Cass Lake, MN
Population 492 · Minnesota
About Cass Lake, MN
Cass Lake is a small community located in Minnesota with a population of 492 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $47,045 per year, which is 37% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 34.8 years is notably younger the US median age of 38.9 years, indicating a younger, often more dynamic population base.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Cass Lake features a median home value of $109,100, which is 55% below the national median of $244,900. This makes Cass Lake one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $730, 37% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 260 total housing units, 28% are owner-occupied (58 units) and 72% are renter-occupied (152 units). The higher proportion of renters may reflect a transient population, younger demographics, or high housing costs relative to income.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Cass Lake shows an unemployment rate of 16.7%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 24.5%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Cass Lake have an average one-way commute time of 13.2 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
21.5% of Cass Lake residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. The lower educational attainment rate may reflect the area's industry mix, with more employment in trades, manufacturing, or agricultural sectors. The community's demographic composition includes 0.0% White, 79.1% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 0.0% Asian residents, with 0.0% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Cass Lake, MN
Compared to national averages, Cass Lake has a median household income of $47,045 (37% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $109,100, which is 55% below the national median. Monthly rent at $730 is 37% below the US average of $1,163. Within Minnesota, Cass Lake's income is 37% below the state average of $74,221, and home values are 47% below the state median of $204,472.
Why Live in Cass Lake, MN?
Cass Lake offers affordable housing with a median home value of $109,100, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $730/month, and short commute times averaging just 13.2 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($47,045) that falls below the national average. However, Cass Lake’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Cass Lake has a population of 492 with a median age of 34.8 years. Compare Cass Lake with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Minnesota.
Similar Cities Near Cass Lake
Cities in Minnesota with a similar population size.
Demographics
Racial & Ethnic Composition
Economy & Education
Housing
Other Cities in Minnesota
Data source: US Census Bureau ACS 5-Year Estimates. Last updated: 2026-04-05.
Compare Cass Lake With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Cass Lake
What is the population of Cass Lake, MN?
The population of Cass Lake, MN is 492 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a small community in Minnesota.
What is the median household income in Cass Lake?
The median household income in Cass Lake, MN is $47,045 per year, which is 37% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Cass Lake?
The median home value in Cass Lake, MN is $109,100, which is 55% below the national median of $244,900. A significant portion of residents rent their homes.
What is the average rent in Cass Lake?
The median monthly rent in Cass Lake, MN is $730, which is 37% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Cass Lake?
The unemployment rate in Cass Lake, MN is 16.7%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Cass Lake, MN a good place to live?
Cass Lake offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 492 and a median age of 34.8, the city appeals to young professionals and families.
How educated is Cass Lake, MN?
21.5% of residents in Cass Lake aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. The educational profile reflects the area's industry mix and employment landscape.
What is the cost of living in Cass Lake?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Cass Lake, MN: median home value is $109,100 (55% below national), median rent is $730/month, and median household income is $47,045. The home-value-to-income ratio is 2.3x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Cass Lake?
The poverty rate in Cass Lake, MN is 24.5%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. Residents and prospective movers should be aware of the economic challenges facing parts of this community.
How diverse is Cass Lake, MN?
Cass Lake's population is 0.0% White, 79.1% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 0.0% Asian, and 0.0% two or more races. 0.0% of residents are foreign-born.