Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Wood Lake, MN
Considering a move to Wood Lake, MN? This small town of 382 boasts affordable living with median home prices around $78,500 and average rents at $710. Residents enjoy a low violent crime rate, short commutes of about 19 minutes, and a friendly, close-knit atmosphere. The area features highly rated public schools, a strong rate of homeownership, and a classic Minnesota climate with plenty of sunny days. Explore Wood Lake for a peaceful lifestyle with practical amenities and a welcoming community feel.
Demographics - Wood Lake, MN
Demographics - Wood Lake, MN
Wood Lake is a small community of 382 residents, with a median age of 43.6 and a population density of 370 people per square mile. The town is predominantly White, and about 6% of residents speak a language other than English at home, giving it a close-knit and homogenous feel.
Population:
382
Density:
370 per sq mi
Median Age:
43.6
Gender Ratio:
102 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
6.1%

Ethnic Composition
White:
91.8%
Black:
0.0%
Asian:
0.0%
Others:
8.2%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Wood Lake, MN?
Living in Wood Lake is very affordable, with a median home value of $78,500 and average rents at $710. The overall cost of living index is 84.5, making daily expenses and housing significantly lower than the national average.
Median House Value:
$78,500
Gross Rent:
$710
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$120
Auto Insurance:
$1,220
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$860
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$370
State Taxes:
Low:
5.35%
|
High:
9.85%
Cost Of Living Index:
84.5
Grocery:
92.1
Housing:
61.3
Utilities:
101.8
Transportation:
89.7
Health Care:
94.4
Miscellaneous:
90.2
Crime
Is Wood Lake, MN a safe place to live?
Wood Lake experiences a low violent crime rate, with only 137 incidents per 100,000 residents, and property crime remains modest as well. This makes the town a relatively safe place for families and individuals seeking peace of mind.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
137
Property Crimes Per 100k:
1,180
Crime Index:
1,317
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 730
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 85
Weather
What is the weather like in Wood Lake, MN year-round?
Residents enjoy a classic Minnesota climate, with cold winters averaging lows of 2°F and warm summers reaching highs of 83°F. The area receives about 27 inches of rainfall annually and boasts sunshine on 63% of days, offering a full range of seasonal experiences.

Winter
Min:
2°F
Max:
23°F

Spring
Min:
32°F
Max:
62°F

Summer
Min:
57°F
Max:
83°F

Fall
Min:
35°F
Max:
62°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
27.0 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
63%
Neighbors
The median household income is around $51,800, and most adults have at least a high school diploma, with nearly one in five holding a bachelor’s degree or higher. A low unemployment rate and short average commute of under 19 minutes contribute to a stable and convenient local lifestyle.
Median Income:
$36,000
Household Income:
$51,800
Family Income:
$62,000
Per Capita Income:
$24,900
Income Male:
$36,500
Income Female:
$27,800
Poverty Rate:
11.8%
Non English Speakers:
6.1%
Rent:
$710
Unemployment Rate:
4.6%
Public Transport Usage:
0.3%
Commute Time:
18.7 minutes

Education
High School or Higher:
91.2%
Bachelors or More:
19.2%
Education
How are the schools in Wood Lake, MN?
Wood Lake families benefit from local public schools with favorable student-teacher ratios, while higher education options are available within a short drive at nearby colleges and universities. The community values education, with over 91% of adults holding a high school diploma or higher.

Public Schools
Name:
Lakeview Elementary School
Street:
875 Barstad Rd N, Cottonwood, MN 56229
Phone:
507-423-5164
Students:
480
Student Teacher Ratio:
14.2
Name:
Lakeview Secondary School
Street:
875 Barstad Rd N, Cottonwood, MN 56229
Phone:
507-423-5164
Students:
370
Student Teacher Ratio:
13.8

Colleges
Name:
Minnesota West Community & Technical College
City:
Canby
State:
MN
Distance:
22 miles
Students:
1,700
Name:
Southwest Minnesota State University
City:
Marshall
State:
MN
Distance:
26 miles
Students:
6,500
Healthcare
Healthcare access in Wood Lake is supported by facilities like Sanford Canby Medical Center nearby, and most residents—over 92%—have health insurance. With 1.6 physicians per 1,000 people, the town offers reliable medical services for its small population.

Major Hospitals
Name:
Sanford Canby Medical Center
Address:
112 St Olaf Ave S, Canby, MN 56220
Phone:
(507) 223-7277
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
1.6
Health Insurance Coverage:
92.3%
Health Care Index:
79.1
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Wood Lake, MN?
The housing market is highly accessible, with a median home price of $78,500 and 74.5% of homes owner-occupied. Rental options are available with a moderate vacancy rate, and home values have appreciated by 4.2% over the past year.
Median Home Price:
$78,500
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$710
Owner Occupied Rate:
74.5%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
8.9%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
4.2%
New Construction Rate:
0.4%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.4%
DMV Information
Driver and vehicle services are managed by the Minnesota Driver and Vehicle Services, accessible via their St. Paul office or online. Residents can take advantage of state resources for licensing and registration needs.
State:
Minnesota
Department:
Minnesota 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.