Median Income
$71,458
5% lower than US avg
Home Value
$84,400
70% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
193/100K
49% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
18.5%
45% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
35.5%
11% higher than US avg
Unemployment
14.1%
292% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
11.5%
7% lower than US avg
How Perley Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population108
Median Age51.3 yrs
Density432/mi²
Male / Female41% / 59%
Largest GroupWhite 89%
Veterans92.0%
Economy
C+
Median Income$71,458
Per Capita$35,902
Unemployment14.1%
Poverty11.5%
County GDP$246M
Commute36 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$84,400
Ownership100.0%
Zillow$166,270
Housing Units54
Rent Burden27.1%
Crime
F
Violent193/100K
Property3,568/100K
Health
Obesity35.5%
Uninsured8.3%
Smoking16.7%
Depression25.6%
Heart Disease5.8%
Climate
Avg Temp42°F (6°C)
AQI36 (Good)
Rain24.7 in/yr
Sunny Days276/yr
Elevation875 ft (267 m)
Education
C
Bachelor's+18.5%
High School+94.6%
Graduate+0.0%
School Score6.12
Community
2024 VoteR 60% / D 38%
Commute36 min
Broadband53.0%
EV Stations3
Libraries1
Is Perley a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Perley 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. Areas to be aware of include above-average unemployment, long commute times. Perley has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Perley is $71,458, roughly in line with the national average of $75,149. At 14.1%, unemployment is notably high. 11.5% of residents live in poverty, near the national average of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 36 minutes, longer than the typical American commute of 28 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Perley is $84,400, 70% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. At just 1.2x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Violent crime in Perley is below the national average at 193 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 3,568 per 100,000, 82% above the national average.
Education
18.5% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 94.6% have completed high school. Local schools score 6.1/10 in standardized testing, reflecting strong academic performance.
Climate & Weather
Perley has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 42°F. Winters average 8°F in January while summers reach 71°F in July. With 276 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 24.7 inches, including 40.9 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 36.
Perley has a population of 108 with a density of 432 people per square mile, spread across 0.3 square miles. The median age is 51.3 years, 32% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 59.3% female and 40.7% male. The city is predominantly White (88.9%), with 3.7% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 100% of residents. 92.0% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 23.5% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 71.4% have health insurance coverage.
Population
51.3yrs
Median Age
32% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
100.0%
27% above US avg
Spanish
0.0%
100% below US avg
The median household income in Perley is $71,458, which is 5% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $35,902. The average weekly wage is $939, 34% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 14.1% (above the 3.6% US average). 11.5% of residents live below the poverty line. The area has 259 business establishments, including 8 restaurants. The cost of living index is 98.6, roughly in line with the national average. Workers commute an average of 36 minutes (longer than the 28-minute US average). 5.5% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $71,458 |
| 5% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $35,902 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $939 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $69,820 |
| Gini Index | 0.442 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 14.1% |
| 292% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 11.5% |
| 7% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 259 |
| County GDP | $246M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 8 |
| Healthcare | 17 |
| Retail | 27 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $2,057 |
| 41% below US avg |
| Cost of Living | 98.60 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 2.44% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 35.5 min |
| Drive Alone | 50.9% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 5.5% |
The median home value in Perley is $84,400, 70% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $166,270, higher than the Census estimate. Fair market rent ranges from $899 for a one-bedroom to $1,125 for a two-bedroom apartment. 100.0% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 54 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1953. The average annual property tax is $2,057 (lower than the $3,500 national average). 27.1% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.2x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $84,400 |
| 70% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $166,270 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $809 |
| 1 Bedroom | $899 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,125 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,483 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,698 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 100.0% |
| Owner-Occupied | 100.0% |
| Renter-Occupied | 0.0% |
| Housing Units | 54 |
| Median Year Built | 1953 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $2,057 |
| 41% below US avg |
| Effective Rate | 2.44% |
In Perley, 35.5% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 9.3% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.8% of residents. 30.0% have high blood pressure. 16.7% are current smokers. 21.5% report binge drinking. 23.9% are physically inactive. 25.6% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 17.3% experience frequent mental distress. 8.3% of residents lack health insurance. The dentist ratio is 1:1,594. 40.4% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.3 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Perley vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 35.5% |
| 11% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 9.3% |
| Heart Disease | 5.8% |
| High Blood Pressure | 30.0% |
| Asthma | 10.1% |
| COPD | 5.8% |
| Cancer | 7.4% |
| Stroke | 3.0% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 16.7% |
| 19% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 21.5% |
| Physical Inactivity | 23.9% |
| Depression | 25.6% |
| Mental Distress | 17.3% |
| Physical Distress | 12.1% |
| Short Sleep | 33.8% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 71.4% |
| Uninsured | 8.3% |
| 3% below US avg |
| Dentists | 1:1,594 |
| Mental Health | 1:6,329 |
| Checkup Rate | 70.7% |
| Dental Visits | 62.5% |
| Premature Death | 7,593/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.3/10 |
| Exercise Access | 40.4% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 17 |
Perley has a violent crime rate of 193 per 100,000 residents, 49% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 3,568 per 100,000, 82% above the U.S. average. The county recorded 1 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Perley receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Perley vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 192.9/100K |
| 49% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 3,568.0/100K |
| 82% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 1 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Perley has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 42°F (6°C). Winters average 8°F in January while summers reach 71°F in July / a wide seasonal temperature swing of 63°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 24.7 inches (drier than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 40.9 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 875 feet.
Temperature
8°F Jan (-13°C)
71°F Jul (22°C)
| Annual Average | 42.1°F |
| 22% below US avg |
| January Average | 8°F (-13°C) |
| July Average | 71°F (22°C) |
| Sunny Days | 276 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 875 ft (267 m) |
| Area | 0.3 sq mi (0.6 km²) |
| Population Density | 432/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 47.1762°N, 96.8015°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Norman County County |
| Nearest Airport | Hector International (FAR)
18 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
24.7"
35% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
3.82"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 36.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 14.4 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 47.5 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 54.3 / 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 |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
Relatively Moderate |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Tornado History
498 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF5. Total: 20 fatalities, 238 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jun 20, 1957 |
EF5 |
52 km |
10 |
| Jun 17, 2010 |
EF4 |
55 km |
0 |
| Aug 26, 2007 |
EF4 |
86 km |
1 |
| Jun 28, 1975 |
EF4 |
35 km |
0 |
| Jul 2, 1955 |
EF4 |
77 km |
2 |
| Aug 27, 2016 |
EF3 |
42 km |
0 |
| Jun 17, 2010 |
EF3 |
70 km |
1 |
| Jun 28, 1975 |
EF3 |
38 km |
0 |
| Jun 16, 1973 |
EF3 |
30 km |
0 |
| Jun 15, 1973 |
EF3 |
48 km |
0 |
| Jun 21, 1971 |
EF3 |
93 km |
0 |
| Sep 6, 1958 |
EF3 |
96 km |
0 |
| Aug 11, 1958 |
EF3 |
86 km |
0 |
| Aug 30, 1956 |
EF3 |
31 km |
0 |
| Jul 2, 1955 |
EF3 |
73 km |
0 |
| Jun 13, 1950 |
EF3 |
95 km |
0 |
| Jun 24, 2023 |
EF2 |
66 km |
0 |
| Jun 24, 2022 |
EF2 |
91 km |
0 |
| Aug 9, 2021 |
EF2 |
97 km |
0 |
| Jun 8, 2019 |
EF2 |
57 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950-2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: OXCART (12,538 ac, 2021).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2021 |
OXCART |
12,538 |
74 km |
| 2021 |
BIESTERFELD |
3,481 |
98 km |
| 2003 |
ROTHSAY |
3,015 |
80 km |
| 2008 |
UNNAMED |
2,420 |
71 km |
| 2024 |
4 SQUARE MILE RX |
2,320 |
73 km |
| 2008 |
UNNAMED |
2,092 |
70 km |
| 2010 |
NELSON PRAIRIE MIDDLE WPA |
1,779 |
72 km |
| 2009 |
DOWNING |
1,506 |
62 km |
| 2020 |
GRAVEL PIT |
1,468 |
71 km |
| 2012 |
SPRING CREEK |
1,413 |
65 km |
| 2000 |
00 14 |
1,377 |
92 km |
| 2003 |
OLERUD |
1,275 |
89 km |
| 2010 |
BEJOU WMA |
1,270 |
68 km |
| 2007 |
UNNAMED |
1,270 |
68 km |
| 2007 |
FLICKERTAIL |
1,239 |
35 km |
| 2011 |
NEAL WMA |
1,213 |
37 km |
| 1996 |
UNNAMED |
1,153 |
45 km |
| 1985 |
ALICE 02 |
1,142 |
71 km |
| 2006 |
FULLERS LAKE 06 |
1,109 |
62 km |
| 1998 |
UNNAMED |
1,026 |
65 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
8°F (-13°C) |
0.7 in |
Coldest |
| February |
13°F (-11°C) |
0.6 in |
Driest |
| March |
26°F (-3°C) |
0.9 in |
|
| April |
43°F (6°C) |
1.5 in |
|
| May |
57°F (14°C) |
2.6 in |
|
| June |
66°F (19°C) |
3.8 in |
Wettest |
| July |
71°F (22°C) |
3.0 in |
Warmest |
| August |
68°F (20°C) |
2.7 in |
|
| September |
58°F (15°C) |
2.2 in |
|
| October |
46°F (8°C) |
2.0 in |
|
| November |
27°F (-3°C) |
1.0 in |
|
| December |
12°F (-11°C) |
0.6 in |
|
Perley has a seasonal temperature swing of 63°F / from 8°F in January to 71°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 21.7 inches, with June being the wettest month (3.8") and February the driest (0.6").
Average costs for common services in Perley. 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 | $556 |
| Toddler | $563 |
| Preschool | $563 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Perley
What is the population of Perley?
Perley has a population of 108 residents and is located in Minnesota. The population density is 432 people per square mile, spread across 0.3 square miles. The median age of residents is 51.3 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 59.3% female and 40.7% male.
Is Perley expensive to live in?
Perley 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 $71,458, 5% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $84,400 (70% below the U.S. median). The home price-to-income ratio is 1.2x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Perley safe?
Perley is safer than the national average, with a violent crime rate of 193 per 100,000 compared to the U.S. rate of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 3,568 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Perley receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Perley?
Perley has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 42°F (6°C). Winter temperatures average 8°F in January, while summers reach an average of 71°F in July. The area receives 276 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 24.7 inches, with 40.9 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 36.
How is the job market in Perley?
The job market in Perley faces challenges, with unemployment at 14.1% / significantly above the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $939. There are 259 business establishments in the area, including 8 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 36 minutes, and 5.5% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Perley?
The median home value in Perley is $84,400. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $166,270. The homeownership rate is 100.0%. The average annual property tax is $2,057.
How are the schools in Perley?
Schools in Perley score 6.1 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 18.5% of adults in Perley hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 94.6% have completed high school. 0.0% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Perley?
The obesity rate in Perley is 35.5% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 16.7% of adults are smokers. 23.9% are physically inactive. 25.6% of residents report depression. 8.3% lack health insurance. 40.4% of residents have access to exercise opportunities.
What is transportation like in Perley?
The average commute in Perley is 36 minutes, longer than the national average of 28 minutes. 50.9% of workers drive alone to work, and 5.5% work from home.
What are the demographics of Perley?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Perley is 88.9% White, 3.7% Hispanic or Latino. 100% of residents speak only English at home. 92.0% of the population are military veterans. 23.5% of residents have a disability. 71.4% have health insurance coverage.
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