Cost of Living in Detroit Lakes, MN
Population 10,002 · Minnesota · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Detroit Lakes is a smaller Minnesota community of around 10000 residents, where median household incomes of $62,123 and housing costs ($246,000 for a typical home) give the local cost-of-living profile a distinctly small-town shape.
Detroit Lakes is about 45 miles east of Fargo, the nearest large metro — close enough that regional housing and labor patterns are shaped largely by the larger market. Median home values run roughly 9% lower than Fargo's $270,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Detroit Lakes
The median home value in Detroit Lakes is $246,200 — 19% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $925/month, 30% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $62,123/year is 17% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 4.9%, above the national average of 4.8%. Minnesota's top state income tax rate is 9.8% and the combined sales tax is 7.4%. Overall, Detroit Lakes has a cost of living index of 77 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 23% less expensive.
🏠 Housing
HUD Fair Market Rents by Bedroom
💰 Estimated Monthly Budget
Estimates based on median data and national averages. Actual costs vary.
🛒 Food & Groceries
National BLS average prices (2023). Local prices may vary.
🚗 Transportation
Commute Mode
⚡ Utilities
📋 Taxes
💼 Income & Employment
🎓 Education
👥 Demographics
💨 Air Quality
EPA AQS 2023 — county-level monitoring data
🏫 Schools
NCES CCD 2019 — public school district data
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Detroit Lakes, MN?
Detroit Lakes has a cost index of 77 (100 = national average). It is 23% below the national average.
What is average rent in Detroit Lakes, MN?
The median gross rent in Detroit Lakes is $925 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Detroit Lakes?
The median home value in Detroit Lakes is $246,200 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Detroit Lakes?
The median household income in Detroit Lakes is $62,123 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Detroit Lakes, MN?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Detroit Lakes is 7.4%. The Minnesota state income tax top rate is 9.8%.
Is Detroit Lakes, MN affordable?
Yes, Detroit Lakes is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 77 — about 23% below the US national average of 100.
Detroit Lakes at a Glance
- Population
- 10,002
- Median Income
- $62,123
- Home Value
- $246,200
- Median Rent
- $925/mo
- Unemployment
- 4.9%
- Sales Tax
- 7.4%
Nearby Cities
Explore county-level cost of living data
Minnesota Rankings
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