Median Income
$49,063
35% lower than US avg
Home Value
$184,900
34% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
344/100K
10% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
17.3%
49% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$854
27% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
38.2%
19% higher than US avg
Unemployment
2.4%
33% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
11.6%
6% lower than US avg
How Milaca Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population3,033
Median Age45.2 yrs
Density887/mi²
Male / Female51% / 49%
Largest GroupWhite 93%
Veterans6.9%
Economy
B+
Median Income$49,063
Per Capita$36,134
Unemployment2.4%
Poverty11.6%
County GDP$1,160M
Commute34 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$184,900
Rent$854
Ownership64.5%
Zillow$236,118
Housing Units1,614
Rent Burden29.3%
Crime
F
Violent344/100K
Property4,194/100K
Murder0.0/100K
Assault275/100K
Burglary206/100K
Health
Obesity38.2%
Uninsured8.4%
Smoking17.5%
Depression26.8%
Heart Disease5.6%
Climate
Avg Temp42°F (5°C)
AQI36 (Good)
Rain30.8 in/yr
Sunny Days270/yr
Elevation1,080 ft (329 m)
Education
C
Bachelor's+17.3%
High School+89.9%
Graduate+4.2%
School Score5.76
Community
2024 VoteR 70% / D 29%
Commute34 min
Broadband81.5%
EV Stations1
Libraries3
Is Milaca a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Milaca receives an overall livability score of 2.9 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C+. Key strengths include low unemployment, affordable housing, abundant sunshine, high health insurance coverage. Areas to be aware of include below-average incomes. Milaca has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Milaca is $49,063, 35% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 2.4%. 11.6% of residents live in poverty, near the national average of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 34 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Milaca is $184,900, 34% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $854 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. A price-to-income ratio of 3.8x indicates a reasonably affordable housing market.
Safety & Crime
Violent crime in Milaca is below the national average at 344 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 4,194 per 100,000, 114% above the national average.
Education
17.3% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 89.9% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.8/10.
Climate & Weather
Milaca has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 42°F. Winters average 11°F in January while summers reach 69°F in July. With 270 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 30.8 inches, including 48.9 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 36.
Milaca has a population of 3,033 with a density of 887 people per square mile, spread across 3.4 square miles. The median age is 45.2 years, 16% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 49.2% female and 50.8% male. The city is predominantly White (93.1%), with 3.1% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 99% of residents. 6.9% of the population are veterans. 20.2% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 94.5% have health insurance coverage.
Population
45.2yrs
Median Age
16% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
99.0%
26% above US avg
Spanish
1.0%
93% below US avg
The median household income in Milaca is $49,063, which is 35% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $36,134. The average weekly wage is $915, 36% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 2.4% (below the 3.6% US average). 11.6% of residents live below the poverty line. The area has 796 business establishments, including 72 restaurants. The cost of living index is 98.6, roughly in line with the national average. Workers commute an average of 34 minutes (longer than the 28-minute US average). 9.4% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $49,063 |
| 35% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $36,134 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $915 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $64,646 |
| Gini Index | 0.421 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 2.4% |
| 33% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 11.6% |
| 6% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 796 |
| County GDP | $1,160M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 72 |
| Healthcare | 80 |
| Retail | 102 |
| Manufacturing | 41 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $3,858 |
| 10% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 98.60 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 2.09% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 34.0 min |
| Drive Alone | 78.0% |
| Public Transit | 0.5% |
| Work from Home | 9.4% |
The median home value in Milaca is $184,900, 34% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $236,118, higher than the Census estimate. Homes sell for 106.2% of their list price, indicating a competitive market where bidding wars are common. Monthly rent averages $854 (27% 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. 64.5% of housing units are owner-occupied. There are 1,614 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1974. The average annual property tax is $3,858. 29.3% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 3.8x.
Home Values
| Census Median | $184,900 |
| 34% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $236,118 |
| Median List Price | $277,450 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
| Median List Price | $277,450 |
| $/Sq Ft | $181 |
| Homes Sold | 3 |
| Sale-to-List Ratio | 106.2% |
| Price Drops | 10.0% |
| Inventory | 10 |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $854 |
| 27% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 29.3% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $809 |
| 1 Bedroom | $899 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,125 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,483 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,698 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 64.5% |
| Owner-Occupied | 64.5% |
| Renter-Occupied | 35.5% |
| Housing Units | 1,614 |
| Median Year Built | 1974 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $3,858 |
| 10% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 2.09% |
In Milaca, 38.2% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 9.6% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.6% of residents. 30.7% have high blood pressure. 17.5% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 20.7% report binge drinking. 26.4% are physically inactive. 26.8% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 18.0% experience frequent mental distress. 8.4% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,580. The dentist ratio is 1:1,949. 65.7% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.6 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Milaca vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 38.2% |
| 19% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 9.6% |
| Heart Disease | 5.6% |
| High Blood Pressure | 30.7% |
| Asthma | 10.8% |
| COPD | 6.1% |
| Cancer | 7.5% |
| Stroke | 3.0% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 17.5% |
| 25% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 20.7% |
| Physical Inactivity | 26.4% |
| Depression | 26.8% |
| Mental Distress | 18.0% |
| Physical Distress | 12.3% |
| Short Sleep | 33.7% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 94.5% |
| Uninsured | 8.4% |
| 2% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,580 |
| Dentists | 1:1,949 |
| Mental Health | 1:366 |
| Checkup Rate | 71.3% |
| Dental Visits | 65.0% |
| Premature Death | 11,137/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.6/10 |
| Exercise Access | 65.7% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 80 |
Milaca has a violent crime rate of 344 per 100,000 residents, 10% below the national average of 380. This breaks down to aggravated assault at 275.0 per 100,000, robbery at 34.4, rape at 34.4. The murder rate is 0.0 per 100,000 (below the national rate of 6.3). Property crime stands at 4,194 per 100,000, 114% above the U.S. average. This includes larceny/theft at 3,541, burglary at 206, vehicle theft at 447 per 100,000 residents. The county recorded 3 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Milaca receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Milaca vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 343.8/100K |
| 10% below US avg |
| Murder | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg |
| Rape | 34.4/100K |
| Robbery | 34.4/100K |
| Assault | 275.0/100K |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 4,193.9/100K |
| 114% above US avg |
| Burglary | 206.3/100K |
| Theft | 3,540.7/100K |
| Vehicle Theft | 446.9/100K |
| Arson | 0.0/100K |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 3 |
| Traffic Accidents | 252 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Milaca has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 42°F (5°C). Winters average 11°F in January while summers reach 69°F in July. The area gets 270 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 30.8 inches. The area receives 48.9 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 1,080 feet.
Temperature
11°F Jan (-12°C)
69°F Jul (21°C)
| Annual Average | 41.8°F |
| 23% below US avg |
| January Average | 11°F (-12°C) |
| July Average | 69°F (21°C) |
| Sunny Days | 270 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,080 ft (329 m) |
| Area | 3.4 sq mi (8.9 km²) |
| Population Density | 887/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 45.7567°N, 93.6513°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Mille Lacs County County |
| Nearest Airport | St Cloud Regional (STC)
24 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
30.8"
19% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
4.53"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 36.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Air Pollutants (EPA 2023)
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 28.5 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 19.2 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 94.6 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Relatively Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Low |
| Lightning |
Relatively Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
Relatively Low |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| 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: M2.5 on Apr 29, 2011.
| Feb 9, 1994 |
6 km NNE of Blomkest, Minnesota |
M3.1 |
135 km |
| Apr 29, 2011 |
Minnesota |
M2.5 |
148 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
326 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 29 fatalities, 650 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jul 3, 1983 |
EF4 |
65 km |
0 |
| May 6, 1965 |
EF4 |
86 km |
3 |
| May 6, 1965 |
EF4 |
89 km |
6 |
| May 21, 1957 |
EF4 |
64 km |
0 |
| May 25, 2008 |
EF3 |
79 km |
1 |
| Jun 18, 2001 |
EF3 |
78 km |
2 |
| Sep 18, 1997 |
EF3 |
47 km |
1 |
| Jul 1, 1997 |
EF3 |
76 km |
0 |
| Jun 16, 1992 |
EF3 |
94 km |
0 |
| Jul 5, 1991 |
EF3 |
96 km |
0 |
| Jul 23, 1987 |
EF3 |
69 km |
0 |
| Apr 26, 1984 |
EF3 |
88 km |
1 |
| Sep 3, 1980 |
EF3 |
51 km |
1 |
| Aug 26, 1977 |
EF3 |
93 km |
0 |
| Jun 25, 1973 |
EF3 |
77 km |
0 |
| Jun 30, 1968 |
EF3 |
67 km |
0 |
| May 5, 1964 |
EF3 |
90 km |
0 |
| May 24, 1958 |
EF3 |
87 km |
0 |
| Jun 23, 1952 |
EF3 |
88 km |
2 |
| Jul 20, 1951 |
EF3 |
93 km |
5 |
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 |
79 km |
| 2009 |
CENTER TANK RANGE |
6,131 |
77 km |
| 2002 |
UNIT 4 |
5,887 |
30 km |
| 2003 |
UNITS 37 38 39 A |
4,879 |
32 km |
| 1998 |
UNITS 1617 |
4,649 |
27 km |
| 1988 |
UNNAMED |
4,475 |
77 km |
| 2005 |
RX HFR 05 |
4,253 |
28 km |
| 2009 |
BU9 |
4,112 |
29 km |
| 2007 |
WUI 07 - UNIT 36 |
4,025 |
33 km |
| 1988 |
UNNAMED |
3,642 |
56 km |
| 2000 |
UNIT 25 |
3,412 |
33 km |
| 2009 |
BU11 |
3,242 |
31 km |
| 2003 |
UNNAMED |
2,998 |
94 km |
| 1997 |
BIG |
2,987 |
31 km |
| 2009 |
UNNAMED |
2,904 |
69 km |
| 2009 |
HENDRICKSON IMPACT AREA |
2,757 |
80 km |
| 2003 |
UNITS 34 33 W |
2,637 |
33 km |
| 2024 |
UNIT 8E RX |
2,551 |
30 km |
| 1987 |
UNNAMED |
2,512 |
95 km |
| 1992 |
SHARPTAIL |
2,288 |
34 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
11°F (-12°C) |
0.8 in |
Coldest |
| February |
16°F (-9°C) |
0.7 in |
Driest |
| March |
29°F (-2°C) |
1.5 in |
|
| April |
44°F (7°C) |
2.2 in |
|
| May |
57°F (14°C) |
3.3 in |
|
| June |
65°F (18°C) |
4.5 in |
Wettest |
| July |
69°F (21°C) |
3.9 in |
Warmest |
| August |
67°F (20°C) |
3.9 in |
|
| September |
58°F (14°C) |
3.3 in |
|
| October |
46°F (8°C) |
2.4 in |
|
| November |
29°F (-2°C) |
1.5 in |
|
| December |
15°F (-10°C) |
1.0 in |
|
Milaca has a seasonal temperature swing of 59°F / from 11°F in January to 69°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 29.1 inches, with June being the wettest month (4.5") and February the driest (0.7").
Average costs for common services in Milaca. 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 | $1,070 |
| Toddler | $945 |
| Preschool | $891 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $621 |
| Toddler | $570 |
| Preschool | $570 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Milaca
What is the population of Milaca?
Milaca has a population of 3,033 residents and is located in Minnesota. The population density is 887 people per square mile, spread across 3.4 square miles. The median age of residents is 45.2 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 49.2% female and 50.8% male.
Is Milaca expensive to live in?
Milaca 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 $49,063, 35% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $184,900 (34% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $854 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 3.8x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Milaca safe?
Milaca is safer than the national average, with a violent crime rate of 344 per 100,000 compared to the U.S. rate of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 4,194 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Milaca receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Milaca?
Milaca has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 42°F (5°C). Winter temperatures average 11°F in January, while summers reach an average of 69°F in July. The area receives 270 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 30.8 inches, with 48.9 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 36.
How is the job market in Milaca?
The job market in Milaca is very strong, with unemployment at just 2.4% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $915. There are 796 business establishments in the area, including 72 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 34 minutes, and 9.4% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Milaca?
The median home value in Milaca is $184,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $236,118. For renters, the median monthly rent is $854. Fair market rent is $899 for a 1-bedroom and $1,125 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 64.5%. The average annual property tax is $3,858.
How are the schools in Milaca?
Schools in Milaca score 5.8 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 17.3% of adults in Milaca hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 89.9% have completed high school. 4.2% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Milaca?
The obesity rate in Milaca is 38.2% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 17.5% of adults are smokers. 26.4% are physically inactive. 26.8% of residents report depression. 8.4% lack health insurance. 65.7% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,580.
What is transportation like in Milaca?
The average commute in Milaca is 34 minutes, longer than the national average of 28 minutes. 78% of workers drive alone to work, and 9.4% work from home.
What are the demographics of Milaca?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Milaca is 93.1% White, 3.1% Hispanic or Latino. 99% of residents speak only English at home. 6.9% of the population are military veterans. 20.2% of residents have a disability. 94.5% have health insurance coverage.
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