Crime
The crime rate is far lower than the national average per 100,000 residents. As such, it should be considered a very safe place to live when compared to other areas.
Employment
This area excels in the employment category with a score well above average, primarily due to the higher median home income, per capita income and low unemployment rates.
Housing
High scores in the housing category are attributed to this area, possibly pointing to a favorable home affordability ratio, robust appreciation rates or elevated home values.
Schools
The schools category boasts a high score thanks to factors like excellent test scores, impressive graduation rates and the convenient placement of elementary and high schools in this area.
Ratings
Locals express favorable opinions about the proximity of everyday local amenities, parks, public transit, neighborly atmosphere, strong sense of community and the general safety of the area.
Amenities
A large portion of amenities are not ideally situated within walking distance, potentially requiring residents to utilize a vehicle or public transportation.
Commute
Access to public transportation in this particular area may be limited, which can result in longer-than-average commute times to reach workplaces.
Health & Safety
A low health and safety score may be attributed to factors such as subpar air quality and the unavailability of certain health-related facilities like hospitals, clinics, doctors and pharmacies.
Located in the state of Minnesota, Elk River is a medium-sized city with a population of 24,894 people. According to the most recent Census, 90% of Elk River residents are White, 3% Black and 1% Asian. An important consideration when living in Elk River is the longer-than-average commute times. If you seek a short work commute, this area may not be the best choice for you. The one-way commute time here typically takes 30 minutes, far surpassing the national average of 26 minutes.
Without the right tools, moving to any new area can be very stressful and challenging. Living in Elk River, Minnesota could be a positive experience for anyone who puts in the time to do the research required. When searching for a new neighborhood, several key items should be considered. Safety is paramount, ensuring a secure environment for you and your family. Proximity to workplaces or schools reduces commuting time and enhances convenience. Access to amenities like parks, grocery stores and healthcare facilities contributes to a comfortable lifestyle. Reliable public transportation options promote easy mobility. A strong sense of community fosters social connections and a welcoming atmosphere. Finding the best places to live in Elk River and nearby areas is a much easier task when you can rely on information and data from the livability score, which includes amenities, crime, employment, housing and other important metrics.
Using data and statistics Elk River has received a livability score of 69/100. This score is ranked in the 75th percentile when compared to all other cities. There are nine total categories that generate the livability score. Elk River scores well for crime (A), education (B+), employment (A+) and housing (A+) The bad news for Elk River, there are some categories for which it does not score well, this includes: amenities (F).
Feeling a sense of safety in the area that you live in is a must for most people. Low crime rates can have a positive impact on things like home prices, home appreciation rates and can help foster positive community dynamics and social cohesion. Elk River has a violent crime rate of 102 crimes per 100,000 residents which is far lower than the national average.
Unemployment rates can vary significantly among cities, impacting job prospects, wage levels and the overall economic health of an area. In Elk River, the unemployment rate stands at 1.86%, suggesting increased job opportunities and a heightened demand for workers. This scenario can lead to higher wages, as the demand for employees outpaces job availability. Importantly, a low unemployment rate often signifies a robust and flourishing local economy.
A healthy real estate market serves as a key economic indicator. It could signify overall local economic strength, stability and reflects consumer confidence in the area. Based on multiple factors including: median home and rental prices, appreciation rates and home affordability, Elk River has received high marks in the housing category. Based on these calculations, the apartment rental and real estate market appears to be very healthy.
Elk River real estate prices and overall affordability will play a huge role in determining if the area is the right fit for you. Of course there are probably some other items on your “wish list”, but even before they are considered, let’s take a look at the home prices and affordability in Elk River. Median real estate prices in Elk River come in at $243,500, which is 27.2% higher than the Minnesota average. The home price to income ratio compares the median home prices to the median household income. In Elk River, the home price to income ratio is 2.8, which is 6.7% lower than the Minnesota average.
| Statistic | Elk River | Minnesota | National |
| Average one way commute | 30min | 23min | 26min |
| Workers who drive to work | 81.0% | 78.0% | 76.4% |
| Workers who carpool | 7.3% | 8.7% | 9.3% |
| Workers who take public transit | 1.6% | 3.5% | 5.1% |
| Workers who bicycle | 0.5% | 0.8% | 0.6% |
| Workers who walk | 0.9% | 2.8% | 2.8% |
| Working from home | 7.9% | 5.3% | 4.6% |
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