
| 2% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,553 |
| Dentists | 1:2,294 |
| Mental Health | 1:385 |
| Checkup Rate | 70.5% |
| Dental Visits | 67.2% |
| Premature Death | 7,705/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.6/10 |
| Exercise Access | 79.7% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 28 |
Dunnell has a violent crime rate of 231 per 100,000 residents, 39% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 3,112 per 100,000, 59% above the U.S. average. The county recorded 3 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Dunnell receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Dunnell vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 231.2/100K |
| 39% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 3,111.8/100K |
| 59% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 3 |
| Traffic Accidents | 10 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Dunnell has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 45°F (7°C). Winters average 15°F in January while summers reach 72°F in July. The area gets 260 sunny days per year, above the national average. Annual precipitation totals 30.7 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 36. The city sits at an elevation of 1,319 feet.
Temperature
15°F Jan (-10°C)
72°F Jul (22°C)
| Annual Average | 45.0°F |
| 17% below US avg |
| January Average | 15°F (-10°C) |
| July Average | 72°F (22°C) |
| Sunny Days | 260 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,319 ft (402 m) |
| Area | 0.2 sq mi (0.4 km²) |
| Population Density | 1,260/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 43.5605°N, 94.7752°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Emmet County County |
| Nearest Airport | Mankato Regional (MKT)
63 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
30.7"
19% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
4.37"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 36.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 42.8 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 33.6 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 67.1 / 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 Moderate |
| Lightning |
Relatively Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
Relatively High |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
2 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M2.8. Most recent: M2.7 on Jun 30, 2021.
| Apr 25, 2017 |
Near Mankato, Minnesota |
M2.8 |
93 km |
| Jun 30, 2021 |
4 km E of Rembrandt, Iowa |
M2.7 |
86 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
543 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 9 fatalities, 242 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Apr 9, 2011 |
EF4 |
93 km |
0 |
| Jun 25, 2010 |
EF4 |
96 km |
0 |
| Jun 17, 2010 |
EF4 |
91 km |
1 |
| Mar 29, 1998 |
EF4 |
75 km |
1 |
| Aug 29, 1964 |
EF4 |
84 km |
0 |
| Aug 24, 2006 |
EF3 |
89 km |
1 |
| Aug 1, 2006 |
EF3 |
38 km |
0 |
| Jun 11, 2004 |
EF3 |
76 km |
0 |
| Mar 29, 1998 |
EF3 |
94 km |
1 |
| Aug 7, 1994 |
EF3 |
87 km |
0 |
| Jun 16, 1992 |
EF3 |
99 km |
0 |
| Jun 16, 1992 |
EF3 |
100 km |
0 |
| Jun 7, 1984 |
EF3 |
60 km |
0 |
| Sep 20, 1980 |
EF3 |
55 km |
0 |
| Jun 28, 1979 |
EF3 |
55 km |
2 |
| Jun 10, 1977 |
EF3 |
37 km |
0 |
| Oct 1, 1971 |
EF3 |
82 km |
0 |
| May 31, 1971 |
EF3 |
49 km |
0 |
| May 31, 1971 |
EF3 |
66 km |
0 |
| Apr 30, 1967 |
EF3 |
97 km |
2 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
2 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: DEWEYS PASTURE (641 ac, 2008).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2008 |
DEWEYS PASTURE |
641 |
43 km |
| 2024 |
LINCOLN WPA RX |
575 |
66 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
15°F (-10°C) |
0.7 in |
Coldest |
| February |
20°F (-7°C) |
0.6 in |
Driest |
| March |
32°F (-0°C) |
1.8 in |
|
| April |
46°F (8°C) |
3.0 in |
|
| May |
59°F (15°C) |
3.5 in |
|
| June |
69°F (21°C) |
4.4 in |
Wettest |
| July |
72°F (22°C) |
3.9 in |
Warmest |
| August |
69°F (21°C) |
3.7 in |
|
| September |
61°F (16°C) |
3.0 in |
|
| October |
49°F (9°C) |
2.2 in |
|
| November |
32°F (0°C) |
1.5 in |
|
| December |
18°F (-8°C) |
0.8 in |
|
Dunnell has a seasonal temperature swing of 57°F / from 15°F in January to 72°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 28.9 inches, with June being the wettest month (4.4") and February the driest (0.6").
Average costs for common services in Dunnell. 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 | $667 |
| Toddler | $575 |
| Preschool | $575 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $450 |
| Toddler | $443 |
| Preschool | $443 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Dunnell
What is the population of Dunnell?
Dunnell has a population of 189 residents and is located in Minnesota. The population density is 1,260 people per square mile, spread across 0.2 square miles. The median age of residents is 66.5 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 70.4% female and 29.6% male.
Is Dunnell expensive to live in?
Dunnell 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 $29,408, 61% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $48,900 (83% below the U.S. median). The home price-to-income ratio is 1.7x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Dunnell safe?
Dunnell is safer than the national average, with a violent crime rate of 231 per 100,000 compared to the U.S. rate of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 3,112 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Dunnell receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Dunnell?
Dunnell has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 45°F (7°C). Winter temperatures average 15°F in January, while summers reach an average of 72°F in July. The area receives 260 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 30.7 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 36.
How is the job market in Dunnell?
The job market in Dunnell faces challenges, with unemployment at 36.5% / significantly above the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $925. There are 330 business establishments in the area, including 14 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 36 minutes, and 4.8% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Dunnell?
The median home value in Dunnell is $48,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $326,155. The homeownership rate is 50.8%. The average annual property tax is $3,190.
How are the schools in Dunnell?
Schools in Dunnell score 6.1 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 5.4% of adults in Dunnell hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 93.4% have completed high school. 0.5% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Dunnell?
The obesity rate in Dunnell is 35.1% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 16.0% of adults are smokers. 24.1% are physically inactive. 23.6% of residents report depression. 8.4% lack health insurance. 79.7% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,553.
What is transportation like in Dunnell?
The average commute in Dunnell is 36 minutes, longer than the national average of 28 minutes. 90.3% of workers drive alone to work, and 4.8% work from home.
What are the demographics of Dunnell?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Dunnell is 100% White. 74.7% of residents speak only English at home, while 25.3% speak Spanish. 3.9% of the population are military veterans. 17.0% of residents have a disability. 97.8% have health insurance coverage.
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