Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Knife Lake, MN
Considering a move to Knife Lake, MN? This small, peaceful community of around 950 residents offers affordable living, with a median home price of $225,000 and average rents near $900. Enjoy crime rates well below the national average, short commutes of about 29 minutes, and plenty of sunny days. While schools are solid and healthcare is accessible nearby, Knife Lake stands out for its tranquil rural lifestyle and lower cost of living—a great fit for those seeking space, safety, and small-town charm.
Demographics - Knife Lake, MN
Demographics - Knife Lake, MN
Knife Lake is a small rural community with a population of about 950, featuring a median age of 47 and a predominantly White demographic. The area has a slightly higher ratio of males to females and a low percentage of non-English speakers, contributing to its close-knit and homogeneous feel.
Population:
950
Density:
25 per sq mi
Median Age:
47.2
Gender Ratio:
105 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
2.5%
Ethnic Composition
White:
96.1%
Black:
0.4%
Asian:
0.2%
Others:
3.3%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Knife Lake, MN?
Living in Knife Lake is affordable, with a median home value of $225,000 and average rents around $900, making housing costs lower than the national average. Utility bills and everyday expenses are also reasonable, and the overall cost of living index is below average, offering good value for residents.
Median House Value:
$225,000
Gross Rent:
$900
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$135
Auto Insurance:
$1,200
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,250
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$420
State Taxes:
Low:
5.35%
|
High:
9.85%
Cost Of Living Index:
92.0
Grocery:
97.1
Housing:
78.5
Utilities:
98.4
Transportation:
95.2
Health Care:
91.3
Miscellaneous:
92.1
Crime
Is Knife Lake, MN a safe place to live?
Knife Lake boasts very low crime rates, with only 80 violent crimes and 950 property crimes per 100,000 residents, resulting in a high level of safety. The chances of being affected by violent crime are rare, making it a secure place for families and individuals.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
80
Property Crimes Per 100k:
950
Crime Index:
1,030
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 1,250
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 105
Weather
What is the weather like in Knife Lake, MN year-round?
Residents experience all four seasons, with cold winters dipping to 0°F, warm summers reaching up to 80°F, and an annual average rainfall of 30 inches. The area enjoys about 58% sunny days, ideal for outdoor activities during the milder months.
Winter
Min:
0°F
Max:
24°F
Spring
Min:
32°F
Max:
60°F
Summer
Min:
54°F
Max:
80°F
Fall
Min:
36°F
Max:
60°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
30.2 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
58%
Neighbors
Households in Knife Lake typically earn a median income of $58,500, and the community has a low unemployment rate of 4%. Most residents commute about 29 minutes to work, and educational attainment is strong, with over 91% holding at least a high school diploma.
Median Income:
$32,000
Household Income:
$58,500
Family Income:
$69,000
Per Capita Income:
$31,200
Income Male:
$38,000
Income Female:
$28,000
Poverty Rate:
9.8%
Non English Speakers:
2.5%
Rent:
$900
Unemployment Rate:
4.0%
Public Transport Usage:
0.5%
Commute Time:
29.4 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
91.8%
Bachelors or More:
19.2%
Education
How are the schools in Knife Lake, MN?
Knife Lake is served by solid public schools like Mora High School and Mora Elementary, both offering favorable student-teacher ratios. Higher education opportunities are available nearby at Pine Technical & Community College, just 23 miles away.
Public Schools
Name:
Mora High School
Street:
400 Maple Ave E, Mora, MN 55051
Phone:
320-679-6200
Students:
650
Student Teacher Ratio:
16.5
Name:
Mora Elementary School
Street:
500 Maple Ave E, Mora, MN 55051
Phone:
320-679-6200
Students:
800
Student Teacher Ratio:
15.8
Colleges
Name:
Pine Technical & Community College
City:
Pine City
State:
MN
Distance:
23 miles
Students:
2,000
Healthcare
Knife Lake residents have access to nearby healthcare at Welia Health Mora Campus, and over 92% of locals are insured. The area maintains a good healthcare index and offers a modest number of physicians relative to its population size.
Major Hospitals
Name:
Welia Health Mora Campus
Address:
301 MN-65, Mora, MN 55051
Phone:
(320) 679-1212
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
1.3
Health Insurance Coverage:
92.5%
Health Care Index:
72.8
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Knife Lake, MN?
The local housing market is stable, with a median home price of $225,000 and owner-occupancy rates at 82%. Home values have seen a steady appreciation rate, and rental options are available with average two-bedroom rents at $900.
Median Home Price:
$225,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$900
Owner Occupied Rate:
82.0%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
7.2%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
4.5%
New Construction Rate:
0.6%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.3%
DMV Information
Residents can access Minnesota DMV services via the Department of Public Safety in St. Paul or online, ensuring all licensing and vehicle needs are met efficiently. The state’s DMV provides comprehensive support for new and current drivers.
State:
Minnesota
Department:
Minnesota Department of Public Safety - Driver and Vehicle Services
Address:
445 Minnesota St, St Paul, MN 55101
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.