Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Pelican Rapids, MN
Thinking of moving to Pelican Rapids, MN? With a friendly population of 2,619, affordable homes averaging $184,000, and rents around $880, Pelican Rapids offers small-town charm and budget-friendly living. Residents enjoy a short average commute of 19 minutes, low crime rates, and access to local schools with favorable student-teacher ratios. The area features four-season weather, 61% sunny days, and proximity to lakes and outdoor recreation—making it a welcoming spot for families and nature lovers alike.
Demographics - Pelican Rapids, MN
Demographics - Pelican Rapids, MN
Pelican Rapids is a diverse small town of 2,619 residents, with a median age of 35 and a nearly even gender ratio. The community features a blend of backgrounds, with over 22% non-English speakers and 36% of residents belonging to minority groups, reflecting a welcoming and multicultural atmosphere.
Population:
2,619
Density:
1,000 per sq mi
Median Age:
35.1
Gender Ratio:
98 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
22.5%

Ethnic Composition
White:
60.2%
Black:
2.1%
Asian:
1.6%
Others:
36.1%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Pelican Rapids, MN?
Pelican Rapids offers a cost of living well below the national average, with median home values at $184,000 and typical rents around $880. Utilities, groceries, and transportation are all affordable, making the city an attractive option for budget-conscious families and individuals.
Median House Value:
$184,000
Gross Rent:
$880
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$115
Auto Insurance:
$1,230
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,210
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$390
State Taxes:
Low:
5.35%
|
High:
9.85%
Cost Of Living Index:
86.4
Grocery:
92.5
Housing:
64.2
Utilities:
98.3
Transportation:
90.1
Health Care:
101.6
Miscellaneous:
95.0
Crime
Is Pelican Rapids, MN a safe place to live?
Pelican Rapids maintains a relatively low crime rate, with chances of violent crime at 1 in 704 and property crime at 1 in 85. The city provides a safe environment for residents, contributing to its appeal as a family-friendly community.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
142
Property Crimes Per 100k:
1,175
Crime Index:
1,317
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 704
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 85
Weather
What is the weather like in Pelican Rapids, MN year-round?
Residents experience all four seasons, with warm summers reaching up to 80°F and cold winters dipping to 0°F. The city enjoys 61% sunny days annually and receives about 25.6 inches of rainfall, making it ideal for those who appreciate outdoor activities and changing weather.

Winter
Min:
0°F
Max:
22°F

Spring
Min:
28°F
Max:
58°F

Summer
Min:
56°F
Max:
80°F

Fall
Min:
35°F
Max:
60°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
25.6 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
61%
Neighbors
The local community features a median household income of $53,800 and a poverty rate of 13.7%. Most residents experience short commutes averaging 19 minutes, and nearly 79% have at least a high school education, fostering a close-knit and hardworking atmosphere.
Median Income:
$26,100
Household Income:
$53,800
Family Income:
$62,700
Per Capita Income:
$23,400
Income Male:
$35,000
Income Female:
$29,000
Poverty Rate:
13.7%
Non English Speakers:
22.5%
Rent:
$880
Unemployment Rate:
3.5%
Public Transport Usage:
0.4%
Commute Time:
18.9 minutes

Education
High School or Higher:
78.9%
Bachelors or More:
17.5%
Education
How are the schools in Pelican Rapids, MN?
Pelican Rapids is served by well-rated public schools, such as Pelican Rapids High School and Viking Elementary, both known for low student-teacher ratios around 13:1. For higher education, Minnesota State Community and Technical College is located just 19 miles away, providing local access to college-level programs.

Public Schools
Name:
Pelican Rapids High School
Street:
310 S Broadway
Phone:
218-863-5910
Students:
320
Student Teacher Ratio:
13.5
Name:
Viking Elementary School
Street:
310 S Broadway
Phone:
218-863-5910
Students:
390
Student Teacher Ratio:
13.3

Colleges
Name:
Minnesota State Community and Technical College
City:
Detroit Lakes
State:
MN
Distance:
19 miles
Students:
2,400
Healthcare
Healthcare in Pelican Rapids is supported by nearby facilities such as Essentia Health St. Mary's in Detroit Lakes, and about 92% of residents have health insurance. With 1.8 physicians per 1,000 people, residents have access to essential medical services within a short drive.

Major Hospitals
Name:
Essentia Health St. Mary's – Detroit Lakes
Address:
1027 Washington Ave, Detroit Lakes, MN 56501
Phone:
(218) 847-5611
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
1.8
Health Insurance Coverage:
92.1%
Health Care Index:
72.3
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Pelican Rapids, MN?
The local housing market is accessible, with a median home price of $184,000 and an average two-bedroom rent of $880. Over half of the homes are owner-occupied, and the area has seen a 7% home appreciation rate in the past year, indicating a stable and growing market.
Median Home Price:
$184,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$880
Owner Occupied Rate:
58.2%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
7.1%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
7.0%
New Construction Rate:
0.7%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.6%
DMV Information
DMV services for Pelican Rapids residents are managed by the Minnesota Department of Public Safety, offering driver and vehicle services through their statewide offices and online portal. Residents can access essential licensing and registration services conveniently within the state.
State:
Minnesota
Department:
Minnesota Department of Public Safety – Driver and Vehicle Services
Address:
445 Minnesota Street, 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.