Duluth, MN
Population 86,863 · Minnesota
About Duluth, MN
Duluth is a mid-sized city located in Minnesota with a population of 86,863 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $66,263 per year, which is 12% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 35.2 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 Duluth features a median home value of $225,700, which is 8% below the national median of $244,900. This positions Duluth in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $1,037, 11% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 39,805 total housing units, 60% are owner-occupied (22,377 units) and 40% are renter-occupied (14,773 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Duluth shows an unemployment rate of 4.8%, which is near the national rate of 3.7%. The poverty rate stands at 17.2%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Duluth have an average one-way commute time of 17.1 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
42.3% of Duluth 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 1.3% White, 3.6% Hispanic or Latino, 0.1% Black or African American, and 1.0% Asian residents, with 3.1% of the population being foreign-born.
How Duluth Ranks in Minnesota
Cost of Living in Duluth, MN
Compared to national averages, Duluth has a median household income of $66,263 (12% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $225,700, which is 8% below the national median. Monthly rent at $1,037 is 11% below the US average of $1,163. Within Minnesota, Duluth's income is 11% below the state average of $74,221, and home values are 10% above the state median of $204,472.
Why Live in Duluth, MN?
Duluth offers affordable housing with a median home value of $225,700, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $1,037/month, and a well-educated community where 42.3% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. Additionally, the city features short commute times averaging just 17.1 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($66,263) that falls below the national average. However, as a mid-sized city, Duluth provides access to a wide range of amenities and services.
Duluth has a population of 86,863 with a median age of 35.2 years. Compare Duluth with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Minnesota.
Similar Cities Near Duluth
Cities in Minnesota with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bloomington | 88,838 | $90,677 | $346,200 | Compare |
| Brooklyn Park | 84,349 | $85,964 | $313,500 | Compare |
| Plymouth | 79,526 | $133,865 | $474,700 | Compare |
| Woodbury | 76,945 | $126,222 | $434,900 | Compare |
| Lakeville | 72,480 | $138,119 | $425,200 | Compare |
| Blaine | 71,261 | $103,382 | $327,500 | Compare |
| Maple Grove | 70,539 | $129,481 | $397,400 | Compare |
| St. Cloud | 69,926 | $61,112 | $212,800 | 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 Duluth With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Duluth
What is the population of Duluth, MN?
The population of Duluth, MN is 86,863 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 Duluth?
The median household income in Duluth, MN is $66,263 per year, which is 12% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Duluth?
The median home value in Duluth, MN is $225,700, which is 8% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Duluth?
The median monthly rent in Duluth, MN is $1,037, which is 11% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Duluth?
The unemployment rate in Duluth, MN is 4.8%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Duluth, MN a good place to live?
Duluth offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 86,863 and a median age of 35.2, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Duluth, MN?
42.3% of residents in Duluth aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This above-average educational attainment often reflects a knowledge-based local economy.
What is the cost of living in Duluth?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Duluth, MN: median home value is $225,700 (8% below national), median rent is $1,037/month, and median household income is $66,263. The home-value-to-income ratio is 3.4x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Duluth?
The poverty rate in Duluth, MN is 17.2%, 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 Duluth, MN?
Duluth's population is 1.3% White, 3.6% Hispanic or Latino, 0.1% Black or African American, 1.0% Asian, and 2.5% two or more races. 3.1% of residents are foreign-born.