Median Income
$42,143
44% lower than US avg
Home Value
$56,100
80% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
252/100K
34% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
6.2%
82% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$771
34% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
39.7%
24% higher than US avg
Unemployment
3.3%
8% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
How Mentor Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population143
Median Age52.5 yrs
Density75/mi²
Male / Female50% / 50%
Largest GroupWhite 100%
Veterans4.9%
Economy
B+
Median Income$42,143
Per Capita$34,350
Unemployment3.3%
Poverty0.0%
County GDP$248M
Commute27 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$56,100
Rent$771
Ownership85.1%
Zillow$317,649
Housing Units95
Rent Burden21.5%
Crime
F
Violent252/100K
Property3,455/100K
Health
Obesity39.7%
Uninsured8.2%
Smoking17.5%
Depression27.9%
Heart Disease5.7%
Climate
Avg Temp40°F (4°C)
AQI36 (Good)
Rain24.3 in/yr
Sunny Days276/yr
Elevation1,174 ft (358 m)
Education
F
Bachelor's+6.2%
High School+87.6%
Graduate+0.0%
School Score5.92
Community
2024 VoteR 68% / D 30%
Commute27 min
Broadband74.0%
EV Stations1
Libraries1
Is Mentor a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Mentor receives an overall livability score of 2.8 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C+. Key strengths include low unemployment, low crime rates, affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include below-average incomes, high obesity rates. Mentor has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Mentor is $42,143, 44% below the national average of $75,149. Unemployment stands at 3.3%, indicating a healthy job market. Only 0.0% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 27 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Mentor is $56,100, 80% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $771 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 1.3x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Violent crime in Mentor is below the national average at 252 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 3,455 per 100,000, 76% above the national average.
Education
6.2% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 87.6% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.9/10.
Climate & Weather
Mentor has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 40°F. Winters average 6°F in January while summers reach 69°F in July. With 276 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 24.3 inches, including 49.9 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 36.
Mentor has a population of 143 with a density of 75 people per square mile, spread across 1.9 square miles. The median age is 52.5 years, 35% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 50.3% female and 49.7% male. The city is predominantly White (100%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 97.8% of residents. 4.9% of the population are veterans. 15.5% of residents have a disability. 97.9% have health insurance coverage.
Population
52.5yrs
Median Age
35% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
97.8%
25% above US avg
Spanish
2.2%
84% below US avg
The median household income in Mentor is $42,143, which is 44% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $34,350 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $858, 40% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 3.3% (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 126 business establishments, including 13 restaurants. The cost of living index is 98.6, roughly in line with the national average. Workers commute an average of 27 minutes. 0.0% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $42,143 |
| 44% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $34,350 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $858 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $66,613 |
| Gini Index | 0.401 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 3.3% |
| 8% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 126 |
| County GDP | $248M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 13 |
| Healthcare | 5 |
| Retail | 17 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| |
| Cost of Living | 98.60 (100=avg) |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 26.7 min |
| Drive Alone | 69.3% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 0.0% |
The median home value in Mentor is $56,100, 80% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $317,649, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $771 (34% 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. 85.1% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 95 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1964. 21.5% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.3x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $56,100 |
| 80% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $317,649 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $771 |
| 34% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 21.5% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $809 |
| 1 Bedroom | $899 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,125 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,483 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,698 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 85.1% |
| Owner-Occupied | 85.1% |
| Renter-Occupied | 14.9% |
| Housing Units | 95 |
| Median Year Built | 1964 |
Property Tax
In Mentor, 39.7% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 9.2% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.7% of residents. 27.6% have high blood pressure. 17.5% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 20.3% report binge drinking. 25.3% are physically inactive. 27.9% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 18.3% experience frequent mental distress. 8.2% of residents lack health insurance. 54.3% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 6.6 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Mentor vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 39.7% |
| 24% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 9.2% |
| Heart Disease | 5.7% |
| High Blood Pressure | 27.6% |
| Asthma | 11.0% |
| COPD | 6.1% |
| Cancer | 7.4% |
| Stroke | 3.0% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 17.5% |
| 25% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 20.3% |
| Physical Inactivity | 25.3% |
| Depression | 27.9% |
| Mental Distress | 18.3% |
| Physical Distress | 12.4% |
| Short Sleep | 35.1% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 97.9% |
| Uninsured | 8.2% |
| 5% below US avg |
| Checkup Rate | 71.9% |
| Dental Visits | 63.3% |
| Premature Death | 7,813/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 6.6/10 |
| Exercise Access | 54.3% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 5 |
Mentor has a violent crime rate of 252 per 100,000 residents, 34% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 3,455 per 100,000, 76% above the U.S. average. Overall, Mentor receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Mentor vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 251.7/100K |
| 34% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 3,455.4/100K |
| 76% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Mentor has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 40°F (4°C). Winters average 6°F in January while summers reach 69°F in July / a wide seasonal temperature swing of 63°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 24.3 inches (drier than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 49.9 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 1,174 feet.
Temperature
6°F Jan (-14°C)
69°F Jul (20°C)
| Annual Average | 39.8°F |
| 26% below US avg |
| January Average | 6°F (-14°C) |
| July Average | 69°F (20°C) |
| Sunny Days | 276 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,174 ft (358 m) |
| Area | 1.9 sq mi (4.8 km²) |
| Population Density | 75/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 47.6967°N, 96.1440°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Red Lake County County |
| Nearest Airport | Thief River Falls Regional (TVF)
26 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
24.3"
36% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
3.82"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 36.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 2.2 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 10.6 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 86.1 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Very Low |
| Hail |
Very Low |
| Strong Wind |
Very Low |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Low |
| Lightning |
Very Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
Relatively Low |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Tornado History
348 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 7 fatalities, 66 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jun 17, 2010 |
EF4 |
88 km |
0 |
| Aug 27, 2016 |
EF3 |
75 km |
0 |
| Jun 17, 2010 |
EF3 |
7 km |
1 |
| Jun 28, 1975 |
EF3 |
98 km |
0 |
| Jun 16, 1973 |
EF3 |
78 km |
0 |
| Aug 11, 1958 |
EF3 |
82 km |
0 |
| Jun 24, 2023 |
EF2 |
52 km |
0 |
| Jun 24, 2022 |
EF2 |
99 km |
0 |
| Jun 8, 2019 |
EF2 |
22 km |
0 |
| Jun 29, 2018 |
EF2 |
19 km |
0 |
| Jul 11, 2017 |
EF2 |
72 km |
0 |
| Jul 11, 2017 |
EF2 |
60 km |
0 |
| Jul 11, 2017 |
EF2 |
88 km |
0 |
| Aug 28, 2016 |
EF2 |
30 km |
0 |
| Jun 27, 2015 |
EF2 |
93 km |
0 |
| Jul 21, 2014 |
EF2 |
54 km |
0 |
| Jul 22, 2013 |
EF2 |
48 km |
0 |
| Aug 10, 2010 |
EF2 |
83 km |
0 |
| Jun 17, 2010 |
EF2 |
89 km |
0 |
| Jul 11, 2008 |
EF2 |
50 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950-2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: UNNAMED (131,401 ac, 1987).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 1987 |
UNNAMED |
131,401 |
68 km |
| 2003 |
REINER 36 |
67,641 |
65 km |
| 1989 |
UNNAMED |
66,422 |
66 km |
| 1990 |
UNNAMED |
43,533 |
73 km |
| 1991 |
UNNAMED |
37,840 |
58 km |
| 1990 |
UNNAMED |
32,693 |
60 km |
| 1987 |
SANDY LAKE |
26,617 |
56 km |
| 1990 |
UNNAMED |
26,345 |
71 km |
| 1998 |
RL3 |
14,882 |
72 km |
| 2018 |
2018 HIGHWAY 1 RXB |
13,170 |
73 km |
| 2021 |
OXCART |
12,538 |
10 km |
| 1987 |
UNNAMED |
10,819 |
61 km |
| 1987 |
UNNAMED |
9,281 |
86 km |
| 1994 |
UNNAMED |
8,690 |
58 km |
| 1990 |
UNNAMED |
8,025 |
73 km |
| 2016 |
2016 HIGHWAY 1 RXB |
7,744 |
71 km |
| 2021 |
RL 005 UNIT 8 AND 9 |
6,352 |
66 km |
| 2003 |
HICKORY ONE |
6,152 |
51 km |
| 2007 |
HWYONEBURN |
6,124 |
72 km |
| 2002 |
RED LAKE 468 |
6,076 |
58 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
6°F (-14°C) |
0.7 in |
Coldest |
| February |
11°F (-12°C) |
0.5 in |
Driest |
| March |
24°F (-4°C) |
0.9 in |
|
| April |
41°F (5°C) |
1.6 in |
|
| May |
55°F (13°C) |
2.6 in |
|
| June |
64°F (18°C) |
3.8 in |
Wettest |
| July |
69°F (20°C) |
3.3 in |
Warmest |
| August |
67°F (19°C) |
3.4 in |
|
| September |
56°F (14°C) |
2.6 in |
|
| October |
44°F (7°C) |
1.8 in |
|
| November |
26°F (-4°C) |
0.8 in |
|
| December |
11°F (-12°C) |
0.7 in |
|
Mentor has a seasonal temperature swing of 63°F / from 6°F in January to 69°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 22.6 inches, with June being the wettest month (3.8") and February the driest (0.5").
Average costs for common services in Mentor. 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 Mentor
What is the population of Mentor?
Mentor has a population of 143 residents and is located in Minnesota. The population density is 75 people per square mile, spread across 1.9 square miles. The median age of residents is 52.5 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 50.3% female and 49.7% male.
Is Mentor expensive to live in?
Mentor 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 $42,143, 44% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $56,100 (80% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $771 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.3x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Mentor safe?
Mentor is safer than the national average, with a violent crime rate of 252 per 100,000 compared to the U.S. rate of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 3,455 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Mentor receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Mentor?
Mentor has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 40°F (4°C). Winter temperatures average 6°F in January, while summers reach an average of 69°F in July. The area receives 276 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 24.3 inches, with 49.9 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 36.
How is the job market in Mentor?
Mentor has a healthy job market with an unemployment rate of 3.3%, near the national average of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $858. There are 126 business establishments in the area, including 13 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 27 minutes, and 0.0% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Mentor?
The median home value in Mentor is $56,100. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $317,649. For renters, the median monthly rent is $771. Fair market rent is $899 for a 1-bedroom and $1,125 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 85.1%.
How are the schools in Mentor?
Schools in Mentor score 5.9 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 6.2% of adults in Mentor hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 87.6% have completed high school. 0.0% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Mentor?
The obesity rate in Mentor is 39.7% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 17.5% of adults are smokers. 25.3% are physically inactive. 27.9% of residents report depression. 8.2% lack health insurance. 54.3% of residents have access to exercise opportunities.
What is transportation like in Mentor?
The average commute in Mentor is 27 minutes. 69.3% of workers drive alone to work, and 0.0% work from home.
What are the demographics of Mentor?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Mentor is 100% White. 97.8% of residents speak only English at home. 4.9% of the population are military veterans. 15.5% of residents have a disability. 97.9% have health insurance coverage.
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