Median Income
$47,088
37% lower than US avg
Home Value
$186,000
34% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
138/100K
64% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
28.7%
15% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$813
30% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
36.3%
13% higher than US avg
Unemployment
10.4%
189% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
14.5%
17% higher than US avg
How Perham Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population3,577
Median Age35.0 yrs
Density999/mi²
Male / Female44% / 56%
Largest GroupWhite 83%
Veterans6.8%
Economy
C
Median Income$47,088
Per Capita$27,057
Unemployment10.4%
Poverty14.5%
County GDP$3,285M
Commute13 min
Housing
A
Home Value$186,000
Rent$813
Ownership54.5%
Zillow$355,197
Housing Units1,692
Rent Burden28.5%
Crime
F
Violent138/100K
Property138/100K
Murder0.0/100K
Assault83/100K
Burglary0/100K
Health
Obesity36.3%
Uninsured10.7%
Smoking18.0%
Depression25.7%
Heart Disease5.7%
Climate
Avg Temp40°F (4°C)
AQI36 (Good)
Sunny Days253/yr
Elevation1,368 ft (417 m)
Education
B
Bachelor's+28.7%
High School+86.6%
Graduate+5.4%
School Score6.36
Community
2024 VoteR 66% / D 32%
Commute13 min
Broadband81.7%
EV Stations1
Libraries5
Is Perham a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Perham receives an overall livability score of 2.8 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C+. Key strengths include low crime rates, affordable housing, abundant sunshine, high health insurance coverage. Areas to be aware of include above-average unemployment, below-average incomes. Perham has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Perham is $47,088, 37% below the national average of $75,149. At 10.4%, unemployment is notably high. 14.5% of residents live in poverty, near the national average of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 13 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Perham is $186,000, 34% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $813 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. A price-to-income ratio of 4x indicates a reasonably affordable housing market.
Safety & Crime
Perham is a very safe community with a violent crime rate of 138 per 100,000 residents / well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 138 per 100,000, 93% below the national average.
Education
28.7% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 86.6% have completed high school. Local schools score 6.4/10 in standardized testing, reflecting strong academic performance.
Climate & Weather
Perham 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 253 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 36.
Perham has a population of 3,577 with a density of 999 people per square mile, spread across 3.6 square miles. The median age is 35.0 years, 10% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 56.1% female and 43.9% male. The city is predominantly White (82.6%), with 2.5% Hispanic, 2% Black. English is the primary language spoken at home by 91.7% of residents, while 8.3% speak Spanish. 6.8% of the population are veterans. 25.1% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 94.6% have health insurance coverage.
Population
35.0yrs
Median Age
10% below US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
91.7%
17% above US avg
Spanish
8.3%
38% below US avg
The median household income in Perham is $47,088, which is 37% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $27,057 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,000, 30% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 10.4% (above the 3.6% US average). 14.5% of residents live below the poverty line, higher than the national rate of 12.4%. 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 13 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 6.8% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $47,088 |
| 37% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $27,057 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,000 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $71,755 |
| Gini Index | 0.434 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 10.4% |
| 189% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 14.5% |
| 17% above 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 | 2.31% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 12.5 min |
| Drive Alone | 74.8% |
| Public Transit | 0.7% |
| Work from Home | 6.8% |
The median home value in Perham is $186,000, 34% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $355,197, higher than the Census estimate. Homes sell for 91.7% of their list price, suggesting buyers have room to negotiate. Monthly rent averages $813 (30% 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. 54.5% of housing units are owner-occupied (below the 65.4% national rate). There are 1,692 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1981. The average annual property tax is $4,298 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 28.5% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 4x.
Home Values
| Census Median | $186,000 |
| 34% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $355,197 |
| Median List Price | $379,000 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
| Median List Price | $379,000 |
| $/Sq Ft | $111 |
| Homes Sold | 1 |
| Sale-to-List Ratio | 91.7% |
| Price Drops | 15.4% |
| Inventory | 13 |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $813 |
| 30% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 28.5% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $809 |
| 1 Bedroom | $899 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,125 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,483 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,698 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 54.5% |
| Owner-Occupied | 54.5% |
| Renter-Occupied | 45.5% |
| Housing Units | 1,692 |
| Median Year Built | 1981 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $4,298 |
| 23% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 2.31% |
In Perham, 36.3% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 9.9% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.7% of residents. 26.8% have high blood pressure. 18.0% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 19.3% report binge drinking. 27.3% are physically inactive. 25.7% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 17.9% experience frequent mental distress. 10.7% of residents lack health insurance (above the 8.6% national rate). 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: Perham vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 36.3% |
| 13% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 9.9% |
| Heart Disease | 5.7% |
| High Blood Pressure | 26.8% |
| Asthma | 10.5% |
| COPD | 6.3% |
| Cancer | 7.3% |
| Stroke | 3.1% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 18.0% |
| 29% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 19.3% |
| Physical Inactivity | 27.3% |
| Depression | 25.7% |
| Mental Distress | 17.9% |
| Physical Distress | 13.0% |
| Short Sleep | 32.9% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 94.6% |
| Uninsured | 10.7% |
| 24% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,876 |
| Dentists | 1:1,441 |
| Mental Health | 1:619 |
| Checkup Rate | 70.9% |
| Dental Visits | 63.4% |
| Premature Death | 6,919/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.7/10 |
| Exercise Access | 50.9% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 181 |
Perham has a violent crime rate of 138 per 100,000 residents, 64% below the national average of 380. This breaks down to aggravated assault at 82.8 per 100,000, robbery at 0.0, rape at 55.2. The murder rate is 0.0 per 100,000 (below the national rate of 6.3). Property crime stands at 138 per 100,000, 93% below the U.S. average. This includes larceny/theft at 83, burglary at 0, vehicle theft at 55 per 100,000 residents. The county recorded 9 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Perham receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Perham vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 137.9/100K |
| 64% below US avg |
| Murder | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg |
| Rape | 55.2/100K |
| Robbery | 0.0/100K |
| Assault | 82.8/100K |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 137.9/100K |
| 93% below US avg |
| Burglary | 0.0/100K |
| Theft | 82.8/100K |
| Vehicle Theft | 55.2/100K |
| Arson | 0.0/100K |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 9 |
| Traffic Accidents | 154 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Perham has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 40°F (4°C). Winters average 8°F in January while summers reach 68°F in July. The area gets 253 sunny days per year, above the national average. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 36. The city sits at an elevation of 1,368 feet.
Temperature
8°F Jan (-14°C)
68°F Jul (20°C)
| Annual Average | 39.8°F |
| 26% below US avg |
| January Average | 8°F (-14°C) |
| July Average | 68°F (20°C) |
| Sunny Days | 253 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,368 ft (417 m) |
| Area | 3.6 sq mi (9.3 km²) |
| Population Density | 999/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 46.5996°N, 95.5771°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Otter Tail County County |
| Nearest Airport | Hector International (FAR)
63 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Wettest Month (Jun)
4.37"
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
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 |
117 km |
| Oct 20, 1995 |
8 km SSE of New Effington, South Dakota |
M3.7 |
134 km |
| Apr 29, 2011 |
Minnesota |
M2.5 |
68 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990-2025)
Tornado History
365 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 4 fatalities, 129 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jul 8, 2020 |
EF4 |
63 km |
1 |
| Aug 7, 2010 |
EF4 |
97 km |
0 |
| Jun 17, 2010 |
EF4 |
58 km |
1 |
| Jun 17, 2010 |
EF4 |
37 km |
0 |
| Jun 28, 1975 |
EF4 |
93 km |
0 |
| Jun 11, 1966 |
EF4 |
92 km |
0 |
| Jun 6, 2008 |
EF3 |
60 km |
0 |
| Jun 13, 2001 |
EF3 |
51 km |
0 |
| Jul 5, 1991 |
EF3 |
95 km |
0 |
| May 10, 1982 |
EF3 |
94 km |
0 |
| Aug 26, 1977 |
EF3 |
87 km |
0 |
| Jun 28, 1975 |
EF3 |
82 km |
0 |
| Aug 6, 1969 |
EF3 |
66 km |
0 |
| May 5, 1964 |
EF3 |
100 km |
0 |
| Aug 30, 1956 |
EF3 |
99 km |
0 |
| Jul 2, 1955 |
EF3 |
86 km |
0 |
| Jun 24, 2023 |
EF2 |
77 km |
0 |
| Jun 24, 2022 |
EF2 |
30 km |
0 |
| May 30, 2022 |
EF2 |
86 km |
0 |
| May 30, 2022 |
EF2 |
83 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 |
98 km |
| 2009 |
CENTER TANK RANGE |
6,131 |
99 km |
| 1988 |
UNNAMED |
4,475 |
99 km |
| 2003 |
ROTHSAY |
3,015 |
61 km |
| 2009 |
HENDRICKSON IMPACT AREA |
2,757 |
98 km |
| 2024 |
DORAN WMA |
2,455 |
70 km |
| 2009 |
DOWNING |
1,506 |
69 km |
| 2012 |
JEEP FIRE |
1,437 |
53 km |
| 2012 |
SPRING CREEK |
1,413 |
65 km |
| 2000 |
00 14 |
1,377 |
42 km |
| 1987 |
UNNAMED |
1,341 |
86 km |
| 2007 |
FLICKERTAIL |
1,239 |
79 km |
| 2011 |
NEAL WMA |
1,213 |
87 km |
| 1996 |
UNNAMED |
1,153 |
73 km |
| 1998 |
UNNAMED |
1,026 |
65 km |
| 1999 |
HELLIKSEN |
993 |
66 km |
| 2010 |
UNNAMED |
931 |
93 km |
| 1992 |
MEADOWS |
922 |
74 km |
| 2010 |
UNNAMED |
888 |
89 km |
| 2002 |
1000 AC S |
880 |
41 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
8°F (-14°C) |
0.8 in |
Coldest |
| February |
13°F (-11°C) |
0.6 in |
Driest |
| March |
26°F (-3°C) |
1.2 in |
|
| April |
42°F (6°C) |
2.2 in |
|
| May |
56°F (13°C) |
3.0 in |
|
| June |
65°F (18°C) |
4.4 in |
Wettest |
| July |
68°F (20°C) |
3.9 in |
Warmest |
| August |
68°F (20°C) |
3.4 in |
|
| September |
57°F (14°C) |
2.7 in |
|
| October |
45°F (7°C) |
2.4 in |
|
| November |
27°F (-3°C) |
1.1 in |
|
| December |
12°F (-11°C) |
0.8 in |
|
Perham has a seasonal temperature swing of 60°F / from 8°F in January to 68°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 26.3 inches, with June being the wettest month (4.4") and February the driest (0.6").
Average costs for common services in Perham. 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 Perham
What is the population of Perham?
Perham has a population of 3,577 residents and is located in Minnesota. The population density is 999 people per square mile, spread across 3.6 square miles. The median age of residents is 35.0 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 56.1% female and 43.9% male.
Is Perham expensive to live in?
Perham 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 $47,088, 37% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $186,000 (34% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $813 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 4x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Perham safe?
Perham is considered a very safe city with a violent crime rate of 138 per 100,000 residents, well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 138 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Perham receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Perham?
Perham has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 40°F (4°C). Winter temperatures average 8°F in January, while summers reach an average of 68°F in July. The area receives 253 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 36.
How is the job market in Perham?
The job market in Perham faces challenges, with unemployment at 10.4% / significantly above 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 13 minutes, and 6.8% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Perham?
The median home value in Perham is $186,000. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $355,197. For renters, the median monthly rent is $813. Fair market rent is $899 for a 1-bedroom and $1,125 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 54.5%. The average annual property tax is $4,298.
How are the schools in Perham?
Schools in Perham score 6.4 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 28.7% of adults in Perham hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 86.6% have completed high school. 5.4% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Perham?
The obesity rate in Perham is 36.3% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 18.0% of adults are smokers. 27.3% are physically inactive. 25.7% of residents report depression. 10.7% lack health insurance (above the national rate). 50.9% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,876.
What is transportation like in Perham?
The average commute in Perham is 13 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 74.8% of workers drive alone to work, and 6.8% work from home.
What are the demographics of Perham?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Perham is 82.6% White, 2% Black or African American, 2.5% Hispanic or Latino. 91.7% of residents speak only English at home, while 8.3% speak Spanish. 6.8% of the population are military veterans. 25.1% of residents have a disability. 94.6% have health insurance coverage.
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