Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Crane Lake, MN
Considering a move to Crane Lake, MN? With a close-knit population of just 82 residents, this lakeside community offers affordable living—median home prices are around $252,000 and average rent is $930. Crime rates are low, and the area is surrounded by pristine wilderness, making it perfect for outdoor enthusiasts. Enjoy peaceful, short commutes (just under 18 minutes), good basic education options, and experience true Northwoods living with snowy winters and mild, sunny summers.
Demographics - Crane Lake, MN
Demographics - Crane Lake, MN
Crane Lake is a small, close-knit community with only 82 residents and a very low population density. The median age of 59.2 reflects a mature population, and the town is overwhelmingly White, with 97.6% of residents identifying as such. Non-English speakers are rare, contributing to a largely homogenous and peaceful environment.
Population:
82
Density:
2 per sq mi
Median Age:
59.2
Gender Ratio:
110 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
2.0%
Ethnic Composition
White:
97.6%
Black:
0.0%
Asian:
0.0%
Others:
2.4%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Crane Lake, MN?
Living in Crane Lake is quite affordable, with a median home price of $252,000 and average rent at $930. The overall cost of living index is slightly below the national average, and utilities, groceries, and transportation costs are manageable for most households. State income tax rates range from 5.35% to 9.85%, typical for Minnesota.
Median House Value:
$252,000
Gross Rent:
$930
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$130
Auto Insurance:
$1,340
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,190
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$400
State Taxes:
Low:
5.35%
|
High:
9.85%
Cost Of Living Index:
96.0
Grocery:
98.2
Housing:
91.4
Utilities:
102.8
Transportation:
97.0
Health Care:
98.5
Miscellaneous:
95.1
Crime
Is Crane Lake, MN a safe place to live?
Crane Lake enjoys low crime rates, with a violent crime rate of just 126 per 100,000 and a property crime rate of 1,060 per 100,000. Residents have a low chance of encountering violent crime, making it a safe and secure place to live. The community's small size contributes to its overall sense of safety.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
126
Property Crimes Per 100k:
1,060
Crime Index:
1,186
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 800
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 94
Weather
What is the weather like in Crane Lake, MN year-round?
Residents experience all four seasons, with cold, snowy winters where temperatures can dip to -8°F and mild summers peaking around 77°F. The area receives about 27.4 inches of annual rainfall and enjoys sunshine about half the year. Outdoor activities abound throughout the changing seasons, from snow sports to summer boating.
Winter
Min:
-8°F
Max:
18°F
Spring
Min:
30°F
Max:
58°F
Summer
Min:
48°F
Max:
77°F
Fall
Min:
28°F
Max:
55°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
27.4 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
51%
Neighbors
Households in Crane Lake have a median income of $51,400, and most residents enjoy a short, 18-minute average commute. The community is well-educated, with over 93% having at least a high school diploma, and about 11% living below the poverty line. Nearly all residents rely on personal vehicles, reflecting the remote, rural lifestyle.
Median Income:
$38,000
Household Income:
$51,400
Family Income:
$60,900
Per Capita Income:
$28,200
Income Male:
$34,900
Income Female:
$28,600
Poverty Rate:
10.7%
Non English Speakers:
2.0%
Rent:
$930
Unemployment Rate:
4.9%
Public Transport Usage:
0.0%
Commute Time:
17.8 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
93.8%
Bachelors or More:
28.4%
Education
How are the schools in Crane Lake, MN?
Students in Crane Lake attend North Woods School in nearby Cook, which has a favorable student-teacher ratio of 13.9 and serves around 600 students. There are no private schools in town, but Vermilion Community College, located 33 miles away, provides higher education opportunities. The area supports strong foundational education in a small-town setting.
Public Schools
Name:
North Woods School
Street:
10248 Olson Rd, Cook, MN 55723
Phone:
218-666-5221
Students:
600
Student Teacher Ratio:
13.9
Colleges
Name:
Vermilion Community College
City:
Ely
State:
MN
Distance:
33 miles
Students:
650
Healthcare
Access to healthcare is solid, with two nearby hospitals offering emergency services and a physician availability rate of 1.9 per 1,000 residents. About 92% of locals have health insurance, supporting the town’s overall wellbeing. Healthcare services are conveniently located in surrounding towns, ensuring residents’ needs are met.
Major Hospitals
Name:
Cook Hospital and Care Center
Address:
10 SE 5th St, Cook, MN 55723
Phone:
(218) 666-5945
Type:
Critical Access
Emergency Services:
Yes
Name:
Ely-Bloomenson Community Hospital
Address:
328 W Conan St, Ely, MN 55731
Phone:
(218) 365-3271
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
1.9
Health Insurance Coverage:
92.4%
Health Care Index:
77.1
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Crane Lake, MN?
Crane Lake offers a stable housing market with a median home price of $252,000 and owner-occupancy at 82%. Rental vacancies are moderate at 7.2%, and homes have appreciated by 4.7% over the past year, indicating steady demand. The area is primarily owner-occupied, appealing to those seeking long-term residency.
Median Home Price:
$252,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$930
Owner Occupied Rate:
82.0%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
7.2%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
4.7%
New Construction Rate:
0.5%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.7%
DMV Information
Residents handle vehicle and licensing needs through the Minnesota Department of Public Safety, located in St. Paul and accessible online or by phone. The department provides all essential driver and vehicle services for Crane Lake. Information and resources are available via the official state website.
State:
Minnesota
Department:
Minnesota Department of Public Safety – Driver and Vehicle Services
Address:
445 Minnesota St, St Paul, MN 55101
Phone:
651-297-2126
Website:
Disclaimer: The information provided on this page is based on publicly available sources including AccuWeather, U.S. Census Bureau, local government data, and third-party partners such as Neustar. While we strive to ensure accuracy, all data is provided “as is” and should be independently verified before making any decisions. Movers.com makes no guarantees regarding the completeness or reliability of the information.