Perham, MN
Population 3,577 · Minnesota
About Perham, MN
Perham is a small town located in Minnesota with a population of 3,577 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $47,088 per year, which is 37% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 35 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 Perham features a median home value of $186,000, which is 24% below the national median of $244,900. This positions Perham in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $813, 30% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 1,584 total housing units, 55% are owner-occupied (773 units) and 45% are renter-occupied (645 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Perham shows an unemployment rate of 15.4%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 19.5%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Perham have an average one-way commute time of 12.5 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
28.7% of Perham 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 3.3% White, 2.5% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 11.3% Asian residents, with 9.4% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Perham, MN
Compared to national averages, Perham has a median household income of $47,088 (37% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $186,000, which is 24% below the national median. Monthly rent at $813 is 30% below the US average of $1,163. Within Minnesota, Perham's income is 37% below the state average of $74,221, and home values are 9% below the state median of $204,472.
Why Live in Perham, MN?
Perham offers affordable housing with a median home value of $186,000, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $813/month, and short commute times averaging just 12.5 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($47,088) that falls below the national average. However, Perham’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Perham has a population of 3,577 with a median age of 35 years. Compare Perham with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Minnesota.
Similar Cities Near Perham
Cities in Minnesota with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| St. Augusta | 3,576 | $116,384 | $323,400 | Compare |
| Two Harbors | 3,598 | $62,885 | $187,100 | Compare |
| Melrose | 3,608 | $58,107 | $198,300 | Compare |
| Plainview | 3,501 | $69,800 | $230,600 | Compare |
| Hanover | 3,495 | $147,944 | $421,700 | Compare |
| Long Prairie | 3,683 | $57,139 | $130,100 | Compare |
| Eveleth | 3,470 | $47,721 | $91,800 | Compare |
| Pine Island | 3,693 | $91,612 | $324,700 | 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 Perham With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Perham
What is the population of Perham, MN?
The population of Perham, MN is 3,577 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 Perham?
The median household income in Perham, MN is $47,088 per year, which is 37% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Perham?
The median home value in Perham, MN is $186,000, which is 24% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Perham?
The median monthly rent in Perham, MN is $813, which is 30% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Perham?
The unemployment rate in Perham, MN is 15.4%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Perham, MN a good place to live?
Perham offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 3,577 and a median age of 35, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Perham, MN?
28.7% of residents in Perham 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 Perham?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Perham, MN: median home value is $186,000 (24% below national), median rent is $813/month, and median household income is $47,088. The home-value-to-income ratio is 4.0x, a moderate figure by national standards.
What is the poverty rate in Perham?
The poverty rate in Perham, MN is 19.5%, 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 Perham, MN?
Perham's population is 3.3% White, 2.5% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 11.3% Asian, and 2.0% two or more races. 9.4% of residents are foreign-born.