Median Income
$94,375
26% higher than US avg
Home Value
$383,300
36% higher than US avg
Violent Crime
285/100K
25% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
31.1%
8% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
25.2%
21% lower than US avg
Unemployment
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
How Fish Lake Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population57
Median Age46.6 yrs
Density63/mi²
Male / Female46% / 54%
Largest GroupWhite 100%
Veterans45.0%
Economy
A+
Median Income$94,375
Per Capita$84,772
Unemployment0.0%
Poverty0.0%
County GDP$881M
Commute21 min
Housing
A
Home Value$383,300
Ownership100.0%
Zillow$173,036
Housing Units69
Rent Burden24.2%
Crime
F
Violent285/100K
Property1,206/100K
Health
Obesity25.2%
Uninsured4.3%
Smoking9.7%
Depression17.6%
Heart Disease4.3%
Climate
Avg Temp47°F (8°C)
AQI36 (Good)
Rain31.7 in/yr
Sunny Days260/yr
Elevation1,429 ft (436 m)
Education
B
Bachelor's+31.1%
High School+100.0%
Graduate+2.9%
School Score6.02
Community
2024 VoteR 70% / D 28%
Commute21 min
Broadband25.0%
EV Stations1
Libraries3
Is Fish Lake a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Fish Lake receives an overall livability score of 3.4 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include above-average household incomes, low unemployment, low crime rates, abundant sunshine. Fish Lake offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Fish Lake is $94,375, 26% above the national average of $75,149. Residents generally enjoy above-average earning potential. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 0.0%. Only 0.0% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 21 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Fish Lake is $383,300, 36% above the national median. A price-to-income ratio of 4.1x indicates a reasonably affordable housing market.
Safety & Crime
Violent crime in Fish Lake is below the national average at 285 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,206 per 100,000, 38% below the national average.
Education
31.1% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 100.0% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 6/10.
Climate & Weather
Fish Lake experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 47°F. Winters average 17°F in January while summers reach 74°F in July. With 260 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 31.7 inches, including 43.5 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 36.
Fish Lake has a population of 57 with a density of 63 people per square mile, spread across 1.3 square miles. The median age is 46.6 years, 20% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 54.4% female and 45.6% male. The city is predominantly White (100%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 100% of residents. 45.0% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 22.7% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 100.0% have health insurance coverage.
Population
46.6yrs
Median Age
20% above US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Fish Lake vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
100.0%
27% above US avg
Spanish
0.0%
100% below US avg
Social Characteristics
Fish Lake vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Fish Lake is $94,375, which is 26% above the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $84,772 (above the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $998, 30% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 0.0% (below the 3.6% US average). 0.0% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 366 business establishments, including 22 restaurants. The cost of living index is 98.6, roughly in line with the national average. Workers commute an average of 21 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 0.0% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income: Fish Lake vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $94,375 |
| 26% above US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $84,772 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $998 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $72,550 |
| Gini Index | 0.416 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 366 |
| County GDP | $881M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 22 |
| Healthcare | 27 |
| Retail | 40 |
| Manufacturing | 13 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $2,615 |
| 25% below US avg |
| Cost of Living | 98.60 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 0.68% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 21.4 min |
| Drive Alone | 79.3% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 0.0% |
The median home value in Fish Lake is $383,300, 36% above the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $173,036, lower than the Census estimate. Fair market rent ranges from $899 for a one-bedroom to $1,125 for a two-bedroom apartment. 100.0% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 69 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1972. The average annual property tax is $2,615 (lower than the $3,500 national average). 24.2% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 4.1x.
Home Values
| Census Median | $383,300 |
| 36% above US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $173,036 |
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 | 100.0% |
| Owner-Occupied | 100.0% |
| Renter-Occupied | 0.0% |
| Housing Units | 69 |
| Median Year Built | 1972 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $2,615 |
| 25% below US avg |
| Effective Rate | 0.68% |
In Fish Lake, 25.2% of adults are obese, below the national rate of 32.1%. 6.5% have diabetes (below the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 4.3% of residents, below the national average. 21.6% have high blood pressure. 9.7% are current smokers (below the 14.0% national rate). 14.6% report binge drinking. 15.8% are physically inactive, below the national average. 17.6% report depression. 11.4% experience frequent mental distress. 4.3% of residents lack health insurance (below the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:9,990. The dentist ratio is 1:2,473. 61.7% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.9 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Fish Lake vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 25.2% |
| 21% below US avg |
| Diabetes | 6.5% |
| Heart Disease | 4.3% |
| High Blood Pressure | 21.6% |
| Asthma | 7.3% |
| COPD | 3.8% |
| Cancer | 6.4% |
| Stroke | 2.1% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 9.7% |
| 31% below US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 14.6% |
| Physical Inactivity | 15.8% |
| Depression | 17.6% |
| Mental Distress | 11.4% |
| Physical Distress | 8.1% |
| Short Sleep | 22.0% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 100.0% |
| Uninsured | 4.3% |
| 50% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:9,990 |
| Dentists | 1:2,473 |
| Mental Health | 1:1,240 |
| Checkup Rate | 54.5% |
| Dental Visits | 51.4% |
| Premature Death | 7,473/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.9/10 |
| Exercise Access | 61.7% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 27 |
Fish Lake has a violent crime rate of 285 per 100,000 residents, 25% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 1,206 per 100,000, 38% below the U.S. average. The county recorded 1 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Fish Lake receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Fish Lake vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 285.0/100K |
| 25% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 1,205.6/100K |
| 38% 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 |
Fish Lake experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 47°F (8°C). Winters average 17°F in January while summers reach 74°F in July. The area gets 260 sunny days per year, above the national average. Annual precipitation totals 31.7 inches. The area receives 43.5 inches of snow annually, making winter weather a significant factor for residents. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 36. The city sits at an elevation of 1,429 feet.
Temperature
17°F Jan (-9°C)
74°F Jul (23°C)
| Annual Average | 46.8°F |
| 13% below US avg |
| January Average | 17°F (-9°C) |
| July Average | 74°F (23°C) |
| Sunny Days | 260 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,429 ft (436 m) |
| Area | 1.3 sq mi (3.2 km²) |
| Population Density | 63/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 43.8386°N, 95.0470°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Jackson County County |
| Nearest Airport | Southwest Minnesota Regional Marshall/Ryan Field (MML)
57 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
31.7"
16% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
3.94"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 36.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 22.4 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 15.1 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 75.0 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Very Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Moderate |
| Lightning |
Very Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Moderate |
| Drought |
Relatively Low |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
3 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.1. Most recent: M2.7 on Jun 30, 2021.
| Feb 9, 1994 |
6 km NNE of Blomkest, Minnesota |
M3.1 |
129 km |
| Apr 25, 2017 |
Near Mankato, Minnesota |
M2.8 |
92 km |
| Jun 30, 2021 |
4 km E of Rembrandt, Iowa |
M2.7 |
113 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990-2025)
Tornado History
488 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF5. Total: 18 fatalities, 381 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jun 16, 1992 |
EF5 |
78 km |
1 |
| Jun 13, 1968 |
EF5 |
67 km |
9 |
| Jun 25, 2010 |
EF4 |
85 km |
0 |
| Mar 29, 1998 |
EF4 |
41 km |
1 |
| Jun 16, 1992 |
EF4 |
70 km |
0 |
| Aug 24, 2006 |
EF3 |
79 km |
1 |
| Aug 1, 2006 |
EF3 |
27 km |
0 |
| Mar 29, 1998 |
EF3 |
86 km |
1 |
| Aug 7, 1994 |
EF3 |
77 km |
0 |
| Jun 16, 1992 |
EF3 |
62 km |
0 |
| Jun 16, 1992 |
EF3 |
61 km |
0 |
| Jun 16, 1992 |
EF3 |
68 km |
0 |
| Apr 20, 1985 |
EF3 |
85 km |
0 |
| Jun 7, 1984 |
EF3 |
97 km |
0 |
| Sep 20, 1980 |
EF3 |
77 km |
0 |
| Jun 28, 1979 |
EF3 |
92 km |
2 |
| Jun 10, 1977 |
EF3 |
71 km |
0 |
| Oct 1, 1971 |
EF3 |
97 km |
0 |
| May 31, 1971 |
EF3 |
57 km |
0 |
| May 31, 1971 |
EF3 |
69 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950-2024)
Wildfire History
2 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: DEWEYS PASTURE (641 ac, 2008).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2008 |
DEWEYS PASTURE |
641 |
73 km |
| 2024 |
LINCOLN WPA RX |
575 |
65 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
17°F (-9°C) |
0.6 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
19°F (-7°C) |
0.7 in |
|
| March |
31°F (-1°C) |
1.8 in |
|
| April |
45°F (7°C) |
2.7 in |
|
| May |
58°F (15°C) |
3.2 in |
|
| June |
68°F (20°C) |
3.9 in |
Wettest |
| July |
74°F (23°C) |
3.9 in |
Warmest |
| August |
69°F (21°C) |
3.2 in |
|
| September |
61°F (16°C) |
3.2 in |
|
| October |
48°F (9°C) |
2.1 in |
|
| November |
31°F (-0°C) |
1.4 in |
|
| December |
18°F (-8°C) |
0.8 in |
|
Fish Lake has a seasonal temperature swing of 57°F / from 17°F in January to 74°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 27.4 inches, with June being the wettest month (3.9") and January the driest (0.6").
Average costs for common services in Fish 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 | $758 |
| Toddler | $697 |
| Preschool | $637 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $556 |
| Toddler | $563 |
| Preschool | $563 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Fish Lake
What is the population of Fish Lake?
Fish Lake has a population of 57 residents and is located in Minnesota. The population density is 63 people per square mile, spread across 1.3 square miles. The median age of residents is 46.6 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 54.4% female and 45.6% male.
Is Fish Lake expensive to live in?
Fish 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 $94,375, 26% above the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $383,300 (36% above the U.S. median). The home price-to-income ratio is 4.1x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Fish Lake safe?
Fish Lake is safer than the national average, with a violent crime rate of 285 per 100,000 compared to the U.S. rate of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,206 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Fish Lake receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Fish Lake?
Fish Lake has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 47°F (8°C). Winter temperatures average 17°F in January, while summers reach an average of 74°F in July. The area receives 260 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 31.7 inches, with 43.5 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 36.
How is the job market in Fish Lake?
The job market in Fish Lake is very strong, with unemployment at just 0.0% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $998. There are 366 business establishments in the area, including 22 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 21 minutes, and 0.0% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Fish Lake?
The median home value in Fish Lake is $383,300. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $173,036. The homeownership rate is 100.0%. The average annual property tax is $2,615.
How are the schools in Fish Lake?
Schools in Fish Lake score 6 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 31.1% of adults in Fish Lake hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 100.0% have completed high school. 2.9% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Fish Lake?
The obesity rate in Fish Lake is 25.2% (below the national rate of 32.1%). 9.7% of adults are smokers. 15.8% are physically inactive. 17.6% of residents report depression. 4.3% lack health insurance (below the national rate). 61.7% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:9,990.
What is transportation like in Fish Lake?
The average commute in Fish Lake is 21 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 79.3% of workers drive alone to work, and 0.0% work from home.
What are the demographics of Fish Lake?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Fish Lake is 100% White. 100% of residents speak only English at home. 45.0% of the population are military veterans. 22.7% of residents have a disability. 100.0% have health insurance coverage.
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