Median Income
$116,406
55% higher than US avg
Home Value
$278,800
1% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
233/100K
39% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
41.2%
22% higher than US avg
Median Rent
$1,411
21% higher than US avg
Obesity Rate
34.6%
8% higher than US avg
Unemployment
0.6%
83% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
2.5%
80% lower than US avg
How Esko Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population2,063
Median Age48.2 yrs
Density424/mi²
Male / Female56% / 44%
Largest GroupWhite 97%
Veterans5.6%
Economy
A+
Median Income$116,406
Per Capita$45,937
Unemployment0.6%
Poverty2.5%
County GDP$1,907M
Commute20 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$278,800
Rent$1,411
Ownership92.0%
Zillow$379,885
Housing Units892
Rent Burden19.0%
Crime
F
Violent233/100K
Property4,081/100K
Health
Obesity34.6%
Uninsured5.4%
Smoking11.3%
Depression27.2%
Heart Disease4.2%
Climate
Avg Temp40°F (4°C)
AQI36 (Good)
Rain30.9 in/yr
Sunny Days249/yr
Elevation1,181 ft (360 m)
Education
A
Bachelor's+41.2%
High School+100.0%
Graduate+23.2%
School Score6.47
Community
2024 VoteR 50% / D 48%
Commute20 min
Broadband95.5%
EV Stations1
Libraries3
Is Esko a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Esko receives an overall livability score of 3.8 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B+. Key strengths include above-average household incomes, low unemployment, low crime rates, a highly educated population. Esko offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Esko is $116,406, which is significantly higher than the national average / 55% above $75,149. This places Esko among higher-income communities. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 0.6%. Only 2.5% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 20 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Esko is $278,800, roughly aligned with the national median of $281,900. Renters pay a median of $1,411 per month, significantly above the national average of $1,163. At just 2.4x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Violent crime in Esko is below the national average at 233 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 4,081 per 100,000, 108% above the national average.
Education
Educational attainment is solid, with 41.2% holding a bachelor's degree or higher, near the national average. 100.0% have completed high school. Local schools score 6.5/10 in standardized testing, reflecting strong academic performance.
Climate & Weather
Esko has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 40°F. Winters average 9°F in January while summers reach 66°F in July. The area gets 249 sunny days per year. Annual precipitation totals 30.9 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 36.
Esko has a population of 2,063 with a density of 424 people per square mile, spread across 4.9 square miles. The median age is 48.2 years, 24% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 44.4% female and 55.6% male. The city is predominantly White (96.6%), with 1.5% Hispanic, 1.1% Black. English is the primary language spoken at home by 97.9% of residents. 5.6% of the population are veterans. 10.5% of residents have a disability. 96.8% have health insurance coverage.
Population
48.2yrs
Median Age
24% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
97.9%
25% above US avg
Spanish
2.1%
84% below US avg
The median household income in Esko is $116,406, which is 55% above the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $45,937 (above the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,117, 22% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 0.6% (below the 3.6% US average). 2.5% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 816 business establishments, including 54 restaurants. The cost of living index is 98.6, roughly in line with the national average. Workers commute an average of 20 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 13.1% of workers work from home.
Income
| Median HH Income | $116,406 |
| 55% above US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $45,937 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,117 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $67,169 |
| Gini Index | 0.407 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 0.6% |
| 83% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 2.5% |
| 80% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 816 |
| County GDP | $1,907M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 54 |
| Healthcare | 102 |
| Retail | 99 |
| Manufacturing | 27 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $4,404 |
| 26% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 98.60 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 1.58% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 20.3 min |
| Drive Alone | 77.2% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 13.1% |
The median home value in Esko is $278,800, 1% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $379,885, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $1,411 (21% above the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $899 for a one-bedroom to $1,125 for a two-bedroom apartment. 92.0% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 892 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1973. The average annual property tax is $4,404 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 19.0% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.4x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $278,800 |
| 1% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $379,885 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $1,411 |
| 21% above US avg |
| Rent Burden | 19.0% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $809 |
| 1 Bedroom | $899 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,125 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,483 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,698 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 92.0% |
| Owner-Occupied | 92.0% |
| Renter-Occupied | 8.0% |
| Housing Units | 892 |
| Median Year Built | 1973 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $4,404 |
| 26% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 1.58% |
In Esko, 34.6% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 7.5% have diabetes (below the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 4.2% of residents, below the national average. 25.2% have high blood pressure. 11.3% are current smokers. 23.0% report binge drinking. 18.2% are physically inactive, below the national average. 27.2% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 15.2% experience frequent mental distress. 5.4% of residents lack health insurance (below the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,138. The dentist ratio is 1:1,530. 62.7% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.5 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Esko vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 34.6% |
| 8% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 7.5% |
| Heart Disease | 4.2% |
| High Blood Pressure | 25.2% |
| Asthma | 10.3% |
| COPD | 3.8% |
| Cancer | 7.7% |
| Stroke | 2.2% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 11.3% |
| 19% below US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 23.0% |
| Physical Inactivity | 18.2% |
| Depression | 27.2% |
| Mental Distress | 15.2% |
| Physical Distress | 9.5% |
| Short Sleep | 31.7% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 96.8% |
| Uninsured | 5.4% |
| 37% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,138 |
| Dentists | 1:1,530 |
| Mental Health | 1:444 |
| Checkup Rate | 71.5% |
| Dental Visits | 74.4% |
| Premature Death | 7,923/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.5/10 |
| Exercise Access | 62.7% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 102 |
Esko has a violent crime rate of 233 per 100,000 residents, 39% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 4,081 per 100,000, 108% above the U.S. average. The county recorded 4 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Esko receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Esko vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 232.8/100K |
| 39% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 4,081.5/100K |
| 108% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 4 |
| Traffic Accidents | 240 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.1 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Esko has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 40°F (4°C). Winters average 9°F in January while summers reach 66°F in July. The area gets 249 sunny days per year, above the national average. Annual precipitation totals 30.9 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 36. The city sits at an elevation of 1,181 feet.
Temperature
9°F Jan (-13°C)
66°F Jul (19°C)
| Annual Average | 39.7°F |
| 26% below US avg |
| January Average | 9°F (-13°C) |
| July Average | 66°F (19°C) |
| Sunny Days | 249 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,181 ft (360 m) |
| Area | 4.9 sq mi (12.6 km²) |
| Population Density | 424/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 46.7100°N, 92.3721°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Carlton County County |
| Nearest Airport | Duluth International (DLH)
12 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
30.9"
19% below US avg
Wettest Month (Aug)
4.17"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 36.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Air Pollutants (EPA 2023)
| Ozone (O₃) | 0.0395 ppm |
| PM2.5 (Fine Particles) | 5.8 μg/m³ |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 70.1 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 27.5 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 90.8 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Low |
| Lightning |
Relatively Moderate |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
Relatively Low |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively High |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Tornado History
71 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF3. Total: 3 fatalities, 34 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Aug 6, 1969 |
EF3 |
85 km |
1 |
| Aug 6, 1969 |
EF3 |
53 km |
0 |
| Aug 6, 1969 |
EF3 |
41 km |
2 |
| Jun 30, 1968 |
EF3 |
78 km |
0 |
| Jul 1, 2011 |
EF2 |
58 km |
0 |
| Sep 3, 1980 |
EF2 |
40 km |
0 |
| Sep 8, 1977 |
EF2 |
91 km |
0 |
| Jun 7, 1977 |
EF2 |
94 km |
0 |
| Jul 7, 1970 |
EF2 |
47 km |
0 |
| Jun 30, 1968 |
EF2 |
68 km |
0 |
| Sep 19, 2024 |
EF1 |
44 km |
0 |
| Jul 11, 2022 |
EF1 |
39 km |
0 |
| May 30, 2022 |
EF1 |
89 km |
0 |
| Aug 14, 2020 |
EF1 |
65 km |
0 |
| Aug 14, 2020 |
EF1 |
48 km |
0 |
| Jul 18, 2020 |
EF1 |
55 km |
0 |
| Jul 18, 2019 |
EF1 |
74 km |
0 |
| Jun 19, 2016 |
EF1 |
69 km |
0 |
| Jun 19, 2016 |
EF1 |
75 km |
0 |
| Jun 11, 2005 |
EF1 |
90 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950-2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: GERMANN ROAD FIRE (6,751 ac, 2013).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2013 |
GERMANN ROAD FIRE |
6,751 |
72 km |
| 2019 |
NW SANDS UNITS I/F/C/A |
3,386 |
84 km |
| 2003 |
UNNAMED |
2,998 |
74 km |
| 2015 |
TAMARACK |
2,745 |
66 km |
| 2016 |
UNNAMED |
2,682 |
83 km |
| 1987 |
UNNAMED |
2,512 |
73 km |
| 1991 |
UNNAMED |
2,486 |
84 km |
| 2013 |
UNNAMED |
2,240 |
84 km |
| 2024 |
RX-86_FY23 |
2,187 |
93 km |
| 2014 |
UNNAMED |
2,116 |
88 km |
| 1987 |
UNNAMED |
1,963 |
91 km |
| 1987 |
UNNAMED |
1,799 |
86 km |
| 1987 |
UNNAMED |
1,760 |
85 km |
| 2015 |
UNNAMED |
1,407 |
86 km |
| 2004 |
SOUTH MAIN ROAD |
1,384 |
77 km |
| 2006 |
WUI RX BURN UNIT 15 |
1,380 |
77 km |
| 1990 |
UNNAMED |
1,371 |
93 km |
| 2015 |
UNNAMED |
1,361 |
83 km |
| 2021 |
NW SANDS - BLOCK E RX |
1,361 |
87 km |
| 1987 |
UNNAMED |
1,352 |
58 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
9°F (-13°C) |
1.1 in |
Coldest |
| February |
13°F (-10°C) |
0.8 in |
Driest |
| March |
25°F (-4°C) |
1.6 in |
|
| April |
39°F (4°C) |
2.1 in |
|
| May |
52°F (11°C) |
3.2 in |
|
| June |
61°F (16°C) |
4.1 in |
|
| July |
66°F (19°C) |
4.1 in |
Warmest |
| August |
65°F (18°C) |
4.2 in |
Wettest |
| September |
56°F (13°C) |
3.9 in |
|
| October |
44°F (7°C) |
2.6 in |
|
| November |
28°F (-2°C) |
2.1 in |
|
| December |
13°F (-10°C) |
1.0 in |
|
Esko has a seasonal temperature swing of 57°F / from 9°F in January to 66°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 30.7 inches, with August being the wettest month (4.2") and February the driest (0.8").
Average costs for common services in Esko. 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 | $765 |
| Toddler | $650 |
| Preschool | $664 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Esko
What is the population of Esko?
Esko has a population of 2,063 residents and is located in Minnesota. The population density is 424 people per square mile, spread across 4.9 square miles. The median age of residents is 48.2 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 44.4% female and 55.6% male.
Is Esko expensive to live in?
Esko 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 $116,406, 55% above the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $278,800 (1% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $1,411 per month, above the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.4x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Esko safe?
Esko is safer than the national average, with a violent crime rate of 233 per 100,000 compared to the U.S. rate of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 4,081 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Esko receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Esko?
Esko has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 40°F (4°C). Winter temperatures average 9°F in January, while summers reach an average of 66°F in July. The area receives 249 sunny days per year. Annual rainfall totals 30.9 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 36.
How is the job market in Esko?
The job market in Esko is very strong, with unemployment at just 0.6% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,117. There are 816 business establishments in the area, including 54 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 20 minutes, and 13.1% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Esko?
The median home value in Esko is $278,800. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $379,885. For renters, the median monthly rent is $1,411. Fair market rent is $899 for a 1-bedroom and $1,125 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 92.0%. The average annual property tax is $4,404.
How are the schools in Esko?
Schools in Esko score 6.5 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 41.2% of adults in Esko hold a bachelor's degree or higher, above the national average of 33.7%. 100.0% have completed high school. 23.2% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Esko?
The obesity rate in Esko is 34.6% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 11.3% of adults are smokers. 18.2% are physically inactive. 27.2% of residents report depression. 5.4% lack health insurance (below the national rate). 62.7% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,138.
What is transportation like in Esko?
The average commute in Esko is 20 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 77.2% of workers drive alone to work, and 13.1% work from home.
What are the demographics of Esko?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Esko is 96.6% White, 1.1% Black or African American, 1.5% Hispanic or Latino. 97.9% of residents speak only English at home. 5.6% of the population are military veterans. 10.5% of residents have a disability. 96.8% have health insurance coverage.
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