Pelican Rapids, MN
Population 2,589 · Minnesota
About Pelican Rapids, MN
Pelican Rapids is a small town located in Minnesota with a population of 2,589 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $65,482 per year, which is 13% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 37.7 years is close to the US median age of 38.9 years.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Pelican Rapids features a median home value of $177,700, which is 27% below the national median of $244,900. This positions Pelican Rapids in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $349, 70% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 1,083 total housing units, 61% are owner-occupied (595 units) and 39% are renter-occupied (373 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Pelican Rapids shows an unemployment rate of 3.3%, which is lower than the national rate of 3.7%, indicating a relatively strong job market. The poverty rate stands at 17.1%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Pelican Rapids have an average one-way commute time of 22.9 minutes.
Education & Demographics
18.7% of Pelican Rapids 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 20.2% White, 2.1% Hispanic or Latino, 1.7% Black or African American, and 3.4% Asian residents, with 20.0% of the population being foreign-born.
How Pelican Rapids Ranks in Minnesota
Cost of Living in Pelican Rapids, MN
Compared to national averages, Pelican Rapids has a median household income of $65,482 (13% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $177,700, which is 27% below the national median. Monthly rent at $349 is 70% below the US average of $1,163. Within Minnesota, Pelican Rapids's income is 12% below the state average of $74,221, and home values are 13% below the state median of $204,472.
Why Live in Pelican Rapids, MN?
Pelican Rapids offers affordable housing with a median home value of $177,700, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $349/month, and a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 3.3%. Additionally, the city features short commute times averaging just 22.9 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($65,482) that falls below the national average. However, Pelican Rapids’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Pelican Rapids has a population of 2,589 with a median age of 37.7 years. Compare Pelican Rapids with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Minnesota.
Similar Cities Near Pelican Rapids
Cities in Minnesota with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Osseo | 2,601 | $66,875 | $275,000 | Compare |
| Wabasha | 2,569 | $62,016 | $212,800 | Compare |
| Granite Falls | 2,612 | $59,402 | $139,700 | Compare |
| Lexington | 2,616 | $72,955 | $282,000 | Compare |
| Sandstone | 2,538 | $50,288 | $137,500 | Compare |
| Breezy Point | 2,647 | $85,913 | $301,000 | Compare |
| Crosslake | 2,648 | $85,000 | $540,200 | Compare |
| Glenwood | 2,648 | $45,735 | $181,000 | 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 Pelican Rapids With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Pelican Rapids
What is the population of Pelican Rapids, MN?
The population of Pelican Rapids, MN is 2,589 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 Pelican Rapids?
The median household income in Pelican Rapids, MN is $65,482 per year, which is 13% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Pelican Rapids?
The median home value in Pelican Rapids, MN is $177,700, which is 27% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Pelican Rapids?
The median monthly rent in Pelican Rapids, MN is $349, which is 70% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Pelican Rapids?
The unemployment rate in Pelican Rapids, MN is 3.3%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. This lower-than-average rate suggests a relatively healthy local job market.
Is Pelican Rapids, MN a good place to live?
Pelican Rapids offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and a strong job market. With a population of 2,589 and a median age of 37.7, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Pelican Rapids, MN?
18.7% of residents in Pelican Rapids 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 Pelican Rapids?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Pelican Rapids, MN: median home value is $177,700 (27% below national), median rent is $349/month, and median household income is $65,482. The home-value-to-income ratio is 2.7x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Pelican Rapids?
The poverty rate in Pelican Rapids, MN is 17.1%, 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 Pelican Rapids, MN?
Pelican Rapids's population is 20.2% White, 2.1% Hispanic or Latino, 1.7% Black or African American, 3.4% Asian, and 8.5% two or more races. 20.0% of residents are foreign-born.