Detroit Lakes, Minnesota Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates
The population of Detroit Lakes, Minnesota is 10,002 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 101st-largest city in Minnesota. The median household income is $62,123, the median home value is $246,200, and the median age is 41.5.
The population has grown 15.0% since 2010 (8,728 → 10,033).
10,002
Population
845
People / sq mi
$62,123
Median Income
$246,200
Median Home Value
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Detroit Lakes covers 11.8 sq mi of land at 845 people per square mile.
About Detroit Lakes, MN
What distinguishes Detroit Lakes is density: among the most sparsely settled of US cities, around 845 people per square mile. Detroit Lakes is a city in Minnesota with a population of 10,002.
The typical household earns $62,123, below the US median of $78,538. Only 3.2% of residents live in poverty, below the national 12.4%. Median home value is $246,200, with typical rent around $925.
Degree attainment is mid-range for US cities: 32.4% of adults hold a four-year degree, below the national 35.0%. Remote work is on the lower side here, at 5.5%, below the national 14.0%, and the average commute runs about 14 minutes each way.
Detroit Lakes city Population History (2010-2024)
The city of Detroit Lakes city had a population of 8,728 in 2010 and 10,033 in 2024, a 15.0% growth over 14 years. The peak was 10,039 in 2020. Average annual growth rate: 1.02%.
10,033
Population (2024)
8,728
Population (2010)
10,039
Peak (2020)
1.02%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 8,728 |
| 2011 | 8,822 |
| 2012 | 8,931 |
| 2013 | 8,985 |
| 2014 | 9,009 |
| 2015 | 9,059 |
| 2016 | 9,126 |
| 2017 | 9,215 |
| 2018 | 9,287 |
| 2019 | 9,288 |
| 2020 | 10,039 |
| 2021 | 10,035 |
| 2022 | 10,038 |
| 2023 | 10,016 |
| 2024 | 10,033 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 92.0% |
| Black or African American | 0.6% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 5.4% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Economy & Income
$62,123
Median Household Income
$46,126
Per Capita Income
3.2%
Poverty Rate
3.0%
Unemployment Rate
Housing
$246,200
Median Home Value
$925
Median Rent
59.6%
Owner-Occupied
Education
93.5%
High School+
32.4%
Bachelor's+
Commute
1.7%
Drive Alone
75.5%
Public Transit
5.5%
Work From Home
14.1 min
Avg Commute
Community Profile
31.2%
Foreign Born
98.1%
Non-English at Home
8.3%
Veterans
16.7%
With Disability
94.2%
Health Insurance
93.8%
Internet Access
Employment by Industry
| Professional, Scientific & Management | 26.2% |
| Manufacturing | 15.0% |
| Education, Health Care & Social Services | 9.2% |
| Construction | 7.0% |
| Finance, Insurance & Real Estate | 6.1% |
| Arts, Entertainment & Food Services | 5.1% |
| Information | 4.9% |
| Retail Trade | 4.6% |
| Public Administration | 4.1% |
| Transportation & Warehousing | 2.8% |
| Agriculture & Mining | 1.2% |
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Frequently Asked Questions
Detroit Lakes, Minnesota has a population of 10,002 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 101st-largest city in Minnesota.
The median household income in Detroit Lakes, Minnesota is $62,123, with 3.2% of residents living below the federal poverty level.
The median home value in Detroit Lakes, Minnesota is $246,200, with median monthly rent at $925 and a homeownership rate of 59.6%.
The median age in Detroit Lakes, Minnesota is 41.5 years. The population is 50.0% male and 50.0% female.
The population has grown 15.0% since 2010 (8,728 → 10,033).
Detroit Lakes city, MN Climate
Detroit Lakes city, MN has an average annual temperature of 4.4°C (40°F) and receives about 643 mm of precipitation per year. The warmest month is July and the coldest is January. Figures are 1970–2000 climate normals.
4.4°C
Avg Temp
643
Precip (mm/yr)
Jul
Hottest Month
Jan
Coldest Month
| Month | Avg (°C/°F) | Precip |
|---|---|---|
| January | -15° / 5° | 19 mm |
| February | -11° / 13° | 14 mm |
| March | -4° / 25° | 27 mm |
| April | 5° / 41° | 43 mm |
| May | 13° / 55° | 75 mm |
| June | 18° / 64° | 110 mm |
| July | 21° / 69° | 96 mm |
| August | 20° / 68° | 87 mm |
| September | 14° / 57° | 71 mm |
| October | 7° / 44° | 59 mm |
| November | -3° / 26° | 26 mm |
| December | -12° / 11° | 16 mm |
1970–2000 normals from WorldClim 2.1 (~9 km grid). Precipitation can be less precise near mountains or coastlines, where rainfall varies sharply over short distances.
Best time to visit Detroit Lakes city, MN
The most comfortable months to visit Detroit Lakes city, MN are typically July, August and June, when temperatures are mildest and rainfall is relatively low. The hottest month is July (around 27°C high). The coldest is January (near -21°C low). June is usually the wettest month.
Where to stay near Detroit Lakes
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Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.