Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Dodge Center, MN
Considering a move to Dodge Center, MN? This friendly community of about 2,900 residents offers affordable living, with median home prices around $220,000 and average rents near $950. Residents enjoy a low violent crime rate of just 118 per 100K, quick 24-minute commutes, and access to well-rated local schools. Dodge Center features a classic Midwestern climate with warm summers and plenty of sunny days, making it a welcoming place for families and newcomers alike.
Demographics - Dodge Center, MN
Demographics - Dodge Center, MN
Dodge Center is a close-knit community with a population of about 2,900, a median age of 34, and a balanced gender ratio. The city is predominantly White, with over 91% of residents, and a small but notable percentage of non-English speakers, contributing to its friendly, small-town atmosphere.
Population:
2,900
Density:
1,050 per sq mi
Median Age:
34.2
Gender Ratio:
101 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
7.1%
Ethnic Composition
White:
91.5%
Black:
1.2%
Asian:
0.9%
Others:
6.4%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Dodge Center, MN?
With a cost of living index below the national average at 93.2, Dodge Center offers affordable housing options, including median home values around $220,000 and typical monthly rents of $950. Residents benefit from reasonable utility and transportation costs, making it an attractive choice for budget-conscious families.
Median House Value:
$220,000
Gross Rent:
$950
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$120
Auto Insurance:
$1,120
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,400
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$470
State Taxes:
Low:
5.35%
|
High:
9.85%
Cost Of Living Index:
93.2
Grocery:
97.5
Housing:
82.0
Utilities:
98.0
Transportation:
96.3
Health Care:
98.8
Miscellaneous:
95.0
Crime
Is Dodge Center, MN a safe place to live?
Dodge Center experiences low crime rates, with only 118 violent crimes and 1,010 property crimes per 100,000 residents, resulting in a 1 in 847 chance of being affected by violent crime. This creates a safe environment that appeals to families and those seeking peace of mind.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
118
Property Crimes Per 100k:
1,010
Crime Index:
1,128
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 847
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 99
Weather
What is the weather like in Dodge Center, MN year-round?
The city enjoys a classic Midwestern climate, featuring cold winters with lows near 2°F, warm summers reaching up to 83°F, and around 60% sunny days annually. Average rainfall is moderate at 32.5 inches, supporting a pleasant, seasonal outdoor lifestyle.
Winter
Min:
2°F
Max:
24°F
Spring
Min:
35°F
Max:
60°F
Summer
Min:
59°F
Max:
83°F
Fall
Min:
38°F
Max:
60°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
32.5 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
60%
Neighbors
Households in Dodge Center typically earn a median income of $70,600, with a low poverty rate of 7.3% and an unemployment rate of just 3.4%. Most residents commute about 24 minutes to work, and the area boasts a high school graduation rate above 92%.
Median Income:
$38,200
Household Income:
$70,600
Family Income:
$81,400
Per Capita Income:
$29,100
Income Male:
$45,600
Income Female:
$37,800
Poverty Rate:
7.3%
Non English Speakers:
7.1%
Rent:
$950
Unemployment Rate:
3.4%
Public Transport Usage:
0.2%
Commute Time:
23.8 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
92.1%
Bachelors or More:
19.6%
Education
How are the schools in Dodge Center, MN?
Dodge Center offers quality public education through schools like Dodge Center Elementary and Triton High School, both maintaining manageable student-teacher ratios. For higher education, residents are within 20 miles of Rochester’s community college and university campuses, expanding local learning opportunities.
Public Schools
Name:
Dodge Center Elementary School
Street:
307 Vernon Ave S
Phone:
507-374-2206
Students:
420
Student Teacher Ratio:
15.2
Name:
Triton High School
Street:
813 W Hwy St
Phone:
507-418-7520
Students:
450
Student Teacher Ratio:
16.5
Colleges
Name:
Rochester Community and Technical College
City:
Rochester
State:
MN
Distance:
20 miles
Students:
5,500
Name:
Winona State University - Rochester
City:
Rochester
State:
MN
Distance:
21 miles
Students:
1,300
Healthcare
Residents have access to quality healthcare, including nearby facilities like Mayo Clinic Health System in Kasson and Olmsted Medical Center in Dodge Center. With nearly 94% of residents covered by health insurance and 1.7 physicians per 1,000 people, medical needs are well-supported locally.
Major Hospitals
Name:
Mayo Clinic Health System – Kasson
Address:
411 W Main St, Kasson, MN 55944
Phone:
(507) 634-4771
Type:
General & Family Medicine
Emergency Services:
Yes
Name:
Olmsted Medical Center – Dodge Center Clinic
Address:
20 7th St SE, Dodge Center, MN 55927
Phone:
(507) 374-2711
Type:
Primary Care
Emergency Services:
No
Physicians Per 1000:
1.7
Health Insurance Coverage:
93.9%
Health Care Index:
78.4
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Dodge Center, MN?
The housing market in Dodge Center is affordable and stable, with a median home price of $220,000 and an average two-bedroom rent of $950. A high owner-occupied rate of 71% and a low foreclosure rate indicate a strong, community-focused residential environment.
Median Home Price:
$220,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$950
Owner Occupied Rate:
70.8%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
5.8%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
3.7%
New Construction Rate:
1.1%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.7%
DMV Information
Driver and vehicle services for Dodge Center residents are managed by the Minnesota Driver and Vehicle Services office in St. Paul, offering support for licensing, registration, and title needs both in-person and online.
State:
Minnesota
Department:
Minnesota 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.