Median Income
$66,250
12% lower than US avg
Home Value
$137,500
51% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
281/100K
26% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
17.9%
47% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$873
25% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
38.1%
19% higher than US avg
Unemployment
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
3.3%
73% lower than US avg
How Wolf Lake Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population104
Median Age22.7 yrs
Density325/mi²
Male / Female36% / 64%
Largest GroupWhite 96%
Veterans77.0%
Economy
A
Median Income$66,250
Per Capita$26,184
Unemployment0.0%
Poverty3.3%
County GDP$2,058M
Commute22 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$137,500
Rent$873
Ownership37.1%
Zillow$311,338
Housing Units34
Rent Burden21.3%
Crime
F
Violent281/100K
Property7,055/100K
Health
Obesity38.1%
Smoking17.3%
Depression26.8%
Heart Disease6.0%
Climate
Avg Temp40°F (5°C)
AQI36 (Good)
Rain23.9 in/yr
Sunny Days276/yr
Elevation1,548 ft (472 m)
Education
C
Bachelor's+17.9%
High School+84.6%
Graduate+0.0%
School Score6.20
Community
2024 VoteR 66% / D 33%
Commute22 min
Broadband35.0%
EV Stations1
Libraries1
Is Wolf Lake a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Wolf Lake receives an overall livability score of 3.2 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include low unemployment, low crime rates, affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Wolf Lake offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Wolf Lake is $66,250, 12% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 0.0%. Only 3.3% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 22 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Wolf Lake is $137,500, 51% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $873 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 2.1x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Violent crime in Wolf Lake is below the national average at 281 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 7,055 per 100,000, 260% above the national average.
Education
17.9% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 84.6% have completed high school. Local schools score 6.2/10 in standardized testing, reflecting strong academic performance.
Climate & Weather
Wolf Lake has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 40°F. Winters average 8°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 23.9 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 36.
Wolf Lake has a population of 104 with a density of 325 people per square mile, spread across 0.3 square miles. The median age is 22.7 years, 42% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 64.4% female and 35.6% male. The city is predominantly White (96.2%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 95.4% of residents. 77.0% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 24.7% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 82.2% have health insurance coverage.
Population
22.7yrs
Median Age
42% below US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Wolf Lake vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
95.4%
22% above US avg
Spanish
4.6%
66% below US avg
Social Characteristics
Wolf Lake vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Wolf Lake is $66,250, which is 12% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $26,184 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,024, 28% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 0.0% (below the 3.6% US average). 3.3% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 1,140 business establishments, including 83 restaurants. The cost of living index is 98.6, roughly in line with the national average. Workers commute an average of 22 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 6.5% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income: Wolf Lake vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $66,250 |
| 12% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $26,184 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,024 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $73,290 |
| Gini Index | 0.472 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 3.3% |
| 73% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 1,140 |
| County GDP | $2,058M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 83 |
| Healthcare | 95 |
| Retail | 135 |
| Manufacturing | 36 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $4,803 |
| 37% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 98.60 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 3.49% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 22.3 min |
| Drive Alone | 72.6% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 6.5% |
The median home value in Wolf Lake is $137,500, 51% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $311,338, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $873 (25% 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. 37.1% of housing units are owner-occupied (below the 65.4% national rate). There are 34 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1992. The average annual property tax is $4,803 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 21.3% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.1x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $137,500 |
| 51% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $311,338 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $873 |
| 25% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 21.3% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $809 |
| 1 Bedroom | $899 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,125 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,483 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,698 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 37.1% |
| Owner-Occupied | 37.1% |
| Renter-Occupied | 62.9% |
| Housing Units | 34 |
| Median Year Built | 1992 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $4,803 |
| 37% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 3.49% |
In Wolf Lake, 38.1% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 9.4% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 6.0% of residents. 31.6% have high blood pressure. 17.3% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 22.3% report binge drinking. 24.2% are physically inactive. 26.8% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 18.6% experience frequent mental distress. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,258. The dentist ratio is 1:1,415. 61.7% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 7.8 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Wolf Lake vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 38.1% |
| 19% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 9.4% |
| Heart Disease | 6.0% |
| High Blood Pressure | 31.6% |
| Asthma | 10.6% |
| COPD | 6.1% |
| Cancer | 7.4% |
| Stroke | 3.1% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 17.3% |
| 24% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 22.3% |
| Physical Inactivity | 24.2% |
| Depression | 26.8% |
| Mental Distress | 18.6% |
| Physical Distress | 12.6% |
| Short Sleep | 32.1% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 82.2% |
| |
| Primary Care | 1:1,258 |
| Dentists | 1:1,415 |
| Mental Health | 1:379 |
| Checkup Rate | 73.3% |
| Dental Visits | 60.9% |
| Premature Death | 7,442/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.8/10 |
| Exercise Access | 61.7% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 95 |
Wolf Lake has a violent crime rate of 281 per 100,000 residents, 26% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 7,055 per 100,000, 260% above the U.S. average. The county recorded 1 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Wolf Lake receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Wolf Lake vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 281.2/100K |
| 26% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 7,055.2/100K |
| 260% 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 |
Wolf Lake has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 40°F (5°C). Winters average 8°F in January while summers reach 69°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 23.9 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 1,548 feet.
Temperature
8°F Jan (-14°C)
69°F Jul (20°C)
| Annual Average | 40.4°F |
| 25% below US avg |
| January Average | 8°F (-14°C) |
| July Average | 69°F (20°C) |
| Sunny Days | 276 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,548 ft (472 m) |
| Area | 0.3 sq mi (0.8 km²) |
| Population Density | 325/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 46.8101°N, 95.3503°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Becker County County |
| Nearest Airport | Bemidji Regional (BJI)
52 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
23.9"
37% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
4.37"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 36.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Air Pollutants (EPA 2023)
| Ozone (O₃) | 0.0425 ppm |
| PM2.5 (Fine Particles) | 7.3 μg/m³ |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 37.4 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 40.4 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 85.1 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Relatively Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively High |
| Lightning |
Very Low |
| Ice Storm |
Very Low |
| Drought |
Relatively Low |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Relatively Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
2 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 |
146 km |
| Apr 29, 2011 |
Minnesota |
M2.5 |
93 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990-2025)
Tornado History
308 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 20 fatalities, 216 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jul 8, 2020 |
EF4 |
92 km |
1 |
| Jun 17, 2010 |
EF4 |
81 km |
1 |
| Jun 17, 2010 |
EF4 |
46 km |
0 |
| Aug 6, 1969 |
EF4 |
86 km |
12 |
| Jun 11, 1966 |
EF4 |
77 km |
0 |
| Jun 6, 2008 |
EF3 |
31 km |
0 |
| Jun 13, 2001 |
EF3 |
71 km |
0 |
| Jul 5, 1991 |
EF3 |
85 km |
0 |
| Aug 26, 1977 |
EF3 |
83 km |
0 |
| Jun 28, 1975 |
EF3 |
94 km |
0 |
| Aug 6, 1969 |
EF3 |
48 km |
0 |
| Jun 12, 2024 |
EF2 |
84 km |
0 |
| Jun 24, 2023 |
EF2 |
66 km |
0 |
| Jun 24, 2022 |
EF2 |
26 km |
0 |
| May 30, 2022 |
EF2 |
62 km |
0 |
| May 12, 2022 |
EF2 |
55 km |
0 |
| Jul 8, 2020 |
EF2 |
59 km |
0 |
| Jun 29, 2018 |
EF2 |
97 km |
0 |
| Jul 11, 2017 |
EF2 |
99 km |
0 |
| Jul 12, 2015 |
EF2 |
52 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 |
96 km |
| 2009 |
CENTER TANK RANGE |
6,131 |
98 km |
| 1988 |
UNNAMED |
4,475 |
98 km |
| 2018 |
BOY RIVER |
3,546 |
97 km |
| 2003 |
ROTHSAY |
3,015 |
84 km |
| 2009 |
HENDRICKSON IMPACT AREA |
2,757 |
95 km |
| 2024 |
DORAN WMA |
2,455 |
99 km |
| 2010 |
BOY RIVER - CORE 2010 |
1,872 |
99 km |
| 2010 |
NELSON PRAIRIE MIDDLE WPA |
1,779 |
87 km |
| 2016 |
UNNAMED |
1,777 |
97 km |
| 2009 |
DOWNING |
1,506 |
62 km |
| 2012 |
JEEP FIRE |
1,437 |
44 km |
| 2012 |
SPRING CREEK |
1,413 |
57 km |
| 2000 |
00 14 |
1,377 |
28 km |
| 1987 |
UNNAMED |
1,341 |
59 km |
| 2010 |
BEJOU WMA |
1,270 |
87 km |
| 2007 |
FLICKERTAIL |
1,239 |
82 km |
| 2011 |
NEAL WMA |
1,213 |
85 km |
| 1996 |
UNNAMED |
1,153 |
85 km |
| 1998 |
UNNAMED |
1,026 |
57 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
8°F (-14°C) |
0.8 in |
Coldest |
| February |
12°F (-11°C) |
0.6 in |
Driest |
| March |
25°F (-4°C) |
1.3 in |
|
| April |
41°F (5°C) |
2.0 in |
|
| May |
55°F (13°C) |
3.0 in |
|
| June |
63°F (17°C) |
4.4 in |
Wettest |
| July |
69°F (20°C) |
3.9 in |
Warmest |
| August |
66°F (19°C) |
3.5 in |
|
| September |
56°F (13°C) |
2.8 in |
|
| October |
44°F (7°C) |
2.5 in |
|
| November |
26°F (-3°C) |
1.1 in |
|
| December |
11°F (-12°C) |
0.7 in |
|
Wolf Lake has a seasonal temperature swing of 61°F / from 8°F in January to 69°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 26.4 inches, with June being the wettest month (4.4") and February the driest (0.6").
Average costs for common services in Wolf 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 | $914 |
| Toddler | $853 |
| Preschool | $787 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $621 |
| Toddler | $570 |
| Preschool | $570 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Wolf Lake
What is the population of Wolf Lake?
Wolf Lake has a population of 104 residents and is located in Minnesota. The population density is 325 people per square mile, spread across 0.3 square miles. The median age of residents is 22.7 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 64.4% female and 35.6% male.
Is Wolf Lake expensive to live in?
Wolf 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 $66,250, 12% 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 $873 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.1x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Wolf Lake safe?
Wolf Lake is safer than the national average, with a violent crime rate of 281 per 100,000 compared to the U.S. rate of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 7,055 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Wolf Lake receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Wolf Lake?
Wolf Lake has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 40°F (5°C). Winter temperatures average 8°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 23.9 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 36.
How is the job market in Wolf Lake?
The job market in Wolf Lake is very strong, with unemployment at just 0.0% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,024. There are 1,140 business establishments in the area, including 83 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 22 minutes, and 6.5% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Wolf Lake?
The median home value in Wolf Lake is $137,500. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $311,338. For renters, the median monthly rent is $873. Fair market rent is $899 for a 1-bedroom and $1,125 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 37.1%. The average annual property tax is $4,803.
How are the schools in Wolf Lake?
Schools in Wolf Lake score 6.2 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 17.9% of adults in Wolf Lake hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 84.6% have completed high school. 0.0% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Wolf Lake?
The obesity rate in Wolf Lake is 38.1% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 17.3% of adults are smokers. 24.2% are physically inactive. 26.8% of residents report depression. 61.7% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,258.
What is transportation like in Wolf Lake?
The average commute in Wolf Lake is 22 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 72.6% of workers drive alone to work, and 6.5% work from home.
What are the demographics of Wolf Lake?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Wolf Lake is 96.2% White. 95.4% of residents speak only English at home, while 4.6% speak Spanish. 77.0% of the population are military veterans. 24.7% of residents have a disability. 82.2% have health insurance coverage.
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