Dodge Center, MN
Population 2,864 · Minnesota
About Dodge Center, MN
Dodge Center is a small town located in Minnesota with a population of 2,864 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $77,552 per year, which is 3% above the national median of $75,149. The median age of 38.3 years is close to the US median age of 38.9 years.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Dodge Center features a median home value of $175,900, which is 28% below the national median of $244,900. This positions Dodge Center in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $955, 18% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 1,208 total housing units, 81% are owner-occupied (957 units) and 19% are renter-occupied (218 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Dodge Center shows an unemployment rate of 3.0%, which is lower than the national rate of 3.7%, indicating a relatively strong job market. The poverty rate stands at 5.0%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Dodge Center have an average one-way commute time of 21.8 minutes.
Education & Demographics
15.7% of Dodge Center 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 9.4% White, 1.5% Hispanic or Latino, 0.3% Black or African American, and 1.6% Asian residents, with 4.9% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Dodge Center, MN
Compared to national averages, Dodge Center has a median household income of $77,552 (3% above the national median of $75,149). Home values average $175,900, which is 28% below the national median. Monthly rent at $955 is 18% below the US average of $1,163. Within Minnesota, Dodge Center's income is 4% above the state average of $74,221, and home values are 14% below the state median of $204,472.
Why Live in Dodge Center, MN?
Dodge Center offers a strong local economy with a median household income of $77,552, well above the national average, and affordable housing with a median home value of $175,900, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $955/month. Additionally, the city features a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 3.0%, and a low poverty rate of 5.0%, better than the national average, and short commute times averaging just 21.8 minutes.
Dodge Center has a population of 2,864 with a median age of 38.3 years. Compare Dodge Center with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Minnesota.
Similar Cities Near Dodge Center
Cities in Minnesota with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mountain Iron | 2,865 | $81,607 | $180,700 | Compare |
| Greenfield | 2,897 | $147,184 | $524,300 | Compare |
| Caledonia | 2,825 | $69,792 | $148,500 | Compare |
| Albany | 2,800 | $75,417 | $226,000 | Compare |
| Afton | 2,944 | $129,956 | $655,400 | Compare |
| Cokato | 2,780 | $71,090 | $216,100 | Compare |
| Barnesville | 2,757 | $83,333 | $218,300 | Compare |
| Roseau | 2,728 | $60,185 | $130,000 | 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 Dodge Center With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Dodge Center
What is the population of Dodge Center, MN?
The population of Dodge Center, MN is 2,864 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a small town in Minnesota.
What is the median household income in Dodge Center?
The median household income in Dodge Center, MN is $77,552 per year, which is 3% above the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Dodge Center?
The median home value in Dodge Center, MN is $175,900, which is 28% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Dodge Center?
The median monthly rent in Dodge Center, MN is $955, which is 18% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Dodge Center?
The unemployment rate in Dodge Center, MN is 3.0%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. This lower-than-average rate suggests a relatively healthy local job market.
Is Dodge Center, MN a good place to live?
Dodge Center offers above-average incomes, affordable housing, and a strong job market. With a population of 2,864 and a median age of 38.3, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Dodge Center, MN?
15.7% of residents in Dodge Center 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 Dodge Center?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Dodge Center, MN: median home value is $175,900 (28% below national), median rent is $955/month, and median household income is $77,552. The home-value-to-income ratio is 2.3x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Dodge Center?
The poverty rate in Dodge Center, MN is 5.0%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Dodge Center, MN?
Dodge Center's population is 9.4% White, 1.5% Hispanic or Latino, 0.3% Black or African American, 1.6% Asian, and 0.0% two or more races. 4.9% of residents are foreign-born.