Median Income
$65,482
13% lower than US avg
Home Value
$177,700
37% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
120/100K
69% 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%
Veterans5.9%
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
Ownership61.5%
Zillow$363,308
Housing Units1,067
Rent Burden27.6%
Crime
F
Violent120/100K
Property199/100K
Murder0.0/100K
Assault80/100K
Burglary40/100K
Health
Obesity37.7%
Uninsured16.2%
Smoking16.8%
Depression21.9%
Heart Disease5.7%
Climate
Avg Temp42°F (5°C)
AQI36 (Good)
Rain24.8 in/yr
Sunny Days276/yr
Elevation1,292 ft (394 m)
Education
C
Bachelor's+18.7%
High School+76.6%
Graduate+3.7%
School Score5.77
Community
2024 VoteR 69% / D 29%
Commute23 min
Broadband84.1%
EV Stations4
Libraries1
Is Pelican Rapids a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Pelican Rapids receives an overall livability score of 3.1 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. 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.
Safety & Crime
Pelican Rapids is a very safe community with a violent crime rate of 120 per 100,000 residents / well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 199 per 100,000, 90% below the national average.
Education
18.7% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 76.6% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.8/10.
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. With 276 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. 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, spread across 2.6 square miles. The median age is 37.7 years, 3% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 49.9% female and 50.1% male. The city is predominantly White (65.7%), with 2.1% Hispanic, 9.1% Black. English is the primary language spoken at home by 63.8% of residents, while 36.2% speak Spanish. 5.9% of the population are veterans. 9.9% of residents have a disability (below the 13.0% national average). 91.8% have health insurance coverage.
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. Per capita income is $29,131 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,077, 25% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 1.9% (below the 3.6% US average). 14.9% of residents live below the poverty line, higher than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 208 business establishments, including 7 restaurants. The cost of living index is 98.6, roughly in line with the national average. Workers commute an average of 23 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 10.9% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
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 |
| Gini Index | 0.450 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
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 |
| Cost of Living | 98.60 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 2.10% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 22.9 min |
| Drive Alone | 74.9% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 10.9% |
The median home value in Pelican Rapids is $177,700, 37% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $363,308, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $349 (70% 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. 61.5% of housing units are owner-occupied. There are 1,067 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1976. The average annual property tax is $3,733. 27.6% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.7x, well within the affordable range.
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 |
| Rent Burden | 27.6% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $809 |
| 1 Bedroom | $899 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,125 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,483 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,698 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 61.5% |
| Owner-Occupied | 61.5% |
| Renter-Occupied | 38.5% |
| Housing Units | 1,067 |
| Median Year Built | 1976 |
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 national rate of 32.1%. 11.4% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.7% of residents. 27.8% have high blood pressure. 16.8% are current smokers. 17.2% report binge drinking. 31.2% are physically inactive, above the national average. 21.9% report depression. 16.7% experience frequent mental distress. 16.2% of residents lack health insurance (above the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:3,198. The dentist ratio is 1:3,175. 56.8% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.5 out of 10.
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% |
| Cancer | 6.3% |
| Stroke | 3.2% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 16.8% |
| 20% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 17.2% |
| Physical Inactivity | 31.2% |
| Depression | 21.9% |
| Mental Distress | 16.7% |
| Physical Distress | 13.2% |
| Short Sleep | 36.5% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 91.8% |
| Uninsured | 16.2% |
| 88% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:3,198 |
| Dentists | 1:3,175 |
| Mental Health | 1:371 |
| Checkup Rate | 71.5% |
| Dental Visits | 53.6% |
| Premature Death | 9,030/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.5/10 |
| Exercise Access | 56.8% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 20 |
Pelican Rapids has a violent crime rate of 120 per 100,000 residents, 69% below the national average of 380. This breaks down to aggravated assault at 79.8 per 100,000, robbery at 0.0, rape at 39.9. The murder rate is 0.0 per 100,000 (below the national rate of 6.3). Property crime stands at 199 per 100,000, 90% below the U.S. average. This includes larceny/theft at 80, burglary at 40, vehicle theft at 80 per 100,000 residents. The county recorded 1 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Pelican Rapids receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Pelican Rapids vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 119.7/100K |
| 69% below US avg |
| Murder | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg |
| Rape | 39.9/100K |
| Robbery | 0.0/100K |
| Assault | 79.8/100K |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 199.4/100K |
| 90% below US avg |
| Burglary | 39.9/100K |
| Theft | 79.8/100K |
| Vehicle Theft | 79.8/100K |
| Arson | 0.0/100K |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 1 |
| Traffic Accidents | 31 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Pelican Rapids has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 42°F (5°C). Winters average 9°F in January while summers reach 70°F in July / a wide seasonal temperature swing of 61°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 24.8 inches (drier than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 49.6 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 1,292 feet.
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) |
| Sunny Days | 276 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,292 ft (394 m) |
| Area | 2.6 sq mi (6.8 km²) |
| Population Density | 1,003/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 46.5703°N, 96.0859°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Wilkin County County |
| Nearest Airport | Hector International (FAR)
42 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
24.8"
35% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
3.94"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 36.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 5.3 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 10.6 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 71.9 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Very Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Moderate |
| Lightning |
Very Low |
| Ice Storm |
Very Low |
| Drought |
No Rating |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
3 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 |
101 km |
| Oct 20, 1995 |
8 km SSE of New Effington, South Dakota |
M3.7 |
106 km |
| Apr 29, 2011 |
Minnesota |
M2.5 |
77 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
433 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 9 fatalities, 173 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jul 8, 2020 |
EF4 |
55 km |
1 |
| Aug 7, 2010 |
EF4 |
66 km |
0 |
| Jun 17, 2010 |
EF4 |
72 km |
0 |
| Jun 17, 2010 |
EF4 |
73 km |
1 |
| Jun 28, 1975 |
EF4 |
59 km |
0 |
| Jul 2, 1955 |
EF4 |
70 km |
2 |
| Jun 6, 2008 |
EF3 |
93 km |
0 |
| Jun 13, 2001 |
EF3 |
73 km |
0 |
| May 10, 1982 |
EF3 |
68 km |
0 |
| Jun 28, 1975 |
EF3 |
50 km |
0 |
| Jul 1, 1973 |
EF3 |
97 km |
0 |
| Jun 15, 1973 |
EF3 |
95 km |
0 |
| May 5, 1964 |
EF3 |
70 km |
0 |
| Aug 30, 1956 |
EF3 |
66 km |
0 |
| Jul 2, 1955 |
EF3 |
47 km |
0 |
| Jul 1, 1952 |
EF3 |
87 km |
0 |
| Jun 24, 2023 |
EF2 |
76 km |
0 |
| Jun 24, 2022 |
EF2 |
44 km |
0 |
| May 30, 2022 |
EF2 |
77 km |
0 |
| May 30, 2022 |
EF2 |
68 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: ROTHSAY (3,015 ac, 2003).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2003 |
ROTHSAY |
3,015 |
22 km |
| 2024 |
DORAN WMA |
2,455 |
47 km |
| 2009 |
DOWNING |
1,506 |
66 km |
| 2012 |
JEEP FIRE |
1,437 |
92 km |
| 2012 |
SPRING CREEK |
1,413 |
63 km |
| 2000 |
00 14 |
1,377 |
58 km |
| 2003 |
OLERUD |
1,275 |
94 km |
| 2010 |
BEJOU WMA |
1,270 |
99 km |
| 2007 |
FLICKERTAIL |
1,239 |
59 km |
| 2011 |
NEAL WMA |
1,213 |
72 km |
| 1996 |
UNNAMED |
1,153 |
42 km |
| 2016 |
UNNAMED |
1,128 |
84 km |
| 2019 |
UNNAMED |
1,060 |
84 km |
| 1998 |
UNNAMED |
1,026 |
63 km |
| 2021 |
HARTLEBEN WPA |
1,002 |
86 km |
| 1999 |
HELLIKSEN |
993 |
58 km |
| 2010 |
UNNAMED |
931 |
93 km |
| 1992 |
MEADOWS |
922 |
35 km |
| 2010 |
UNNAMED |
888 |
90 km |
| 2002 |
1000 AC S |
880 |
57 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
9°F (-13°C) |
0.7 in |
Coldest |
| February |
13°F (-11°C) |
0.5 in |
Driest |
| March |
26°F (-3°C) |
0.9 in |
|
| April |
42°F (6°C) |
1.9 in |
|
| May |
56°F (13°C) |
2.8 in |
|
| June |
65°F (18°C) |
3.9 in |
Wettest |
| July |
70°F (21°C) |
3.5 in |
Warmest |
| August |
68°F (20°C) |
3.1 in |
|
| September |
58°F (14°C) |
2.6 in |
|
| October |
45°F (7°C) |
1.9 in |
|
| November |
27°F (-3°C) |
0.9 in |
|
| December |
12°F (-11°C) |
0.6 in |
|
Pelican Rapids has a seasonal temperature swing of 61°F / from 9°F in January to 70°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 23.2 inches, with June being the wettest month (3.9") and February the driest (0.5").
Average costs for common services in Pelican Rapids. 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 Pelican Rapids
What is the population of Pelican Rapids?
Pelican Rapids has a population of 2,589 residents and is located in Minnesota. The population density is 1,003 people per square mile, spread across 2.6 square miles. The median age of residents is 37.7 years. The population is 49.9% female and 50.1% male.
Is Pelican Rapids expensive to live in?
Pelican Rapids 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 $65,482, 13% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $177,700 (37% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $349 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.7x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Pelican Rapids safe?
Pelican Rapids is considered a very safe city with a violent crime rate of 120 per 100,000 residents, well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 199 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Pelican Rapids receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Pelican Rapids?
Pelican Rapids has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 42°F (5°C). Winter temperatures average 9°F in January, while summers reach an average of 70°F in July. The area receives 276 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 24.8 inches, with 49.6 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 36.
How is the job market in Pelican Rapids?
The job market in Pelican Rapids is very strong, with unemployment at just 1.9% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,077. There are 208 business establishments in the area, including 7 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 23 minutes, and 10.9% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Pelican Rapids?
The median home value in Pelican Rapids is $177,700. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $363,308. For renters, the median monthly rent is $349. Fair market rent is $899 for a 1-bedroom and $1,125 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 61.5%. The average annual property tax is $3,733.
How are the schools in Pelican Rapids?
Schools in Pelican Rapids score 5.8 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 18.7% of adults in Pelican Rapids hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 76.6% have completed high school. 3.7% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Pelican Rapids?
The obesity rate in Pelican Rapids is 37.7% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 16.8% of adults are smokers. 31.2% are physically inactive. 21.9% of residents report depression. 16.2% lack health insurance (above the national rate). 56.8% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:3,198.
What is transportation like in Pelican Rapids?
The average commute in Pelican Rapids is 23 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 74.9% of workers drive alone to work, and 10.9% work from home.
What are the demographics of Pelican Rapids?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Pelican Rapids is 65.7% White, 9.1% Black or African American, 2.1% Hispanic or Latino. 63.8% of residents speak only English at home, while 36.2% speak Spanish. 5.9% of the population are military veterans. 9.9% of residents have a disability. 91.8% have health insurance coverage.
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