Median Income
$80,417
7% higher than US avg
Home Value
$150,000
47% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
167/100K
56% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
26.2%
22% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$820
29% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
38.1%
19% higher than US avg
Unemployment
1.7%
53% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
1.1%
91% lower than US avg
How Ellendale Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population626
Median Age40.9 yrs
Density754/mi²
Male / Female53% / 47%
Largest GroupWhite 89%
Veterans4.0%
Economy
A+
Median Income$80,417
Per Capita$42,205
Unemployment1.7%
Poverty1.1%
County GDP$1,740M
Commute28 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$150,000
Rent$820
Ownership78.2%
Zillow$294,598
Housing Units297
Rent Burden20.0%
Crime
F
Violent167/100K
Property84/100K
Health
Obesity38.1%
Uninsured8.3%
Smoking16.2%
Depression25.6%
Heart Disease5.4%
Climate
Avg Temp45°F (7°C)
AQI36 (Good)
Rain35.8 in/yr
Sunny Days260/yr
Elevation1,266 ft (386 m)
Education
B
Bachelor's+26.2%
High School+94.2%
Graduate+4.1%
School Score5.71
Community
2024 VoteR 60% / D 39%
Commute28 min
Broadband87.8%
EV Stations6
Libraries1
Is Ellendale a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Ellendale receives an overall livability score of 3.4 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include low unemployment, low crime rates, affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Ellendale offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Ellendale is $80,417, roughly in line with the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 1.7%. Only 1.1% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 28 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Ellendale is $150,000, 47% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $820 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 1.9x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Violent crime in Ellendale is below the national average at 167 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 84 per 100,000, 96% below the national average.
Education
26.2% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 94.2% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.7/10.
Climate & Weather
Ellendale has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 45°F. Winters average 14°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 35.8 inches, including 39.5 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 36.
Ellendale has a population of 626 with a density of 754 people per square mile, spread across 0.8 square miles. The median age is 40.9 years, 5% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 47.3% female and 52.7% male. The city is predominantly White (88.8%), with 3.8% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 96.6% of residents. 4.0% of the population are veterans, below the national rate of 6.0%. 14.6% of residents have a disability. 95.8% have health insurance coverage.
Population
40.9yrs
Median Age
5% above US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Ellendale vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
96.6%
23% above US avg
Spanish
3.4%
75% below US avg
Social Characteristics
Ellendale vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Ellendale is $80,417, which is 7% above the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $42,205. The average weekly wage is $1,021, 29% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 1.7% (below the 3.6% US average). 1.1% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 832 business establishments, including 73 restaurants. The cost of living index is 98.6, roughly in line with the national average. Workers commute an average of 28 minutes. 12.1% of workers work from home.
Income: Ellendale vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $80,417 |
| 7% above US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $42,205 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,021 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $64,740 |
| Gini Index | 0.448 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 1.7% |
| 53% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 1.1% |
| 91% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 832 |
| County GDP | $1,740M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 73 |
| Healthcare | 66 |
| Retail | 131 |
| Manufacturing | 47 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $4,279 |
| 22% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 98.60 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 2.85% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 27.5 min |
| Drive Alone | 71.3% |
| Public Transit | 0.5% |
| Work from Home | 12.1% |
The median home value in Ellendale is $150,000, 47% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $294,598, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $820 (29% 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. 78.2% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 297 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1972. The average annual property tax is $4,279 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 20.0% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.9x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $150,000 |
| 47% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $294,598 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $820 |
| 29% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 20.0% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $809 |
| 1 Bedroom | $899 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,125 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,483 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,698 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 78.2% |
| Owner-Occupied | 78.2% |
| Renter-Occupied | 21.8% |
| Housing Units | 297 |
| Median Year Built | 1972 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $4,279 |
| 22% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 2.85% |
In Ellendale, 38.1% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 9.1% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.4% of residents. 29.0% have high blood pressure. 16.2% are current smokers. 20.5% report binge drinking. 23.6% are physically inactive. 25.6% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 17.4% experience frequent mental distress. 8.3% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,537. The dentist ratio is 1:2,363. 61.1% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.5 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Ellendale vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 38.1% |
| 19% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 9.1% |
| Heart Disease | 5.4% |
| High Blood Pressure | 29.0% |
| Asthma | 10.5% |
| COPD | 5.7% |
| Cancer | 7.3% |
| Stroke | 2.9% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 16.2% |
| 16% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 20.5% |
| Physical Inactivity | 23.6% |
| Depression | 25.6% |
| Mental Distress | 17.4% |
| Physical Distress | 12.1% |
| Short Sleep | 31.7% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 95.8% |
| Uninsured | 8.3% |
| 3% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,537 |
| Dentists | 1:2,363 |
| Mental Health | 1:710 |
| Checkup Rate | 71.1% |
| Dental Visits | 60.8% |
| Premature Death | 7,899/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.5/10 |
| Exercise Access | 61.1% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 66 |
Ellendale has a violent crime rate of 167 per 100,000 residents, 56% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 84 per 100,000, 96% below the U.S. average. The county recorded 5 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Ellendale receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Ellendale vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 167.1/100K |
| 56% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 83.5/100K |
| 96% below US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 5 |
| Traffic Accidents | 563 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.1 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Ellendale has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 45°F (7°C). Winters average 14°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 35.8 inches. The area receives 39.5 inches of snow annually, a moderate snowfall amount. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 36. The city sits at an elevation of 1,266 feet.
Temperature
14°F Jan (-10°C)
72°F Jul (22°C)
| Annual Average | 45.2°F |
| 16% below US avg |
| January Average | 14°F (-10°C) |
| July Average | 72°F (22°C) |
| Sunny Days | 260 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,266 ft (386 m) |
| Area | 0.8 sq mi (2.1 km²) |
| Population Density | 754/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 43.8727°N, 93.2993°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Freeborn County County |
| Nearest Airport | Owatonna Degner Regional (OWA)
17 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
35.8"
6% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jul)
4.21"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 36.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 51.0 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 35.9 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 89.6 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Moderate |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Moderate |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Moderate |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Moderate |
| Lightning |
Very Low |
| Ice Storm |
Very Low |
| Drought |
Relatively High |
| 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 |
66 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
612 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 26 fatalities, 357 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jun 17, 2010 |
EF4 |
43 km |
1 |
| Jul 12, 1971 |
EF4 |
99 km |
0 |
| Apr 30, 1967 |
EF4 |
20 km |
6 |
| Apr 30, 1967 |
EF4 |
48 km |
0 |
| Apr 30, 1967 |
EF4 |
35 km |
5 |
| Apr 30, 1967 |
EF4 |
65 km |
0 |
| May 5, 1965 |
EF4 |
76 km |
0 |
| Sep 16, 1962 |
EF4 |
69 km |
0 |
| May 10, 1953 |
EF4 |
91 km |
0 |
| May 10, 1953 |
EF4 |
86 km |
2 |
| Jun 17, 2010 |
EF3 |
14 km |
0 |
| Jun 17, 2010 |
EF3 |
14 km |
0 |
| Jun 17, 2010 |
EF3 |
21 km |
0 |
| Aug 24, 2006 |
EF3 |
89 km |
1 |
| Jun 11, 2004 |
EF3 |
80 km |
0 |
| Mar 29, 1998 |
EF3 |
83 km |
1 |
| Mar 29, 1998 |
EF3 |
73 km |
0 |
| Jun 18, 1994 |
EF3 |
90 km |
0 |
| Jul 27, 1987 |
EF3 |
90 km |
0 |
| Jun 7, 1984 |
EF3 |
23 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
4 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: SNAKE TRAIL (1,496 ac, 2024).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2024 |
SNAKE TRAIL |
1,496 |
29 km |
| 1990 |
UNNAMED |
598 |
64 km |
| 2024 |
LINCOLN WPA RX |
575 |
80 km |
| 1995 |
LV 68 CARVER |
532 |
98 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
14°F (-10°C) |
0.9 in |
Coldest |
| February |
19°F (-7°C) |
0.7 in |
Driest |
| March |
31°F (-1°C) |
1.8 in |
|
| April |
45°F (7°C) |
2.9 in |
|
| May |
59°F (15°C) |
3.7 in |
|
| June |
68°F (20°C) |
4.0 in |
|
| July |
72°F (22°C) |
4.2 in |
Warmest, Wettest |
| August |
69°F (21°C) |
4.1 in |
|
| September |
60°F (16°C) |
3.4 in |
|
| October |
48°F (9°C) |
2.3 in |
|
| November |
32°F (0°C) |
1.7 in |
|
| December |
18°F (-8°C) |
1.1 in |
|
Ellendale has a seasonal temperature swing of 58°F / from 14°F in January to 72°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 30.9 inches, with July being the wettest month (4.2") and February the driest (0.7").
Average costs for common services in Ellendale. 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 | $534 |
| Toddler | $541 |
| Preschool | $541 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Ellendale
What is the population of Ellendale?
Ellendale has a population of 626 residents and is located in Minnesota. The population density is 754 people per square mile, spread across 0.8 square miles. The median age of residents is 40.9 years. The population is 47.3% female and 52.7% male.
Is Ellendale expensive to live in?
Ellendale 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 $80,417, 7% above the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $150,000 (47% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $820 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.9x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Ellendale safe?
Ellendale is safer than the national average, with a violent crime rate of 167 per 100,000 compared to the U.S. rate of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 84 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Ellendale receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Ellendale?
Ellendale has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 45°F (7°C). Winter temperatures average 14°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 35.8 inches, with 39.5 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 36.
How is the job market in Ellendale?
The job market in Ellendale is very strong, with unemployment at just 1.7% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,021. There are 832 business establishments in the area, including 73 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 28 minutes, and 12.1% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Ellendale?
The median home value in Ellendale is $150,000. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $294,598. For renters, the median monthly rent is $820. Fair market rent is $899 for a 1-bedroom and $1,125 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 78.2%. The average annual property tax is $4,279.
How are the schools in Ellendale?
Schools in Ellendale score 5.7 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 26.2% of adults in Ellendale hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 94.2% have completed high school. 4.1% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Ellendale?
The obesity rate in Ellendale is 38.1% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 16.2% of adults are smokers. 23.6% are physically inactive. 25.6% of residents report depression. 8.3% lack health insurance. 61.1% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,537.
What is transportation like in Ellendale?
The average commute in Ellendale is 28 minutes. 71.3% of workers drive alone to work, and 12.1% work from home.
What are the demographics of Ellendale?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Ellendale is 88.8% White, 3.8% Hispanic or Latino. 96.6% of residents speak only English at home, while 3.4% speak Spanish. 4.0% of the population are military veterans. 14.6% of residents have a disability. 95.8% have health insurance coverage.
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