Median Income
$79,773
6% higher than US avg
Home Value
$401,000
42% higher than US avg
Violent Crime
254/100K
33% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
37.4%
11% higher than US avg
Obesity Rate
36.8%
15% higher than US avg
Unemployment
0.9%
75% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
6.4%
48% lower than US avg
How Fifty Lakes Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population463
Median Age65.1 yrs
Density16/mi²
Male / Female56% / 44%
Largest GroupWhite 99%
Veterans7.4%
Economy
A+
Median Income$79,773
Per Capita$46,245
Unemployment0.9%
Poverty6.4%
County GDP$1,363M
Commute23 min
Housing
B+
Home Value$401,000
Ownership93.5%
Zillow$434,576
Housing Units605
Rent Burden27.3%
Crime
F
Violent254/100K
Property4,191/100K
Health
Obesity36.8%
Uninsured6.8%
Smoking14.7%
Depression24.5%
Heart Disease5.3%
Climate
Avg Temp42°F (5°C)
AQI36 (Good)
Rain28.8 in/yr
Sunny Days276/yr
Elevation1,346 ft (410 m)
Education
B+
Bachelor's+37.4%
High School+94.8%
Graduate+12.7%
School Score5.03
Community
2024 VoteR 66% / D 33%
Commute23 min
Broadband79.7%
EV Stations1
Libraries5
Is Fifty Lakes a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Fifty Lakes receives an overall livability score of 3.3 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include low unemployment, low crime rates, a highly educated population, abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include high housing costs. Fifty Lakes offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Fifty Lakes is $79,773, roughly in line with the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 0.9%. Only 6.4% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 23 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Fifty Lakes is $401,000, 42% above the national median. A price-to-income ratio of 5x indicates a reasonably affordable housing market.
Safety & Crime
Violent crime in Fifty Lakes is below the national average at 254 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 4,191 per 100,000, 114% above the national average.
Education
Educational attainment is solid, with 37.4% holding a bachelor's degree or higher, near the national average. 94.8% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5/10.
Climate & Weather
Fifty Lakes has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 42°F. Winters average 9°F in January while summers reach 70°F in July. With 276 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 28.8 inches, including 39.2 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 36.
Fifty Lakes has a population of 463 with a density of 16 people per square mile, spread across 33.2 square miles. The median age is 65.1 years, 67% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 44.1% female and 55.9% male. The city is predominantly White (98.9%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 99.5% of residents. 7.4% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 17.2% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 92.3% have health insurance coverage.
Population
65.1yrs
Median Age
67% above US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Fifty Lakes vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
99.5%
27% above US avg
Spanish
0.5%
96% below US avg
Social Characteristics
Fifty Lakes vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Fifty Lakes is $79,773, which is 6% above the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $46,245 (above the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $844, 41% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 0.9% (below the 3.6% US average). 6.4% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 965 business establishments, including 135 restaurants. The cost of living index is 98.6, roughly in line with the national average. Workers commute an average of 23 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 16.1% of workers work from home.
Income: Fifty Lakes vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $79,773 |
| 6% above US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $46,245 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $844 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $76,495 |
| Gini Index | 0.433 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 0.9% |
| 75% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 6.4% |
| 48% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 965 |
| County GDP | $1,363M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 135 |
| Healthcare | 84 |
| Retail | 133 |
| Manufacturing | 36 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $4,634 |
| 32% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 98.60 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 1.16% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 22.9 min |
| Drive Alone | 73.7% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 16.1% |
The median home value in Fifty Lakes is $401,000, 42% above the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $434,576. Fair market rent ranges from $899 for a one-bedroom to $1,125 for a two-bedroom apartment. 93.5% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 605 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1980. The average annual property tax is $4,634 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 27.3% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 5x.
Home Values
| Census Median | $401,000 |
| 42% above US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $434,576 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $809 |
| 1 Bedroom | $899 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,125 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,483 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,698 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 93.5% |
| Owner-Occupied | 93.5% |
| Renter-Occupied | 6.5% |
| Housing Units | 605 |
| Median Year Built | 1980 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $4,634 |
| 32% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 1.16% |
In Fifty Lakes, 36.8% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 8.3% have diabetes (below the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 5.3% of residents. 28.2% have high blood pressure. 14.7% are current smokers. 22.3% report binge drinking. 20.8% are physically inactive, below the national average. 24.5% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 16.1% experience frequent mental distress. 6.8% of residents lack health insurance (below the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:3,404. The dentist ratio is 1:1,489. 50.9% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.4 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Fifty Lakes vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 36.8% |
| 15% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 8.3% |
| Heart Disease | 5.3% |
| High Blood Pressure | 28.2% |
| Asthma | 10.4% |
| COPD | 4.9% |
| Cancer | 7.5% |
| Stroke | 2.6% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 14.7% |
| 5% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 22.3% |
| Physical Inactivity | 20.8% |
| Depression | 24.5% |
| Mental Distress | 16.1% |
| Physical Distress | 10.7% |
| Short Sleep | 29.7% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 92.3% |
| Uninsured | 6.8% |
| 21% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:3,404 |
| Dentists | 1:1,489 |
| Mental Health | 1:1,123 |
| Checkup Rate | 71.6% |
| Dental Visits | 68.7% |
| Premature Death | 12,951/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.4/10 |
| Exercise Access | 50.9% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 84 |
Fifty Lakes has a violent crime rate of 254 per 100,000 residents, 33% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 4,191 per 100,000, 114% above the U.S. average. The county recorded 7 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Fifty Lakes receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Fifty Lakes vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 254.0/100K |
| 33% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 4,191.4/100K |
| 114% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 7 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Fifty Lakes has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 42°F (5°C). Winters average 9°F in January while summers reach 70°F in July / a wide seasonal temperature swing of 61°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 28.8 inches (drier than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 39.2 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 1,346 feet.
Temperature
9°F Jan (-13°C)
70°F Jul (21°C)
| Annual Average | 41.5°F |
| 23% below US avg |
| January Average | 9°F (-13°C) |
| July Average | 70°F (21°C) |
| Sunny Days | 276 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,346 ft (410 m) |
| Area | 33.2 sq mi (85.9 km²) |
| Population Density | 16/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 46.7655°N, 94.1178°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Cass County County |
| Nearest Airport | Brainerd Lakes Regional (BRD)
25 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
28.8"
24% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
4.17"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 36.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Air Pollutants (EPA 2023)
| PM2.5 (Fine Particles) | 7.8 μg/m³ |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 53.5 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 73.1 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 79.0 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Low |
| Hail |
Very Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Moderate |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Moderate |
| Lightning |
Relatively Low |
| Ice Storm |
Very Low |
| Drought |
Relatively Low |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Landslide |
Relatively 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 |
139 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990-2025)
Tornado History
167 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 15 fatalities, 143 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jun 17, 2010 |
EF4 |
90 km |
0 |
| Aug 6, 1969 |
EF4 |
8 km |
12 |
| Jun 11, 1966 |
EF4 |
24 km |
0 |
| Jun 6, 2008 |
EF3 |
73 km |
0 |
| Sep 18, 1997 |
EF3 |
78 km |
1 |
| Jul 5, 1991 |
EF3 |
37 km |
0 |
| Aug 26, 1977 |
EF3 |
55 km |
0 |
| Jun 25, 1973 |
EF3 |
41 km |
0 |
| Aug 6, 1969 |
EF3 |
53 km |
1 |
| Aug 6, 1969 |
EF3 |
89 km |
0 |
| Aug 6, 1969 |
EF3 |
47 km |
0 |
| Jun 12, 2024 |
EF2 |
14 km |
0 |
| Jun 12, 2024 |
EF2 |
26 km |
0 |
| May 30, 2022 |
EF2 |
73 km |
0 |
| May 12, 2022 |
EF2 |
84 km |
0 |
| Jun 19, 2016 |
EF2 |
39 km |
0 |
| Jul 12, 2015 |
EF2 |
85 km |
0 |
| Jun 6, 2008 |
EF2 |
73 km |
0 |
| Jun 20, 2005 |
EF2 |
93 km |
0 |
| Jun 13, 2001 |
EF2 |
47 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950-2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: UNNAMED (9,055 ac, 2007).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2007 |
UNNAMED |
9,055 |
64 km |
| 2009 |
CENTER TANK RANGE |
6,131 |
68 km |
| 1988 |
UNNAMED |
4,475 |
68 km |
| 1988 |
UNNAMED |
3,642 |
63 km |
| 2018 |
BOY RIVER |
3,546 |
47 km |
| 2003 |
UNNAMED |
2,998 |
65 km |
| 2009 |
HENDRICKSON IMPACT AREA |
2,757 |
59 km |
| 2015 |
TAMARACK |
2,745 |
69 km |
| 1987 |
UNNAMED |
2,512 |
66 km |
| 1991 |
UNNAMED |
2,486 |
50 km |
| 1987 |
UNNAMED |
1,963 |
43 km |
| 2010 |
BOY RIVER - CORE 2010 |
1,872 |
45 km |
| 2019 |
UNNAMED |
1,835 |
41 km |
| 2009 |
EAST TANK RANGE |
1,801 |
72 km |
| 1987 |
UNNAMED |
1,799 |
49 km |
| 2016 |
UNNAMED |
1,777 |
44 km |
| 1987 |
UNNAMED |
1,760 |
49 km |
| 1987 |
UNNAMED |
1,655 |
92 km |
| 1988 |
UNNAMED |
1,589 |
29 km |
| 2012 |
JEEP FIRE |
1,437 |
62 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
9°F (-13°C) |
0.9 in |
Coldest |
| February |
14°F (-10°C) |
0.6 in |
Driest |
| March |
26°F (-3°C) |
1.5 in |
|
| April |
41°F (5°C) |
2.1 in |
|
| May |
55°F (13°C) |
3.1 in |
|
| June |
63°F (17°C) |
4.2 in |
Wettest |
| July |
70°F (21°C) |
4.2 in |
Warmest |
| August |
66°F (19°C) |
3.6 in |
|
| September |
56°F (14°C) |
2.9 in |
|
| October |
45°F (7°C) |
2.7 in |
|
| November |
28°F (-2°C) |
1.6 in |
|
| December |
13°F (-11°C) |
0.8 in |
|
Fifty Lakes has a seasonal temperature swing of 61°F / from 9°F in January to 70°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 28.2 inches, with June being the wettest month (4.2") and February the driest (0.6").
Average costs for common services in Fifty Lakes. 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 | $758 |
| Toddler | $697 |
| Preschool | $637 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $621 |
| Toddler | $570 |
| Preschool | $570 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Fifty Lakes
What is the population of Fifty Lakes?
Fifty Lakes has a population of 463 residents and is located in Minnesota. The population density is 16 people per square mile, spread across 33.2 square miles. The median age of residents is 65.1 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 44.1% female and 55.9% male.
Is Fifty Lakes expensive to live in?
Fifty Lakes 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 $79,773, 6% above the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $401,000 (42% above the U.S. median). The home price-to-income ratio is 5x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Fifty Lakes safe?
Fifty Lakes is safer than the national average, with a violent crime rate of 254 per 100,000 compared to the U.S. rate of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 4,191 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Fifty Lakes receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Fifty Lakes?
Fifty Lakes has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 42°F (5°C). Winter temperatures average 9°F in January, while summers reach an average of 70°F in July. The area receives 276 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 28.8 inches, with 39.2 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 36.
How is the job market in Fifty Lakes?
The job market in Fifty Lakes is very strong, with unemployment at just 0.9% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $844. There are 965 business establishments in the area, including 135 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 23 minutes, and 16.1% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Fifty Lakes?
The median home value in Fifty Lakes is $401,000. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $434,576. The homeownership rate is 93.5%. The average annual property tax is $4,634.
How are the schools in Fifty Lakes?
Schools in Fifty Lakes score 5 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 37.4% of adults in Fifty Lakes hold a bachelor's degree or higher, above the national average of 33.7%. 94.8% have completed high school. 12.7% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Fifty Lakes?
The obesity rate in Fifty Lakes is 36.8% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 14.7% of adults are smokers. 20.8% are physically inactive. 24.5% of residents report depression. 6.8% lack health insurance (below the national rate). 50.9% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:3,404.
What is transportation like in Fifty Lakes?
The average commute in Fifty Lakes is 23 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 73.7% of workers drive alone to work, and 16.1% work from home.
What are the demographics of Fifty Lakes?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Fifty Lakes is 98.9% White. 99.5% of residents speak only English at home. 7.4% of the population are military veterans. 17.2% of residents have a disability. 92.3% have health insurance coverage.
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