Median Income
$58,750
22% lower than US avg
Home Value
$152,500
46% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
222/100K
42% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
10.8%
68% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$736
37% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
34.9%
9% higher than US avg
Unemployment
2.8%
22% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
10.9%
12% lower than US avg
How Parkers Prairie Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population1,089
Median Age46.8 yrs
Density871/mi²
Male / Female46% / 54%
Largest GroupWhite 92%
Veterans10.6%
Economy
B+
Median Income$58,750
Per Capita$29,263
Unemployment2.8%
Poverty10.9%
County GDP$3,285M
Commute25 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$152,500
Rent$736
Ownership76.0%
Zillow$178,248
Housing Units465
Rent Burden23.7%
Crime
F
Violent222/100K
Property3,748/100K
Health
Obesity34.9%
Uninsured8.2%
Smoking17.3%
Depression26.3%
Heart Disease5.4%
Climate
Avg Temp40°F (5°C)
AQI36 (Good)
Rain29.3 in/yr
Sunny Days276/yr
Elevation1,468 ft (447 m)
Education
D
Bachelor's+10.8%
High School+90.0%
Graduate+3.3%
School Score6.36
Community
2024 VoteR 66% / D 32%
Commute25 min
Broadband80.0%
EV Stations9
Libraries5
Is Parkers Prairie a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Parkers Prairie receives an overall livability score of 2.9 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. Parkers Prairie has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Parkers Prairie is $58,750, 22% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 2.8%. 10.9% of residents live in poverty, near the national average of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 25 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Parkers Prairie is $152,500, 46% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $736 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 2.6x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Violent crime in Parkers Prairie is below the national average at 222 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 3,748 per 100,000, 91% above the national average.
Education
10.8% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 90.0% have completed high school. Local schools score 6.4/10 in standardized testing, reflecting strong academic performance.
Climate & Weather
Parkers Prairie has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 40°F. Winters average 8°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 29.3 inches, including 50.8 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 36.
Parkers Prairie has a population of 1,089 with a density of 871 people per square mile, spread across 1.2 square miles. The median age is 46.8 years, 20% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 54.1% female and 45.9% male. The city is predominantly White (92.1%), with 2.7% Black. English is the primary language spoken at home by 97.9% of residents. 10.6% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 14.8% of residents have a disability. 96.2% have health insurance coverage.
Population
46.8yrs
Median Age
20% above US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Parkers Prairie vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
97.9%
25% above US avg
Spanish
2.1%
84% below US avg
Social Characteristics
Parkers Prairie vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Parkers Prairie is $58,750, which is 22% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $29,263 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,000, 30% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 2.8% (below the 3.6% US average). 10.9% of residents live below the poverty line. The area has 1,908 business establishments, including 165 restaurants. The cost of living index is 98.6, roughly in line with the national average. Workers commute an average of 25 minutes. 5.5% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income: Parkers Prairie vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $58,750 |
| 22% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $29,263 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,000 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $71,755 |
| Gini Index | 0.434 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 2.8% |
| 22% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 10.9% |
| 12% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 1,908 |
| County GDP | $3,285M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 165 |
| Healthcare | 181 |
| Retail | 250 |
| Manufacturing | 89 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $4,298 |
| 23% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 98.60 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 2.82% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 25.4 min |
| Drive Alone | 82.7% |
| Public Transit | 0.5% |
| Work from Home | 5.5% |
The median home value in Parkers Prairie is $152,500, 46% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $178,248, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $736 (37% 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. 76.0% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 465 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1965. The average annual property tax is $4,298 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 23.7% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.6x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $152,500 |
| 46% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $178,248 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $736 |
| 37% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 23.7% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $809 |
| 1 Bedroom | $899 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,125 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,483 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,698 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 76.0% |
| Owner-Occupied | 76.0% |
| Renter-Occupied | 24.0% |
| Housing Units | 465 |
| Median Year Built | 1965 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $4,298 |
| 23% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 2.82% |
In Parkers Prairie, 34.9% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 8.8% have diabetes (below the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 5.4% of residents. 25.8% have high blood pressure. 17.3% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 20.7% report binge drinking. 24.4% are physically inactive. 26.3% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 18.0% experience frequent mental distress. 8.2% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,876. The dentist ratio is 1:1,441. 50.9% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.7 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Parkers Prairie vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 34.9% |
| 9% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 8.8% |
| Heart Disease | 5.4% |
| High Blood Pressure | 25.8% |
| Asthma | 10.6% |
| COPD | 5.7% |
| Cancer | 7.5% |
| Stroke | 2.9% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 17.3% |
| 24% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 20.7% |
| Physical Inactivity | 24.4% |
| Depression | 26.3% |
| Mental Distress | 18.0% |
| Physical Distress | 12.2% |
| Short Sleep | 32.4% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 96.2% |
| Uninsured | 8.2% |
| 5% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,876 |
| Dentists | 1:1,441 |
| Mental Health | 1:619 |
| Checkup Rate | 70.7% |
| Dental Visits | 64.5% |
| Premature Death | 6,919/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.7/10 |
| Exercise Access | 50.9% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 181 |
Parkers Prairie has a violent crime rate of 222 per 100,000 residents, 42% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 3,748 per 100,000, 91% above the U.S. average. The county recorded 9 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Parkers Prairie receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Parkers Prairie vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 222.0/100K |
| 42% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 3,748.0/100K |
| 91% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 9 |
| Traffic Accidents | 66 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Parkers Prairie has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 40°F (5°C). Winters average 8°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 29.3 inches (drier than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 50.8 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 1,468 feet.
Temperature
8°F Jan (-13°C)
68°F Jul (20°C)
| Annual Average | 40.2°F |
| 26% below US avg |
| January Average | 8°F (-13°C) |
| July Average | 68°F (20°C) |
| Sunny Days | 276 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,468 ft (447 m) |
| Area | 1.2 sq mi (3.2 km²) |
| Population Density | 871/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 46.1528°N, 95.3283°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Otter Tail County County |
| Nearest Airport | Brainerd Lakes Regional (BRD)
60 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
29.3"
23% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
4.29"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 36.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 79.4 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 53.5 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 92.6 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Moderate |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Relatively Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hail |
Relatively Moderate |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively High |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Very High |
| Lightning |
Relatively Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
Relatively Low |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively High |
| Landslide |
Relatively Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
4 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M4.1. Most recent: M2.5 on Apr 29, 2011.
| Jun 5, 1993 |
11 km N of Johnson, Minnesota |
M4.1 |
92 km |
| Oct 20, 1995 |
8 km SSE of New Effington, South Dakota |
M3.7 |
125 km |
| Feb 9, 1994 |
6 km NNE of Blomkest, Minnesota |
M3.1 |
131 km |
| Apr 29, 2011 |
Minnesota |
M2.5 |
24 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
396 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 6 fatalities, 177 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jul 8, 2020 |
EF4 |
48 km |
1 |
| Jun 17, 2010 |
EF4 |
11 km |
1 |
| Jun 17, 2010 |
EF4 |
31 km |
0 |
| Jun 11, 1966 |
EF4 |
91 km |
0 |
| Jun 6, 2008 |
EF3 |
95 km |
0 |
| Jun 13, 2001 |
EF3 |
2 km |
0 |
| Sep 18, 1997 |
EF3 |
99 km |
1 |
| Jul 5, 1991 |
EF3 |
83 km |
0 |
| May 10, 1982 |
EF3 |
89 km |
0 |
| Aug 26, 1977 |
EF3 |
67 km |
0 |
| Aug 6, 1969 |
EF3 |
78 km |
0 |
| Jun 18, 1964 |
EF3 |
59 km |
0 |
| May 5, 1964 |
EF3 |
77 km |
0 |
| May 5, 1964 |
EF3 |
99 km |
0 |
| Jun 24, 2022 |
EF2 |
83 km |
0 |
| May 30, 2022 |
EF2 |
48 km |
0 |
| May 30, 2022 |
EF2 |
60 km |
0 |
| May 30, 2022 |
EF2 |
42 km |
0 |
| May 30, 2022 |
EF2 |
65 km |
0 |
| May 12, 2022 |
EF2 |
32 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 |
71 km |
| 2009 |
CENTER TANK RANGE |
6,131 |
69 km |
| 1988 |
UNNAMED |
4,475 |
69 km |
| 2003 |
ROTHSAY |
3,015 |
90 km |
| 2009 |
HENDRICKSON IMPACT AREA |
2,757 |
73 km |
| 2024 |
DORAN WMA |
2,455 |
70 km |
| 2009 |
EAST TANK RANGE |
1,801 |
69 km |
| 1987 |
UNNAMED |
1,655 |
90 km |
| 2012 |
JEEP FIRE |
1,437 |
59 km |
| 2000 |
00 14 |
1,377 |
95 km |
| 1998 |
WEST SKUNK |
1,129 |
89 km |
| 2000 |
UNIT 1 |
1,073 |
86 km |
| 1992 |
MEADOWS |
922 |
97 km |
| 2002 |
1000 AC S |
880 |
94 km |
| 1985 |
UNNAMED |
880 |
64 km |
| 1987 |
UNNAMED |
770 |
45 km |
| 2009 |
WEST TANK RANGE |
727 |
66 km |
| 2010 |
WALDEN |
717 |
75 km |
| 2003 |
JOB CORP |
703 |
88 km |
| 2000 |
00 22 A |
696 |
88 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
8°F (-13°C) |
0.9 in |
Coldest |
| February |
15°F (-10°C) |
0.6 in |
Driest |
| March |
27°F (-3°C) |
1.5 in |
|
| April |
43°F (6°C) |
2.4 in |
|
| May |
56°F (13°C) |
3.0 in |
|
| June |
65°F (18°C) |
4.3 in |
Wettest |
| July |
68°F (20°C) |
3.4 in |
Warmest |
| August |
67°F (20°C) |
3.3 in |
|
| September |
57°F (14°C) |
2.8 in |
|
| October |
45°F (7°C) |
2.3 in |
|
| November |
28°F (-2°C) |
1.2 in |
|
| December |
13°F (-10°C) |
0.8 in |
|
Parkers Prairie has a seasonal temperature swing of 60°F / from 8°F in January to 68°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 26.5 inches, with June being the wettest month (4.3") and February the driest (0.6").
Average costs for common services in Parkers Prairie. 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 | $948 |
| Toddler | $893 |
| Preschool | $821 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $621 |
| Toddler | $570 |
| Preschool | $570 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Parkers Prairie
What is the population of Parkers Prairie?
Parkers Prairie has a population of 1,089 residents and is located in Minnesota. The population density is 871 people per square mile, spread across 1.2 square miles. The median age of residents is 46.8 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 54.1% female and 45.9% male.
Is Parkers Prairie expensive to live in?
Parkers Prairie 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 $58,750, 22% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $152,500 (46% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $736 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.6x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Parkers Prairie safe?
Parkers Prairie is safer than the national average, with a violent crime rate of 222 per 100,000 compared to the U.S. rate of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 3,748 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Parkers Prairie receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Parkers Prairie?
Parkers Prairie has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 40°F (5°C). Winter temperatures average 8°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 29.3 inches, with 50.8 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 36.
How is the job market in Parkers Prairie?
The job market in Parkers Prairie is very strong, with unemployment at just 2.8% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,000. There are 1,908 business establishments in the area, including 165 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 25 minutes, and 5.5% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Parkers Prairie?
The median home value in Parkers Prairie is $152,500. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $178,248. For renters, the median monthly rent is $736. Fair market rent is $899 for a 1-bedroom and $1,125 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 76.0%. The average annual property tax is $4,298.
How are the schools in Parkers Prairie?
Schools in Parkers Prairie score 6.4 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 10.8% of adults in Parkers Prairie hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 90.0% have completed high school. 3.3% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Parkers Prairie?
The obesity rate in Parkers Prairie is 34.9% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 17.3% of adults are smokers. 24.4% are physically inactive. 26.3% of residents report depression. 8.2% lack health insurance. 50.9% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,876.
What is transportation like in Parkers Prairie?
The average commute in Parkers Prairie is 25 minutes. 82.7% of workers drive alone to work, and 5.5% work from home.
What are the demographics of Parkers Prairie?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Parkers Prairie is 92.1% White, 2.7% Black or African American. 97.9% of residents speak only English at home. 10.6% of the population are military veterans. 14.8% of residents have a disability. 96.2% have health insurance coverage.
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