Median Income
$61,576
18% lower than US avg
Home Value
$205,000
27% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
142/100K
63% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
10.9%
68% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$901
23% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
46.2%
44% higher than US avg
Unemployment
0.4%
89% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
5.4%
56% lower than US avg
How Moose Lake Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population3,297
Median Age44.7 yrs
Density1,005/mi²
Male / Female80% / 20%
Largest GroupWhite 72%
Veterans8.8%
Economy
A
Median Income$61,576
Per Capita$16,211
Unemployment0.4%
Poverty5.4%
County GDP$1,907M
Commute20 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$205,000
Rent$901
Ownership57.2%
Zillow$272,153
Housing Units641
Rent Burden22.8%
Crime
F
Violent142/100K
Property1,808/100K
Murder0.0/100K
Assault142/100K
Burglary71/100K
Health
Obesity46.2%
Uninsured13.7%
Smoking24.9%
Depression25.1%
Heart Disease8.2%
Climate
Avg Temp41°F (5°C)
AQI36 (Good)
Rain31.5 in/yr
Sunny Days249/yr
Elevation1,048 ft (319 m)
Education
D
Bachelor's+10.9%
High School+91.0%
Graduate+2.7%
School Score6.47
Community
2024 VoteR 50% / D 48%
Commute20 min
Broadband81.5%
EV Stations3
Libraries3
Is Moose Lake a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Moose Lake receives an overall livability score of 3.0 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include low unemployment, low crime rates, affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include a high uninsured rate, high obesity rates. Moose Lake offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Moose Lake is $61,576, 18% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 0.4%. Only 5.4% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 20 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Moose Lake is $205,000, 27% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $901 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. A price-to-income ratio of 3.3x indicates a reasonably affordable housing market.
Safety & Crime
Moose Lake is a very safe community with a violent crime rate of 142 per 100,000 residents / well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,808 per 100,000, near the national average.
Education
10.9% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 91.0% have completed high school. Local schools score 6.5/10 in standardized testing, reflecting strong academic performance.
Climate & Weather
Moose Lake has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 41°F. Winters average 10°F in January while summers reach 69°F in July. The area gets 249 sunny days per year. Annual precipitation totals 31.5 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 36.
Moose Lake has a population of 3,297 with a density of 1,005 people per square mile, spread across 3.3 square miles. The median age is 44.7 years, 15% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 20.4% female and 79.6% male. The city is predominantly White (72%), with 4.9% Hispanic, 16.9% Black. English is the primary language spoken at home by 89.5% of residents, while 10.5% speak Spanish. 8.8% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 35.2% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 93.5% have health insurance coverage.
Population
44.7yrs
Median Age
15% above US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Moose Lake vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
89.5%
14% above US avg
Spanish
10.5%
22% below US avg
Social Characteristics
Moose Lake vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Moose Lake is $61,576, which is 18% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $16,211 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,117, 22% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 0.4% (below the 3.6% US average). 5.4% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 816 business establishments, including 54 restaurants. The cost of living index is 98.6, roughly in line with the national average. Workers commute an average of 20 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 23.7% of workers work from home (above the 15.2% national rate).
Income: Moose Lake vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $61,576 |
| 18% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $16,211 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,117 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $67,169 |
| Gini Index | 0.407 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 0.4% |
| 89% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 5.4% |
| 56% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 816 |
| County GDP | $1,907M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 54 |
| Healthcare | 102 |
| Retail | 99 |
| Manufacturing | 27 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $4,404 |
| 26% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 98.60 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 2.15% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 19.5 min |
| Drive Alone | 58.9% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 23.7% |
The median home value in Moose Lake is $205,000, 27% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $272,153, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $901 (23% 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. 57.2% of housing units are owner-occupied (below the 65.4% national rate). There are 641 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1969. The average annual property tax is $4,404 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 22.8% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 3.3x.
Home Values
| Census Median | $205,000 |
| 27% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $272,153 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $901 |
| 23% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 22.8% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $809 |
| 1 Bedroom | $899 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,125 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,483 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,698 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 57.2% |
| Owner-Occupied | 57.2% |
| Renter-Occupied | 42.8% |
| Housing Units | 641 |
| Median Year Built | 1969 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $4,404 |
| 26% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 2.15% |
In Moose Lake, 46.2% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 14.7% have diabetes (above the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 8.2% of residents, above the national average. 37.9% have high blood pressure. 24.9% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 20.4% report binge drinking. 34.1% are physically inactive, above the national average. 25.1% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 18.4% experience frequent mental distress. 13.7% of residents lack health insurance (above the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,138. The dentist ratio is 1:1,530. 62.7% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.5 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Moose Lake vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 46.2% |
| 44% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 14.7% |
| Heart Disease | 8.2% |
| High Blood Pressure | 37.9% |
| Asthma | 10.2% |
| COPD | 8.6% |
| Cancer | 6.9% |
| Stroke | 4.4% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 24.9% |
| 78% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 20.4% |
| Physical Inactivity | 34.1% |
| Depression | 25.1% |
| Mental Distress | 18.4% |
| Physical Distress | 15.4% |
| Short Sleep | 41.0% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 93.5% |
| Uninsured | 13.7% |
| 59% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,138 |
| Dentists | 1:1,530 |
| Mental Health | 1:444 |
| Checkup Rate | 69.2% |
| Dental Visits | 47.8% |
| Premature Death | 7,923/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.5/10 |
| Exercise Access | 62.7% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 102 |
Moose Lake has a violent crime rate of 142 per 100,000 residents, 63% below the national average of 380. This breaks down to aggravated assault at 141.8 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 1,808 per 100,000, 8% below the U.S. average. This includes larceny/theft at 1,702, burglary at 71, vehicle theft at 35 per 100,000 residents. The county recorded 4 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Moose Lake receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Moose Lake vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 141.8/100K |
| 63% below US avg |
| Murder | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg |
| Rape | 0.0/100K |
| Robbery | 0.0/100K |
| Assault | 141.8/100K |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 1,807.9/100K |
| 8% below US avg |
| Burglary | 70.9/100K |
| Theft | 1,701.5/100K |
| Vehicle Theft | 35.5/100K |
| Arson | 0.0/100K |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 4 |
| Traffic Accidents | 177 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.1 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Moose Lake has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 41°F (5°C). Winters average 10°F in January while summers reach 69°F in July. The area gets 249 sunny days per year, above the national average. Annual precipitation totals 31.5 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 36. The city sits at an elevation of 1,048 feet.
Temperature
10°F Jan (-12°C)
69°F Jul (20°C)
| Annual Average | 41.4°F |
| 23% below US avg |
| January Average | 10°F (-12°C) |
| July Average | 69°F (20°C) |
| Sunny Days | 249 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,048 ft (319 m) |
| Area | 3.3 sq mi (8.5 km²) |
| Population Density | 1,005/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 46.4503°N, 92.7610°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Carlton County County |
| Nearest Airport | Duluth International (DLH)
38 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
31.5"
17% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
4.29"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 36.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Air Pollutants (EPA 2023)
| Ozone (O₃) | 0.0395 ppm |
| PM2.5 (Fine Particles) | 5.8 μg/m³ |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 70.1 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 27.5 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 90.8 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Low |
| Lightning |
Relatively Moderate |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
Relatively Low |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively High |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Tornado History
119 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 7 fatalities, 58 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| May 21, 1957 |
EF4 |
97 km |
0 |
| Jun 18, 2001 |
EF3 |
75 km |
2 |
| Jun 25, 1973 |
EF3 |
97 km |
0 |
| Aug 6, 1969 |
EF3 |
73 km |
1 |
| Aug 6, 1969 |
EF3 |
81 km |
2 |
| Aug 6, 1969 |
EF3 |
58 km |
0 |
| Jun 30, 1968 |
EF3 |
37 km |
0 |
| Jun 12, 2024 |
EF2 |
95 km |
0 |
| Jun 19, 2016 |
EF2 |
89 km |
0 |
| Jul 1, 2011 |
EF2 |
70 km |
0 |
| Jun 17, 2010 |
EF2 |
81 km |
0 |
| Sep 18, 1997 |
EF2 |
63 km |
0 |
| Oct 26, 1996 |
EF2 |
87 km |
0 |
| Jul 3, 1985 |
EF2 |
84 km |
0 |
| Sep 3, 1980 |
EF2 |
69 km |
0 |
| Sep 8, 1977 |
EF2 |
74 km |
0 |
| Jul 7, 1970 |
EF2 |
6 km |
0 |
| Jun 30, 1968 |
EF2 |
79 km |
0 |
| May 5, 1965 |
EF2 |
76 km |
0 |
| Jul 8, 1959 |
EF2 |
82 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: GERMANN ROAD FIRE (6,751 ac, 2013).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2013 |
GERMANN ROAD FIRE |
6,751 |
89 km |
| 1988 |
UNNAMED |
3,642 |
98 km |
| 2003 |
UNNAMED |
2,998 |
45 km |
| 2015 |
TAMARACK |
2,745 |
43 km |
| 1987 |
UNNAMED |
2,512 |
44 km |
| 1991 |
UNNAMED |
2,486 |
66 km |
| 2024 |
RX-86_FY23 |
2,187 |
65 km |
| 1987 |
UNNAMED |
1,963 |
71 km |
| 2000 |
UNNAMED |
1,850 |
76 km |
| 1987 |
UNNAMED |
1,799 |
69 km |
| 1987 |
UNNAMED |
1,760 |
67 km |
| 1988 |
UNNAMED |
1,589 |
86 km |
| 2004 |
SOUTH MAIN ROAD |
1,384 |
46 km |
| 2006 |
WUI RX BURN UNIT 15 |
1,380 |
46 km |
| 1990 |
UNNAMED |
1,371 |
53 km |
| 1987 |
UNNAMED |
1,352 |
37 km |
| 1997 |
UNNAMED |
1,306 |
67 km |
| 2009 |
UNNAMED |
1,249 |
67 km |
| 1988 |
UNNAMED |
1,226 |
65 km |
| 2000 |
S MAIN RO |
1,181 |
45 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
10°F (-12°C) |
0.9 in |
Coldest |
| February |
15°F (-10°C) |
0.6 in |
Driest |
| March |
26°F (-3°C) |
1.5 in |
|
| April |
41°F (5°C) |
2.1 in |
|
| May |
54°F (12°C) |
3.2 in |
|
| June |
62°F (17°C) |
4.3 in |
Wettest |
| July |
69°F (20°C) |
3.9 in |
Warmest |
| August |
66°F (19°C) |
4.0 in |
|
| September |
57°F (14°C) |
3.6 in |
|
| October |
45°F (7°C) |
2.5 in |
|
| November |
29°F (-2°C) |
1.6 in |
|
| December |
14°F (-10°C) |
1.1 in |
|
Moose Lake has a seasonal temperature swing of 59°F / from 10°F in January to 69°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 29.4 inches, with June being the wettest month (4.3") and February the driest (0.6").
Average costs for common services in Moose 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 | $914 |
| Toddler | $853 |
| Preschool | $787 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $765 |
| Toddler | $650 |
| Preschool | $664 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Moose Lake
What is the population of Moose Lake?
Moose Lake has a population of 3,297 residents and is located in Minnesota. The population density is 1,005 people per square mile, spread across 3.3 square miles. The median age of residents is 44.7 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 20.4% female and 79.6% male.
Is Moose Lake expensive to live in?
Moose 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 $61,576, 18% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $205,000 (27% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $901 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 3.3x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Moose Lake safe?
Moose Lake is considered a very safe city with a violent crime rate of 142 per 100,000 residents, well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,808 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Moose Lake receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Moose Lake?
Moose Lake has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 41°F (5°C). Winter temperatures average 10°F in January, while summers reach an average of 69°F in July. The area receives 249 sunny days per year. Annual rainfall totals 31.5 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 36.
How is the job market in Moose Lake?
The job market in Moose Lake is very strong, with unemployment at just 0.4% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,117. There are 816 business establishments in the area, including 54 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 20 minutes, and 23.7% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Moose Lake?
The median home value in Moose Lake is $205,000. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $272,153. For renters, the median monthly rent is $901. Fair market rent is $899 for a 1-bedroom and $1,125 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 57.2%. The average annual property tax is $4,404.
How are the schools in Moose Lake?
Schools in Moose Lake score 6.5 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 10.9% of adults in Moose Lake hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 91.0% have completed high school. 2.7% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Moose Lake?
The obesity rate in Moose Lake is 46.2% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 24.9% of adults are smokers. 34.1% are physically inactive. 25.1% of residents report depression. 13.7% lack health insurance (above the national rate). 62.7% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,138.
What is transportation like in Moose Lake?
The average commute in Moose Lake is 20 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 58.9% of workers drive alone to work, and 23.7% work from home.
What are the demographics of Moose Lake?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Moose Lake is 72% White, 16.9% Black or African American, 4.9% Hispanic or Latino. 89.5% of residents speak only English at home, while 10.5% speak Spanish. 8.8% of the population are military veterans. 35.2% of residents have a disability. 93.5% have health insurance coverage.
All Countries
