Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Grand Marais, MN
Considering a move to Grand Marais, MN? With a cozy population of around 1,350, this lakeside town offers affordable living—median home prices are $267,000, and average 2-bedroom rents are about $950. Residents enjoy low crime rates (just 110 violent crimes per 100k), short 11-minute commutes, and strong access to the outdoors. The area features a high school graduation rate of 95%, above-average health care access, and a cool, scenic climate by Lake Superior. Grand Marais is perfect for those seeking a friendly, nature-rich small town with accessible amenities.
Demographics - Grand Marais, MN
Demographics - Grand Marais, MN
Grand Marais is a close-knit community of about 1,350 residents, with a median age of 50.5 years and a balanced gender ratio. The population is predominantly White, and a small percentage (3.5%) speak languages other than English at home, making it a welcoming but homogenous small town.
Population:
1,350
Density:
400 per sq mi
Median Age:
50.5
Gender Ratio:
96 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
3.5%
Ethnic Composition
White:
91.2%
Black:
0.4%
Asian:
0.7%
Others:
7.7%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Grand Marais, MN?
Living in Grand Marais is relatively affordable, with median home values at $267,000 and average gross rent around $950 for a two-bedroom apartment. The cost of living index is just below the national average, and utilities and transportation remain reasonably priced, making it accessible for both homeowners and renters.
Median House Value:
$267,000
Gross Rent:
$950
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$120
Auto Insurance:
$1,020
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,250
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$495
State Taxes:
Low:
5.35%
|
High:
9.85%
Cost Of Living Index:
98.1
Grocery:
96.0
Housing:
92.8
Utilities:
104.3
Transportation:
98.9
Health Care:
97.5
Miscellaneous:
99.0
Crime
Is Grand Marais, MN a safe place to live?
Grand Marais experiences low crime rates compared to national norms, with just 110 violent crimes and 1,250 property crimes per 100,000 residents. The odds of experiencing violent crime are about 1 in 910, contributing to the overall safe and peaceful feel of the town.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
110
Property Crimes Per 100k:
1,250
Crime Index:
1,360
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 910
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 80
Weather
What is the weather like in Grand Marais, MN year-round?
Residents enjoy a cool climate influenced by Lake Superior, with mild summers averaging highs in the low 70s and cold winters with temps often below freezing. The area receives about 28 inches of annual rainfall and sees sunshine just over half the year, offering a scenic environment for outdoor enthusiasts.
Winter
Min:
2°F
Max:
22°F
Spring
Min:
29°F
Max:
54°F
Summer
Min:
51°F
Max:
72°F
Fall
Min:
39°F
Max:
58°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
28.1 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
53%
Neighbors
The community features a median household income of $48,400, with about 11.5% of residents living below the poverty line. Most neighbors are well-educated, with 95% holding at least a high school diploma, and commutes are short, averaging just under 11 minutes.
Median Income:
$29,800
Household Income:
$48,400
Family Income:
$62,100
Per Capita Income:
$29,300
Income Male:
$33,500
Income Female:
$27,800
Poverty Rate:
11.5%
Non English Speakers:
3.5%
Rent:
$950
Unemployment Rate:
5.8%
Public Transport Usage:
0.3%
Commute Time:
10.7 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
95.2%
Bachelors or More:
34.1%
Education
How are the schools in Grand Marais, MN?
Grand Marais offers quality education through its public schools, including Great Expectations School and Cook County High School, both featuring small class sizes. Higher education is accessible via local satellite courses from Lake Superior College, while larger universities are within commuting distance in Duluth.
Public Schools
Name:
Great Expectations School
Street:
550 E 5th St
Phone:
218-387-9322
Students:
115
Student Teacher Ratio:
10.5
Name:
Cook County High School
Street:
101 W 5th St
Phone:
218-387-2271
Students:
210
Student Teacher Ratio:
12.3
Colleges
Name:
Lake Superior College (satellite courses)
City:
Grand Marais
State:
MN
Distance:
0 miles
Students:
30
Name:
University of Minnesota Duluth
City:
Duluth
State:
MN
Distance:
110 miles
Students:
10,500
Healthcare
Healthcare in Grand Marais is anchored by North Shore Health, a critical access hospital providing emergency services locally. With nearly 94% of residents covered by health insurance and 1.6 physicians per 1,000 people, the town offers reliable medical care for its size.
Major Hospitals
Name:
North Shore Health
Address:
515 5th Ave W, Grand Marais, MN 55604
Phone:
(218) 387-3040
Type:
Critical Access Hospital
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
1.6
Health Insurance Coverage:
93.8%
Health Care Index:
77.2
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Grand Marais, MN?
The local housing market is stable, with a median home price of $267,000 and a homeownership rate of nearly 63%. Average rents remain affordable at $950 for a two-bedroom, and both rental and foreclosure rates are low, offering security for buyers and renters alike.
Median Home Price:
$267,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$950
Owner Occupied Rate:
62.7%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
4.9%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
4.7%
New Construction Rate:
0.8%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.3%
DMV Information
Grand Marais residents can access the Minnesota Department of Public Safety’s Driver and Vehicle Services at a local office on W 2nd Street. This facility offers standard DMV services, making vehicle registration and licensing convenient for the community.
State:
Minnesota
Department:
Minnesota Department of Public Safety – Driver and Vehicle Services
Address:
207 W 2nd Street, Grand Marais, MN 55604
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.