Cost of Living in Park Rapids, MN
Population 4,226 · Minnesota · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Park Rapids's median household income of $45,800 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 (13% here). At 6.9%, the local unemployment rate runs well above the US figure, pointing to structural rather than cyclical labor-market issues.
Located 85 miles east of Fargo, Park Rapids is far enough out that local conditions diverge meaningfully from the big-metro baseline. Median home values run roughly 19% lower than Fargo's $270,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Park Rapids
The median home value in Park Rapids is $218,500 — 28% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $912/month, 31% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $45,800/year is 39% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 6.9%, 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%. The climate averages highs of 51.2°F and lows of 29.5°F. Overall, Park Rapids has a cost of living index of 71 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 29% less expensive.
Park Rapids has limited residential data
Detailed housing and income data is limited for this location. Here are the nearest cities with full cost of living data:
🏠 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
🌤 Climate
NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High °F | 18 | 24 | 37 | 53 | 67 | 76 | 80 | 79 | 69 | 54 | 36 | 23 |
| Low °F | -3 | 1 | 16 | 29 | 42 | 53 | 57 | 55 | 46 | 34 | 19 | 5 |
| Precip" | 0.43 | 0.40 | 1.00 | 1.72 | 3.09 | 4.08 | 3.93 | 2.78 | 2.70 | 2.40 | 0.81 | 0.52 |
🏫 Schools
NCES CCD 2019 — public school district data
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Park Rapids, MN?
Park Rapids has a cost index of 71 (100 = national average). It is 29% below the national average.
What is average rent in Park Rapids, MN?
The median gross rent in Park Rapids is $912 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Park Rapids?
The median home value in Park Rapids is $218,500 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Park Rapids?
The median household income in Park Rapids is $45,800 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Park Rapids, MN?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Park Rapids is 7.4%. The Minnesota state income tax top rate is 9.8%.
Is Park Rapids, MN affordable?
Yes, Park Rapids is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 71 — about 29% below the US national average of 100.
What is the weather like in Park Rapids?
Park Rapids has average high temperatures of 51.2°F and average lows of 29.5°F. Annual precipitation is 23.9". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.
Park Rapids at a Glance
- Population
- 4,226
- Median Income
- $45,800
- Home Value
- $218,500
- Median Rent
- $912/mo
- Unemployment
- 6.9%
- Avg High Temp
- 51.2°F
- Sales Tax
- 7.4%
Nearby Cities
Explore county-level cost of living data
Minnesota Rankings
Similar Cost Cities
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