Grand Marais City, MN demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
1,796
5.7% year-over-year change
Median household income
$70,583/yr
-4.4% year-over-year change
Housing units
904
2.8% year-over-year change

Grand Marais population

How many people live in Grand Marais

Grand Marais is home to 1,796 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 44.9% of Grand Marais locals are male, and 55.1% are female.

Total population
1,796
5.7% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
44.9%
806
Female
55.1%
990
Value Percent YoY change
Male 806 44.9% -5.8%
Female 990 55.1% 17.3%
A higher population often means more rental variety and livelier areas. The gender balance—how many men live here compared to women—can reveal a lot about the community and the lifestyles of its residents. Use this info to get a sense of the area's pace and personality.

Age demographics

The median age in Grand Marais is 46, with the population distributed as follows: about 17.3% are children under 15, then 7.3% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 22.6% of the population, while another 26% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 27% are 65 or older.

Median age
45.6
Age breakdown
Under 15
17.3%
15 to 24
7.3%
25 to 44
22.6%
45 to 64
26%
Over 65
27%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 310 17.3% 12.7%
15 to 24 131 7.3% -0.8%
25 to 44 405 22.6% -3.1%
45 to 64 466 26% 11.2%
Over 65 484 27% 6.1%
The age composition helps you get insight into who lives in the area. A younger population might mean a more active, fast-paced vibe, while an older one could suggest a quieter, slower lifestyle. If there's a balanced makeup, you’re likely to find a variety of services, housing types, and community spaces that cater to different life stages.

Racial makeup

In Grand Marais, 91.3% of the population are US-born citizens, while 6.4% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 2.3% of residents are non-citizens. There’s also a share of 5.1% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
91.3%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
6.4%
Non-citizens
2.3%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 1,639 91.3% 3.7%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 115 6.4% 12.8%
Non-citizens 42 2.3% 133.3%
Racial breakdown
White
87.2%
Black or African American
1%
American Indian and Alaska Native
4.3%
Asian
0%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
5.1%
Other
2.4%
Value Percent
White 1,566 87.2%
Black or African American 17 1%
American Indian and Alaska Native 78 4.3%
Two or more races 91 5.1%
Other 44 2.4%

Households in Grand Marais

A peek inside Grand Marais households

Grand Marais has 793 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 54.8% are families, while the remaining 45.2% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
793
6.6% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
358
Family households
435
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 358 45.2% 29.2%
Family households 435 54.8% -6.8%
The mix between family and non-family households gives a glimpse into daily life. A higher percentage of families might mean more parks and schools, while more non-family setups can mean flexible housing and diverse living styles. For renters, this can signal what kinds of homes are common and can help you figure out if the area matches your lifestyle.

Housing in Grand Marais

The housing landscape of Grand Marais

Grand Marais's housing consists of 904 units, with 77.5% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 3.9% and offer a more compact, shared living style.

Housing units
904
2.8% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 701 77.5%
1 unit, attached 35 3.9%
2 units 40 4.4%
3 or 4 units 34 3.8%
5 to 9 units 5 0.6%
10 to 19 units 28 3.1%
20 to 49 units 58 6.4%
50 or more units 3 0.3%
Homes built since 2020
0
% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Grand Marais

In Grand Marais, the median construction year is 1971. About 25.6% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 5.8% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 231 25.6% 3.6%
Built between 1940 and 1949 52 5.8% -40.9%
Built between 1950 and 1959 96 10.6% -7.7%
Built between 1960 and 1969 58 6.4% 9.4%
Built between 1970 and 1979 109 12.1% 23.9%
Built between 1980 and 1989 108 12% 6.9%
Built between 1990 and 1999 89 9.8% -10.1%
Built between 2000 and 2009 112 12.4% 20.4%
Built between 2010 and 2019 49 5.4% 63.3%
As a renter, knowing when homes were built helps you understand the potential condition and design of rental units. Newer builds may have more contemporary layouts, while older homes can offer character or larger lots, depending on the area.

Grand Marais occupancy rates

Out of the 793 occupied housing units in Grand Marais, 60% are owner-occupied, while 40% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 12.3% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
793
6.6% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
317
Owner occupied
476
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 317 40% 38.4%
Owner occupied 476 60% -7.6%
Unoccupied housing units
12.3%
Unoccupied housing units refer to homes that are currently without residents—whether they're waiting for renters or owners, used seasonally, or simply unclaimed. A higher share of empty homes may mean more housing availability, while a low number can reflect a tighter market with more competition. This, along with the renter-vs.-owner mix, helps paint a clearer picture of what types of housing and services are likely to be available in the area.

Grand Marais housing costs

Housing costs in Grand Marais come to a median of $1,054 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $900.

Median housing costs per month
$1,054/month
This figure sums up typical monthly housing costs for all households in the area. If you own, it includes mortgage payments in addition to property taxes, insurance and HOA fees. If you rent, it accounts for rent plus extras like utilities. It’s useful for seeing how local living expenses stack up compared to other places.
Median gross rent in Grand Marais
$900/month
Gross rent gives a more complete look at what renters actually pay, including not just base rent, but also utilities and fees. It’s a key number for evaluating rental affordability in your area of interest and understanding how it compares to nearby locations.

Education in Grand Marais

Grand Marais education at a glance

About 25.6% of the population in Grand Marais went to high school, while 18% pursued college studies. Another 13.9% earned an associate degree and 15.8% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 25.1% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 23 1.6% 9.5%
High school diploma 367 25.6% -8.7%
College diploma 258 18% 5.7%
Associate degree 199 13.9% 56.7%
Bachelor's degree 226 15.8% -11.7%
Graduate degree 360 25.1% 13.6%
A community’s education mix can offer insights into the local economy and housing market. Higher levels of education often align with more job opportunities and stable incomes, which can increase demand for homes and influence both rent prices and rental availability.

Income in Grand Marais

How much people earn in Grand Marais

The average annual household income in Grand Marais was $80,139 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a -4.4% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $70,583, reflecting a -4.4% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Grand Marais
$80,139/year
-4.4% year-over-year change
Median household income in Grand Marais
$70,583/year
-4.4% year-over-year change

Grand Marais income by age

In Grand Marais, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $70,313. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $73,036 overall. Overall, 89.8% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
25 - 44 $70,313 -13.0%
45 - 64 $73,036 1.4%
Over 65 $72,875 0.6%
Above poverty level
1,547
Below poverty level
176
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 1,547 89.8% 7.1%
Below poverty level 176 10.2% -5.4%

Average renter income in Grand Marais

To get a better sense of what renters earn on average in Grand Marais, their median household income was $53,036 according to 2022 Census data. In addition, the rent-to-income ratio in the area, at 20.4%, shows what portion of their earnings goes toward housing expenses.

Renter median household income
$53,036
Rent-to-income ratio
20.4%
Understanding the rent-to-income ratio can help renters gauge if local housing costs align with their earnings. A ratio under 30% usually signals affordability, while exceeding this mark means rent is taking a larger-than-recommended bite out of income. That could make it harder for you to cover other costs like transportation, healthcare, or child care.

Employment in Grand Marais

Workforce and job types in Grand Marais

The job market in Grand Marais is powered by 815 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 87.8% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 12.2% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 20.5% run their own businesses, 38.6% are employed by private companies, and 27.6% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
815
6.5% year-over-year change
White collar
716
Blue collar
99
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 716 87.8% 12.6%
Blue collar 99 12.2% -23.3%
Employer type
Self employees
20.5%
Private companies
38.6%
Governmental workers
27.6%
Not for profit companies
13.2%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 167 20.5% -16.1%
Private companies 315 38.6% 7.1%
Governmental workers 225 27.6% 2.7%
Not for profit companies 108 13.2% 103.8%
Unemployment rate
0.8%
40.0% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Grand Marais stands at 0.8%, representing the share of the workforce currently without a job and actively looking for one.

For renters, the unemployment rate helps paint a picture of job security and financial stability in the area. Rates around 4% to 5% are considered typical. A lower-than-average rate might suggest strong job prospects and a thriving local economy, while a higher rate could hint at fewer opportunities—both useful to consider when planning a move.

Transportation in Grand Marais

How people get around in Grand Marais

Commuting methods vary: 69.5% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 14.2% prefer to walk, while the remaining share relies on public transit or on two wheelers to get from A to B.

Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 562 69.5% 17.3%
Taxicab 7 0.9% N/A
Walk 115 14.2% -6.5%
Understanding how locals get to work can help you plan your own routine. High car usage might mean you’ll need a vehicle, while strong public transit or walkability could save you the hassle. Commute times also play a big role in quality of life—shorter trips can give you more time for the things you enjoy.

What is the median and average household income in Grand Marais by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
55604 3,719 1,759 $73,427 $95,880
55612 535 301 $81,042 $92,090

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FAQs about Grand Marais demographics 

What is the total population of Grand Marais?

Grand Marais has a total population of 1,796 residents, according to the latest release from the U.S. Census Bureau: the 2019-2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates. This figure changed by +5.7% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Grand Marais?

The gender ratio in Grand Marais is as follows:
  • 44.9% males (806 residents)
  • 55.1% females (990 residents)

What is the median age in Grand Marais?

The median age in Grand Marais is 45.6.

What is the age distribution of the population in Grand Marais?

The age distribution in Grand Marais is as follows:
  • Under 15: 17.3% (310 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 7.3% (131 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 22.6% (405 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 26% (466 residents)
  • Over 65: 27% (484 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Grand Marais?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Grand Marais is as follows:
  • White: 87.2% (1,566 residents)
  • Black or African American: 1% (17 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 4.3% (78 residents)
  • Asian: 0% (0 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% (0 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 5.1% (91 residents)
  • Other: 2.4% (44 residents)

What percentage of the population in Grand Marais are U.S.-born citizens?

U.S.-born citizens represent 91.3% of the population in Grand Marais.

How many housing units are there in Grand Marais?

There are 904 housing units in Grand Marais, reflecting a +2.8% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

How many households are in Grand Marais and what is the average household size?

Grand Marais has a total of 793 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in Grand Marais?

Grand Marais has a median household income of $70,583, representing a -4.4% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

What is the employment rate and job market overview for Grand Marais?

The employment rate is 99.2% in Grand Marais, with a workforce of 815 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 87.8% (716 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 12.2% (99 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 20.5% (167 residents)
  • Private companies: 38.6% (315 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 27.6% (225 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 13.2% (108 residents)

Data source & methodology

The demographic data on this page was sourced from the latest U.S. Census Bureau release—the 2019–2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates.

The information, issued annually, is compiled and published by the Point2Homes Research Team as soon as new data becomes available.

No representation, guarantee, or warranty is made concerning the accuracy or completeness of modified or aggregated information for particular areas.

Page last updated: September 2025