Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Deer River, MN
Considering a move to Deer River, MN? This small city of about 930 residents offers affordable living, with median home prices around $127,000 and rent near $730. Locals enjoy a short average commute of 17 minutes, low violent crime rates, and a close-knit community with strong Native American heritage. Deer River features quality schools, access to Essentia Health Deer River hospital, and scenic northern Minnesota seasons with mild summers and snowy winters—perfect for those seeking a slower pace and outdoor adventure.
Demographics - Deer River, MN
Demographics - Deer River, MN
Deer River is a small northern Minnesota city with about 930 residents, a median age of 43.9, and a population density of 540 people per square mile. The community features a mix of White (70.5%) and Native American (21.4%) residents, reflecting the area's strong cultural heritage, while about 5% of the population speaks a language other than English at home.
Population:
930
Density:
540 per sq mi
Median Age:
43.9
Gender Ratio:
97 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
5.2%
Ethnic Composition
White:
70.5%
Black:
0.2%
Asian:
0.3%
Others:
7.6%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Deer River, MN?
Living in Deer River is affordable, with a cost of living index of 83.7 and median home values at $127,000. Rent averages $730 per month, and essentials like utilities and groceries are generally lower than national averages, making it a budget-friendly choice for families and retirees alike.
Median House Value:
$127,000
Gross Rent:
$730
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$115
Auto Insurance:
$1,260
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,020
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$370
State Taxes:
Low:
5.35%
|
High:
9.85%
Cost Of Living Index:
83.7
Grocery:
95.2
Housing:
65.1
Utilities:
98.6
Transportation:
83.5
Health Care:
102.4
Miscellaneous:
89.3
Crime
Is Deer River, MN a safe place to live?
Deer River experiences low violent crime, with a rate of 180 incidents per 100,000 people and a 1 in 555 chance of encountering violent crime. Property crime is more common, but overall, the city maintains a safe, small-town atmosphere that appeals to residents seeking peace of mind.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
180
Property Crimes Per 100k:
1,430
Crime Index:
1,610
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 555
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 70
Weather
What is the weather like in Deer River, MN year-round?
Residents of Deer River enjoy distinct seasons, with snowy, cold winters where lows can reach 0°F and comfortable summers peaking around 77°F. The city receives about 28 inches of rainfall annually and sees sunshine nearly half the year, making it ideal for outdoor enthusiasts.
Winter
Min:
0°F
Max:
21°F
Spring
Min:
30°F
Max:
60°F
Summer
Min:
54°F
Max:
77°F
Fall
Min:
32°F
Max:
62°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
28.3 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
49%
Neighbors
Deer River’s households typically earn around $38,600, with a poverty rate of 22.4% and an unemployment rate of 6.5%. Most residents drive, facing an average commute of 17 minutes, and the community is marked by a friendly, small-town feel with strong local ties.
Median Income:
$26,400
Household Income:
$38,600
Family Income:
$49,000
Per Capita Income:
$20,250
Income Male:
$36,400
Income Female:
$28,100
Poverty Rate:
22.4%
Non English Speakers:
5.2%
Rent:
$730
Unemployment Rate:
6.5%
Public Transport Usage:
0.7%
Commute Time:
16.8 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
87.9%
Bachelors or More:
14.4%
Education
How are the schools in Deer River, MN?
Deer River offers quality public education through its local high school and elementary school, both featuring favorable student-teacher ratios around 13:1. For higher education, Itasca Community College is just 16 miles away in Grand Rapids, making advanced learning easily accessible.
Public Schools
Name:
Deer River High School
Street:
101 1st Ave NE
Phone:
218-246-8241
Students:
360
Student Teacher Ratio:
13.7
Name:
King Elementary School
Street:
500 5th St SE
Phone:
218-246-8860
Students:
250
Student Teacher Ratio:
12.9
Colleges
Name:
Itasca Community College
City:
Grand Rapids
State:
MN
Distance:
16 miles
Students:
1,100
Healthcare
Healthcare needs are met by Essentia Health Deer River, a general hospital offering emergency services within the city. With 1.2 physicians per 1,000 residents and over 93% health insurance coverage, residents have reliable access to medical care close to home.
Major Hospitals
Name:
Essentia Health Deer River
Address:
115 10th Ave NE, Deer River, MN 56636
Phone:
(218) 246-2900
Type:
General & Critical Access
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
1.2
Health Insurance Coverage:
93.1%
Health Care Index:
76.2
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Deer River, MN?
The housing market in Deer River is affordable, with median home prices at $127,000 and average two-bedroom rent at $730. About 60% of homes are owner-occupied, and property values have seen a modest appreciation rate of 4.2% over the past year.
Median Home Price:
$127,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$730
Owner Occupied Rate:
59.6%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
7.2%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
4.2%
New Construction Rate:
0.7%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.4%
DMV Information
Residents handle driver and vehicle services through the Minnesota Department of Public Safety, conveniently accessible online or at state offices. The main office is located in St. Paul, with resources available for licensing, registration, and more.
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.