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 9,500 residents offers a blend of suburban charm and convenience, with median home prices around $265,000 and average rents near $1,050. 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 (54% 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 9,500 residents, offering a diverse community with a median age of nearly 42 and a balanced gender ratio. The area features a strong blend of backgrounds, with about 92% White, 1% Black, and 1% Asian residents, and over 5% speaking a language other than English at home. Its high population density contributes to a lively suburban atmosphere.

Population
9,500
Density
1,350 per sq mi
Median Age
42.1
Gender Ratio
96 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage
4.8%

Ethnic Composition

White
91.5%
Black
1.2%
Asian
1.0%
Others
6.3%

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 94.8. Median home values are around $265,000 and average rents for a two-bedroom apartment are approximately $1,050. Utilities, groceries, and transportation costs are also elevated, reflecting the area's desirable location and amenities.

Median House Value
$265,000
Gross Rent
$1,050
Monthly Electricity Charges
$125
Auto Insurance
$1,420
House Owner Cost With Mortgage
$1,780
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage
$620
State Taxes
Low: 5.35%| High: 9.85%
Cost Of Living Index
94.8
Grocery
97.0
Housing
87.5
Utilities
102.1
Transportation
95.6
Health Care
96.4
Miscellaneous
92.7

Crime

Is Detroit Lakes, MN a safe place to live?

Detroit Lakes is considered a safe community, with a low violent crime rate of 230 incidents per 100,000 residents and a property crime chance of 1 in 58. 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
230
Property Crimes Per 100k
1,720
Crime Index
1,950
Chance Of Violent Crime
1 in 435
Chance Of Property Crime
1 in 58

Weather

What is the weather like in Detroit Lakes, MN year-round?

Detroit Lakes experiences four distinct seasons, with warm summers reaching highs of 80°F and cold winters dipping to 4°F. The area receives about 26 inches of rainfall annually and enjoys sunshine on 54% of days. This climate offers residents a balanced mix of outdoor opportunities year-round.

Winter

Min
4°F
Max
24°F

Summer

Min
58°F
Max
80°F

Spring

Min
32°F
Max
62°F

Fall

Min
35°F
Max
64°F
Average Rainfall Inches
25.5 inches
Sunny Days Percentage
54%

Neighbors

The neighborhood boasts a healthy median household income of $66,800 and a low poverty rate of 11.4%. Over 92% of residents have at least a high school diploma, and nearly 25% hold a bachelor's degree or higher. Commute times average 15 minutes, and almost 2% use public transportation, reflecting the area's accessibility and educated population.

Median Income
$38,500
Household Income
$66,800
Family Income
$83,900
Per Capita Income
$33,200
Income Male
$42,700
Income Female
$31,800
Poverty Rate
11.4%
Non English Speakers
7.1%
Rent
$1,050
Unemployment Rate
4.1%
Public Transport Usage
1.8%
Commute Time
14.8 minutes

Education

High School or Higher
92.1%
Bachelors or More
24.6%

Education

How are the schools in Detroit Lakes, MN?

Detroit Lakes offers quality education options, with public schools like Detroit Lakes High School and Detroit Lakes Middle 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 - Detroit Lakes and Concordia College. The community is committed to educational excellence for all age groups.

Public Schools

Name
Detroit Lakes High School
Street
1000 Hwy 10 W
Phone
218-847-4491
Students
750
Student Teacher Ratio
15.1
Name
Detroit Lakes Middle School
Street
500 Roosevelt Ave
Phone
218-847-4451
Students
520
Student Teacher Ratio
14.3

Private Schools

Name
St. Mary’s School
Street
610 8th St SE
Phone
218-847-1302
Students
180

Colleges

Name
Minnesota State Community and Technical College - Detroit Lakes
City
Detroit Lakes
State
MN
Distance
1 mile
Students
1,200
Name
Concordia College
City
Moorhead
State
MN
Distance
38 miles
Students
2,500

Healthcare

Detroit Lakes residents have access to quality healthcare, with major hospitals like Essentia Health-St. Mary's-Detroit Lakes and Essentia Health Detroit Lakes Clinic nearby. The community benefits from a high physician-to-resident ratio of 1.9 per 1,000 people and 93.4% 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
Name
Essentia Health Detroit Lakes Clinic
Address
1027 Washington Ave, Detroit Lakes, MN 56501
Phone
(218) 847-5611
Type
Medical Clinic
Emergency Services
No

Healthcare Access

Physicians Per 1000
1.9
Health Insurance Coverage
93.4%
Health Care Index
72.8

Housing Market

What is the housing market like in Detroit Lakes, MN?

The local housing market is strong, with a median home price of $265,000 and an owner-occupied rate of nearly 72%. The market has seen a 4.2% appreciation over the past year, and rental vacancy rates remain moderate at 6.8%. Detroit Lakes offers a mix of stability and opportunity for both buyers and renters.

Median Home Price
$265,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom
$1,050
Owner Occupied Rate
71.8%
Rental Vacancy Rate
6.8%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr)
4.2%
New Construction Rate
1.6%
Foreclosure Rate
0.4%

DMV Information

Residents of Detroit Lakes handle vehicle services through the Minnesota Driver and Vehicle Services, conveniently located in St. Paul. 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
445 Minnesota St, St. Paul, MN 55101
Phone
(651) 296-6911

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 9,500, median home value $265,000, average rent for 2 bedroom $1,050, commute time 14.8 minutes, and sunny days percentage 54%.

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