Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Dunnell, MN
Planning a move to Dunnell, MN? This small, friendly town of 133 residents offers affordable living with median home prices around $82,000 and average rents at $680. Dunnell features a low violent crime rate and a relaxed rural pace, with commute times averaging just 23 minutes. Residents enjoy four distinct seasons, access to Mayo Clinic Health System in nearby Fairmont, and good local public schools. If you're seeking a safe, quiet community with a low cost of living, Dunnell is a charming choice in southern Minnesota.
Demographics - Dunnell, MN
Demographics - Dunnell, MN
Dunnell is a small, close-knit town with a population of just 133 and a median age of nearly 50, reflecting a mature and settled community. The vast majority of residents are White, and the area has a balanced gender ratio, with only a small percentage speaking a language other than English at home. Its moderate population density offers a peaceful, rural lifestyle.
Population:
133
Density:
224 per sq mi
Median Age:
49.5
Gender Ratio:
102 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
3.1%
Ethnic Composition
White:
95.5%
Black:
0.0%
Asian:
0.0%
Others:
4.5%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Dunnell, MN?
Dunnell boasts a notably low cost of living, with a median home value of $82,000 and average rent at $680, making homeownership accessible for many. Everyday expenses such as utilities and groceries also remain affordable, and the overall cost of living index is well below the national average. State taxes range from moderate to high, but the town's low housing costs help balance overall expenses.
Median House Value:
$82,000
Gross Rent:
$680
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$110
Auto Insurance:
$1,230
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$870
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$310
State Taxes:
Low:
5.35%
|
High:
9.85%
Cost Of Living Index:
82.9
Grocery:
94.7
Housing:
62.8
Utilities:
98.2
Transportation:
84.3
Health Care:
99.4
Miscellaneous:
95.7
Crime
Is Dunnell, MN a safe place to live?
Dunnell is generally a safe community, with a low violent crime rate of 112 incidents per 100,000 residents and a 1 in 893 chance of being affected by violent crime. Property crime is higher but still manageable for a rural area, offering residents peace of mind. The town maintains a relaxed and secure small-town environment.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
112
Property Crimes Per 100k:
950
Crime Index:
1,062
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 893
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 105
Weather
What is the weather like in Dunnell, MN year-round?
Residents of Dunnell experience four distinct seasons, with cold winters dipping to 5°F and warm summers reaching up to 83°F. The area enjoys about 59% sunny days annually and receives nearly 30 inches of rainfall each year. Seasonal changes provide a classic Minnesota climate suitable for outdoor activities year-round.
Winter
Min:
5°F
Max:
26°F
Spring
Min:
36°F
Max:
62°F
Summer
Min:
58°F
Max:
83°F
Fall
Min:
38°F
Max:
66°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
29.8 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
59%
Neighbors
Dunnell’s community is characterized by modest incomes and a strong sense of local connection, with a median household income of $52,000 and a poverty rate just over 10%. Most residents commute about 23 minutes to work, and the town has a low unemployment rate of 4.1%. Educational attainment is solid, with nearly 89% holding at least a high school diploma.
Median Income:
$36,500
Household Income:
$52,000
Family Income:
$60,000
Per Capita Income:
$28,000
Income Male:
$36,000
Income Female:
$31,500
Poverty Rate:
10.1%
Non English Speakers:
3.1%
Rent:
$680
Unemployment Rate:
4.1%
Public Transport Usage:
0.0%
Commute Time:
22.8 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
88.6%
Bachelors or More:
18.2%
Education
How are the schools in Dunnell, MN?
Dunnell families benefit from local public schools with low student-teacher ratios, such as Martin County West Elementary and High School, fostering a supportive learning environment. Higher education is accessible within a short drive at Minnesota West Community & Technical College in Jackson. The area’s educational resources support both young learners and adults.
Public Schools
Name:
Martin County West Elementary
Street:
105 E 5th St, Welcome, MN 56181
Phone:
507-728-8248
Students:
240
Student Teacher Ratio:
13.5
Name:
Martin County West High School
Street:
16 W 5th St, Sherburn, MN 56171
Phone:
507-764-4671
Students:
295
Student Teacher Ratio:
12.8
Colleges
Name:
Minnesota West Community & Technical College
City:
Jackson
State:
MN
Distance:
34 miles
Students:
3,500
Healthcare
Healthcare needs in Dunnell are well-served by nearby facilities such as Mayo Clinic Health System in Fairmont, offering general and emergency services. The area has good health insurance coverage, with over 92% of residents insured and a physician availability of 1.6 per 1,000 people. Access to quality care is convenient for this rural community.
Major Hospitals
Name:
Mayo Clinic Health System – Fairmont
Address:
800 Medical Center Dr, Fairmont, MN 56031
Phone:
(507) 238-8100
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
1.6
Health Insurance Coverage:
92.4%
Health Care Index:
72.1
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Dunnell, MN?
Dunnell’s housing market is highly affordable, with median home prices at $82,000 and a high owner-occupancy rate of 80%. Rental options are available with average rents of $680 for a two-bedroom, and the area sees low foreclosure and vacancy rates. Modest home appreciation and limited new construction reflect a stable, established market.
Median Home Price:
$82,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$680
Owner Occupied Rate:
80.2%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
6.4%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
4.2%
New Construction Rate:
0.5%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.4%
DMV Information
Dunnell residents access driver and vehicle services through the Minnesota Department of Public Safety, located in St. Paul. The department provides a full range of DMV services and can be reached via phone or their comprehensive online portal. This ensures residents can easily manage licensing and vehicle registrations.
State:
Minnesota
Department:
Minnesota Department of Public Safety – Driver and Vehicle Services
Address:
445 Minnesota St, Suite 190, 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.