Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Detroit Lakes, MN
Considering a move to Detroit Lakes, MN? This friendly city of 9,432 offers affordable living with a median home price of $262,000 and rents near $950. Residents enjoy short 15-minute commutes, a vibrant lake community, and 56% sunny days each year. Crime rates are moderate, and schools have high graduation rates. With a blend of small-town charm, lakeside recreation, and accessible healthcare, Detroit Lakes is a welcoming choice for families and retirees alike.
Demographics - Detroit Lakes, MN
Demographics - Detroit Lakes, MN
Detroit Lakes is a small city with a population of about 9,400, characterized by a median age of 43.6 and a predominantly White community. The city has a balanced gender ratio and a modest percentage of non-English speakers, creating a friendly and familiar Midwestern atmosphere. Its moderate population density supports a comfortable blend of small-town charm and convenient amenities.
Population:
9,432
Density:
1,275 per sq mi
Median Age:
43.6
Gender Ratio:
92 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
4.2%
Ethnic Composition
White:
92.8%
Black:
0.6%
Asian:
0.6%
Others:
6.0%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Detroit Lakes, MN?
Living in Detroit Lakes is affordable, with a median home value of $262,000 and average rent around $950 per month. The cost of living index is 87.5, meaning expenses are generally below the national average, especially in housing and utilities. Residents benefit from reasonable state taxes and manageable monthly costs, making it attractive for families and retirees.
Median House Value:
$262,000
Gross Rent:
$950
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$120
Auto Insurance:
$1,160
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,450
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$495
State Taxes:
Low:
5.35%
|
High:
9.85%
Cost Of Living Index:
87.5
Grocery:
95.1
Housing:
79.0
Utilities:
100.0
Transportation:
96.0
Health Care:
92.0
Miscellaneous:
88.0
Crime
Is Detroit Lakes, MN a safe place to live?
Detroit Lakes experiences moderate crime for a city its size, with a violent crime rate of 220 per 100,000 residents and property crime at 2,150 per 100,000. The chance of being a victim of violent crime is about 1 in 455, while property crime risk is 1 in 46. The community maintains a sense of safety, though residents should still exercise typical caution.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
220
Property Crimes Per 100k:
2,150
Crime Index:
2,370
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 455
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 46
Weather
What is the weather like in Detroit Lakes, MN year-round?
Detroit Lakes features four distinct seasons, with cold winters dropping to around 0°F and warm summers reaching up to 81°F. The city receives about 25.8 inches of annual rainfall and enjoys sunshine on 56% of days. This climate supports a variety of outdoor activities, especially during the pleasant summer months.
Winter
Min:
0°F
Max:
21°F
Spring
Min:
32°F
Max:
58°F
Summer
Min:
56°F
Max:
81°F
Fall
Min:
36°F
Max:
60°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
25.8 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
56%
Neighbors
Residents of Detroit Lakes enjoy a median household income of approximately $58,900 and a low unemployment rate of 3.6%. Most neighbors have at least a high school education, and the average commute is just over 15 minutes. The community is supportive, with a mix of working families and retirees who value local connections.
Median Income:
$36,900
Household Income:
$58,900
Family Income:
$73,800
Per Capita Income:
$31,600
Income Male:
$38,500
Income Female:
$31,800
Poverty Rate:
13.3%
Non English Speakers:
4.2%
Rent:
$950
Unemployment Rate:
3.6%
Public Transport Usage:
0.4%
Commute Time:
15.1 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
92.5%
Bachelors or More:
29.5%
Education
How are the schools in Detroit Lakes, MN?
Detroit Lakes boasts quality educational opportunities with several public and private schools, including Detroit Lakes Senior High and Rossman Elementary, both featuring favorable student-to-teacher ratios. The city is also home to Minnesota State Community and Technical College, providing local access to higher education. Families appreciate the high graduation rates and diverse schooling options.
Public Schools
Name:
Detroit Lakes Senior High
Street:
1301 Roosevelt Ave
Phone:
218-847-4491
Students:
870
Student Teacher Ratio:
16:1
Name:
Rossman Elementary School
Street:
1221 Rossman Ave
Phone:
218-847-9228
Students:
520
Student Teacher Ratio:
15:1
Private Schools
Name:
Holy Rosary Catholic School
Street:
1043 Lake Ave
Phone:
218-847-5306
Students:
120
Colleges
Name:
Minnesota State Community and Technical College
City:
Detroit Lakes
State:
MN
Distance:
0 miles
Students:
1,300
Name:
Minnesota State University Moorhead
City:
Moorhead
State:
MN
Distance:
47 miles
Students:
5,500
Healthcare
Detroit Lakes offers convenient access to quality healthcare, anchored by Essentia Health St. Mary’s hospital, which provides emergency services and general care. The city has a strong physician presence at 2.4 per 1,000 residents, and nearly 95% of locals have health insurance coverage. Healthcare facilities are reliable and contribute to the area’s quality of life.
Major Hospitals
Name:
Essentia Health St. Mary's - Detroit Lakes
Address:
1027 Washington Ave, Detroit Lakes, MN 56501
Phone:
(218) 847-5611
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
2.4
Health Insurance Coverage:
94.5%
Health Care Index:
77.3
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Detroit Lakes, MN?
The local housing market in Detroit Lakes is stable, with a median home price of $262,000 and average rent for a two-bedroom at $950. About 60% of homes are owner-occupied, and the area has a low foreclosure rate of 0.4%. Home values have appreciated by 7.6% over the past year, reflecting steady demand.
Median Home Price:
$262,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$950
Owner Occupied Rate:
60.5%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
5.1%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
7.6%
New Construction Rate:
1.2%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.4%
DMV Information
Residents can handle driver and vehicle services at the local Minnesota Driver and Vehicle Services office on Lake Ave. The office provides convenient access for licensing, registration, and title needs, and is supported by an easy-to-navigate state website. This ensures a straightforward experience for new and existing drivers.
State:
Minnesota
Department:
Minnesota Driver and Vehicle Services
Address:
915 Lake Ave, Detroit Lakes, MN 56501
Phone:
1-651-297-2126
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.