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Is Duluth a Good Place to Live? Duluth, Minnesota: cost of living, crime, schools and rankings
Duluth ranks #467 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #221 of 524 smaller cities and #17 of 20 in Minnesota. Against similar-size cities it stands out for low living costs (88.8, #34 of 524) and short commutes (17.3 min, #37 of 524), and trails on low graduation rates (77.7%, #383 of 437) and high poverty (16.8%, #409 of 524).
Duluth by the numbers
The measures people check first, each with Duluth's rank among the tracked cities and the US figure (or the similar-size median where there is no national figure).
What is the cost of living in Duluth?
Duluth's cost of living index is 88.8, 11% below the US level of 100 and #159 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $1,087/mo against $1,633/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $298,068, 15% below the typical Minnesota home ($350,752).
| Measure | Duluth | MinnesotaMN | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost of living indexBEA Regional Price Parities, metro area · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size 102.4 · US 100 | 88.8#159 of 1,308 | 98.6 | 102.4 | 100 |
| Typical home valueZillow Home Value Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $431,438 · US $368,697 | $298,068#368 of 1,187 | $350,752 | $431,438 | $368,697 |
| Typical asking rentZillow Observed Rent Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,884/mo · US $1,948/mo | $1,428/mo#283 of 1,115 | — | $1,884/mo | $1,948/mo |
| Median home value (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $401,950 | $242,700#371 of 1,309 | — | $401,950 | — |
| Median rent (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,633/mo | $1,087/mo#309 of 1,309 | — | $1,633/mo | — |
| Home value to incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.5x | 3.5x#381 of 1,309 | — | 4.5x | — |
| Rent as a share of incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 22.2% | 19%#337 of 1,309 | — | 22.2% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). Minnesota is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. Zillow figures track homes and rentals on the market now; Census figures are survey medians of all homes and leases, so the two differ.
Duluth housing market · August
Typical home value is a monthly index of homes in the middle third of the market; the Census figures above are survey medians and will differ. Source in the data sources list below. Duluth is in the Duluth, MN-WI metro.
Minnesota housing market →Is Duluth safe?
Duluth recorded 231 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 30% below the US rate of 328 and 3% above Minnesota's 224. That ranks #417 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #193 of 444 smaller cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Duluth Police Department. Property crime runs 3,060 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
| Measure | Duluth | MinnesotaMN | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 264 · US 328 | 231#417 of 1,085 | 224 | 264 | 328 |
| Property crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 1,550 · US 1,548 | 3,060#961 of 1,085 | 1,412 | 1,550 | 1,548 |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). Minnesota is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. City rates come from each police agency's report to the FBI and are not strictly comparable across agencies.
What do people earn in Duluth?
The median household in Duluth earns $68,807, 17% below the US figure of $83,163 and 21% below Minnesota ($87,117). Unemployment is 3.5% (US 4.3%). 16.8% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 0.2% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
| Measure | Duluth | MinnesotaMN | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size $83,646 · US $83,163 | $68,807#838 of 1,312 | $87,117 | $83,646 | $83,163 |
| Unemployment rateBLS LAUS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.2% · US 4.3% | 3.5%#249 of 1,058 | 3.9% | 4.2% | 4.3% |
| Poverty rateCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 10.8% | 16.8%#968 of 1,312 | — | 10.8% | — |
| Population growth, one yearCensus population estimates · rank 1 = fastestSimilar-size +0.2% · US +0.5% | +0.2%#538 of 1,132 | +0.6% | +0.2% | +0.5% |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). Minnesota is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure.
Who lives in Duluth?
The median resident of Duluth is 35.2 years old, against 37.7 in similar-size cities. 44% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #366 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 59.4% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
| Measure | Duluth | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median ageCensus ACSSimilar-size 37.7 | 35.2 | 37.7 | — |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 35.1% | 44%#366 of 1,312 | 35.1% | — |
| Homes lived in by their ownerCensus ACSSimilar-size 61.7% | 59.4% | 61.7% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure.
How are Duluth's schools and health?
Duluth's 16 public schools graduate 77.7% of students in four years (Minnesota 83.6%), with 14.2 students per teacher and $16,062 spent per pupil. 35.1% of adults are obese and 10% have diabetes, against similar-size city medians of 31.9% and 11%.
| Measure | Duluth | MinnesotaMN | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| High school graduation rateDepartment of Education EDFacts · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 89% | 77.7%#931 of 1,063 | 83.6% | 89% | — |
| Students per teacherNCES Common Core of Data · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 16.4 | 14.2#323 of 1,188 | — | 16.4 | — |
| Spending per pupilNCES school finance survey · rank 1 = mostSimilar-size $15,354 | $16,062#475 of 1,188 | — | $15,354 | — |
| Adult obesityCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 31.9% | 35.1%#777 of 1,311 | — | 31.9% | — |
| Adult diabetesCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11% | 10%#402 of 1,311 | — | 11% | — |
| Adults with frequent mental distressCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 16.7% | 17.7%#799 of 1,311 | — | 16.7% | — |
| Adults without health insuranceCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 10.1% | 7.3%#289 of 1,311 | — | 10.1% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). Minnesota is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. 8,490 students are enrolled in Duluth's public schools.
What are the commute and weather like in Duluth?
The average commute in Duluth is 17.3 minutes (Minnesota 22.7); 3.3% of workers take transit and 13.2% work from home. On the EPA's walkability index Duluth scores 12.6 of 20 (above average walkable), #393 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). Summers average 63.9°F and winters 17.4°F, with 31.5 inches of precipitation a year.
| Measure | Duluth | MinnesotaMN | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average commuteCensus ACS · rank 1 = shortestSimilar-size 25.1 min | 17.3 min#156 of 1,312 | 22.7 min | 25.1 min | — |
| Commutes of an hour or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 6.5% | 3%#191 of 1,312 | 4.9% | 6.5% | — |
| Drive alone to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 70.8% | 69.1% | 70.7% | 70.8% | — |
| Take transit to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.1% | 3.3% | 1.8% | 1.1% | — |
| Walk to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.4% | 4.7% | 2.6% | 1.4% | — |
| Bike to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.2% | 0.8% | 0.6% | 0.2% | — |
| Work from homeCensus ACSSimilar-size 13.7% | 13.2% | 14.7% | 13.7% | — |
| Walkability index (1 to 20)EPA National Walkability Index · rank 1 = most walkableSimilar-size 11.1 | 12.6#393 of 1,312 | — | 11.1 | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). Minnesota is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. The walkability index is the EPA's, averaged over the city's neighborhoods by population.
| Month | Average high (°F) | Average low (°F) | Precipitation (inches) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 22.5 | 5.8 | 0.8 |
| Feb | 26.9 | 9.1 | 0.9 |
| Mar | 36.1 | 21 | 1.4 |
| Apr | 46 | 31.8 | 2.6 |
| May | 57.4 | 40.9 | 3.4 |
| Jun | 67 | 49.5 | 4.6 |
| Jul | 76.1 | 58 | 3.9 |
| Aug | 74.8 | 58 | 3.9 |
| Sep | 66.6 | 50.1 | 3.4 |
| Oct | 53 | 38.6 | 3.2 |
| Nov | 39.1 | 25.6 | 2.1 |
| Dec | 27.3 | 13.1 | 1.3 |
Top: average low to average high, °F. Bottom: precipitation, inches. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Superior.
| Measure | Duluth | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average temperatureNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 58.1°F | 41.4°F | 58.1°F | — |
| Summer average (Jun–Aug)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 74.2°F | 63.9°F | 74.2°F | — |
| Winter average (Dec–Feb)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 40.8°F | 17.4°F | 40.8°F | — |
| Precipitation a yearNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 38.3 in | 31.5 in | 38.3 in | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Superior.
What are the air quality and natural hazard risks in Duluth?
St. Louis County's air had a median air quality index of 42, and 67% of measured days were rated good; 23 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from fine particles. Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts St. Louis County's biggest natural hazard losses in inland flooding, hail, and tornado, with expected yearly losses of 0.1% of building value, lower than 85% of US counties.
| Measure | Duluth | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median air quality index (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = cleanestSimilar-size 44 | 42#457 of 1,138 | 44 | — |
| Unhealthy air days a year (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 3 | 23#982 of 1,138 | 3 | — |
| Yearly hazard losses, share of building value (county)FEMA National Risk Index · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 0.15% | 0.1%#229 of 1,312 | 0.15% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. County figures for St. Louis County: the EPA measures air at monitors and FEMA estimates hazard losses by county, not by city.
Natural hazard losses, St. Louis County
| Hazard | Yearly loss | Higher than |
|---|---|---|
| Inland flooding | 0.085% | 55% of counties |
| Hail | 0.0019% | 47% of counties |
| Tornado | 0.0016% | 20% of counties |
FEMA National Risk Index: expected yearly building losses from each hazard as a share of the county's building value, compared with every US county exposed to that hazard. Loss rates, unlike FEMA's risk ratings, do not rise just because a county has more property.
How does Duluth compare with similar-size cities?
Duluth is one of 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track and ranks #221 of them on overall score. The table sets it beside the 8 cities in other states closest to its population of 87,093.
| City | Rank | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime | Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Duluth, MNPop. 87,093 | #467 | 58.6 | $68,807 | $1,087/mo | 231 | 17.3 min |
| Troy, MIPop. 87,898 | #67 | 69.5 | $120,045 | $1,602/mo | 93 | 23.7 min |
| Ogden, UTPop. 87,413 | #785 | 53.5 | $72,575 | $1,216/mo | 445 | 22.5 min |
| Danbury, CTPop. 87,263 | #441 | 59.2 | $83,393 | $1,846/mo | 146 | 29.9 min |
| Franklin, TNPop. 87,133 | #68 | 69.5 | $119,528 | $1,923/mo | 171 | 23.9 min |
| Mission, TXPop. 87,038 | #961 | 50.7 | $60,767 | $950/mo | 134 | 20.5 min |
| Citrus Heights, CAPop. 86,995 | #740 | 54.3 | $82,314 | $1,827/mo | 380 | 28 min |
| Melbourne, FLPop. 86,576 | #864 | 52.2 | $66,991 | $1,525/mo | 452 | 22.8 min |
| Medford, ORPop. 86,315 | #1021 | 49.7 | $73,230 | $1,376/mo | 406 | 16.6 min |
Rank is overall rank of 1,312. Income is median household income; rent is Census median rent; violent crime is per 100,000 residents as reported to the FBI ("no data" and "incomplete" are explained on each city's page).
How does Duluth compare with the rest of Minnesota?
Duluth ranks #17 of the 20 Minnesota cities we track, with a score of 58.6 against Minnesota's statewide 70.4. Its households earn 21% below the Minnesota median. Violent crime is 3% above the statewide rate. Homes are 15% below the typical Minnesota home.
| City | Rank in MN | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Edina, MNPop. 53,262 | #1 | 72.2 | $128,767 | $1,844/mo | 52 |
| Minnetonka, MNPop. 53,064 | #2 | 71.8 | $119,517 | $1,779/mo | 101 |
| Eden Prairie, MNPop. 63,051 | #3 | 71.7 | $130,489 | $1,833/mo | 54 |
| Plymouth, MNPop. 79,220 | #4 | 71.5 | $136,534 | $1,766/mo | 65 |
| Lakeville, MNPop. 74,354 | #5 | 70.9 | $139,041 | $1,806/mo | 92 |
| Maple Grove, MNPop. 71,173 | #6 | 69.2 | $132,731 | $1,868/mo | 112 |
| Woodbury, MNPop. 78,305 | #7 | 68.4 | $125,310 | $1,908/mo | 75 |
| St. Louis Park, MNPop. 49,594 | #8 | 68.0 | $101,648 | $1,644/mo | 122 |
| Eagan, MNPop. 68,000 | #9 | 65.7 | $108,690 | $1,679/mo | 130 |
| Apple Valley, MNPop. 55,679 | #10 | 64.0 | $97,673 | $1,738/mo | 204 |
| Blaine, MNPop. 72,488 | #11 | 63.8 | $106,801 | $1,705/mo | 65 |
| Bloomington, MNPop. 88,665 | #12 | 62.8 | $93,211 | $1,561/mo | 283 |
| Rochester, MNPop. 122,330 | #13 | 62.4 | $89,389 | $1,399/mo | 186 |
| Burnsville, MNPop. 64,463 | #14 | 61.7 | $87,024 | $1,513/mo | 163 |
| Brooklyn Park, MNPop. 83,876 | #15 | 61.6 | $89,891 | $1,325/mo | 348 |
| Coon Rapids, MNPop. 63,468 | #16 | 59.7 | $88,251 | $1,494/mo | 146 |
| Duluth, MNPop. 87,093 | #17 | 58.6 | $68,807 | $1,087/mo | 231 |
| St. Paul, MNPop. 307,284 | #18 | 57.9 | $73,394 | $1,281/mo | 491 |
| Minneapolis, MNPop. 427,246 | #19 | 54.0 | $80,846 | $1,371/mo | 1,004 |
| St. Cloud, MNPop. 70,629 | #20 | 51.3 | $61,374 | $1,003/mo | 361 |
All 20 Minnesota cities we track, by overall score. Minnesota statewide: median income $87,117, violent crime 223.5 per 100,000.
How is Duluth's score calculated?
Duluth scores 58.6 out of 100, #467 of 1,312 (grade B, which follows rank). It is scored on the 10 of 11 categories with local data; outdoor access is left out rather than filled with Minnesota's statewide figure, and the other weights are scaled up to fill the gap. Each score is compared with the median of similar-size cities, which are scored the same way.
- EconomyCity data · 16% of score
Median household income and unemployment in Duluth. Similar-size median 55.5.
52.9 - SafetyCity data · 13% of score
Violent and property crime per 100,000 residents, as reported to the FBI by Duluth's police agency. Similar-size median 77.8.
70.0 - HealthCity data · 13% of score
Adult obesity, diabetes and frequent mental distress in Duluth. Similar-size median 58.9.
54.5 - EducationCity data · 13% of score
Graduation rate, students per teacher and spending per pupil in Duluth's public schools. Similar-size median 55.2.
54.0 - AffordabilityCity data · 11% of score
Duluth's home values and rents and its metro area's price level. Similar-size median 59.3.
80.9 - Household financesCity data · 9% of score
Median household income and poverty rate in Duluth. Similar-size median 56.1.
39.1 - GrowthCity data · 7% of score
Population growth and unemployment in Duluth. Similar-size median 42.4.
44.9 - TransportationCity data · 7% of score
Commute time, long commutes, driving alone, transit, walking, cycling and working from home in Duluth. Similar-size median 50.0.
60.5 - WalkabilityCity data · 7% of score
The EPA's walkability index across Duluth's neighborhoods. Similar-size median 53.2.
61.1 - EnvironmentCounty data · 4% of score
Air quality and natural hazard losses in the county. Similar-size median 50.8.
70.7 - Outdoor accessNot scored
No city-level park or public land measure exists, so outdoor access is not scored for cities.
—
Bar: Duluth's category score out of 100. Tick: median of the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track. Shares of score are the category weights rescaled over the categories Duluth has data for. City scores use city formulas and are not on the same scale as state scores. Grades follow rank among the 1,312 cities. Methodology
Frequently asked questions about living in Duluth
Is Duluth, MN a good place to live?
Duluth ranks #467 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #221 of 524 smaller cities and #17 of 20 in Minnesota. Against similar-size cities it stands out for low living costs (88.8, #34 of 524) and short commutes (17.3 min, #37 of 524), and trails on low graduation rates (77.7%, #383 of 437) and high poverty (16.8%, #409 of 524).
What is the cost of living in Duluth?
Duluth's cost of living index is 88.8, 11% below the US level of 100 and #159 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $1,087/mo against $1,633/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $298,068, 15% below the typical Minnesota home ($350,752).
What is the crime rate in Duluth?
Duluth recorded 231 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 30% below the US rate of 328 and 3% above Minnesota's 224. That ranks #417 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #193 of 444 smaller cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Duluth Police Department. Property crime runs 3,060 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
What is the median household income in Duluth?
The median household in Duluth earns $68,807, 17% below the US figure of $83,163 and 21% below Minnesota ($87,117). Unemployment is 3.5% (US 4.3%). 16.8% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 0.2% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
How much is rent in Duluth?
Median rent in Duluth is $1,087/mo (Census), #309 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest). The typical asking rent for a unit on the market now is $1,428/mo, against $1,948/mo nationally. Median rent takes 19% of the median household's income.
How much does a house cost in Duluth?
The typical home value in Duluth is $298,068, up 5.2% in a year, against $350,752 for Minnesota and $368,697 nationally. The Census median value of owner-occupied homes is $242,700.
How are the public schools in Duluth?
Duluth's 16 public schools graduate 77.7% of students in four years (Minnesota 83.6%), with 14.2 students per teacher and $16,062 spent per pupil.
How long is the commute in Duluth?
The average commute is 17.3 minutes, #156 of 1,312 cities (1 = shortest), against 22.7 minutes across Minnesota. 3% of workers spend an hour or more getting to work.
What is the weather like in Duluth?
Duluth averages 41.4°F over the year, 63.9°F in summer and 17.4°F in winter, with 31.5 inches of precipitation. Figures are NOAA climate normals.
Is Duluth walkable?
Duluth scores 12.6 out of 20 on the EPA's National Walkability Index (above average walkable), #393 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). The index weighs street intersection density, distance to transit and the mix of homes and jobs in each neighborhood.
What natural disasters is Duluth at risk for?
Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts St.
How is the air quality in Duluth?
St. Louis County's air had a median air quality index of 42, and 67% of measured days were rated good; 23 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from fine particles. Louis County's biggest natural hazard losses in inland flooding, hail, and tornado, with expected yearly losses of 0.1% of building value, lower than 85% of US counties.
Who lives in Duluth?
Duluth has 87,093 residents. The median resident of Duluth is 35.2 years old, against 37.7 in similar-size cities. 44% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #366 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 59.4% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
How does Duluth compare with the rest of Minnesota?
Duluth ranks #17 of the 20 Minnesota cities we track, with a score of 58.6 against Minnesota's statewide 70.4. Its households earn 21% below the Minnesota median. Violent crime is 3% above the statewide rate. Homes are 15% below the typical Minnesota home.
What cities are similar in size to Duluth?
The tracked cities in other states closest to Duluth's population of 87,093 are Troy, MI (#67 overall), Ogden, UT (#785 overall), Danbury, CT (#441 overall), Franklin, TN (#68 overall), and Mission, TX (#961 overall). Duluth is #467.