Red Lake, MN
Population 1,506 · Minnesota
About Red Lake, MN
Red Lake is a small town located in Minnesota with a population of 1,506 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $55,092 per year, which is 27% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 28.2 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 Red Lake features a median home value of $136,000, which is 44% below the national median of $244,900. This makes Red Lake one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $426, 63% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 512 total housing units, 62% are owner-occupied (295 units) and 38% are renter-occupied (180 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Red Lake shows an unemployment rate of 13.9%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 40.9%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Red Lake have an average one-way commute time of 8.9 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
10.3% of Red Lake 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 0.0% White, 94.8% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 0.0% Asian residents, with 0.0% of the population being foreign-born.
How Red Lake Ranks in Minnesota
Cost of Living in Red Lake, MN
Compared to national averages, Red Lake has a median household income of $55,092 (27% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $136,000, which is 44% below the national median. Monthly rent at $426 is 63% below the US average of $1,163. Within Minnesota, Red Lake's income is 26% below the state average of $74,221, and home values are 33% below the state median of $204,472.
Why Live in Red Lake, MN?
Red Lake offers affordable housing with a median home value of $136,000, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $426/month, and short commute times averaging just 8.9 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($55,092) that falls below the national average. However, Red Lake’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Red Lake has a population of 1,506 with a median age of 28.2 years. Compare Red Lake with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Minnesota.
Similar Cities Near Red Lake
Cities in Minnesota with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Madison | 1,507 | $56,435 | $104,600 | Compare |
| Lakeland | 1,510 | $101,339 | $357,700 | Compare |
| Clara City | 1,497 | $58,431 | $116,500 | Compare |
| Avon | 1,493 | $90,987 | $240,400 | Compare |
| Minneota | 1,531 | $72,396 | $158,100 | Compare |
| Canby | 1,563 | $58,839 | $131,800 | Compare |
| Dawson | 1,441 | $70,286 | $118,800 | Compare |
| Pierz | 1,581 | $55,438 | $155,700 | 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 Red Lake With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Red Lake
What is the population of Red Lake, MN?
The population of Red Lake, MN is 1,506 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 Red Lake?
The median household income in Red Lake, MN is $55,092 per year, which is 27% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Red Lake?
The median home value in Red Lake, MN is $136,000, which is 44% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Red Lake?
The median monthly rent in Red Lake, MN is $426, which is 63% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Red Lake?
The unemployment rate in Red Lake, MN is 13.9%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Red Lake, MN a good place to live?
Red Lake offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 1,506 and a median age of 28.2, the city appeals to young professionals and families.
How educated is Red Lake, MN?
10.3% of residents in Red Lake 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 Red Lake?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Red Lake, MN: median home value is $136,000 (44% below national), median rent is $426/month, and median household income is $55,092. The home-value-to-income ratio is 2.5x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Red Lake?
The poverty rate in Red Lake, MN is 40.9%, 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 Red Lake, MN?
Red Lake's population is 0.0% White, 94.8% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 0.0% Asian, and 0.4% two or more races. 0.0% of residents are foreign-born.