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Population Review

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%.

2020 · 10K20102024
Detroit Lakes city population, 2010–2024 · Source: U.S. Census Bureau — decennial census & Population Estimates

10,033

Population (2024)

8,728

Population (2010)

10,039

Peak (2020)

1.02%

Avg Annual Growth

YearPopulation
20108,728
20118,822
20128,931
20138,985
20149,009
20159,059
20169,126
20179,215
20189,287
20199,288
202010,039
202110,035
202210,038
202310,016
202410,033

Race & Ethnicity

White92.0%
Black or African American0.6%
Asian0.0%
Hispanic or Latino (any race)5.4%
Two or More Races0.0%

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 & Management26.2%
Manufacturing15.0%
Education, Health Care & Social Services9.2%
Construction7.0%
Finance, Insurance & Real Estate6.1%
Arts, Entertainment & Food Services5.1%
Information4.9%
Retail Trade4.6%
Public Administration4.1%
Transportation & Warehousing2.8%
Agriculture & Mining1.2%

Largest cities in Minnesota

Largest counties in Minnesota

Part of Minnesota

Metro areas in Minnesota

City rankings

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).

Where to stay in Detroit Lakes

Visiting or relocating to Detroit Lakes, MN? Compare hotels and short-term rentals across the metro — live availability and prices.

Availability and prices from Stay22 partners (Booking.com, Vrbo, Expedia). We may earn a commission from bookings, at no extra cost to you.

Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.

Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.