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.
Cost Of Living
The cost of living in this area is notably high, making it a more expensive place to live. You'll find higher expenses for everyday goods and services, housing and groceries.
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, Ham Lake is a mid-sized city with a population of 16,630 inhabitants. If we take a look at the last Census, the vast majority of the population falls within one racial group (91% White). Given that fact, Ham Lake could be considered less diverse than other cities. When traveling to work, spending unnecessary time in your vehicle is not ideal and downright frustrating. Across all of America, the average one way commute time is 26 minutes, unfortunately, living in Ham Lake offers up a higher than average one way commute time of 31 minutes.
Without the right tools, relocating to any new area can be very stressful and challenging. Living in Ham Lake, Minnesota could be a fulfilling experience for anyone who puts in the effort 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. With useful information like amenities, employment, housing and other key data points, finding the best places to live in Ham Lake and in the areas around Ham Lake is a much easier task.
With a livability score of 68/100, Ham Lake is ranked #8,298 in the United States and #337 in Minnesota. There are nine total categories that create the livability score. Ham Lake scores well for crime (B+), education (A) and housing (A+) There are some categories that Ham Lake does not rank well for, including: amenities (F) and cost of living (F). It might be worth taking a closer look to determine why.
The unemployment rate in Ham Lake has consistently declined over the years and currently stands well below the national average at 1.68%. This downward trend holds the potential to reduce poverty and inequality within the region, promote higher wage levels and stimulate greater economic growth. Such positive indicators signal the overall robust health of the local economy, offering a promising outlook for its residents and fostering an environment of financial well-being and prosperity.
Parents and families tend to prioritize school test scores when choosing educational institutions. Test score data can be a critical factor in evaluating and comparing schools. In Ham Lake, the average school test scores are an impressive 76%, well above the national average. This achievement reflects the educational system's dedication to providing students with the essential knowledge and tools for success. It ensures that your children will receive the support and resources needed to excel academically and thrive in their educational pursuits.
Real estate represents the most substantial investment for homebuyers, constituting their most valuable asset. Renters, on the other hand, typically see their monthly rent as their most significant expense. The Ham Lake market earns a high score in the housing category, surpassing the national average in factors like home and rental affordability and appreciation rates. This robust real estate market not only benefits individual homeowners and renters but also spurs vigorous local economic activity and job growth, solidifying its significance in driving the region's prosperity and financial well-being.
Being close to public transit, grocery stores, parks and other conveniences are all important when weighing your options for a new home in Ham Lake. 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 Ham Lake are affordable. Median real estate prices in Ham Lake come in at $325,400, which is 69.9% higher than the Minnesota average. The home price to income ratio compares the median home prices to the median household income. In Ham Lake, the home price to income ratio is 3.3, which is 10% higher than the Minnesota average.
| Statistic | Ham Lake | Minnesota | National |
| Average one way commute | 31min | 23min | 26min |
| Workers who drive to work | 85.6% | 78.0% | 76.4% |
| Workers who carpool | 4.8% | 8.7% | 9.3% |
| Workers who take public transit | 1.4% | 3.5% | 5.1% |
| Workers who bicycle | 0.0% | 0.8% | 0.6% |
| Workers who walk | 0.4% | 2.8% | 2.8% |
| Working from home | 6.9% | 5.3% | 4.6% |
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