Median Income
$30,000
60% lower than US avg
Home Value
$120,800
57% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$600
48% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
44.3%
38% higher than US avg
Unemployment
21.7%
503% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
21.1%
70% higher than US avg
How Elbow Lake Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population78
Median Age40.5 yrs
Density864/mi²
Male / Female46% / 54%
Largest GroupWhite 17%
Veterans14.3%
Economy
D
Median Income$30,000
Per Capita$16,286
Unemployment21.7%
Poverty21.1%
County GDP$249M
Housing
A
Home Value$120,800
Rent$600
Ownership60.0%
Zillow$204,755
Housing Units67
Rent Burden28.3%
Health
Obesity44.3%
Uninsured17.9%
Smoking17.5%
Depression27.4%
Heart Disease5.8%
Climate
Avg Temp41°F (5°C)
Rain27.6 in/yr
Elevation1,574 ft (480 m)
Education
B
Bachelor's+0.0%
High School+62.3%
Graduate+0.0%
School Score4.38
Community
2024 VoteR 54% / D 45%
Broadband83.3%
EV Stations1
Libraries1
Is Elbow Lake a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Elbow Lake receives an overall livability score of 3.2 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include affordable housing. Areas to be aware of include above-average unemployment, an elevated poverty rate, a high uninsured rate. 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 $30,000, 60% below the national average of $75,149. At 21.7%, unemployment is notably high. The poverty rate of 21.1% exceeds the national average of 12.4%, indicating economic hardship for a significant portion of the population.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Elbow Lake is $120,800, 57% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $600 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. A price-to-income ratio of 4x indicates a reasonably affordable housing market.
Education
0.0% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 62.3% 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 41°F. Winters average 7°F in January while summers reach 70°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 27.6 inches, including 51.6 inches of snow.
Elbow Lake has a population of 78 with a density of 864 people per square mile, spread across 1.3 square miles. The median age is 40.5 years, 4% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 53.8% female and 46.2% male. The city is predominantly White (16.7%), with 2.6% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 92% of residents, while 8.3% speak Spanish. 14.3% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 20.5% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 82.1% have health insurance coverage.
Population
78
Total Population
2023 Census
40.5yrs
Median Age
4% above US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Elbow Lake vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
92.0%
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 $30,000, which is 60% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $16,286 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,103, 23% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 21.7% (above the 3.6% US average). 21.1% of residents live below the poverty line, higher than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 122 business establishments, including 13 restaurants. The cost of living index is 98.6, roughly in line with the national average. 0.0% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income: Elbow Lake vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $30,000 |
| 60% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $16,286 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,103 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $53,804 |
| Gini Index | 0.443 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 21.7% |
| 503% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 21.1% |
| 70% above 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 | 2.26% |
Commute & Transportation
| Drive Alone | 61.1% |
| Public Transit | 16.7% |
| Work from Home | 0.0% |
The median home value in Elbow Lake is $120,800, 57% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $204,755, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $600 (48% 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. 60.0% 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 4x.
Home Values
| Census Median | $120,800 |
| 57% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $204,755 |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $600 |
| 48% 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 | 60.0% |
| Owner-Occupied | 60.0% |
| Renter-Occupied | 40.0% |
| Housing Units | 67 |
| Median Year Built | 1976 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $2,733 |
| 22% below US avg |
| Effective Rate | 2.26% |
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. 17.9% 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 | 82.1% |
| Uninsured | 17.9% |
| 108% 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 cool climate with an average annual temperature of 41°F (5°C). Winters average 7°F in January while summers reach 70°F in July / a wide seasonal temperature swing of 63°F. Annual precipitation totals 27.6 inches (drier than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 51.6 inches of snow annually, making winter weather a significant factor for residents. The city sits at an elevation of 1,574 feet.
Temperature
7°F Jan (-14°C)
70°F Jul (21°C)
| Annual Average | 40.9°F |
| 24% below US avg |
| January Average | 7°F (-14°C) |
| July Average | 70°F (21°C) |
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
27.6"
27% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
4.57"
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 |
7°F (-14°C) |
0.8 in |
Coldest |
| February |
11°F (-12°C) |
0.7 in |
Driest |
| March |
26°F (-3°C) |
1.2 in |
|
| April |
41°F (5°C) |
2.0 in |
|
| May |
55°F (13°C) |
3.2 in |
|
| June |
65°F (18°C) |
4.6 in |
Wettest |
| July |
70°F (21°C) |
3.5 in |
Warmest |
| August |
68°F (20°C) |
3.2 in |
|
| September |
59°F (15°C) |
3.1 in |
|
| October |
45°F (7°C) |
2.9 in |
|
| November |
30°F (-1°C) |
1.3 in |
|
| December |
15°F (-9°C) |
1.1 in |
|
Elbow Lake has a seasonal temperature swing of 63°F / from 7°F in January to 70°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 27.6 inches, with June being the wettest month (4.6") and February the driest (0.7").
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 78 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 40.5 years. The population is 53.8% female and 46.2% 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 $30,000, 60% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $120,800 (57% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $600 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 4x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
What is the weather like in Elbow Lake?
Elbow Lake has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 41°F (5°C). Winter temperatures average 7°F in January, while summers reach an average of 70°F in July. Annual rainfall totals 27.6 inches, with 51.6 inches of snow.
How is the job market in Elbow Lake?
The job market in Elbow Lake faces challenges, with unemployment at 21.7% / significantly above the national rate 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.
How much does housing cost in Elbow Lake?
The median home value in Elbow Lake is $120,800. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $204,755. For renters, the median monthly rent is $600. Fair market rent is $899 for a 1-bedroom and $1,125 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 60.0%. 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. 0.0% of adults in Elbow Lake hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 62.3% 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. 17.9% 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 are the demographics of Elbow Lake?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Elbow Lake is 16.7% White, 2.6% Hispanic or Latino. 92% of residents speak only English at home, while 8.3% speak Spanish. 14.3% of the population are military veterans. 20.5% of residents have a disability. 82.1% have health insurance coverage.