Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Duluth, MN
Thinking of moving to Duluth, MN? With a population of 86,372, Duluth offers affordable housing (median home price is $241,000, average rent $1,180) and a short average commute of just 17 minutes. Enjoy the beautiful Lake Superior setting, strong educational institutions, and a vibrant outdoor culture. While property crime rates are higher than average, Duluth boasts excellent healthcare access, a cost of living below the national average, and all the charm of the North Shore’s four-season climate.
Demographics - Duluth, MN
Demographics - Duluth, MN
Duluth is home to 86,372 residents, with a median age of 35.2 and a population density of about 1,230 people per square mile. The city is predominantly White (85.6%), with small but vibrant Black, Native American, and Asian communities. About 5.8% of the population speaks a language other than English at home, reflecting a modest level of cultural diversity.
Population:
86,372
Density:
1,230 per sq mi
Median Age:
35.2
Gender Ratio:
97 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
5.8%
Ethnic Composition
White:
85.6%
Black:
2.4%
Asian:
1.7%
Others:
8.3%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Duluth, MN?
Duluth offers a cost of living below the national average, with a median home value of $241,000 and an average gross rent of $1,180. The cost of essential services like utilities and transportation is generally affordable, making the city attractive for both homeowners and renters. State taxes range from 5.35% to 9.85%, but overall expenses remain manageable for most households.
Median House Value:
$241,000
Gross Rent:
$1,180
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$119
Auto Insurance:
$1,260
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,520
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$490
State Taxes:
Low:
5.35%
|
High:
9.85%
Cost Of Living Index:
94.2
Grocery:
99.3
Housing:
80.1
Utilities:
95.7
Transportation:
91.2
Health Care:
97.5
Miscellaneous:
98.0
Crime
Is Duluth, MN a safe place to live?
Duluth experiences higher-than-average property crime, with a rate of 3,160 incidents per 100,000 people and a 1 in 32 chance of being affected. Violent crime is less common, with 466 cases per 100,000 residents and a 1 in 215 chance. Residents should remain vigilant but will find that the city maintains a generally safe and welcoming atmosphere.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
466
Property Crimes Per 100k:
3,160
Crime Index:
3,626
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 215
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 32
Weather
What is the weather like in Duluth, MN year-round?
Duluth's climate features cold, snowy winters with lows around 3°F, and mild summers where temperatures typically reach up to 77°F. The city receives about 31 inches of rainfall annually and enjoys sunshine roughly 49% of the year. Residents experience all four seasons, making it ideal for outdoor enthusiasts.
Winter
Min:
3°F
Max:
21°F
Spring
Min:
30°F
Max:
59°F
Summer
Min:
54°F
Max:
77°F
Fall
Min:
34°F
Max:
60°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
31.2 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
49%
Neighbors
Households in Duluth have a median income of $57,300, though the poverty rate stands at 16.9%. Most residents enjoy a short average commute of 17.2 minutes, and nearly all adults hold at least a high school diploma. The city offers a friendly, tight-knit community with moderate public transport usage and affordable living.
Median Income:
$36,500
Household Income:
$57,300
Family Income:
$74,800
Per Capita Income:
$31,200
Income Male:
$41,900
Income Female:
$36,400
Poverty Rate:
16.9%
Non English Speakers:
5.8%
Rent:
$1,180
Unemployment Rate:
4.1%
Public Transport Usage:
2.1%
Commute Time:
17.2 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
95.4%
Bachelors or More:
36.2%
Education
How are the schools in Duluth, MN?
Duluth supports quality education with well-regarded public schools like Duluth East High School and several private options, including Marshall School. Higher education is readily accessible thanks to institutions such as the University of Minnesota Duluth and Lake Superior College. Families enjoy a strong educational environment, with 95.4% of adults having at least a high school diploma.
Public Schools
Name:
Duluth East High School
Street:
301 N 40th Ave E
Phone:
218-336-8845
Students:
1,350
Student Teacher Ratio:
18.1
Name:
Ordean-East Middle School
Street:
2900 E 4th St
Phone:
218-336-8940
Students:
1,000
Student Teacher Ratio:
17.5
Private Schools
Name:
Marshall School
Street:
1215 Rice Lake Rd
Phone:
218-727-7266
Students:
420
Colleges
Name:
University of Minnesota Duluth
City:
Duluth
State:
MN
Distance:
0 miles
Students:
10,200
Name:
Lake Superior College
City:
Duluth
State:
MN
Distance:
0 miles
Students:
4,900
Healthcare
Duluth provides excellent healthcare access, featuring major hospitals like Essentia Health–St. Mary's Medical Center and St. Luke's Hospital. The city has 2.6 physicians per 1,000 residents and a high health insurance coverage rate of 95.1%. Residents benefit from comprehensive medical services and reliable emergency care.
Major Hospitals
Name:
Essentia Health–St. Mary's Medical Center
Address:
407 E 3rd St, Duluth, MN 55805
Phone:
(218) 786-4000
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Name:
St. Luke's Hospital
Address:
915 E 1st St, Duluth, MN 55805
Phone:
(218) 249-5555
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
2.6
Health Insurance Coverage:
95.1%
Health Care Index:
76.2
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Duluth, MN?
Duluth's housing market is affordable, with a median home price of $241,000 and average rent for a two-bedroom at $1,180. Over 61% of homes are owner-occupied, and the city has a low foreclosure rate of just 0.4%. Home values are appreciating steadily, making Duluth a solid option for both buyers and renters.
Median Home Price:
$241,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$1,180
Owner Occupied Rate:
61.4%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
4.3%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
5.1%
New Construction Rate:
1.2%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.4%
DMV Information
Residents of Duluth handle driver and vehicle services through the Minnesota Department of Public Safety, located in St. Paul. Comprehensive DMV resources, including licensing and vehicle registration, are available both online and by phone. The process is streamlined to serve Minnesota drivers efficiently.
State:
Minnesota
Department:
Minnesota Department of Public Safety – Driver and Vehicle Services
Address:
445 Minnesota St, St Paul, MN 55101
Phone:
651-296-6911
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.