Minnesota / County

Moving to Detroit Lakes, MN

Thinking of making a move to Detroit Lakes, MN? Get helpful local information about living costs, neighborhoods, schools, weather, housing, DMV details, and practical relocation details before you plan your move.

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Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Detroit Lakes, MN

Considering a move to Detroit Lakes, MN? This welcoming community of 9,432 residents offers a blend of suburban charm and convenience, with median home prices around $262,000 and average rents near $950. Commute times average 15 minutes and public transport is accessible, making it great for professionals. The area boasts low violent crime, strong schools, and plenty of sunny days (56% annually), ideal for families and commuters alike. Explore Detroit Lakes's cost of living, education, and friendly neighborhoods to see if it's the right fit for your next move.

Demographics - Detroit Lakes, MN

Detroit Lakes has a population of 9,432 residents, offering a diverse community with a median age of nearly 44 and a balanced gender ratio. The area features a strong blend of backgrounds, with about 93% White, 1% Black, and 1% Asian residents, and over 4% speaking a language other than English at home. Its high population density contributes to a lively suburban atmosphere.

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?

The cost of living in Detroit Lakes is higher than the national average, with a cost of living index of 87.5. Median home values are around $262,000 and average rents for a two-bedroom apartment are approximately $950. Utilities, groceries, and transportation costs are also elevated, reflecting the area's desirable location and amenities.

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 is considered a safe community, with a low violent crime rate of 220 incidents per 100,000 residents and a property crime chance of 1 in 46. Most residents enjoy peace of mind, making it an attractive choice for families. The crime index remains below many urban areas in Minnesota.

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 experiences four distinct seasons, with warm summers reaching highs of 81°F and cold winters dipping to 0°F. The area receives about 26 inches of rainfall annually and enjoys sunshine on 56% of days. This climate offers residents a balanced mix of outdoor opportunities year-round.

Winter

Min
0°F
Max
21°F

Summer

Min
56°F
Max
81°F

Spring

Min
32°F
Max
58°F

Fall

Min
36°F
Max
60°F
Average Rainfall Inches
25.8 inches
Sunny Days Percentage
56%

Neighbors

The neighborhood boasts a healthy median household income of $58,900 and a low poverty rate of 13.3%. Over 93% of residents have at least a high school diploma, and nearly 30% hold a bachelor's degree or higher. Commute times average 15 minutes, and almost 0% use public transportation, reflecting the area's accessibility and educated population.

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 offers quality education options, with public schools like Detroit Lakes Senior High and Rossman Elementary School known for favorable student-to-teacher ratios. Families also have access to private schools and several nearby colleges, including Minnesota State Community and Technical College and Minnesota State University Moorhead. The community is committed to educational excellence for all age groups.

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 residents have access to quality healthcare, with major hospitals like Essentia Health St. Mary's - Detroit Lakes nearby. The community benefits from a high physician-to-resident ratio of 2.4 per 1,000 people and 94.5% health insurance coverage. Local healthcare services are reliable and comprehensive.

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

Healthcare Access

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 is strong, with a median home price of $262,000 and an owner-occupied rate of nearly 61%. The market has seen a 7.6% appreciation over the past year, and rental vacancy rates remain moderate at 5.1%. Detroit Lakes offers a mix of stability and opportunity for both buyers and renters.

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 of Detroit Lakes handle vehicle services through the Minnesota Driver and Vehicle Services, conveniently located in Detroit Lakes. The state DMV provides driver licensing, vehicle registration, and other essential services both in person and online. Information and resources are easily accessible for new and existing residents.

State
Minnesota
Department
Minnesota Driver and Vehicle Services
Address
915 Lake Ave, Detroit Lakes, MN 56501
Phone
1-651-297-2126

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.

FAQs About Moving to Detroit Lakes, MN

Answers use the same city data shown on this page, including costs, housing, schools, safety, weather, healthcare, and DMV details.

Before moving to Detroit Lakes, review the core fields on this page: population 9,432, median home value $262,000, average rent for 2 bedroom $950, commute time 15.1 minutes, and sunny days percentage 56%.

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