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Detroit Lakes city, Minnesota Demographics & Population 2026

As of 2026, Detroit Lakes city, Minnesota has a total population of 10,002, the 101st largest city in Minnesota, with a median household income of $62,123, which is 29% lower than the state average. The poverty rate is 10.2%.

Detroit Lakes city Quick Facts

Population 10,002
Median Household Income $62,123
Median Home Value $246,200
Poverty Rate 10.2%
Unemployment Rate 4.9%
Median Age 41.5 years
Homeownership Rate 59.6%
Affordability Ratio 4.0x
Bachelor's Degree or Higher 32.4%
High School Graduation Rate 93.5%
Diversity Index 15/100
Population 10,002 101st of 913
Median Income $62,123 below average
Poverty Rate 10.2% 18% lower national
Median Home Value $246,200 top 30%

How Detroit Lakes city Compares

Economy & Housing

Employment

4.9% Unemployment Rate State: 3.9% | National: 5.2%
60.1% Labor Force Participation

Housing Overview

Owner 59.6%
Renter 40.4%
Affordability Index Moderate
4.0x home value to income ratio

People & Demographics

Diversity Index

15out of 100
Very Low Diversity

A less diverse community where one racial or ethnic group represents a large majority.

State average: 40 | National average: 60

Education

Detroit Lakes city Rankings in Minnesota

#101 Population of 913
#533 Median Income of 913
#185 Education of 913
#232 Home Value of 913

Explore Minnesota Rankings

Cities by Population All cities ranked by size Richest Cities Ranked by median income Most Educated By bachelor's degree rate Most Affordable By housing affordability

Other Cities in Becker County

CityPopulationMedian IncomePovertyHome Value
Frazee city 1,595 $49,000 22.1% $166,800
Audubon city 376 $65,982 18.4% $169,200
Ogema city 233 $51,875 34.3% $82,500
Callaway city 197 $55,000 8.1% $83,300
Wolf Lake city 104 $66,250 9.4% $137,500

Cities Similar to Detroit Lakes city

These cities in the same state have comparable population and economic profiles.

CityPopulationMedian IncomeHome ValueBachelor's+Poverty
Cambridge city9,992$67,632$234,80018.5%10.6%
Fairmont city10,348$59,228$168,80026.1%12.4%
Waseca city9,209$61,546$185,60016.4%9.3%
Little Canada city10,546$71,370$302,60039.1%10.1%
Thief River Falls city8,841$65,244$169,30019.3%11.3%

Population Overview

Detroit Lakes city is a small city located in Minnesota, within Becker County. The total population is 10,002. It ranks as the 101st most populous out of 913 cities and towns in Minnesota.

Age Demographics

The median age in Detroit Lakes city is 41.5 years. This is 8% higher than the state median of 38.6 years. 12.6% of residents are 75 or older, suggesting a significant retirement-age population with implications for healthcare services and senior housing.

Economy, Income & Housing

The median household income in Detroit Lakes city is $62,123. This is 29% lower than the state median of $87,556. Compared to the national median of $78,538, household income here is 21% lower. The poverty rate stands at 10.2%. This is 10% higher than the state poverty rate of 9.2%. The unemployment rate is 4.9%. This is 25% higher than the state rate of 3.9%. The median home value is $246,200. Housing costs are 19% lower than the state median of $305,500. The home-value-to-income ratio is 4.0x. 59.6% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. This homeownership rate is 18% lower than the state average of 72.4%.

Race & Ethnicity

Detroit Lakes city has a predominantly White (non-Hispanic) population, comprising 92.0% of all residents. Black or African American residents account for 0.7%. The Black or African American population (0.7%) is well below the state average of 6.7%. The Hispanic or Latino population (0.0%) is well below the state average of 6.2%. The Asian population (0.3%) is well below the state average of 5.0%.

Education

32.4% of residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher. This is 16% lower than the state rate of 38.8%. Nationally, 35.0% of adults hold at least a bachelor's degree. The high school graduation rate (or equivalent) is 93.5%.

Data Sources & Methodology

All demographic data for Detroit Lakes city, Minnesota is sourced from the U.S. Census Bureau's American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year Estimates (2019-2023). The ACS collects data from approximately 3.5 million households annually, providing reliable estimates for communities of all sizes. Comparisons are made against Minnesota state averages and national averages calculated from the same dataset. Rankings reflect the city's position among all 913 Census-designated places in Minnesota. For official data, visit data.census.gov.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the population of Detroit Lakes city, Minnesota?

Detroit Lakes city, Minnesota has a population of 10,002 according to the most recent U.S. Census ACS 5-Year Estimates.

What is the median household income in Detroit Lakes city, MN?

The median household income in Detroit Lakes city is $62,123, which is 21% lower the national median of $78,538.

What is the poverty rate in Detroit Lakes city, MN?

The poverty rate in Detroit Lakes city is 10.2%. This means approximately 969 residents live below the federal poverty line.

What is the racial makeup of Detroit Lakes city, Minnesota?

Detroit Lakes city's population is 92.0% White, 0.7% Black, 0.0% Hispanic/Latino, and 0.3% Asian.

What is the median home value in Detroit Lakes city, MN?

The median home value in Detroit Lakes city is $246,200. The home-value-to-income ratio is 4.0x.

How educated is Detroit Lakes city, Minnesota?

32.4% of adults (25+) in Detroit Lakes city hold a bachelor's degree or higher, and 11.4% hold a graduate or professional degree.