Dodge Center 77 Exceptional
Dodge Center Livability #123 ranked city in Minnesota#2,825 ranked city in the USARanks better than 90% of areas
Is This the Right Place for You? Local Insights Report
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Local Insights Report

Pros and Cons of Living in Dodge Center

PROS
  • Cost Of Living Cost Of Living

    The cost of living in this region is notably lower than the national average, encompassing everyday goods, housing, utilities, transportation and health care expenses.

  • Crime 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.

  • Housing 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.

  • Health & Safety Health & Safety

    Achieving a high health and safety score relies on factors including great air quality and convenient access to vital health facilities such as hospitals, doctors, clinics and police stations.

  • Ratings 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.

CONS
  • Amenities Amenities

    A large portion of amenities are not ideally situated within walking distance, potentially requiring residents to utilize a vehicle or public transportation.

  • Commute Commute

    Access to public transportation in this particular area may be limited, which can result in longer-than-average commute times to reach workplaces.

What's it like Living in Dodge Center?

Located in the state of Minnesota, Dodge Center is a small city with a population of 2,816 inhabitants. If we look at the most recent Census, Dodge Center is known to have a predominantly White population. The next two most common races are Asian and Black. Not a fan of sitting in traffic during your commute to work? Dodge Center offers shorter work commutes, with an average one-way commute time taking only 21 minutes, far lower than the national average of 26 minutes.

Are you trying to ascertain if living in Dodge Center is the right fit for your lifestyle? To ensure a fulfilling experience before relocating to any new city in Minnesota, you will probably want to make sure that you check all of the most important boxes. Several key factors deserve attention. For one, safety is paramount, ensuring that your new area is low in crime is key. Proximity to workplaces or schools minimizes commute times and fosters convenience. Access to essential amenities like parks, grocery stores, food, fitness, shops and healthcare facilities enhances daily life. Efficient public transportation options provide mobility and connectivity. The sense of community creates a welcoming and supportive environment. Lastly, the overall atmosphere, encompassing the vibe, aesthetics, and lifestyle offerings, contributes to a fulfilling living experience. Considering these elements helps identify the ideal neighborhood for your needs and preferences. The best areas in Dodge Center and in surrounding cities are easier to find when you are able to make informed decisions. Using data from amenities, crime, education, you will see a detailed breakdown of the most important information as well as comparisons to the Minnesota and national averages.

Dodge Center has a livability score of 76 out of 100 and is ranked #130 in Minnesota and #2,981 in the USA. Based on this score, Dodge Center would be considered a very livable city! For each of the livability categories, we know that Dodge Center ranks very well for crime (A), cost of living (A+), employment (B) and housing (A+). There are some categories that Dodge Center does not rank well for, including: amenities (F). It might be worth taking a closer look to figure out why.

The Dodge Center unemployment rate of 2.7% has continued to decrease over the years and is now well below the national average. The result could lead to reduced poverty and inequality in the area, higher wages and increased economic growth. This is a positive sign in the overall health of the local economy.

For home buyers, real estate will be the largest purchase they will ever make and it will also be their most valuable asset. For renters, the monthly rent paid on their Dodge Center apartments will most likely be their largest expense. Based on tangible metrics like home and rental affordability and appreciation rates, housing in this area has received a score that is well above the average of every other US city. A thriving real estate market can also generate strong local economic activity and job creation.

Being close to public transit, grocery stores, parks and other conveniences are all important when weighing your options for a new home in Dodge Center. Before you determine if any of these amenities are available in the area, you will also want to know if the real estate prices in Dodge Center are affordable. Median real estate prices in Dodge Center come in at $261,333, which is 22.9% lower than the Minnesota average. The home price to income ratio compares the median home prices to the median household income. In Dodge Center, the home price to income ratio is 2.7, which is 27% lower than the Minnesota average.

Best Places to Live in and Around Dodge Center

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Compare Dodge Center, MN Livability

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      Dodge Center transportation information

      Statistic Dodge Center Minnesota National
      Average one way commute21min23min26min
      Workers who drive to work81.7%78.0%76.4%
      Workers who carpool11.7%8.7%9.3%
      Workers who take public transit0.9%3.5%5.1%
      Workers who bicycle0.0%0.8%0.6%
      Workers who walk0.0%2.8%2.8%
      Working from home4.8%5.3%4.6%
      Source: The Dodge Center, MN data and statistics displayed above are derived from the United States Census Bureau American Community Survey (ACS) and include 2026 modeled data developed using proprietary methodologies.