Grand Marais, MN
Population 1,700 · Minnesota
About Grand Marais, MN
Grand Marais is a small town located in Minnesota with a population of 1,700 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $73,846 per year, which is 2% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 45.3 years is notably older the US median age of 38.9 years, suggesting a more established community with a higher proportion of long-term residents.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Grand Marais features a median home value of $283,700, which is 16% above the national median of $244,900. This positions Grand Marais in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $1,013, 13% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 879 total housing units, 69% are owner-occupied (515 units) and 31% are renter-occupied (229 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Grand Marais shows an unemployment rate of 0.6%, which is lower than the national rate of 3.7%, indicating a relatively strong job market. The poverty rate stands at 11.3%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Grand Marais have an average one-way commute time of 10 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
43.5% of Grand Marais 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 0.1% White, 9.4% Hispanic or Latino, 1.6% Black or African American, and 2.6% Asian residents, with 3.0% of the population being foreign-born.
How Grand Marais Ranks in Minnesota
Cost of Living in Grand Marais, MN
Compared to national averages, Grand Marais has a median household income of $73,846 (2% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $283,700, which is 16% above the national median. Monthly rent at $1,013 is 13% below the US average of $1,163. Within Minnesota, Grand Marais's income is 1% below the state average of $74,221, and home values are 39% above the state median of $204,472.
Why Live in Grand Marais, MN?
Grand Marais offers rent that’s lower than the national average at $1,013/month, and a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 0.6%, and a well-educated community where 43.5% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. Additionally, the city features a low poverty rate of 11.3%, better than the national average, and short commute times averaging just 10 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($73,846) that falls below the national average. However, Grand Marais’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Grand Marais has a population of 1,700 with a median age of 45.3 years. Compare Grand Marais with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Minnesota.
Similar Cities Near Grand Marais
Cities in Minnesota with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gilbert | 1,693 | $62,625 | $116,200 | Compare |
| Long Lake | 1,710 | $95,972 | $391,400 | Compare |
| Rock Creek | 1,711 | $99,500 | $294,800 | Compare |
| Lewiston | 1,680 | $96,912 | $211,200 | Compare |
| Braham | 1,674 | $55,417 | $191,600 | Compare |
| Osakis | 1,667 | $53,684 | $169,200 | Compare |
| Hinckley | 1,665 | $41,979 | $165,200 | Compare |
| Oronoco | 1,665 | $146,875 | $468,700 | 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 Grand Marais With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Grand Marais
What is the population of Grand Marais, MN?
The population of Grand Marais, MN is 1,700 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 Grand Marais?
The median household income in Grand Marais, MN is $73,846 per year, which is 2% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Grand Marais?
The median home value in Grand Marais, MN is $283,700, which is 16% above the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Grand Marais?
The median monthly rent in Grand Marais, MN is $1,013, which is 13% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Grand Marais?
The unemployment rate in Grand Marais, MN is 0.6%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. This lower-than-average rate suggests a relatively healthy local job market.
Is Grand Marais, MN a good place to live?
Grand Marais offers a moderate cost of living, a competitive housing market, and a strong job market. With a population of 1,700 and a median age of 45.3, the city appeals to established professionals and retirees.
How educated is Grand Marais, MN?
43.5% of residents in Grand Marais 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 Grand Marais?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Grand Marais, MN: median home value is $283,700 (16% above national), median rent is $1,013/month, and median household income is $73,846. The home-value-to-income ratio is 3.8x, a moderate figure by national standards.
What is the poverty rate in Grand Marais?
The poverty rate in Grand Marais, MN is 11.3%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Grand Marais, MN?
Grand Marais's population is 0.1% White, 9.4% Hispanic or Latino, 1.6% Black or African American, 2.6% Asian, and 0.4% two or more races. 3.0% of residents are foreign-born.