Park Rapids, MN demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
4,270
1.0% year-over-year change
Median household income
$44,747/yr
-2.3% year-over-year change
Housing units
2,127
1.4% year-over-year change

Park Rapids population

How many people live in Park Rapids

Park Rapids is home to 4,270 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 46.4% of Park Rapids locals are male, and 53.6% are female.

Total population
4,270
1.0% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
46.4%
1,982
Female
53.6%
2,288
Value Percent YoY change
Male 1,982 46.4% -1.5%
Female 2,288 53.6% 3.3%
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 Park Rapids is 46, with the population distributed as follows: about 17.3% are children under 15, then 9.8% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 22.1% of the population, while another 22.5% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 28.3% are 65 or older.

Median age
45.8
Age breakdown
Under 15
17.3%
15 to 24
9.8%
25 to 44
22.1%
45 to 64
22.5%
Over 65
28.3%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 739 17.3% 11.6%
15 to 24 417 9.8% -15.2%
25 to 44 944 22.1% -0.7%
45 to 64 960 22.5% -0.7%
Over 65 1,210 28.3% 4.8%
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 Park Rapids, 98.3% of the population are US-born citizens, while 1.3% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 0.4% of residents are non-citizens. There’s also a share of 4.6% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
98.3%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
1.3%
Non-citizens
0.4%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 4,197 98.3% 1.5%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 56 1.3% -23.3%
Non-citizens 17 0.4% 0.0%
Racial breakdown
White
90.7%
Black or African American
0.7%
American Indian and Alaska Native
1.3%
Asian
0%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
4.6%
Other
2.8%
Value Percent
White 3,873 90.7%
Black or African American 28 0.7%
American Indian and Alaska Native 55 1.3%
Two or more races 195 4.6%
Other 119 2.8%

Households in Park Rapids

A peek inside Park Rapids households

Park Rapids has 1,992 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 50.4% are families, while the remaining 49.6% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
1,992
1.0% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
987
Family households
1,005
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 987 49.6% -4.8%
Family households 1,005 50.4% 7.5%
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 Park Rapids

The housing landscape of Park Rapids

Park Rapids's housing consists of 2,127 units, with 60.3% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 5.7% and offer a more compact, shared living style. Then there are the multifamily buildings in the area, and for those seeking flexibility, non-traditional options like mobile homes account for 3.2% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
2,127
1.4% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 1,283 60.3%
1 unit, attached 121 5.7%
2 units 20 0.9%
3 or 4 units 21 1%
5 to 9 units 72 3.4%
10 to 19 units 45 2.1%
20 to 49 units 189 8.9%
50 or more units 308 14.5%
Mobile home 68 3.2%
Homes built since 2020
68
79.0% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Park Rapids

In Park Rapids, the median construction year is 1979. About 11.6% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 6.1% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 10.5% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 15.2% between 2010 and 2019, and 3.2% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 246 11.6% 8.8%
Built between 1940 and 1949 129 6.1% 143.4%
Built between 1950 and 1959 90 4.2% -26.8%
Built between 1960 and 1969 125 5.9% -23.3%
Built between 1970 and 1979 519 24.4% 10.0%
Built between 1980 and 1989 65 3.1% -20.7%
Built between 1990 and 1999 338 15.9% -16.5%
Built between 2000 and 2009 224 10.5% -0.9%
Built between 2010 and 2019 323 15.2% 4.2%
Built in 2020 or later 68 3.2% 79.0%
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.

Park Rapids occupancy rates

Out of the 1,992 occupied housing units in Park Rapids, 54.6% are owner-occupied, while 45.4% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 6.3% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
1,992
1.0% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
904
Owner occupied
1,088
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 904 45.4% -6.8%
Owner occupied 1,088 54.6% 8.6%
Unoccupied housing units
6.3%
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.

Park Rapids housing costs

Housing costs in Park Rapids come to a median of $982 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $825.

Median housing costs per month
$982/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 Park Rapids
$825/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 Park Rapids

Park Rapids education at a glance

About 30.7% of the population in Park Rapids went to high school, while 25.1% pursued college studies. Another 17% earned an associate degree and 16.8% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 4.8% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 187 5.6% 41.7%
High school diploma 1,025 30.7% -1.2%
College diploma 837 25.1% 8.6%
Associate degree 566 17% 4.4%
Bachelor's degree 561 16.8% -20.3%
Graduate degree 159 4.8% -2.5%
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 Park Rapids

How much people earn in Park Rapids

The average annual household income in Park Rapids was $78,055 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +6.4% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $44,747, reflecting a -2.3% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Park Rapids
$78,055/year
6.5% year-over-year change
Median household income in Park Rapids
$44,747/year
-2.3% year-over-year change

Park Rapids income by age

In Park Rapids, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $68,095. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $55,956 overall. Overall, 78.7% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
25 - 44 $68,095 11.0%
45 - 64 $55,956 -12.0%
Over 65 $29,528 -32.2%
Above poverty level
3,207
Below poverty level
869
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 3,207 78.7% -7.7%
Below poverty level 869 21.3% 60.0%

Average renter income in Park Rapids

To get a better sense of what renters earn on average in Park Rapids, their median household income was $28,438 according to 2022 Census data. In addition, the rent-to-income ratio in the area, at 34.8%, shows what portion of their earnings goes toward housing expenses.

Renter median household income
$28,438
Rent-to-income ratio
34.8%
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 Park Rapids

Workforce and job types in Park Rapids

The job market in Park Rapids is powered by 1,858 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 66% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 34% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 11.7% run their own businesses, 66% are employed by private companies, and 11.7% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
1,858
-0.8% year-over-year change
White collar
1,227
Blue collar
631
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 1,227 66% -5.8%
Blue collar 631 34% 10.5%
Employer type
Self employees
11.7%
Private companies
66%
Governmental workers
11.7%
Not for profit companies
10.5%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 218 11.7% -31.2%
Private companies 1,227 66% 4.3%
Governmental workers 218 11.7% 35.4%
Not for profit companies 195 10.5% -11.0%
Unemployment rate
8.0%
16.6% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Park Rapids stands at 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 Park Rapids

How people get around in Park Rapids

Commuting methods vary: 81.7% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 4% 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 1,487 81.7% -0.9%
Bus or trolleybus 13 0.7% -62.9%
Walk 72 4% 118.2%
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 Park Rapids by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
56470 11,186 4,774 $67,500 $93,930

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FAQs about Park Rapids demographics 

What is the total population of Park Rapids?

Park Rapids has a total population of 4,270 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 +1.0% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Park Rapids?

The gender ratio in Park Rapids is as follows:
  • 46.4% males (1,982 residents)
  • 53.6% females (2,288 residents)

What is the median age in Park Rapids?

The median age in Park Rapids is 45.8.

What is the age distribution of the population in Park Rapids?

The age distribution in Park Rapids is as follows:
  • Under 15: 17.3% (739 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 9.8% (417 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 22.1% (944 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 22.5% (960 residents)
  • Over 65: 28.3% (1,210 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Park Rapids?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Park Rapids is as follows:
  • White: 90.7% (3,873 residents)
  • Black or African American: 0.7% (28 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 1.3% (55 residents)
  • Asian: 0% (0 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% (0 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 4.6% (195 residents)
  • Other: 2.8% (119 residents)

What percentage of the population in Park Rapids are U.S.-born citizens?

U.S.-born citizens represent 98.3% of the population in Park Rapids.

How many housing units are there in Park Rapids?

There are 2,127 housing units in Park Rapids, reflecting a +1.4% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

How many households are in Park Rapids and what is the average household size?

Park Rapids has a total of 1,992 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in Park Rapids?

Park Rapids has a median household income of $44,747, representing a -2.3% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

What is the employment rate and job market overview for Park Rapids?

The employment rate is 92% in Park Rapids, with a workforce of 1,858 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 66% (1,227 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 34% (631 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 11.7% (218 residents)
  • Private companies: 66% (1,227 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 11.7% (218 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 10.5% (195 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