Median Income
$55,092
27% lower than US avg
Home Value
$136,000
52% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
434/100K
14% higher than US avg
Bachelor's+
10.3%
69% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$426
63% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
50.4%
57% higher than US avg
Unemployment
7.5%
108% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
40.9%
230% higher than US avg
How Red Lake Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population1,506
Median Age28.2 yrs
Density296/mi²
Male / Female52% / 48%
Largest GroupWhite 5%
Veterans17.6%
Economy
C
Median Income$55,092
Per Capita$16,732
Unemployment7.5%
Poverty40.9%
County GDP$2,519M
Commute9 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$136,000
Rent$426
Ownership62.1%
Zillow$245,304
Housing Units519
Rent Burden28.8%
Crime
F
Violent434/100K
Property8,089/100K
Health
Obesity50.4%
Uninsured14.1%
Smoking36.2%
Depression28.8%
Heart Disease9.1%
Climate
Avg Temp39°F (4°C)
AQI36 (Good)
Rain22.8 in/yr
Sunny Days276/yr
Elevation1,232 ft (376 m)
Education
D
Bachelor's+10.3%
High School+83.9%
Graduate+1.4%
School Score5.92
Community
2024 VoteR 52% / D 46%
Commute9 min
Broadband86.5%
EV Stations5
Libraries2
Is Red Lake a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Red Lake receives an overall livability score of 2.5 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C+. Key strengths include affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include above-average unemployment, an elevated poverty rate, a high uninsured rate. Red Lake has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Red Lake is $55,092, 27% below the national average of $75,149. The unemployment rate of 7.5% is somewhat elevated compared to the national rate of 3.6%. The poverty rate of 40.9% exceeds the national average of 12.4%, indicating economic hardship for a significant portion of the population. Workers commute an average of 9 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Red Lake is $136,000, 52% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $426 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 2.5x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
The violent crime rate of 434 per 100,000 is above the national average of 380 / something for prospective residents to consider. Property crime occurs at a rate of 8,089 per 100,000, 313% above the national average.
Education
10.3% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 83.9% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.9/10.
Climate & Weather
Red Lake has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 39°F. Winters average 7°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 22.8 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 36.
Red Lake has a population of 1,506 with a density of 296 people per square mile, spread across 5.1 square miles. The median age is 28.2 years, 28% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 47.7% female and 52.3% male. The city is predominantly Hispanic (94.8%), with 4.8% White. English is the primary language spoken at home by 83.8% of residents, while 16.2% speak Spanish. 17.6% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 8.4% of residents have a disability (below the 13.0% national average). 79.5% have health insurance coverage.
Population
28.2yrs
Median Age
28% below US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
83.8%
7% above US avg
Spanish
16.2%
21% above US avg
The median household income in Red Lake is $55,092, which is 27% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $16,732 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,044, 27% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 7.5% (above the 3.6% US average). 40.9% of residents live below the poverty line, higher than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 1,326 business establishments, including 124 restaurants. The cost of living index is 98.6, roughly in line with the national average. Workers commute an average of 9 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 3.8% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $55,092 |
| 27% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $16,732 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,044 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $65,085 |
| Gini Index | 0.438 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 7.5% |
| 108% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 40.9% |
| 230% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 1,326 |
| County GDP | $2,519M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 124 |
| Healthcare | 175 |
| Retail | 213 |
| Manufacturing | 35 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $4,277 |
| 22% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 98.60 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 3.14% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 8.9 min |
| Drive Alone | 80.4% |
| Public Transit | 7.9% |
| Work from Home | 3.8% |
The median home value in Red Lake is $136,000, 52% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $245,304, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $426 (63% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $742 for a one-bedroom to $973 for a two-bedroom apartment. 62.1% of housing units are owner-occupied. There are 519 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1993. The average annual property tax is $4,277 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 28.8% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.5x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $136,000 |
| 52% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $245,304 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $426 |
| 63% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 28.8% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $671 |
| 1 Bedroom | $742 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $973 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,277 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,288 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 62.1% |
| Owner-Occupied | 62.1% |
| Renter-Occupied | 37.9% |
| Housing Units | 519 |
| Median Year Built | 1993 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $4,277 |
| 22% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 3.14% |
In Red Lake, 50.4% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 19.3% have diabetes (above the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 9.1% of residents, above the national average. 38.2% have high blood pressure. 36.2% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 15.4% report binge drinking. 40.6% are physically inactive, above the national average. 28.8% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 24.7% experience frequent mental distress. 14.1% of residents lack health insurance (above the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:928. The dentist ratio is 1:1,265. 77.3% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 7.0 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Red Lake vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 50.4% |
| 57% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 19.3% |
| Heart Disease | 9.1% |
| High Blood Pressure | 38.2% |
| Asthma | 15.4% |
| COPD | 10.8% |
| Cancer | 5.8% |
| Stroke | 6.0% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 36.2% |
| 159% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 15.4% |
| Physical Inactivity | 40.6% |
| Depression | 28.8% |
| Mental Distress | 24.7% |
| Physical Distress | 21.0% |
| Short Sleep | 42.9% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 79.5% |
| Uninsured | 14.1% |
| 64% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:928 |
| Dentists | 1:1,265 |
| Mental Health | 1:219 |
| Checkup Rate | 71.7% |
| Dental Visits | 40.3% |
| Premature Death | 12,759/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.0/10 |
| Exercise Access | 77.3% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 175 |
Red Lake has a violent crime rate of 434 per 100,000 residents, 14% above the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 8,089 per 100,000, 313% above the U.S. average. The county recorded 1 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Red Lake receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Red Lake vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 434.1/100K |
| 14% above US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 8,089.3/100K |
| 313% 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 |
Red Lake has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 39°F (4°C). Winters average 7°F in January while summers reach 68°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 22.8 inches (drier than the 38-inch national average). Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 36. The city sits at an elevation of 1,232 feet.
Temperature
7°F Jan (-14°C)
68°F Jul (20°C)
| Annual Average | 39.3°F |
| 27% below US avg |
| January Average | 7°F (-14°C) |
| July Average | 68°F (20°C) |
| Sunny Days | 276 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,232 ft (376 m) |
| Area | 5.1 sq mi (13.1 km²) |
| Population Density | 296/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 47.8699°N, 95.0050°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Beltrami County County |
| Nearest Airport | Bemidji Regional (BJI)
25 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
22.8"
40% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
3.70"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 36.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Air Pollutants (EPA 2023)
| PM2.5 (Fine Particles) | 7.7 μg/m³ |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 60.6 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 50.3 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 89.8 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Relatively Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Moderate |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Moderate |
| Lightning |
Relatively Low |
| Ice Storm |
Very Low |
| Drought |
Relatively Low |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Landslide |
Relatively Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Tornado History
161 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF3. Total: 1 fatality, 10 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jun 17, 2010 |
EF3 |
92 km |
1 |
| Jun 6, 2008 |
EF3 |
99 km |
0 |
| Jun 24, 2023 |
EF2 |
98 km |
0 |
| Jun 8, 2019 |
EF2 |
99 km |
0 |
| Jun 29, 2018 |
EF2 |
84 km |
0 |
| Jul 22, 2013 |
EF2 |
93 km |
0 |
| Jul 11, 2008 |
EF2 |
89 km |
0 |
| Aug 25, 1983 |
EF2 |
92 km |
0 |
| Aug 5, 1981 |
EF2 |
26 km |
0 |
| Jun 26, 1978 |
EF2 |
94 km |
0 |
| Sep 1, 1973 |
EF2 |
81 km |
0 |
| Jun 25, 1963 |
EF2 |
99 km |
0 |
| Aug 25, 1960 |
EF2 |
36 km |
0 |
| Jun 24, 2022 |
EF1 |
86 km |
0 |
| Jun 20, 2022 |
EF1 |
45 km |
0 |
| Jul 26, 2021 |
EF1 |
2 km |
0 |
| Jul 26, 2021 |
EF1 |
10 km |
0 |
| Aug 13, 2020 |
EF1 |
80 km |
0 |
| Aug 9, 2020 |
EF1 |
58 km |
0 |
| Jun 8, 2020 |
EF1 |
81 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950-2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: UNNAMED (131,401 ac, 1987).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 1987 |
UNNAMED |
131,401 |
42 km |
| 2003 |
REINER 36 |
67,641 |
38 km |
| 1989 |
UNNAMED |
66,422 |
40 km |
| 1990 |
UNNAMED |
43,533 |
48 km |
| 1991 |
UNNAMED |
37,840 |
33 km |
| 1990 |
UNNAMED |
32,693 |
34 km |
| 1987 |
SANDY LAKE |
26,617 |
37 km |
| 1990 |
UNNAMED |
26,345 |
82 km |
| 1998 |
RL3 |
14,882 |
39 km |
| 2018 |
2018 HIGHWAY 1 RXB |
13,170 |
40 km |
| 2021 |
OXCART |
12,538 |
95 km |
| 1987 |
UNNAMED |
10,819 |
84 km |
| 1987 |
UNNAMED |
9,281 |
61 km |
| 1994 |
UNNAMED |
8,690 |
37 km |
| 1990 |
UNNAMED |
8,025 |
43 km |
| 2016 |
2016 HIGHWAY 1 RXB |
7,744 |
46 km |
| 2021 |
RL 005 UNIT 8 AND 9 |
6,352 |
27 km |
| 2003 |
HICKORY ONE |
6,152 |
45 km |
| 2007 |
HWYONEBURN |
6,124 |
43 km |
| 2002 |
RED LAKE 468 |
6,076 |
31 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
7°F (-14°C) |
0.6 in |
Coldest |
| February |
11°F (-12°C) |
0.4 in |
Driest |
| March |
23°F (-5°C) |
0.8 in |
|
| April |
38°F (3°C) |
1.4 in |
|
| May |
52°F (11°C) |
2.6 in |
|
| June |
62°F (17°C) |
3.7 in |
Wettest |
| July |
68°F (20°C) |
3.6 in |
Warmest |
| August |
66°F (19°C) |
3.4 in |
|
| September |
56°F (13°C) |
2.8 in |
|
| October |
44°F (7°C) |
2.0 in |
|
| November |
27°F (-3°C) |
0.8 in |
|
| December |
11°F (-12°C) |
0.6 in |
|
Red Lake has a seasonal temperature swing of 62°F / from 7°F in January to 68°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 22.7 inches, with June being the wettest month (3.7") and February the driest (0.4").
Average costs for common services in Red Lake. 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 | $1,104 |
| Toddler | $986 |
| Preschool | $925 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $621 |
| Toddler | $570 |
| Preschool | $570 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Red Lake
What is the population of Red Lake?
Red Lake has a population of 1,506 residents and is located in Minnesota. The population density is 296 people per square mile, spread across 5.1 square miles. The median age of residents is 28.2 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 47.7% female and 52.3% male.
Is Red Lake expensive to live in?
Red Lake 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 $55,092, 27% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $136,000 (52% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $426 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.5x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Red Lake safe?
The violent crime rate in Red Lake is 434 per 100,000 residents, above the national average of 380. Prospective residents should research specific neighborhoods, as crime rates can vary significantly within the city. Property crime occurs at a rate of 8,089 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Red Lake receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Red Lake?
Red Lake has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 39°F (4°C). Winter temperatures average 7°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 22.8 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 36.
How is the job market in Red Lake?
The unemployment rate in Red Lake is 7.5%, somewhat above the national average of 3.6%. Job seekers may face moderate competition. The average weekly wage is $1,044. There are 1,326 business establishments in the area, including 124 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 9 minutes, and 3.8% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Red Lake?
The median home value in Red Lake is $136,000. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $245,304. For renters, the median monthly rent is $426. Fair market rent is $742 for a 1-bedroom and $973 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 62.1%. The average annual property tax is $4,277.
How are the schools in Red Lake?
Schools in Red Lake score 5.9 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 10.3% of adults in Red Lake hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 83.9% have completed high school. 1.4% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Red Lake?
The obesity rate in Red Lake is 50.4% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 36.2% of adults are smokers. 40.6% are physically inactive. 28.8% of residents report depression. 14.1% lack health insurance (above the national rate). 77.3% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:928.
What is transportation like in Red Lake?
The average commute in Red Lake is 9 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 80.4% of workers drive alone to work, 7.9% use public transit, and 3.8% work from home.
What are the demographics of Red Lake?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Red Lake is 4.8% White, 94.8% Hispanic or Latino. 83.8% of residents speak only English at home, while 16.2% speak Spanish. 17.6% of the population are military veterans. 8.4% of residents have a disability. 79.5% have health insurance coverage.
All Countries
