Median Income
$116,845
55% higher than US avg
Home Value
$430,100
53% higher than US avg
Violent Crime
72/100K
81% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
35.9%
7% higher than US avg
Median Rent
$1,319
13% higher than US avg
Obesity Rate
33.7%
5% higher than US avg
Unemployment
1.7%
53% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
2.3%
81% lower than US avg
How Ham Lake Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population16,575
Median Age42.8 yrs
Density482/mi²
Male / Female53% / 47%
Largest GroupWhite 92%
Veterans7.9%
Economy
A+
Median Income$116,845
Per Capita$54,840
Unemployment1.7%
Poverty2.3%
County GDP$20,603M
Commute30 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$430,100
Rent$1,319
Ownership95.2%
Zillow$491,079
Housing Units5,975
Rent Burden34.4%
Crime
F
Violent72/100K
Property3,007/100K
Health
Obesity33.7%
Uninsured6.6%
Smoking12.3%
Depression25.8%
Heart Disease4.7%
Climate
Avg Temp44°F (6°C)
AQI36 (Good)
Rain28.8 in/yr
Sunny Days276/yr
Elevation897 ft (273 m)
Education
B+
Bachelor's+35.9%
High School+95.8%
Graduate+10.6%
School Score6.43
Community
2024 VoteR 51% / D 47%
Commute30 min
Broadband93.3%
EV Stations4
Libraries9
Is Ham Lake a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Ham Lake receives an overall livability score of 3.6 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B+. Key strengths include above-average household incomes, low unemployment, low crime rates, abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include high housing costs. Ham Lake offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Ham Lake is $116,845, which is significantly higher than the national average / 55% above $75,149. This places Ham Lake among higher-income communities. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 1.7%. Only 2.3% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 30 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Ham Lake is $430,100, making it a premium housing market at 53% above the U.S. median of $281,900. Renters pay a median of $1,319 per month. A price-to-income ratio of 3.7x indicates a reasonably affordable housing market.
Safety & Crime
Ham Lake is a very safe community with a violent crime rate of 72 per 100,000 residents / well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 3,007 per 100,000, 53% above the national average.
Education
Educational attainment is solid, with 35.9% holding a bachelor's degree or higher, near the national average. 95.8% have completed high school. Local schools score 6.4/10 in standardized testing, reflecting strong academic performance.
Climate & Weather
Ham Lake has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 44°F. Winters average 12°F in January while summers reach 71°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 44.1 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 36.
Ham Lake has a population of 16,575 with a density of 482 people per square mile, spread across 35.7 square miles. The median age is 42.8 years, 10% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 47.4% female and 52.6% male. The city is predominantly White (91.6%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 93.8% of residents, while 6.2% speak Spanish. 7.9% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 7.6% of residents have a disability (below the 13.0% national average). 98.3% have health insurance coverage.
Population
42.8yrs
Median Age
10% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
93.8%
19% above US avg
Spanish
6.2%
54% below US avg
The median household income in Ham Lake is $116,845, which is 55% above the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $54,840 (above the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,255, 12% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 1.7% (below the 3.6% US average). 2.3% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 8,852 business establishments, including 547 restaurants. The cost of living index is 98.6, roughly in line with the national average. Workers commute an average of 30 minutes. 13.8% of workers work from home.
Income
| Median HH Income | $116,845 |
| 55% above US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $54,840 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,255 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $82,669 |
| Gini Index | 0.388 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 1.7% |
| 53% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 2.3% |
| 81% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 8,852 |
| County GDP | $20,603M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 547 |
| Healthcare | 939 |
| Retail | 932 |
| Manufacturing | 541 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $4,301 |
| 23% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 98.60 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 1.00% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 29.7 min |
| Drive Alone | 80.2% |
| Public Transit | 0.5% |
| Work from Home | 13.8% |
The median home value in Ham Lake is $430,100, 53% above the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $491,079, higher than the Census estimate. Homes sell for 101.1% of their list price, indicating a competitive market where bidding wars are common. Monthly rent averages $1,319 (13% 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. 95.2% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 5,975 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1994. The average annual property tax is $4,301 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 34.4% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 3.7x.
Home Values
| Census Median | $430,100 |
| 53% above US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $491,079 |
| Median List Price | $562,450 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
| Median List Price | $562,450 |
| $/Sq Ft | $217 |
| Homes Sold | 10 |
| Sale-to-List Ratio | 101.1% |
| Price Drops | 10.5% |
| Inventory | 38 |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $1,319 |
| 13% above US avg |
| Rent Burden | 34.4% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $809 |
| 1 Bedroom | $899 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,125 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,483 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,698 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 95.2% |
| Owner-Occupied | 95.2% |
| Renter-Occupied | 4.8% |
| Housing Units | 5,975 |
| Median Year Built | 1994 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $4,301 |
| 23% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 1.00% |
In Ham Lake, 33.7% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 8.1% have diabetes (below the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 4.7% of residents, below the national average. 26.4% have high blood pressure. 12.3% are current smokers. 20.5% report binge drinking. 21.0% are physically inactive, below the national average. 25.8% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 15.9% experience frequent mental distress. 6.6% of residents lack health insurance (below the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,121. The dentist ratio is 1:1,524. 94.6% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 9.3 out of 10.
Air Quality (Open-Meteo CAMS — 2026-05-23)
PM2.5
3.6
μg/m³
Fine particulate
PM10
3.7
μg/m³
Coarse particulate
NO₂
5.9
μg/m³
Nitrogen dioxide
SO₂
1.3
μg/m³
Sulphur dioxide
CO
140.0
μg/m³
Carbon monoxide
Health Metrics: Ham Lake vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 33.7% |
| 5% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 8.1% |
| Heart Disease | 4.7% |
| High Blood Pressure | 26.4% |
| Asthma | 9.7% |
| COPD | 4.2% |
| Cancer | 7.2% |
| Stroke | 2.4% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 12.3% |
| 12% below US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 20.5% |
| Physical Inactivity | 21.0% |
| Depression | 25.8% |
| Mental Distress | 15.9% |
| Physical Distress | 10.0% |
| Short Sleep | 29.5% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 98.3% |
| Uninsured | 6.6% |
| 23% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:2,121 |
| Dentists | 1:1,524 |
| Mental Health | 1:433 |
| Checkup Rate | 70.8% |
| Dental Visits | 69.7% |
| Premature Death | 6,214/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 9.3/10 |
| Exercise Access | 94.6% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 939 |
Ham Lake has a violent crime rate of 72 per 100,000 residents, 81% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 3,007 per 100,000, 53% above the U.S. average. The county recorded 23 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Ham Lake receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Ham Lake vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 71.9/100K |
| 81% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 3,007.2/100K |
| 53% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 23 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Ham Lake has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 44°F (6°C). Winters average 12°F in January while summers reach 71°F in July. 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 44.1 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 897 feet.
Temperature
12°F Jan (-11°C)
71°F Jul (22°C)
| Annual Average | 43.6°F |
| 19% below US avg |
| January Average | 12°F (-11°C) |
| July Average | 71°F (22°C) |
| Sunny Days | 276 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 897 ft (273 m) |
| Area | 35.7 sq mi (92.5 km²) |
| Population Density | 482/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 45.2539°N, 93.1948°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Anoka County County |
| Nearest Airport | Minneapolis-St Paul International/Wold-Chamberlain (MSP) 26 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
28.8"
24% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
4.37"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 36.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Air Pollutants (EPA 2023)
| Ozone (O₃) | 0.0430 ppm |
| NO₂ (Nitrogen Dioxide) | 9.5 ppb |
| SO₂ (Sulfur Dioxide) | 0.24 ppb |
| CO (Carbon Monoxide) | 0.16 ppm |
| PM2.5 (Fine Particles) | 8.8 μg/m³ |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Moderate |
| Risk Score | 88.0 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 10.6 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 97.1 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Moderate |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Relatively Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hail |
Relatively High |
| Strong Wind |
Very High |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Moderate |
| Lightning |
Relatively High |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Moderate |
| Drought |
Very Low |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
2 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.1. Most recent: M2.8 on Apr 25, 2017.
| Feb 9, 1994 |
6 km NNE of Blomkest, Minnesota |
M3.1 |
144 km |
| Apr 25, 2017 |
Near Mankato, Minnesota |
M2.8 |
135 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
457 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF5. Total: 61 fatalities, 1,209 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jun 4, 1958 |
EF5 |
79 km |
21 |
| Jul 3, 1983 |
EF4 |
11 km |
0 |
| May 6, 1965 |
EF4 |
26 km |
3 |
| May 6, 1965 |
EF4 |
68 km |
3 |
| May 6, 1965 |
EF4 |
34 km |
6 |
| May 6, 1965 |
EF4 |
52 km |
0 |
| May 21, 1957 |
EF4 |
44 km |
0 |
| May 16, 2017 |
EF3 |
81 km |
1 |
| May 25, 2008 |
EF3 |
14 km |
1 |
| Jun 18, 2001 |
EF3 |
72 km |
2 |
| Jul 1, 1997 |
EF3 |
66 km |
0 |
| Jun 16, 1992 |
EF3 |
85 km |
0 |
| Jul 27, 1987 |
EF3 |
85 km |
0 |
| Jul 23, 1987 |
EF3 |
25 km |
0 |
| Apr 26, 1984 |
EF3 |
26 km |
1 |
| Jun 14, 1981 |
EF3 |
49 km |
1 |
| Sep 3, 1980 |
EF3 |
86 km |
1 |
| Jul 30, 1977 |
EF3 |
77 km |
0 |
| May 6, 1965 |
EF3 |
100 km |
0 |
| May 24, 1958 |
EF3 |
22 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: UNIT 4 (5,887 ac, 2002).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2002 |
UNIT 4 |
5,887 |
53 km |
| 2003 |
UNITS 37 38 39 A |
4,879 |
45 km |
| 1998 |
UNITS 1617 |
4,649 |
49 km |
| 2005 |
RX HFR 05 |
4,253 |
49 km |
| 2009 |
BU9 |
4,112 |
54 km |
| 2007 |
WUI 07 - UNIT 36 |
4,025 |
44 km |
| 2000 |
UNIT 25 |
3,412 |
45 km |
| 2009 |
BU11 |
3,242 |
51 km |
| 1997 |
BIG |
2,987 |
48 km |
| 2009 |
UNNAMED |
2,904 |
7 km |
| 2003 |
UNITS 34 33 W |
2,637 |
46 km |
| 2024 |
UNIT 8E RX |
2,551 |
51 km |
| 1992 |
SHARPTAIL |
2,288 |
46 km |
| 1988 |
UNNAMED |
2,243 |
82 km |
| 2024 |
RX-86_FY23 |
2,187 |
85 km |
| 2010 |
WUI 10 UNIT D |
2,042 |
45 km |
| 1996 |
UNNAMED |
1,906 |
44 km |
| 2000 |
UNNAMED |
1,850 |
64 km |
| 2006 |
UNIT 4 |
1,732 |
54 km |
| 2009 |
UNIT 23 24 26 |
1,644 |
48 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
12°F (-11°C) |
0.9 in |
Coldest |
| February |
18°F (-8°C) |
0.8 in |
Driest |
| March |
31°F (-1°C) |
1.6 in |
|
| April |
46°F (8°C) |
2.4 in |
|
| May |
59°F (15°C) |
3.3 in |
|
| June |
67°F (20°C) |
4.4 in |
Wettest |
| July |
71°F (22°C) |
3.8 in |
Warmest |
| August |
69°F (21°C) |
4.1 in |
|
| September |
60°F (15°C) |
3.3 in |
|
| October |
48°F (9°C) |
2.3 in |
|
| November |
31°F (-0°C) |
1.6 in |
|
| December |
17°F (-8°C) |
1.0 in |
|
Ham Lake has a seasonal temperature swing of 59°F / from 12°F in January to 71°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 29.5 inches, with June being the wettest month (4.4") and February the driest (0.8").
Average costs for common services in Ham 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 | $1,689 |
| Toddler | $1,505 |
| Preschool | $1,338 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $714 |
| Toddler | $613 |
| Preschool | $628 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Ham Lake
What is the population of Ham Lake?
Ham Lake has a population of 16,575 residents and is located in Minnesota. The population density is 482 people per square mile, spread across 35.7 square miles. The median age of residents is 42.8 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 47.4% female and 52.6% male.
Is Ham Lake expensive to live in?
Ham 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 $116,845, 55% above the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $430,100 (53% above the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $1,319 per month, above the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 3.7x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Ham Lake safe?
Ham Lake is considered a very safe city with a violent crime rate of 72 per 100,000 residents, well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 3,007 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Ham Lake receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Ham Lake?
Ham Lake has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 44°F (6°C). Winter temperatures average 12°F in January, while summers reach an average of 71°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 44.1 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 36.
How is the job market in Ham Lake?
The job market in Ham Lake is very strong, with unemployment at just 1.7% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,255. There are 8,852 business establishments in the area, including 547 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 30 minutes, and 13.8% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Ham Lake?
The median home value in Ham Lake is $430,100. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $491,079. For renters, the median monthly rent is $1,319. Fair market rent is $899 for a 1-bedroom and $1,125 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 95.2%. The average annual property tax is $4,301.
How are the schools in Ham Lake?
Schools in Ham Lake score 6.4 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 35.9% of adults in Ham Lake hold a bachelor's degree or higher, above the national average of 33.7%. 95.8% have completed high school. 10.6% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Ham Lake?
The obesity rate in Ham Lake is 33.7% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 12.3% of adults are smokers. 21.0% are physically inactive. 25.8% of residents report depression. 6.6% lack health insurance (below the national rate). 94.6% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,121.
What is transportation like in Ham Lake?
The average commute in Ham Lake is 30 minutes. 80.2% of workers drive alone to work, and 13.8% work from home.
What are the demographics of Ham Lake?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Ham Lake is 91.6% White, 0.7% Hispanic or Latino. 93.8% of residents speak only English at home, while 6.2% speak Spanish. 7.9% of the population are military veterans. 7.6% of residents have a disability. 98.3% have health insurance coverage.