Median Income
$53,056
29% lower than US avg
Home Value
$212,500
25% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
374/100K
2% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
17.3%
49% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$823
29% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
39.7%
24% higher than US avg
Unemployment
7.0%
94% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
10.9%
12% lower than US avg
How Isle Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population747
Median Age51.8 yrs
Density276/mi²
Male / Female51% / 49%
Largest GroupWhite 79%
Veterans10.5%
Economy
B
Median Income$53,056
Per Capita$38,227
Unemployment7.0%
Poverty10.9%
County GDP$674M
Commute32 min
Housing
A
Home Value$212,500
Rent$823
Ownership63.3%
Zillow$289,612
Housing Units521
Rent Burden28.2%
Crime
F
Violent374/100K
Property7,721/100K
Murder0.0/100K
Assault374/100K
Burglary872/100K
Health
Obesity39.7%
Uninsured9.0%
Smoking19.2%
Depression26.3%
Heart Disease5.8%
Climate
Avg Temp41°F (5°C)
AQI36 (Good)
Rain28.8 in/yr
Sunny Days276/yr
Elevation1,313 ft (400 m)
Education
C
Bachelor's+17.3%
High School+89.4%
Graduate+8.4%
School Score5.67
Community
2024 VoteR 65% / D 34%
Commute32 min
Broadband85.3%
EV Stations3
Libraries2
Is Isle a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Isle receives an overall livability score of 2.7 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C+. Key strengths include affordable housing, abundant sunshine, high health insurance coverage. Areas to be aware of include above-average unemployment, below-average incomes, high obesity rates. Isle has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Isle is $53,056, 29% below the national average of $75,149. The unemployment rate of 7.0% is somewhat elevated compared to the national rate of 3.6%. 10.9% of residents live in poverty, near the national average of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 32 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Isle is $212,500, 25% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $823 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. A price-to-income ratio of 4x indicates a reasonably affordable housing market.
Safety & Crime
Violent crime in Isle is below the national average at 374 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 7,721 per 100,000, 294% above the national average.
Education
17.3% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 89.4% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.7/10.
Climate & Weather
Isle has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 41°F. Winters average 9°F in January while summers reach 68°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 43.1 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 36.
Isle has a population of 747 with a density of 276 people per square mile, spread across 2.6 square miles. The median age is 51.8 years, 33% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 48.6% female and 51.4% male. The city is predominantly White (79.1%), with 17% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 96.4% of residents. 10.5% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 26.0% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 96.7% have health insurance coverage.
Population
51.8yrs
Median Age
33% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
96.4%
23% above US avg
Spanish
3.6%
73% below US avg
The median household income in Isle is $53,056, which is 29% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $38,227. The average weekly wage is $917, 36% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 7.0% (above the 3.6% US average). 10.9% of residents live below the poverty line. The area has 476 business establishments, including 55 restaurants. The cost of living index is 98.6, roughly in line with the national average. Workers commute an average of 32 minutes. 7.4% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $53,056 |
| 29% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $38,227 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $917 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $67,457 |
| Gini Index | 0.436 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 7.0% |
| 94% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 10.9% |
| 12% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 476 |
| County GDP | $674M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 55 |
| Healthcare | 39 |
| Retail | 65 |
| Manufacturing | 21 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $3,500 |
| 0% below US avg |
| Cost of Living | 98.60 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 1.65% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 31.8 min |
| Drive Alone | 64.3% |
| Public Transit | 1.7% |
| Work from Home | 7.4% |
The median home value in Isle is $212,500, 25% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $289,612, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $823 (29% 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. 63.3% of housing units are owner-occupied. There are 521 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1976. The average annual property tax is $3,500. 28.2% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 4x.
Home Values
| Census Median | $212,500 |
| 25% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $289,612 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $823 |
| 29% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 28.2% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $809 |
| 1 Bedroom | $899 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,125 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,483 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,698 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 63.3% |
| Owner-Occupied | 63.3% |
| Renter-Occupied | 36.7% |
| Housing Units | 521 |
| Median Year Built | 1976 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $3,500 |
| 0% below US avg |
| Effective Rate | 1.65% |
In Isle, 39.7% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 10.6% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.8% of residents. 31.6% have high blood pressure. 19.2% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 19.9% report binge drinking. 28.0% are physically inactive. 26.3% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 18.6% experience frequent mental distress. 9.0% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,135. The dentist ratio is 1:3,225. 48.6% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 7.5 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Isle vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 39.7% |
| 24% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 10.6% |
| Heart Disease | 5.8% |
| High Blood Pressure | 31.6% |
| Asthma | 11.5% |
| COPD | 6.2% |
| Cancer | 7.2% |
| Stroke | 3.3% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 19.2% |
| 37% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 19.9% |
| Physical Inactivity | 28.0% |
| Depression | 26.3% |
| Mental Distress | 18.6% |
| Physical Distress | 13.1% |
| Short Sleep | 36.2% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 96.7% |
| Uninsured | 9.0% |
| 5% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,135 |
| Dentists | 1:3,225 |
| Mental Health | 1:1,073 |
| Checkup Rate | 71.6% |
| Dental Visits | 59.6% |
| Premature Death | 8,648/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.5/10 |
| Exercise Access | 48.6% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 39 |
Isle has a violent crime rate of 374 per 100,000 residents, 2% below the national average of 380. This breaks down to aggravated assault at 373.6 per 100,000, robbery at 0.0, rape at 0.0. The murder rate is 0.0 per 100,000 (below the national rate of 6.3). Property crime stands at 7,721 per 100,000, 294% above the U.S. average. This includes larceny/theft at 6,476, burglary at 872, vehicle theft at 374 per 100,000 residents. The county recorded 1 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Isle receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Isle vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 373.6/100K |
| 2% below US avg |
| Murder | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg |
| Rape | 0.0/100K |
| Robbery | 0.0/100K |
| Assault | 373.6/100K |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 7,721.1/100K |
| 294% above US avg |
| Burglary | 871.7/100K |
| Theft | 6,475.7/100K |
| Vehicle Theft | 373.6/100K |
| Arson | 0.0/100K |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 1 |
| Traffic Accidents | 51 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Isle has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 41°F (5°C). Winters average 9°F in January while summers reach 68°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 43.1 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 1,313 feet.
Temperature
9°F Jan (-13°C)
68°F Jul (20°C)
| Annual Average | 41.0°F |
| 24% below US avg |
| January Average | 9°F (-13°C) |
| July Average | 68°F (20°C) |
| Sunny Days | 276 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,313 ft (400 m) |
| Area | 2.6 sq mi (6.6 km²) |
| Population Density | 276/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 46.1381°N, 93.4558°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Aitkin County County |
| Nearest Airport | Brainerd Lakes Regional (BRD)
37 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
28.8"
24% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
4.33"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 36.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 56.6 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 72.9 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 98.2 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Very Low |
| Lightning |
Relatively Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
Relatively Low |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Landslide |
Relatively Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Tornado History
209 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 21 fatalities, 173 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Aug 6, 1969 |
EF4 |
92 km |
12 |
| Jun 11, 1966 |
EF4 |
89 km |
0 |
| May 21, 1957 |
EF4 |
77 km |
0 |
| Jun 18, 2001 |
EF3 |
74 km |
2 |
| Sep 18, 1997 |
EF3 |
46 km |
1 |
| Jul 5, 1991 |
EF3 |
78 km |
0 |
| Sep 3, 1980 |
EF3 |
90 km |
1 |
| Aug 26, 1977 |
EF3 |
84 km |
0 |
| Jun 25, 1973 |
EF3 |
53 km |
0 |
| Aug 6, 1969 |
EF3 |
97 km |
0 |
| Aug 6, 1969 |
EF3 |
85 km |
1 |
| Jun 30, 1968 |
EF3 |
31 km |
0 |
| Jun 12, 2024 |
EF2 |
61 km |
0 |
| Jun 12, 2024 |
EF2 |
87 km |
0 |
| Jun 19, 2016 |
EF2 |
49 km |
0 |
| Jun 17, 2010 |
EF2 |
64 km |
0 |
| Jun 13, 2001 |
EF2 |
85 km |
0 |
| Jun 13, 2001 |
EF2 |
62 km |
0 |
| Sep 18, 1997 |
EF2 |
71 km |
0 |
| Sep 18, 1997 |
EF2 |
3 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 |
75 km |
| 2009 |
CENTER TANK RANGE |
6,131 |
75 km |
| 2002 |
UNIT 4 |
5,887 |
75 km |
| 2003 |
UNITS 37 38 39 A |
4,879 |
76 km |
| 1998 |
UNITS 1617 |
4,649 |
72 km |
| 1988 |
UNNAMED |
4,475 |
75 km |
| 2005 |
RX HFR 05 |
4,253 |
72 km |
| 2009 |
BU9 |
4,112 |
74 km |
| 2007 |
WUI 07 - UNIT 36 |
4,025 |
77 km |
| 1988 |
UNNAMED |
3,642 |
41 km |
| 2000 |
UNIT 25 |
3,412 |
77 km |
| 2009 |
BU11 |
3,242 |
76 km |
| 2003 |
UNNAMED |
2,998 |
49 km |
| 1997 |
BIG |
2,987 |
76 km |
| 2009 |
HENDRICKSON IMPACT AREA |
2,757 |
73 km |
| 2015 |
TAMARACK |
2,745 |
61 km |
| 2003 |
UNITS 34 33 W |
2,637 |
77 km |
| 2024 |
UNIT 8E RX |
2,551 |
75 km |
| 1987 |
UNNAMED |
2,512 |
50 km |
| 1991 |
UNNAMED |
2,486 |
73 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
9°F (-13°C) |
0.8 in |
Coldest |
| February |
15°F (-10°C) |
0.6 in |
Driest |
| March |
27°F (-3°C) |
1.6 in |
|
| April |
42°F (5°C) |
2.2 in |
|
| May |
55°F (13°C) |
3.3 in |
|
| June |
63°F (17°C) |
4.3 in |
Wettest |
| July |
68°F (20°C) |
4.2 in |
Warmest |
| August |
66°F (19°C) |
3.9 in |
|
| September |
57°F (14°C) |
3.2 in |
|
| October |
45°F (7°C) |
2.4 in |
|
| November |
29°F (-2°C) |
1.6 in |
|
| December |
14°F (-10°C) |
1.0 in |
|
Isle has a seasonal temperature swing of 59°F / from 9°F in January to 68°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 29.1 inches, with June being the wettest month (4.3") and February the driest (0.6").
Average costs for common services in Isle. 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 | $765 |
| Toddler | $650 |
| Preschool | $664 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Isle
What is the population of Isle?
Isle has a population of 747 residents and is located in Minnesota. The population density is 276 people per square mile, spread across 2.6 square miles. The median age of residents is 51.8 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 48.6% female and 51.4% male.
Is Isle expensive to live in?
Isle 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 $53,056, 29% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $212,500 (25% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $823 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 4x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Isle safe?
Isle is safer than the national average, with a violent crime rate of 374 per 100,000 compared to the U.S. rate of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 7,721 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Isle receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Isle?
Isle has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 41°F (5°C). Winter temperatures average 9°F in January, while summers reach an average of 68°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 43.1 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 36.
How is the job market in Isle?
The unemployment rate in Isle is 7.0%, somewhat above the national average of 3.6%. Job seekers may face moderate competition. The average weekly wage is $917. There are 476 business establishments in the area, including 55 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 32 minutes, and 7.4% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Isle?
The median home value in Isle is $212,500. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $289,612. For renters, the median monthly rent is $823. Fair market rent is $899 for a 1-bedroom and $1,125 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 63.3%. The average annual property tax is $3,500.
How are the schools in Isle?
Schools in Isle score 5.7 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 17.3% of adults in Isle hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 89.4% have completed high school. 8.4% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Isle?
The obesity rate in Isle is 39.7% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 19.2% of adults are smokers. 28.0% are physically inactive. 26.3% of residents report depression. 9.0% lack health insurance. 48.6% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,135.
What is transportation like in Isle?
The average commute in Isle is 32 minutes, longer than the national average of 28 minutes. 64.3% of workers drive alone to work, 1.7% use public transit, and 7.4% work from home.
What are the demographics of Isle?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Isle is 79.1% White, 17% Hispanic or Latino. 96.4% of residents speak only English at home, while 3.6% speak Spanish. 10.5% of the population are military veterans. 26.0% of residents have a disability. 96.7% have health insurance coverage.
All Countries
