Median Income
$56,786
24% lower than US avg
Home Value
$118,900
58% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
123/100K
68% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
20.0%
41% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$746
36% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
44.3%
38% higher than US avg
Unemployment
3.0%
17% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
12.1%
2% lower than US avg
How Elbow Lake Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population1,158
Median Age38.2 yrs
Density864/mi²
Male / Female51% / 49%
Largest GroupWhite 94%
Veterans56.0%
Economy
B+
Median Income$56,786
Per Capita$32,192
Unemployment3.0%
Poverty12.1%
County GDP$249M
Commute21 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$118,900
Rent$746
Ownership66.8%
Zillow$198,053
Housing Units67
Rent Burden28.3%
Crime
F
Violent123/100K
Property3,709/100K
Health
Obesity44.3%
Uninsured11.1%
Smoking17.5%
Depression27.4%
Heart Disease5.8%
Climate
Avg Temp40°F (4°C)
AQI36 (Good)
Rain26.4 in/yr
Sunny Days276/yr
Elevation1,574 ft (480 m)
Education
C+
Bachelor's+20.0%
High School+93.8%
Graduate+0.0%
School Score4.38
Community
2024 VoteR 54% / D 45%
Commute21 min
Broadband30.0%
EV Stations1
Libraries1
Is Elbow Lake a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Elbow Lake receives an overall livability score of 3.1 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include low unemployment, low crime rates, affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include below-average incomes, high obesity rates. Elbow Lake offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Elbow Lake is $56,786, 24% below the national average of $75,149. Unemployment stands at 3.0%, indicating a healthy job market. 12.1% of residents live in poverty, near the national average of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 21 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Elbow Lake is $118,900, 58% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $746 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 2.1x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Elbow Lake 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.
Education
20.0% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 93.8% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 4.4/10.
Climate & Weather
Elbow Lake has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 40°F. Winters average 6°F in January while summers reach 68°F in July. With 276 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 26.4 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 36.
Elbow Lake has a population of 1,158 with a density of 864 people per square mile, spread across 1.3 square miles. The median age is 38.2 years, 2% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 48.7% female and 51.3% male. The city is predominantly White (93.9%), with 4% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 91.7% of residents, while 8.3% speak Spanish. 56.0% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 25.3% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 77.2% have health insurance coverage.
Population
38.2yrs
Median Age
2% below US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Elbow Lake vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
91.7%
17% above US avg
Spanish
8.3%
38% below US avg
Social Characteristics
Elbow Lake vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Elbow Lake is $56,786, which is 24% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $32,192 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,103, 23% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 3.0% (below the 3.6% US average). 12.1% of residents live below the poverty line. The area has 122 business establishments, including 13 restaurants. The cost of living index is 98.6, roughly in line with the national average. Workers commute an average of 21 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 4.3% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income: Elbow Lake vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $56,786 |
| 24% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $32,192 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,103 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $53,804 |
| Gini Index | 0.443 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 3.0% |
| 17% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 12.1% |
| 2% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 122 |
| County GDP | $249M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 13 |
| Healthcare | 10 |
| Retail | 19 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $2,733 |
| 22% below US avg |
| Cost of Living | 98.60 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 2.30% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 21.2 min |
| Drive Alone | 61.1% |
| Public Transit | 16.7% |
| Work from Home | 4.3% |
The median home value in Elbow Lake is $118,900, 58% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $198,053, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $746 (36% 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. 66.8% of housing units are owner-occupied. There are 67 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1976. The average annual property tax is $2,733 (lower than the $3,500 national average). 28.3% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.1x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $118,900 |
| 58% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $198,053 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $746 |
| 36% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 28.3% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $809 |
| 1 Bedroom | $899 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,125 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,483 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,698 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 66.8% |
| Owner-Occupied | 66.8% |
| Renter-Occupied | 33.2% |
| Housing Units | 67 |
| Median Year Built | 1976 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $2,733 |
| 22% below US avg |
| Effective Rate | 2.30% |
In Elbow Lake, 44.3% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 13.7% have diabetes (above the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 5.8% of residents. 35.4% have high blood pressure. 17.5% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 19.8% report binge drinking. 31.1% are physically inactive, above the national average. 27.4% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 21.8% experience frequent mental distress. 11.1% of residents lack health insurance (above the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:5,414. 48.0% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 6.3 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Elbow Lake vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 44.3% |
| 38% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 13.7% |
| Heart Disease | 5.8% |
| High Blood Pressure | 35.4% |
| Asthma | 10.8% |
| COPD | 6.2% |
| Cancer | 6.5% |
| Stroke | 4.4% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 17.5% |
| 25% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 19.8% |
| Physical Inactivity | 31.1% |
| Depression | 27.4% |
| Mental Distress | 21.8% |
| Physical Distress | 16.9% |
| Short Sleep | 32.4% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 77.2% |
| Uninsured | 11.1% |
| 29% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:5,414 |
| Checkup Rate | 74.3% |
| Dental Visits | 54.4% |
| Premature Death | 19,800/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 6.3/10 |
| Exercise Access | 48.0% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 10 |
Elbow Lake has a violent crime rate of 123 per 100,000 residents, 68% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 3,709 per 100,000, 89% above the U.S. average. The county recorded 2 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Elbow Lake receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Elbow Lake vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 122.5/100K |
| 68% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 3,709.1/100K |
| 89% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 2 |
| Traffic Accidents | 49 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Elbow Lake has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 40°F (4°C). Winters average 6°F in January while summers reach 68°F in July / a wide seasonal temperature swing of 62°F. The area gets 276 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 26.4 inches (drier than the 38-inch national average). Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 36. The city sits at an elevation of 1,574 feet.
Temperature
6°F Jan (-14°C)
68°F Jul (20°C)
| Annual Average | 39.9°F |
| 26% below US avg |
| January Average | 6°F (-14°C) |
| July Average | 68°F (20°C) |
| Sunny Days | 276 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,574 ft (480 m) |
| Area | 1.3 sq mi (3.5 km²) |
| Population Density | 864/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 47.1467°N, 95.5441°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Mahnomen County County |
| Nearest Airport | Bemidji Regional (BJI)
38 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
26.4"
31% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
4.29"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 36.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 7.1 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 97.4 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 45.8 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Very 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 Moderate |
| 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: M2.5. Most recent: M2.5 on Apr 29, 2011.
| Apr 29, 2011 |
Minnesota |
M2.5 |
129 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990-2025)
Tornado History
317 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 6 fatalities, 110 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jun 17, 2010 |
EF4 |
87 km |
0 |
| Jun 28, 1975 |
EF4 |
95 km |
0 |
| Jun 17, 2010 |
EF3 |
73 km |
1 |
| Jun 6, 2008 |
EF3 |
44 km |
0 |
| Jun 28, 1975 |
EF3 |
84 km |
0 |
| Aug 6, 1969 |
EF3 |
78 km |
0 |
| Aug 30, 1956 |
EF3 |
99 km |
0 |
| Jun 24, 2023 |
EF2 |
32 km |
0 |
| Jun 24, 2022 |
EF2 |
34 km |
0 |
| May 12, 2022 |
EF2 |
96 km |
0 |
| Jul 8, 2020 |
EF2 |
95 km |
0 |
| Jun 8, 2019 |
EF2 |
64 km |
0 |
| Jun 29, 2018 |
EF2 |
57 km |
0 |
| Jul 11, 2017 |
EF2 |
74 km |
0 |
| Aug 28, 2016 |
EF2 |
76 km |
0 |
| Jul 12, 2015 |
EF2 |
93 km |
0 |
| Sep 4, 2014 |
EF2 |
91 km |
0 |
| Jul 22, 2013 |
EF2 |
33 km |
0 |
| Jul 11, 2008 |
EF2 |
28 km |
0 |
| Jun 6, 2008 |
EF2 |
57 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950-2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: REINER 36 (67,641 ac, 2003).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2003 |
REINER 36 |
67,641 |
99 km |
| 1991 |
UNNAMED |
37,840 |
87 km |
| 1990 |
UNNAMED |
32,693 |
91 km |
| 1987 |
SANDY LAKE |
26,617 |
89 km |
| 2021 |
OXCART |
12,538 |
85 km |
| 1994 |
UNNAMED |
8,690 |
91 km |
| 2021 |
RL 005 UNIT 8 AND 9 |
6,352 |
90 km |
| 2003 |
HICKORY ONE |
6,152 |
92 km |
| 2002 |
RED LAKE 468 |
6,076 |
83 km |
| 2021 |
RL 203 GOODS |
5,555 |
89 km |
| 2000 |
RL205 |
5,239 |
97 km |
| 2018 |
RL 029 UNIT 4 |
5,076 |
91 km |
| 2004 |
UNNAMED |
3,970 |
91 km |
| 2005 |
RED LAKE 045 |
3,374 |
98 km |
| 2003 |
ROTHSAY |
3,015 |
93 km |
| 2008 |
UNNAMED |
2,420 |
86 km |
| 2024 |
4 SQUARE MILE RX |
2,320 |
82 km |
| 2008 |
UNNAMED |
2,092 |
80 km |
| 1988 |
UNNAMED |
1,909 |
84 km |
| 2013 |
RIVER ROAD |
1,803 |
96 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
6°F (-14°C) |
0.8 in |
Coldest |
| February |
12°F (-11°C) |
0.6 in |
Driest |
| March |
24°F (-4°C) |
1.2 in |
|
| April |
40°F (5°C) |
1.7 in |
|
| May |
54°F (12°C) |
2.8 in |
|
| June |
62°F (17°C) |
4.3 in |
Wettest |
| July |
68°F (20°C) |
3.7 in |
Warmest |
| August |
66°F (19°C) |
3.5 in |
|
| September |
56°F (13°C) |
2.8 in |
|
| October |
43°F (6°C) |
2.5 in |
|
| November |
25°F (-4°C) |
1.1 in |
|
| December |
10°F (-12°C) |
0.7 in |
|
Elbow Lake has a seasonal temperature swing of 62°F / from 6°F in January to 68°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 25.7 inches, with June being the wettest month (4.3") and February the driest (0.6").
Average costs for common services in Elbow Lake. 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 | $770 |
| Toddler | $705 |
| Preschool | $657 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $621 |
| Toddler | $570 |
| Preschool | $570 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Elbow Lake
What is the population of Elbow Lake?
Elbow Lake has a population of 1,158 residents and is located in Minnesota. The population density is 864 people per square mile, spread across 1.3 square miles. The median age of residents is 38.2 years. The population is 48.7% female and 51.3% male.
Is Elbow Lake expensive to live in?
Elbow Lake 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 $56,786, 24% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $118,900 (58% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $746 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.1x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Elbow Lake safe?
Elbow Lake is considered a very safe city 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 (above the national average). Overall, Elbow Lake receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Elbow Lake?
Elbow Lake has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 40°F (4°C). Winter temperatures average 6°F in January, while summers reach an average of 68°F in July. The area receives 276 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 26.4 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 36.
How is the job market in Elbow Lake?
Elbow Lake has a healthy job market with an unemployment rate of 3.0%, near the national average of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,103. There are 122 business establishments in the area, including 13 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 21 minutes, and 4.3% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Elbow Lake?
The median home value in Elbow Lake is $118,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $198,053. For renters, the median monthly rent is $746. Fair market rent is $899 for a 1-bedroom and $1,125 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 66.8%. The average annual property tax is $2,733.
How are the schools in Elbow Lake?
Schools in Elbow Lake have an average test score of 4.4 out of 10, below typical national benchmarks. Families may want to research individual school ratings. 20.0% of adults in Elbow Lake hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 93.8% have completed high school. 0.0% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Elbow Lake?
The obesity rate in Elbow Lake is 44.3% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 17.5% of adults are smokers. 31.1% are physically inactive. 27.4% of residents report depression. 11.1% lack health insurance (above the national rate). 48.0% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:5,414.
What is transportation like in Elbow Lake?
The average commute in Elbow Lake is 21 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 61.1% of workers drive alone to work, 16.7% use public transit, and 4.3% work from home.
What are the demographics of Elbow Lake?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Elbow Lake is 93.9% White, 4% Hispanic or Latino. 91.7% of residents speak only English at home, while 8.3% speak Spanish. 56.0% of the population are military veterans. 25.3% of residents have a disability. 77.2% have health insurance coverage.
All Countries
