Cost of Living in Little Falls, MN

Population 9,094 · Minnesota · Data vintage 2023

61
Cost Index
(100 = US avg)
Page updated: · Data vintage: 2023 ACS 5-Year
Sources: Census ACS·BLS·NOAA·EPA·Zillow · Methodology

Little Falls's median household income of $46,284 is a meaningful share below the national figure, which shapes most of the downstream economic indicators — from housing affordability to the share of residents living below the poverty line (16% here).

Located 90 miles northwest of Minneapolis, Little Falls is far enough out that local conditions diverge meaningfully from the big-metro baseline. Median home values run roughly 43% lower than Minneapolis' $346,000.

Cost Overview

Housing 65
Rent 56

Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.

About the Cost of Living in Little Falls

The median home value in Little Falls is $198,100 — 35% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $740/month, 44% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $46,284/year is 38% 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, Little Falls has a cost of living index of 61 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 39% less expensive.

🏠 Housing

Median Home Value
$198,100
35% below avg
Zillow Home Value
$262,874
Zillow ZHVI
Median Rent
$740/mo
44% below avg
Price-to-Rent Ratio
22.3x
Favors renting
Property Tax Rate
1.1%
Effective rate

HUD Fair Market Rents by Bedroom

Studio
$702
1 BR
$784
2 BR
$937
3 BR
$1,307
4 BR
$1,537
Owner-occupied 66.4%
Renter-occupied 33.6%

💰 Estimated Monthly Budget

Rent median rent
$740
Groceries national estimate
$400
Utilities local estimate
$88
Transportation local gas prices
$126
Estimated Total $1,354/mo

Estimates based on median data and national averages. Actual costs vary.

🛒 Food & Groceries

National BLS average prices (2023). Local prices may vary.

🥚
Eggs (dozen)
$0.548
🍞
White Bread (lb)
$1.912
🥩
Ground Beef (lb)
$5.61

🚗 Transportation

Avg Commute
21.2 min
21% below avg
Gas Price
$3.145/gal
0% below avg
Work From Home
5.1%

Commute Mode

Drove alone
77.8%
Carpooled
11.3%
Public transit
1.1%
Walked
2.6%
Work from home
5.1%

Utilities

Electricity
$0.176/kWh
0% below avg

📋 Taxes

State Income Tax 9.8%
Total Sales Tax 7.4%
State rate 6.9%
Avg local rate 0.6%
Property Tax 1.1%

💼 Income & Employment

Median Household Income
$46,284
38% below avg
Per Capita Income
$31,509
Unemployment Rate
4.9%
1% above avg
Poverty Rate
16.1%
Labor Force Participation
54.6%

🎓 Education

Bachelor's degree+ 14.4%
Graduate degree 8.5%

👥 Demographics

Median Age 41.4
Male median age 39
Female median age 47

🏫 Schools

NCES CCD 2019 — public school district data

83%
4-Year Graduation Rate
15.2:1
Student-teacher ratio
6
Public schools
2,445
Total enrollment

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of living in Little Falls, MN?

Little Falls has a cost index of 61 (100 = national average). It is 39% below the national average.

What is average rent in Little Falls, MN?

The median gross rent in Little Falls is $740 per month based on 2023 Census data.

What is the average home price in Little Falls?

The median home value in Little Falls is $198,100 according to Zillow and Census data.

What is the median income in Little Falls?

The median household income in Little Falls is $46,284 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).

What is the sales tax in Little Falls, MN?

The combined state and local sales tax rate in Little Falls is 7.4%. The Minnesota state income tax top rate is 9.8%.

Is Little Falls, MN affordable?

Yes, Little Falls is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 61 — about 39% below the US national average of 100.

Little Falls at a Glance

Population
9,094
Median Income
$46,284
Home Value
$198,100
Median Rent
$740/mo
Unemployment
4.9%
Sales Tax
7.4%
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