Median Income
$101,250
35% higher than US avg
Home Value
$266,700
5% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
15.8%
53% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
39.2%
22% higher than US avg
Unemployment
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
How Roy Lake Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population57
Median Age31.0 yrs
Density127/mi²
Male / Female35% / 65%
Largest GroupWhite 93%
Veterans0.0%
Economy
A+
Median Income$101,250
Per Capita$36,100
Unemployment0.0%
Poverty0.0%
County GDP$249M
Commute45 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$266,700
Ownership100.0%
Zillow$198,053
Housing Units52
Rent Burden25.1%
Health
Obesity39.2%
Uninsured0.0%
Smoking14.6%
Depression25.8%
Heart Disease5.1%
Climate
Avg Temp39°F (4°C)
Rain27.6 in/yr
Elevation1,489 ft (454 m)
Education
C
Bachelor's+15.8%
High School+71.1%
Graduate+0.0%
School Score4.38
Community
2024 VoteR 54% / D 45%
Commute45 min
Broadband93.8%
EV Stations1
Libraries1
Is Roy Lake a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Roy Lake receives an overall livability score of 4.1 out of 5.0, earning a grade of A. Key strengths include above-average household incomes, low unemployment, a low poverty rate, high health insurance coverage. Areas to be aware of include long commute times, high obesity rates. Roy Lake stands out as an excellent place to live, with strong marks across most quality-of-life indicators.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Roy Lake is $101,250, which is significantly higher than the national average / 35% above $75,149. This places Roy Lake among higher-income communities. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 0.0%. Only 0.0% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 45 minutes, longer than the typical American commute of 28 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Roy Lake is $266,700, roughly aligned with the national median of $281,900. At just 2.6x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Education
15.8% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 71.1% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 4.4/10.
Climate & Weather
Roy Lake has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 39°F. Winters average 6°F in January while summers reach 67°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 27.6 inches, including 51.6 inches of snow.
Roy Lake has a population of 57 with a density of 127 people per square mile, spread across 0.5 square miles. The median age is 31.0 years, 20% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 64.9% female and 35.1% male. The city is predominantly White (93%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 98% of residents. 0.0% of the population are veterans, below the national rate of 6.0%. 15.8% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 100.0% have health insurance coverage.
Population
57
Total Population
2023 Census
31.0yrs
Median Age
20% below US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
98.0%
25% above US avg
Spanish
1.9%
86% below US avg
The median household income in Roy Lake is $101,250, which is 35% above the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $36,100. The average weekly wage is $1,103, 23% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 0.0% (below the 3.6% US average). 0.0% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 122 business establishments, including 13 restaurants. The cost of living index is 98.6, roughly in line with the national average. Workers commute an average of 45 minutes (longer than the 28-minute US average). 13.3% of workers work from home.
Income
| Median HH Income | $101,250 |
| 35% above US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $36,100 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,103 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $53,804 |
| Gini Index | 0.443 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 122 |
| County GDP | $249M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 13 |
| Healthcare | 10 |
| Retail | 19 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $2,733 |
| 22% below US avg |
| Cost of Living | 98.60 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 1.02% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 44.6 min |
| Drive Alone | 66.7% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 13.3% |
The median home value in Roy Lake is $266,700, 5% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $198,053, lower 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 52 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1966. The average annual property tax is $2,733 (lower than the $3,500 national average). 25.1% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.6x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $266,700 |
| 5% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $198,053 |
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 | 52 |
| Median Year Built | 1966 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $2,733 |
| 22% below US avg |
| Effective Rate | 1.02% |
In Roy Lake, 39.2% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 14.0% have diabetes (above the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 5.1% of residents. 31.3% have high blood pressure. 14.6% are current smokers. 22.4% report binge drinking. 31.0% are physically inactive, above the national average. 25.8% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 21.2% experience frequent mental distress. 0.0% of residents lack health insurance (below the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:5,414. 48.0% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 6.3 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Roy Lake vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 39.2% |
| 22% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 14.0% |
| Heart Disease | 5.1% |
| High Blood Pressure | 31.3% |
| Asthma | 10.5% |
| COPD | 6.7% |
| Cancer | 7.4% |
| Stroke | 2.6% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 14.6% |
| 4% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 22.4% |
| Physical Inactivity | 31.0% |
| Depression | 25.8% |
| Mental Distress | 21.2% |
| Physical Distress | 11.1% |
| Short Sleep | 38.4% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 100.0% |
| Uninsured | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:5,414 |
| Checkup Rate | 71.9% |
| Dental Visits | 51.2% |
| Premature Death | 19,800/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 6.3/10 |
| Exercise Access | 48.0% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 10 |
Roy Lake has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 39°F (4°C). Winters average 6°F in January while summers reach 67°F in July / a wide seasonal temperature swing of 61°F. Annual precipitation totals 27.6 inches (drier than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 51.6 inches of snow annually, making winter weather a significant factor for residents. The city sits at an elevation of 1,489 feet.
Temperature
6°F Jan (-14°C)
67°F Jul (19°C)
| Annual Average | 38.7°F |
| 28% below US avg |
| January Average | 6°F (-14°C) |
| July Average | 67°F (19°C) |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,489 ft (454 m) |
| Area | 0.5 sq mi (1.2 km²) |
| Population Density | 127/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 47.3168°N, 95.5387°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Mahnomen County County |
| Nearest Airport | Bemidji Regional (BJI)
31 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
27.6"
27% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
4.57"
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 7.1 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 97.4 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 45.8 / 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 Low |
| Lightning |
Very Low |
| Ice Storm |
Very Low |
| Drought |
Relatively Moderate |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
1 earthquake (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M2.5. Most recent: M2.5 on Apr 29, 2011.
| Apr 29, 2011 |
Minnesota |
M2.5 |
148 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990-2025)
Tornado History
293 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF3. Total: 7 fatalities, 73 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jun 17, 2010 |
EF3 |
60 km |
1 |
| Jun 6, 2008 |
EF3 |
54 km |
0 |
| Jun 28, 1975 |
EF3 |
93 km |
0 |
| Aug 6, 1969 |
EF3 |
90 km |
0 |
| Jun 24, 2023 |
EF2 |
31 km |
0 |
| Jun 24, 2022 |
EF2 |
52 km |
0 |
| Jun 8, 2019 |
EF2 |
55 km |
0 |
| Jun 29, 2018 |
EF2 |
45 km |
0 |
| Jul 11, 2017 |
EF2 |
74 km |
0 |
| Aug 28, 2016 |
EF2 |
69 km |
0 |
| Jul 22, 2013 |
EF2 |
28 km |
0 |
| Jul 11, 2008 |
EF2 |
22 km |
0 |
| Jun 6, 2008 |
EF2 |
72 km |
0 |
| Jun 7, 2007 |
EF2 |
90 km |
0 |
| Jun 20, 2005 |
EF2 |
97 km |
0 |
| Sep 5, 2004 |
EF2 |
89 km |
0 |
| Oct 26, 1996 |
EF2 |
88 km |
0 |
| Jun 5, 1996 |
EF2 |
64 km |
0 |
| Aug 25, 1983 |
EF2 |
92 km |
0 |
| Aug 5, 1981 |
EF2 |
48 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 |
87 km |
| 2003 |
REINER 36 |
67,641 |
81 km |
| 1989 |
UNNAMED |
66,422 |
83 km |
| 1990 |
UNNAMED |
43,533 |
95 km |
| 1991 |
UNNAMED |
37,840 |
68 km |
| 1990 |
UNNAMED |
32,693 |
72 km |
| 1987 |
SANDY LAKE |
26,617 |
70 km |
| 1998 |
RL3 |
14,882 |
88 km |
| 2018 |
2018 HIGHWAY 1 RXB |
13,170 |
89 km |
| 2021 |
OXCART |
12,538 |
71 km |
| 1994 |
UNNAMED |
8,690 |
72 km |
| 1990 |
UNNAMED |
8,025 |
92 km |
| 2016 |
2016 HIGHWAY 1 RXB |
7,744 |
92 km |
| 2021 |
RL 005 UNIT 8 AND 9 |
6,352 |
71 km |
| 2003 |
HICKORY ONE |
6,152 |
73 km |
| 2007 |
HWYONEBURN |
6,124 |
91 km |
| 2002 |
RED LAKE 468 |
6,076 |
64 km |
| 2021 |
RL 203 GOODS |
5,555 |
70 km |
| 2012 |
HWY 1 2012 |
5,491 |
92 km |
| 2000 |
RL205 |
5,239 |
78 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
6°F (-14°C) |
0.8 in |
Coldest |
| February |
11°F (-12°C) |
0.7 in |
Driest |
| March |
24°F (-4°C) |
1.2 in |
|
| April |
39°F (4°C) |
2.0 in |
|
| May |
52°F (11°C) |
3.2 in |
|
| June |
62°F (17°C) |
4.6 in |
Wettest |
| July |
67°F (19°C) |
3.5 in |
Warmest |
| August |
65°F (18°C) |
3.2 in |
|
| September |
56°F (13°C) |
3.1 in |
|
| October |
42°F (6°C) |
2.9 in |
|
| November |
27°F (-3°C) |
1.3 in |
|
| December |
14°F (-10°C) |
1.1 in |
|
Roy Lake has a seasonal temperature swing of 61°F / from 6°F in January to 67°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 27.6 inches, with June being the wettest month (4.6") and February the driest (0.7").
Average costs for common services in Roy 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 | $770 |
| Toddler | $705 |
| Preschool | $657 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $621 |
| Toddler | $570 |
| Preschool | $570 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Roy Lake
What is the population of Roy Lake?
Roy Lake has a population of 57 residents and is located in Minnesota. The population density is 127 people per square mile, spread across 0.5 square miles. The median age of residents is 31.0 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 64.9% female and 35.1% male.
Is Roy Lake expensive to live in?
Roy 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 $101,250, 35% above the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $266,700 (5% below the U.S. median). The home price-to-income ratio is 2.6x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
What is the weather like in Roy Lake?
Roy Lake has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 39°F (4°C). Winter temperatures average 6°F in January, while summers reach an average of 67°F in July. Annual rainfall totals 27.6 inches, with 51.6 inches of snow.
How is the job market in Roy Lake?
The job market in Roy Lake is very strong, with unemployment at just 0.0% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,103. There are 122 business establishments in the area, including 13 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 45 minutes, and 13.3% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Roy Lake?
The median home value in Roy Lake is $266,700. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $198,053. The homeownership rate is 100.0%. The average annual property tax is $2,733.
How are the schools in Roy Lake?
Schools in Roy Lake have an average test score of 4.4 out of 10, below typical national benchmarks. Families may want to research individual school ratings. 15.8% of adults in Roy Lake hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 71.1% have completed high school. 0.0% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Roy Lake?
The obesity rate in Roy Lake is 39.2% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 14.6% of adults are smokers. 31.0% are physically inactive. 25.8% of residents report depression. 0.0% lack health insurance (below the national rate). 48.0% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:5,414.
What is transportation like in Roy Lake?
The average commute in Roy Lake is 45 minutes, longer than the national average of 28 minutes. 66.7% of workers drive alone to work, and 13.3% work from home.
What are the demographics of Roy Lake?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Roy Lake is 93% White. 98% of residents speak only English at home. 0.0% of the population are military veterans. 15.8% of residents have a disability. 100.0% have health insurance coverage.