Detroit Lakes, MN
Population 10,002 · Minnesota
About Detroit Lakes, MN
Detroit Lakes is a mid-sized city located in Minnesota with a population of 10,002 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $62,123 per year, which is 17% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 41.5 years is close to the US median age of 38.9 years.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Detroit Lakes features a median home value of $246,200, which is 1% above the national median of $244,900. This positions Detroit Lakes in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $925, 20% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 5,108 total housing units, 60% are owner-occupied (2,671 units) and 40% are renter-occupied (1,814 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Detroit Lakes shows an unemployment rate of 4.9%, which is near the national rate of 3.7%. The poverty rate stands at 10.2%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Detroit Lakes have an average one-way commute time of 14.1 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
32.4% of Detroit Lakes residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This is in line with national trends in educational attainment. The community's demographic composition includes 0.0% White, 5.4% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 0.0% Asian residents, with 0.7% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Detroit Lakes, MN
Compared to national averages, Detroit Lakes has a median household income of $62,123 (17% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $246,200, which is 1% above the national median. Monthly rent at $925 is 20% below the US average of $1,163. Within Minnesota, Detroit Lakes's income is 16% below the state average of $74,221, and home values are 20% above the state median of $204,472.
Why Live in Detroit Lakes, MN?
Detroit Lakes offers rent that’s lower than the national average at $925/month, and a low poverty rate of 10.2%, better than the national average, and short commute times averaging just 14.1 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($62,123) that falls below the national average. However, Detroit Lakes’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Detroit Lakes has a population of 10,002 with a median age of 41.5 years. Compare Detroit Lakes with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Minnesota.
Similar Cities Near Detroit Lakes
Cities in Minnesota with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cambridge | 9,992 | $67,632 | $234,800 | Compare |
| Hermantown | 10,192 | $92,026 | $374,000 | Compare |
| Arden Hills | 9,737 | $128,668 | $423,800 | Compare |
| Fairmont | 10,348 | $59,228 | $168,800 | Compare |
| St. Anthony city (Hennepin and Ramsey Counties), Minnesota | 9,516 | $97,784 | $365,700 | Compare |
| Little Canada | 10,546 | $71,370 | $302,600 | Compare |
| Waseca | 9,209 | $61,546 | $185,600 | Compare |
| Mound | 9,176 | $91,370 | $348,600 | Compare |
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 Detroit Lakes With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Detroit Lakes
What is the population of Detroit Lakes, MN?
The population of Detroit Lakes, MN is 10,002 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a mid-sized city in Minnesota.
What is the median household income in Detroit Lakes?
The median household income in Detroit Lakes, MN is $62,123 per year, which is 17% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Detroit Lakes?
The median home value in Detroit Lakes, MN is $246,200, which is 1% above the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Detroit Lakes?
The median monthly rent in Detroit Lakes, MN is $925, which is 20% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Detroit Lakes?
The unemployment rate in Detroit Lakes, MN is 4.9%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Detroit Lakes, MN a good place to live?
Detroit Lakes offers a moderate cost of living, a competitive housing market, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 10,002 and a median age of 41.5, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Detroit Lakes, MN?
32.4% of residents in Detroit Lakes 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 Detroit Lakes?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Detroit Lakes, MN: median home value is $246,200 (1% above national), median rent is $925/month, and median household income is $62,123. The home-value-to-income ratio is 4.0x, a moderate figure by national standards.
What is the poverty rate in Detroit Lakes?
The poverty rate in Detroit Lakes, MN is 10.2%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Detroit Lakes, MN?
Detroit Lakes's population is 0.0% White, 5.4% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 0.0% Asian, and 0.6% two or more races. 0.7% of residents are foreign-born.