Ely 77 Exceptional
Ely Livability #128 ranked city in Minnesota#2,900 ranked city in the USARanks better than 90% of areas
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Pros and Cons of Living in Ely

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.

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.

  • Employment Employment

    Low income levels and high unemployment rates results in a low score in the employment category. It could prove difficult to find well-paying employment in this area.

What's it like Living in Ely?

Ely is a small city located in the state of Minnesota. The city has a population of 3,447 residents. At 95%, the majority of the Ely population is White; this is followed by 1% Black and 1% American Indian and Alaskan. In Ely, there seems to be a shift in population towards an older age group. The average age of the population is now 52, which is significantly higher than the nation’s average. Single men and women might be happy to hear that in Ely, only 45% of the population is married. If you prefer shorter commutes, living in Ely will be a delight. With an average one-way commute time of just 13 minutes, traveling to and from work is notably more convenient than the national average, which stands at 26 minutes.

If you’re considering relocating to any new city, it could be a very discouraging task. However, it could also be a fulfilling experience if you are willing to get to know the town before actually living in Ely, Minnesota. When searching for a new neighborhood, several key items should be considered. Safety is of utmost importance, ensuring a secure environment with low crime. Proximity to your workplace or school helps reduce commuting time and offers convenience. Access to amenities such as parks, grocery stores, and healthcare facilities enhances your daily life. Public transportation options contribute to easy mobility. A sense of community fosters a supportive and engaging environment. Lastly, the overall atmosphere should align with your desired lifestyle, ensuring a fulfilling living experience. Considering these items will guide you towards finding the perfect neighborhood that fits all your needs. The best areas in Ely and in surrounding cities are easier to find when you are able to make informed decisions. Using data from crime, cost of living, commute, education, employment, you will see a detailed breakdown of the most important information as well as comparisons to the Minnesota and national averages.

Ely, MN receives 75 out of 100 for its livability score; this results in a ranking of #169 in Minnesota and #3,824 in the USA. This is a phenomenal score, as Ely ranks well in multiple categories! There are nine total categories that generate the livability score. Ely scores well for crime (A), cost of living (A+), education (B-) and housing (A+) Unfortunately for Ely, there are some categories for which it does not rank well, this includes: amenities (F) and employment (F).

Crime rates play a pivotal role in the decision-making process for anyone considering a move, as they directly influence the overall sense of safety, security and quality of life in a given location. Ely shines in this regard, earning exemplary ratings for its exceptionally low violent crime rates, standing at 125 crimes per 100,000 residents. These rates are notably below the national average, underscoring the community's commitment to safety and contributing to an enhanced quality of life.

Unemployment rates can vary significantly among cities, impacting job prospects, wage levels and the overall economic health of an area. In Ely, the unemployment rate stands at 2.5%, 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 robust real estate market serves as a crucial economic indicator, reflecting the local area's strength, stability and the confidence of its residents. Ely excels in the housing sector, scoring high marks based on factors such as median home and rental prices, appreciation rates and home affordability. These calculations suggest that the apartment rental and real estate market in the region is exceptionally healthy, highlighting the area's economic vitality and attractiveness to potential homebuyers and renters.

Assuming that Ely 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 Ely. Everything else becomes a lot less important if it turns out that home prices in Ely are simply unattainable. The median home price for Ely homes is $210,969, which is 37.8% lower than the Minnesota average. If we take a closer look at the affordability of homes in Ely, we’ll see that the home price to income ratio is 3.8, which is 2.7% higher than the Minnesota average.

Best Places to Live in and Around Ely

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Compare Ely, MN Livability

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      Ely transportation information

      Statistic Ely Minnesota National
      Average one way commute13min23min26min
      Workers who drive to work68.9%78.0%76.4%
      Workers who carpool8.7%8.7%9.3%
      Workers who take public transit0.0%3.5%5.1%
      Workers who bicycle0.7%0.8%0.6%
      Workers who walk17.5%2.8%2.8%
      Working from home4.2%5.3%4.6%
      Source: The Ely, 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.