Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Perham, MN
Considering a move to Perham, MN? With a friendly population of just over 3,500, Perham offers affordable living—median home prices are around $234,000 and average rents are about $880. Enjoy short commute times (just 13 minutes on average), low violent crime rates, and a welcoming small-town atmosphere. The area features good schools, a full-service local hospital, and four distinct seasons with plenty of sunny days, making it ideal for families and anyone seeking a relaxed lifestyle.
Demographics - Perham, MN
Demographics - Perham, MN
Perham, MN is a small community of 3,512 residents, featuring a population density of 1,050 people per square mile and a median age of 39.6. The city is predominantly White, with a balanced gender ratio and a modest percentage of non-English speakers, creating a close-knit and welcoming environment.
Population:
3,512
Density:
1,050 per sq mi
Median Age:
39.6
Gender Ratio:
95 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
3.7%

Ethnic Composition
White:
94.1%
Black:
0.8%
Asian:
0.6%
Others:
4.5%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Perham, MN?
Living in Perham is affordable, with a median home value of $234,000 and average rent at $880, both below national averages. The overall cost of living index is 91.4, making it an economical choice for families and individuals alike.
Median House Value:
$234,000
Gross Rent:
$880
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$125
Auto Insurance:
$1,230
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,380
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$410
State Taxes:
Low:
5.35%
|
High:
9.85%
Cost Of Living Index:
91.4
Grocery:
96.2
Housing:
74.0
Utilities:
101.1
Transportation:
98.7
Health Care:
102.0
Miscellaneous:
95.8
Crime
Is Perham, MN a safe place to live?
Perham boasts a low violent crime rate, with a resident's chance of experiencing violent crime at just 1 in 935. Property crime is also relatively low, contributing to the community’s reputation as a safe and secure place to live.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
107
Property Crimes Per 100k:
1,025
Crime Index:
1,132
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 935
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 98
Weather
What is the weather like in Perham, 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 59% sunny days annually and receives about 26.5 inches of rainfall, providing a balanced climate for outdoor activities year-round.

Winter
Min:
0°F
Max:
22°F

Spring
Min:
28°F
Max:
60°F

Summer
Min:
54°F
Max:
80°F

Fall
Min:
32°F
Max:
61°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
26.5 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
59%
Neighbors
Perham’s neighborhoods are characterized by a median household income of $56,100 and a low unemployment rate of 3.1%. Most residents have at least a high school education, and commute times average just under 13 minutes, reflecting the city’s convenient and community-oriented lifestyle.
Median Income:
$36,800
Household Income:
$56,100
Family Income:
$68,900
Per Capita Income:
$27,400
Income Male:
$38,400
Income Female:
$32,100
Poverty Rate:
10.3%
Non English Speakers:
3.7%
Rent:
$880
Unemployment Rate:
3.1%
Public Transport Usage:
0.3%
Commute Time:
12.8 minutes

Education
High School or Higher:
93.2%
Bachelors or More:
20.9%
Education
How are the schools in Perham, MN?
Perham supports strong public and private education options, including Perham High School and Prairie Wind Middle School, both offering favorable student-teacher ratios around 15:1. The area is also served by nearby Minnesota State Community and Technical College, located just 22 miles away, providing accessible higher education opportunities.

Public Schools
Name:
Perham High School
Street:
800 Coney St W
Phone:
218-346-6500
Students:
430
Student Teacher Ratio:
15.3
Name:
Prairie Wind Middle School
Street:
480 Coney St W
Phone:
218-346-6550
Students:
375
Student Teacher Ratio:
15.7

Private Schools
Name:
St. Henry's Area School
Street:
253 2nd Ave SW
Phone:
218-346-6190
Students:
120

Colleges
Name:
Minnesota State Community and Technical College
City:
Wadena
State:
MN
Distance:
22 miles
Students:
6,500
Healthcare
Perham offers quality healthcare through Perham Health, a full-service hospital with emergency care, and nearly 94% of residents have health insurance coverage. With 1.9 physicians per 1,000 people, healthcare access is reliable for local families.

Major Hospitals
Name:
Perham Health
Address:
1000 Coney St W, Perham, MN 56573
Phone:
(218) 347-4500
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
1.9
Health Insurance Coverage:
93.8%
Health Care Index:
79.9
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Perham, MN?
The housing market in Perham is stable, with a median home price of $234,000 and a 64.7% owner-occupancy rate. Home values have appreciated by 4.3% over the past year, making it an attractive option for buyers seeking long-term value.
Median Home Price:
$234,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$880
Owner Occupied Rate:
64.7%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
6.2%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
4.3%
New Construction Rate:
1.2%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.6%
DMV Information
Perham’s DMV services are provided by Minnesota Driver and Vehicle Services, conveniently located on Oak Street. Residents can access driver licensing and vehicle registration locally, with additional information available on the state’s DMV website.
State:
Minnesota
Department:
Minnesota Driver and Vehicle Services
Address:
801 Oak St, Perham, MN 56573
Phone:
218-346-6240
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.