Median Income
$65,482
13% lower than US avg
Home Value
$177,700
37% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
18.7%
45% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$349
70% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
37.7%
17% higher than US avg
Unemployment
1.9%
47% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
14.9%
20% higher than US avg
How Pelican Rapids Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population2,589
Median Age37.7 yrs
Density1,003/mi²
Male / Female50% / 50%
Largest GroupWhite 66%
Economy
B+
Median Income$65,482
Per Capita$29,131
Unemployment1.9%
Poverty14.9%
County GDP$386M
Commute23 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$177,700
Rent$349
OwnershipN/A
Zillow$363,308
Health
Obesity37.7%
UninsuredN/A
Depression21.9%
Heart Disease5.7%
Climate
Avg Temp42°F
AQI36 (Good)
Rain24.8 in/yr
Elevation1,292 ft
Education
C
Bachelor's+18.7%
High School+76.6%
School Score6.08
Community
2024 VoteR 69% / D 29%
Commute23 min
Libraries1
Is Pelican Rapids a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Pelican Rapids receives an overall livability score of 3.8 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B+. Key strengths include low unemployment, affordable housing. Pelican Rapids offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Pelican Rapids is $65,482, 13% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 1.9%. 14.9% of residents live in poverty, near the national average of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 23 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Pelican Rapids is $177,700, 37% below the national median — offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $349 per month, below the national average — a plus for affordability. At just 2.7x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Education
18.7% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 76.6% have completed high school. Local schools score 6.1/10 in standardized testing, reflecting strong academic performance.
Climate & Weather
Pelican Rapids has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 42°F. Winters average 9°F in January while summers reach 70°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 24.8 inches, including 49.6 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 36.
Pelican Rapids has a population of 2,589 with a density of 1,003 people per square mile. The median age is 37.7 years, 3% younger than the national median of 38.9. The city is predominantly White (65.7%), with 2.1% Hispanic, 9.1% Black.
Population
37.7yrs
Median Age
3% below US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Pelican Rapids vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
| English Only | 63.8% |
| 19% below US avg |
| Spanish | 36.2% |
| 170% above US avg |
Social Characteristics
Pelican Rapids vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Pelican Rapids is $65,482, which is 13% below the national average of $75,149. The unemployment rate is 1.9% (below the 3.6% US average). 14.9% of residents live below the poverty line. Workers commute an average of 23 minutes.
Income: Pelican Rapids vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $65,482 |
| 13% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $29,131 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,077 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $71,164 |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 1.9% |
| 47% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 14.9% |
| 20% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 208 |
| County GDP | $386M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 7 |
| Healthcare | 20 |
| Retail | 20 |
| Manufacturing | 4 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $3,733 |
| 7% above US avg |
| Effective Tax Rate | 2.10% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 22.9 min |
| Work from Home | 10.9% |
The median home value in Pelican Rapids is $177,700, 37% below the national average. Monthly rent averages $349 (70% below US avg). Zillow estimates the typical home value at $363,308.
Home Values
| Census Median | $177,700 |
| 37% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $363,308 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $349 |
| 70% below US avg |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $809 |
| 1 Bedroom | $899 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,125 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,483 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,698 |
Ownership & Property
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $3,733 |
| 7% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 2.10% |
In Pelican Rapids, 37.7% of adults are obese (above the 32.1% national rate). 21.9% report depression. 31.2% are physically inactive.
Health Metrics: Pelican Rapids vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 37.7% |
| 17% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 11.4% |
| Heart Disease | 5.7% |
| High Blood Pressure | 27.8% |
| Asthma | 10.0% |
| COPD | 5.7% |
| Stroke | 3.2% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| |
| Binge Drinking | 17.2% |
| Physical Inactivity | 31.2% |
| Depression | 21.9% |
| Mental Distress | 16.7% |
| Physical Distress | 13.2% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 91.8% |
| |
| Checkup Rate | 71.5% |
| Premature Death | 9,030/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.5/10 |
| Exercise Access | 56.8% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 20 |
Crime Rates: Pelican Rapids vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 1 |
Safety Score
Pelican Rapids has an average annual temperature of 42°F (5°C). Winters average 9°F in January while summers reach 70°F in July. Annual precipitation is 24.8 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 36.
Temperature
9°F Jan (-13°C)
70°F Jul (21°C)
| Annual Average | 41.7°F |
| 23% below US avg |
| January Average | 9°F (-13°C) |
| July Average | 70°F (21°C) |
Precipitation & Snow
| Annual Rainfall | 24.8 inches |
| 35% below US avg |
| Snowfall | 49.6 inches/yr |
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 36.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,292 ft (394 m) |
| Area | 2.6 sq mi (6.7 km²) |
| Population Density | 1,003/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 46.5703°N, 96.0859°W |
| County FIPS | 27167 |