Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Elbow Lake, MN
Considering a move to Elbow Lake, MN? This charming town of about 1,170 residents offers affordable living, with median home prices around $146,500 and rents near $660. Enjoy short 17-minute commutes, a low violent crime rate of 110 per 100k, and a welcoming, close-knit community. With excellent health insurance coverage, local hospital access, and friendly schools, Elbow Lake is ideal for those seeking small-town comfort and a relaxed pace of life in west-central Minnesota.
Demographics - Elbow Lake, MN
Demographics - Elbow Lake, MN
Elbow Lake is a small, close-knit community of about 1,170 people, with a median age of 44.7 and a population density of 940 per square mile. The town is predominantly White at 94.5%, with a nearly even gender balance and a small percentage of non-English speakers, reflecting a welcoming and stable environment.
Population:
1,170
Density:
940 per sq mi
Median Age:
44.7
Gender Ratio:
98 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
3.1%
Ethnic Composition
White:
94.5%
Black:
0.8%
Asian:
0.7%
Others:
4.0%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Elbow Lake, MN?
The cost of living in Elbow Lake is notably affordable, with a cost of living index of 83.5 and median home values around $146,500. Residents benefit from low average rents at $660 and reasonable utility and insurance costs, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious families and individuals.
Median House Value:
$146,500
Gross Rent:
$660
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$110
Auto Insurance:
$1,085
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,060
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$420
State Taxes:
Low:
5.35%
|
High:
9.85%
Cost Of Living Index:
83.5
Grocery:
97.2
Housing:
66.7
Utilities:
93.4
Transportation:
100.8
Health Care:
104.3
Miscellaneous:
94.1
Crime
Is Elbow Lake, MN a safe place to live?
Elbow Lake enjoys a low violent crime rate of 110 incidents per 100,000 residents and a property crime rate of 1,060 per 100,000, contributing to a sense of safety and peace of mind. The odds of experiencing violent crime are low, with just a 1 in 909 chance, making the town appealing for those seeking a secure environment.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
110
Property Crimes Per 100k:
1,060
Crime Index:
1,170
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 909
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 94
Weather
What is the weather like in Elbow Lake, MN year-round?
Residents experience all four seasons, with cold winters averaging lows near 1°F and warm summers reaching up to 81°F. The area receives about 25.5 inches of rainfall annually and enjoys 55% sunny days, offering a true taste of Minnesota’s changing weather.
Winter
Min:
1°F
Max:
22°F
Spring
Min:
34°F
Max:
60°F
Summer
Min:
56°F
Max:
81°F
Fall
Min:
36°F
Max:
62°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
25.5 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
55%
Neighbors
Elbow Lake neighbors typically have a median household income of $54,700 and a family income of $66,000, with a poverty rate of 10.8%. Most adults have completed high school, and commutes are short, averaging just over 17 minutes, fostering a friendly and accessible community.
Median Income:
$35,400
Household Income:
$54,700
Family Income:
$66,000
Per Capita Income:
$28,700
Income Male:
$44,000
Income Female:
$34,000
Poverty Rate:
10.8%
Non English Speakers:
3.1%
Rent:
$660
Unemployment Rate:
3.9%
Public Transport Usage:
0.2%
Commute Time:
17.2 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
91.5%
Bachelors or More:
20.8%
Education
How are the schools in Elbow Lake, MN?
Education in Elbow Lake centers on West Central Area public schools, offering small class sizes and personal attention, with student-teacher ratios around 13:1. The nearby University of Minnesota Morris, just 28 miles away, provides higher education opportunities for local students.
Public Schools
Name:
West Central Area Secondary School
Street:
301 County Road 2
Phone:
218-685-5326
Students:
380
Student Teacher Ratio:
13:1
Name:
West Central Area Elementary School
Street:
411 1st St NW
Phone:
218-685-4183
Students:
200
Student Teacher Ratio:
14:1
Colleges
Name:
University of Minnesota Morris
City:
Morris
State:
MN
Distance:
28 miles
Students:
1,500
Healthcare
Healthcare in Elbow Lake is well-supported by Prairie Ridge Hospital & Health Services, offering general and emergency care locally. With 95.6% health insurance coverage and 1.4 physicians per 1,000 residents, residents have convenient access to essential medical services.
Major Hospitals
Name:
Prairie Ridge Hospital & Health Services – Elbow Lake
Address:
1411 Highway 79 E, Elbow Lake, MN 56531
Phone:
(218) 685-7300
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
1.4
Health Insurance Coverage:
95.6%
Health Care Index:
72.2
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Elbow Lake, MN?
The housing market is stable and affordable, with a median home price of $146,500 and an average two-bedroom rent of $685. High owner-occupancy rates and low foreclosure rates reflect a steady market, making homeownership attainable for many.
Median Home Price:
$146,500
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$685
Owner Occupied Rate:
73.2%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
7.1%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
4.1%
New Construction Rate:
0.6%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.3%
DMV Information
Residents handle licensing and vehicle needs through Minnesota Driver and Vehicle Services, accessible by phone or online. The nearest office is located in Rochester, providing comprehensive DMV services for Elbow Lake locals.
State:
Minnesota
Department:
Minnesota Driver and Vehicle Services
Address:
2900 48th St NW, Suite 100, Rochester, MN 55901
Phone:
651-297-3298
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.