Median Income
$58,438
22% lower than US avg
Home Value
$85,700
70% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
146/100K
61% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
14.6%
57% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$631
46% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
37.2%
16% higher than US avg
Unemployment
0.9%
75% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
4.9%
60% lower than US avg
How Ellsworth Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population471
Median Age39.7 yrs
Density714/mi²
Male / Female49% / 51%
Largest GroupWhite 98%
Veterans6.5%
Economy
A
Median Income$58,438
Per Capita$27,704
Unemployment0.9%
Poverty4.9%
County GDP$1,425M
Commute25 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$85,700
Rent$631
Ownership80.8%
Zillow$240,607
Housing Units170
Rent Burden36.7%
Crime
F
Violent146/100K
Property1,548/100K
Health
Obesity37.2%
Uninsured8.8%
Smoking16.4%
Depression25.6%
Heart Disease5.5%
Climate
Avg Temp46°F (8°C)
AQI36 (Good)
Rain29.3 in/yr
Sunny Days291/yr
Elevation1,449 ft (442 m)
Education
C
Bachelor's+14.6%
High School+98.4%
Graduate+2.2%
School Score6.19
Community
2024 VoteR 84% / D 15%
Commute25 min
Broadband88.6%
EV Stations4
Libraries6
Is Ellsworth a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Ellsworth 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. Ellsworth offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Ellsworth is $58,438, 22% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 0.9%. Only 4.9% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 25 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Ellsworth is $85,700, 70% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $631 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 1.5x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Ellsworth is a very safe community with a violent crime rate of 146 per 100,000 residents / well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,548 per 100,000, 21% below the national average.
Education
14.6% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 98.4% have completed high school. Local schools score 6.2/10 in standardized testing, reflecting strong academic performance.
Climate & Weather
Ellsworth experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 46°F. Winters average 16°F in January while summers reach 73°F in July. With 291 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 29.3 inches, including 34.9 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 36.
Ellsworth has a population of 471 with a density of 714 people per square mile, spread across 0.6 square miles. The median age is 39.7 years, 2% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 50.7% female and 49.3% male. The city is predominantly White (98.3%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 94.1% of residents, while 5.9% speak Spanish. 6.5% of the population are veterans. 10.5% of residents have a disability. 94.9% have health insurance coverage.
Population
39.7yrs
Median Age
2% above US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Ellsworth vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
94.1%
20% above US avg
Spanish
5.9%
56% below US avg
Social Characteristics
Ellsworth vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Ellsworth is $58,438, which is 22% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $27,704 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $956, 33% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 0.9% (below the 3.6% US average). 4.9% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 553 business establishments, including 24 restaurants. The cost of living index is 98.6, roughly in line with the national average. Workers commute an average of 25 minutes. 7.6% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income: Ellsworth vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $58,438 |
| 22% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $27,704 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $956 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $84,809 |
| Gini Index | 0.388 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 0.9% |
| 75% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 4.9% |
| 60% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 553 |
| County GDP | $1,425M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 24 |
| Healthcare | 26 |
| Retail | 48 |
| Manufacturing | 27 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $4,342 |
| 24% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 98.60 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 5.07% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 24.8 min |
| Drive Alone | 75.9% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 7.6% |
The median home value in Ellsworth is $85,700, 70% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $240,607, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $631 (46% 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. 80.8% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 170 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1954. The average annual property tax is $4,342 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 36.7% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.5x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $85,700 |
| 70% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $240,607 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $631 |
| 46% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 36.7% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $809 |
| 1 Bedroom | $899 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,125 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,483 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,698 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 80.8% |
| Owner-Occupied | 80.8% |
| Renter-Occupied | 19.2% |
| Housing Units | 170 |
| Median Year Built | 1954 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $4,342 |
| 24% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 5.07% |
In Ellsworth, 37.2% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 9.1% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.5% of residents. 27.2% have high blood pressure. 16.4% are current smokers. 20.2% report binge drinking. 25.4% are physically inactive. 25.6% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 17.5% experience frequent mental distress. 8.8% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:3,003. The dentist ratio is 1:2,436. 53.1% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 9.5 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Ellsworth vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 37.2% |
| 16% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 9.1% |
| Heart Disease | 5.5% |
| High Blood Pressure | 27.2% |
| Asthma | 10.1% |
| COPD | 5.7% |
| Cancer | 7.3% |
| Stroke | 2.9% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 16.4% |
| 17% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 20.2% |
| Physical Inactivity | 25.4% |
| Depression | 25.6% |
| Mental Distress | 17.5% |
| Physical Distress | 12.0% |
| Short Sleep | 30.6% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 94.9% |
| Uninsured | 8.8% |
| 2% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:3,003 |
| Dentists | 1:2,436 |
| Mental Health | 1:6,162 |
| Checkup Rate | 71.3% |
| Dental Visits | 64.2% |
| Premature Death | 4,025/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 9.5/10 |
| Exercise Access | 53.1% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 26 |
Ellsworth has a violent crime rate of 146 per 100,000 residents, 61% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 1,548 per 100,000, 21% below the U.S. average. The county recorded 1 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Ellsworth receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Ellsworth vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 146.3/100K |
| 61% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 1,548.1/100K |
| 21% below US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 1 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Ellsworth experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 46°F (8°C). Winters average 16°F in January while summers reach 73°F in July. The area gets 291 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 29.3 inches (drier than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 34.9 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 1,449 feet.
Temperature
16°F Jan (-9°C)
73°F Jul (23°C)
| Annual Average | 46.0°F |
| 15% below US avg |
| January Average | 16°F (-9°C) |
| July Average | 73°F (23°C) |
| Sunny Days | 291 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,449 ft (442 m) |
| Area | 0.6 sq mi (1.6 km²) |
| Population Density | 714/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 43.5206°N, 96.0186°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Lyon County County |
| Nearest Airport | Joe Foss Field (FSD)
36 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
29.3"
23% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
4.06"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 36.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 19.2 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 10.6 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 79.4 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Very Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Moderate |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Moderate |
| Lightning |
Very Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Moderate |
| 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: M2.7. Most recent: M2.7 on Jun 30, 2021.
| Jun 30, 2021 |
4 km E of Rembrandt, Iowa |
M2.7 |
107 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
617 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF5. Total: 14 fatalities, 320 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jun 16, 1992 |
EF5 |
31 km |
1 |
| Jun 13, 1968 |
EF5 |
75 km |
9 |
| Jun 25, 2010 |
EF4 |
11 km |
0 |
| Mar 29, 1998 |
EF4 |
62 km |
1 |
| Jun 7, 1993 |
EF4 |
76 km |
0 |
| Jun 16, 1992 |
EF4 |
49 km |
0 |
| Jun 23, 1952 |
EF4 |
87 km |
0 |
| Aug 7, 1994 |
EF3 |
15 km |
0 |
| Jun 7, 1993 |
EF3 |
93 km |
0 |
| Jun 7, 1993 |
EF3 |
86 km |
0 |
| Jun 16, 1992 |
EF3 |
66 km |
0 |
| Jun 16, 1992 |
EF3 |
86 km |
0 |
| Apr 20, 1985 |
EF3 |
43 km |
0 |
| Aug 3, 1981 |
EF3 |
95 km |
0 |
| Sep 20, 1980 |
EF3 |
81 km |
0 |
| Jul 5, 1978 |
EF3 |
53 km |
0 |
| Oct 1, 1971 |
EF3 |
70 km |
0 |
| May 31, 1971 |
EF3 |
34 km |
0 |
| May 31, 1971 |
EF3 |
45 km |
0 |
| May 31, 1971 |
EF3 |
59 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
1 wildfire (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: DEWEYS PASTURE (641 ac, 2008).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2008 |
DEWEYS PASTURE |
641 |
96 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
16°F (-9°C) |
0.6 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
20°F (-7°C) |
0.7 in |
|
| March |
32°F (0°C) |
1.9 in |
|
| April |
46°F (8°C) |
2.6 in |
|
| May |
59°F (15°C) |
3.2 in |
|
| June |
68°F (20°C) |
4.1 in |
Wettest |
| July |
73°F (23°C) |
3.5 in |
Warmest |
| August |
70°F (21°C) |
3.5 in |
|
| September |
61°F (16°C) |
3.0 in |
|
| October |
48°F (9°C) |
2.1 in |
|
| November |
32°F (-0°C) |
1.4 in |
|
| December |
18°F (-8°C) |
0.8 in |
|
Ellsworth has a seasonal temperature swing of 58°F / from 16°F in January to 73°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 27.4 inches, with June being the wettest month (4.1") and January the driest (0.6").
Average costs for common services in Ellsworth. 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 | $707 |
| Toddler | $609 |
| Preschool | $609 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $464 |
| Toddler | $457 |
| Preschool | $457 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Ellsworth
What is the population of Ellsworth?
Ellsworth has a population of 471 residents and is located in Minnesota. The population density is 714 people per square mile, spread across 0.6 square miles. The median age of residents is 39.7 years. The population is 50.7% female and 49.3% male.
Is Ellsworth expensive to live in?
Ellsworth 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 $58,438, 22% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $85,700 (70% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $631 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.5x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Ellsworth safe?
Ellsworth is considered a very safe city with a violent crime rate of 146 per 100,000 residents, well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,548 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Ellsworth receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Ellsworth?
Ellsworth has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 46°F (8°C). Winter temperatures average 16°F in January, while summers reach an average of 73°F in July. The area receives 291 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 29.3 inches, with 34.9 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 36.
How is the job market in Ellsworth?
The job market in Ellsworth is very strong, with unemployment at just 0.9% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $956. There are 553 business establishments in the area, including 24 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 25 minutes, and 7.6% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Ellsworth?
The median home value in Ellsworth is $85,700. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $240,607. For renters, the median monthly rent is $631. Fair market rent is $899 for a 1-bedroom and $1,125 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 80.8%. The average annual property tax is $4,342.
How are the schools in Ellsworth?
Schools in Ellsworth score 6.2 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 14.6% of adults in Ellsworth hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 98.4% have completed high school. 2.2% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Ellsworth?
The obesity rate in Ellsworth is 37.2% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 16.4% of adults are smokers. 25.4% are physically inactive. 25.6% of residents report depression. 8.8% lack health insurance. 53.1% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:3,003.
What is transportation like in Ellsworth?
The average commute in Ellsworth is 25 minutes. 75.9% of workers drive alone to work, and 7.6% work from home.
What are the demographics of Ellsworth?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Ellsworth is 98.3% White. 94.1% of residents speak only English at home, while 5.9% speak Spanish. 6.5% of the population are military veterans. 10.5% of residents have a disability. 94.9% have health insurance coverage.
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