Median Income
$60,208
20% lower than US avg
Home Value
$137,500
51% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
193/100K
49% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
20.2%
40% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$754
35% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
32.9%
2% higher than US avg
Unemployment
0.6%
83% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
17.1%
38% higher than US avg
How Ulen Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population417
Median Age54.5 yrs
Density390/mi²
Male / Female52% / 48%
Largest GroupWhite 100%
Veterans4.3%
Economy
B+
Median Income$60,208
Per Capita$32,432
Unemployment0.6%
Poverty17.1%
County GDP$246M
Commute16 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$137,500
Rent$754
Ownership69.7%
Zillow$300,788
Housing Units238
Rent Burden51.0%
Crime
F
Violent193/100K
Property3,568/100K
Health
Obesity32.9%
Uninsured7.0%
Smoking14.9%
Depression26.0%
Heart Disease5.1%
Climate
Avg Temp40°F (4°C)
AQI36 (Good)
Rain25.0 in/yr
Sunny Days276/yr
Elevation1,152 ft (351 m)
Education
C+
Bachelor's+20.2%
High School+97.7%
Graduate+0.0%
School Score6.12
Community
2024 VoteR 60% / D 38%
Commute16 min
Broadband74.2%
EV Stations1
Libraries1
Is Ulen a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Ulen 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 an elevated poverty rate. Ulen offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Ulen is $60,208, 20% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 0.6%. The poverty rate of 17.1% exceeds the national average of 12.4%, indicating economic hardship for a significant portion of the population. Workers commute an average of 16 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Ulen is $137,500, 51% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $754 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 2.3x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Violent crime in Ulen 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
20.2% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 97.7% have completed high school. Local schools score 6.1/10 in standardized testing, reflecting strong academic performance.
Climate & Weather
Ulen has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 40°F. Winters average 6°F in January while summers reach 69°F in July. With 276 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 25.0 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 36.
Ulen has a population of 417 with a density of 390 people per square mile, spread across 1.1 square miles. The median age is 54.5 years, 40% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 48.2% female and 51.8% male. The city is predominantly White (100%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 97.3% of residents. 4.3% of the population are veterans, below the national rate of 6.0%. 27.7% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 94.7% have health insurance coverage.
Population
54.5yrs
Median Age
40% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
97.3%
24% above US avg
Spanish
2.7%
80% below US avg
The median household income in Ulen is $60,208, which is 20% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $32,432 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $939, 34% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 0.6% (below the 3.6% US average). 17.1% of residents live below the poverty line, higher than the national rate of 12.4%. 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 16 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 0.0% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $60,208 |
| 20% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $32,432 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $939 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $69,820 |
| Gini Index | 0.442 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 0.6% |
| 83% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 17.1% |
| 38% above 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 | 1.50% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 15.6 min |
| Drive Alone | 68.9% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 0.0% |
The median home value in Ulen is $137,500, 51% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $300,788, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $754 (35% 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. 69.7% of housing units are owner-occupied. There are 238 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1978. The average annual property tax is $2,057 (lower than the $3,500 national average). 51.0% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing, indicating a significant affordability challenge for renters. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.3x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $137,500 |
| 51% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $300,788 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $754 |
| 35% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 51.0% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $809 |
| 1 Bedroom | $899 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,125 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,483 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,698 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 69.7% |
| Owner-Occupied | 69.7% |
| Renter-Occupied | 30.3% |
| Housing Units | 238 |
| Median Year Built | 1978 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $2,057 |
| 41% below US avg |
| Effective Rate | 1.50% |
In Ulen, 32.9% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 8.6% have diabetes (below the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 5.1% of residents. 29.0% have high blood pressure. 14.9% are current smokers. 20.9% report binge drinking. 21.1% are physically inactive, below the national average. 26.0% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 16.4% experience frequent mental distress. 7.0% 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: Ulen vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 32.9% |
| 2% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 8.6% |
| Heart Disease | 5.1% |
| High Blood Pressure | 29.0% |
| Asthma | 10.2% |
| COPD | 5.0% |
| Cancer | 7.4% |
| Stroke | 2.7% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 14.9% |
| 6% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 20.9% |
| Physical Inactivity | 21.1% |
| Depression | 26.0% |
| Mental Distress | 16.4% |
| Physical Distress | 10.8% |
| Short Sleep | 32.5% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 94.7% |
| Uninsured | 7.0% |
| 19% below US avg |
| Dentists | 1:1,594 |
| Mental Health | 1:6,329 |
| Checkup Rate | 71.5% |
| Dental Visits | 68.4% |
| Premature Death | 7,593/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.3/10 |
| Exercise Access | 40.4% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 17 |
Ulen 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, Ulen receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Ulen 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 |
Ulen has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 40°F (4°C). Winters average 6°F in January while summers reach 69°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 25.0 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 1,152 feet.
Temperature
6°F Jan (-14°C)
69°F Jul (20°C)
| Annual Average | 40.0°F |
| 26% below US avg |
| January Average | 6°F (-14°C) |
| July Average | 69°F (20°C) |
| Sunny Days | 276 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,152 ft (351 m) |
| Area | 1.1 sq mi (3.0 km²) |
| Population Density | 390/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 47.0782°N, 96.2582°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Norman County County |
| Nearest Airport | Hector International (FAR)
28 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
25.0"
34% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
4.02"
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)
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 |
133 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990-2025)
Tornado History
423 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF5. Total: 19 fatalities, 217 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jun 20, 1957 |
EF5 |
85 km |
10 |
| Jun 17, 2010 |
EF4 |
94 km |
0 |
| Jun 28, 1975 |
EF4 |
43 km |
0 |
| Jul 2, 1955 |
EF4 |
86 km |
2 |
| Aug 27, 2016 |
EF3 |
78 km |
0 |
| Jun 17, 2010 |
EF3 |
63 km |
1 |
| Jun 6, 2008 |
EF3 |
95 km |
0 |
| Jun 28, 1975 |
EF3 |
34 km |
0 |
| Jun 16, 1973 |
EF3 |
69 km |
0 |
| Jun 15, 1973 |
EF3 |
79 km |
0 |
| Aug 30, 1956 |
EF3 |
46 km |
0 |
| Jul 2, 1955 |
EF3 |
71 km |
0 |
| Jun 24, 2023 |
EF2 |
31 km |
0 |
| Jun 24, 2022 |
EF2 |
50 km |
0 |
| Jun 8, 2019 |
EF2 |
47 km |
0 |
| Jun 29, 2018 |
EF2 |
56 km |
0 |
| Jul 11, 2017 |
EF2 |
25 km |
0 |
| Jul 11, 2017 |
EF2 |
64 km |
0 |
| Aug 28, 2016 |
EF2 |
48 km |
0 |
| Sep 4, 2014 |
EF2 |
64 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 |
73 km |
| 2003 |
ROTHSAY |
3,015 |
62 km |
| 2008 |
UNNAMED |
2,420 |
71 km |
| 2024 |
4 SQUARE MILE RX |
2,320 |
71 km |
| 2008 |
UNNAMED |
2,092 |
67 km |
| 2010 |
NELSON PRAIRIE MIDDLE WPA |
1,779 |
49 km |
| 2009 |
DOWNING |
1,506 |
23 km |
| 2020 |
GRAVEL PIT |
1,468 |
71 km |
| 2012 |
SPRING CREEK |
1,413 |
25 km |
| 2000 |
00 14 |
1,377 |
50 km |
| 1987 |
UNNAMED |
1,341 |
85 km |
| 2010 |
BEJOU WMA |
1,270 |
46 km |
| 2007 |
UNNAMED |
1,270 |
68 km |
| 2007 |
FLICKERTAIL |
1,239 |
8 km |
| 2011 |
NEAL WMA |
1,213 |
14 km |
| 1996 |
UNNAMED |
1,153 |
30 km |
| 1998 |
UNNAMED |
1,026 |
25 km |
| 1999 |
HELLIKSEN |
993 |
14 km |
| 2010 |
UNNAMED |
931 |
44 km |
| 1992 |
MEADOWS |
922 |
72 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
6°F (-14°C) |
0.7 in |
Coldest |
| February |
13°F (-11°C) |
0.5 in |
Driest |
| March |
25°F (-4°C) |
1.0 in |
|
| April |
42°F (6°C) |
1.6 in |
|
| May |
56°F (13°C) |
2.8 in |
|
| June |
65°F (18°C) |
4.0 in |
Wettest |
| July |
69°F (20°C) |
3.2 in |
Warmest |
| August |
67°F (20°C) |
3.0 in |
|
| September |
57°F (14°C) |
2.6 in |
|
| October |
45°F (7°C) |
2.0 in |
|
| November |
27°F (-3°C) |
0.9 in |
|
| December |
12°F (-11°C) |
0.7 in |
|
Ulen has a seasonal temperature swing of 63°F / from 6°F in January to 69°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 23.1 inches, with June being the wettest month (4.0") and February the driest (0.5").
Average costs for common services in Ulen. 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 Ulen
What is the population of Ulen?
Ulen has a population of 417 residents and is located in Minnesota. The population density is 390 people per square mile, spread across 1.1 square miles. The median age of residents is 54.5 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 48.2% female and 51.8% male.
Is Ulen expensive to live in?
Ulen 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 $60,208, 20% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $137,500 (51% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $754 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.3x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Ulen safe?
Ulen 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, Ulen receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Ulen?
Ulen has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 40°F (4°C). Winter temperatures average 6°F in January, while summers reach an average of 69°F in July. The area receives 276 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 25.0 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 36.
How is the job market in Ulen?
The job market in Ulen is very strong, with unemployment at just 0.6% / well below 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 16 minutes, and 0.0% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Ulen?
The median home value in Ulen is $137,500. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $300,788. For renters, the median monthly rent is $754. Fair market rent is $899 for a 1-bedroom and $1,125 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 69.7%. The average annual property tax is $2,057.
How are the schools in Ulen?
Schools in Ulen score 6.1 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 20.2% of adults in Ulen hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 97.7% have completed high school. 0.0% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Ulen?
The obesity rate in Ulen is 32.9% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 14.9% of adults are smokers. 21.1% are physically inactive. 26.0% of residents report depression. 7.0% lack health insurance (below the national rate). 40.4% of residents have access to exercise opportunities.
What is transportation like in Ulen?
The average commute in Ulen is 16 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 68.9% of workers drive alone to work, and 0.0% work from home.
What are the demographics of Ulen?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Ulen is 100% White. 97.3% of residents speak only English at home. 4.3% of the population are military veterans. 27.7% of residents have a disability. 94.7% have health insurance coverage.
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