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.
Elk River, Minnesota is a mid-sized city with a population of 25,478 people. At 90%, the majority of the Elk River population is White; this is followed by 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.
Are you trying to figure out if living in Elk River is the right fit for your lifestyle? To ensure a positive 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. To help you find the best places to live in and around Elk River, AreaVibes has created a livability score using key metrics like amenities, cost of living, health & safety, education, employment and more.
Elk River, MN receives 71/100 for its livability score; this results in a ranking of #270 in Minnesota and #6,290 in the USA. Based on the grades for each individual category, Elk River has received high marks for crime (A), education (A), employment (A+) and housing (A+). Elk River does not rank well for the following: amenities (F). It might be a smart idea to take a closer look at each category to find out why.
Ensuring a sense of security is paramount for the majority of residents in any area. Low crime rates exert a positive influence on various aspects, including home prices, rates of home appreciation and the cultivation of positive community dynamics and social cohesion. In the case of Elk River, it boasts a notably low violent crime rate of 90 crimes per 100,000 residents, which significantly outperforms the national average.
The Elk River unemployment rate of 2% 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.
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.
Assuming that Elk River meets all of your requirements like low crime rates, good schools and great local amenities, the next most important item to examine is the affordability of real estate in Elk River. Everything else becomes a lot less important if it turns out that home prices in Elk River are simply unattainable. The median home price for Elk River homes is $436,650, which is 28.8% higher than the Minnesota average. If we take a closer look at the affordability of homes in Elk River, we’ll see that the home price to income ratio is 3.4, which is 8.1% lower than the Minnesota average.
Why stop at city-to-city? With Local Insights, you can compare neighborhoods, zip codes, or even exact addresses. Access 300+ hyperlocal data points—from schools and crime to housing and amenities—to see which area is the better fit.
| 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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