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

Total population
2,586
-0.1% year-over-year change
Median household income
$63,917/yr
-2.4% year-over-year change
Housing units
1,042
-3.8% year-over-year change

Pelican Rapids population

How many people live in Pelican Rapids

Pelican Rapids is home to 2,586 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 52.2% of Pelican Rapids locals are male, and 47.8% are female.

Total population
2,586
-0.1% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
52.2%
1,349
Female
47.8%
1,237
Value Percent YoY change
Male 1,349 52.2% 4.0%
Female 1,237 47.8% -4.3%
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 Pelican Rapids is 39, with the population distributed as follows: about 21.5% are children under 15, then 12.2% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 21.7% of the population, while another 27.5% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 17.2% are 65 or older.

Median age
38.6
Age breakdown
Under 15
21.5%
15 to 24
12.2%
25 to 44
21.7%
45 to 64
27.5%
Over 65
17.2%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 555 21.5% -2.1%
15 to 24 316 12.2% -2.2%
25 to 44 560 21.7% -8.9%
45 to 64 711 27.5% 9.7%
Over 65 444 17.2% 1.8%
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 Pelican Rapids, 72% of the population are US-born citizens, while 19% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 8.9% of residents are non-citizens. There’s also a share of 15.2% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
72%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
19%
Non-citizens
8.9%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 1,863 72% -7.5%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 492 19% 24.6%
Non-citizens 231 8.9% 28.3%
Racial breakdown
White
54%
Black or African American
10.6%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0.2%
Asian
0%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
15.2%
Other
20%
Value Percent
White 1,397 54%
Black or African American 273 10.6%
American Indian and Alaska Native 6 0.2%
Two or more races 394 15.2%
Other 516 20%

Households in Pelican Rapids

A peek inside Pelican Rapids households

Pelican Rapids has 931 households, with an average of 3 members in each. Of these, 63.8% are families, while the remaining 36.2% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
931
-3.8% year-over-year change
Average people per household
3
Non-family households
337
Family households
594
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 337 36.2% -7.2%
Family households 594 63.8% -1.8%
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 Pelican Rapids

The housing landscape of Pelican Rapids

Pelican Rapids's housing consists of 1,042 units, with 52.3% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 15.9% 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 5.3% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
1,042
-3.8% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 545 52.3%
1 unit, attached 166 15.9%
3 or 4 units 35 3.4%
5 to 9 units 33 3.2%
10 to 19 units 83 8%
20 to 49 units 102 9.8%
50 or more units 23 2.2%
Mobile home 55 5.3%
Homes built since 2020
0
% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Pelican Rapids

In Pelican Rapids, the median construction year is 1975. About 22.7% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 4.2% 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 237 22.7% -9.9%
Built between 1940 and 1949 44 4.2% 7.3%
Built between 1950 and 1959 54 5.2% -35.7%
Built between 1960 and 1969 102 9.8% 4.1%
Built between 1970 and 1979 186 17.8% -30.9%
Built between 1980 and 1989 26 2.5% 18.2%
Built between 1990 and 1999 133 12.8% 52.9%
Built between 2000 and 2009 165 15.8% 10.7%
Built between 2010 and 2019 95 9.1% 35.7%
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.

Pelican Rapids occupancy rates

Out of the 931 occupied housing units in Pelican Rapids, 63.9% are owner-occupied, while 36.1% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 10.7% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
931
-3.8% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
336
Owner occupied
595
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 336 36.1% -9.9%
Owner occupied 595 63.9% 0.0%
Unoccupied housing units
10.7%
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.

Pelican Rapids housing costs

Median housing costs per month
$871/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.

Education in Pelican Rapids

Pelican Rapids education at a glance

About 36.7% of the population in Pelican Rapids went to high school, while 13% pursued college studies. Another 13.3% earned an associate degree and 10.4% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 7% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 374 19.6% 5.1%
High school diploma 700 36.7% -10.7%
College diploma 248 13% 14.3%
Associate degree 253 13.3% 10.0%
Bachelor's degree 198 10.4% -11.6%
Graduate degree 133 7% 43.0%
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 Pelican Rapids

How much people earn in Pelican Rapids

The average annual household income in Pelican Rapids was $75,469 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a -3.2% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $63,917, reflecting a -2.4% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Pelican Rapids
$75,469/year
-3.2% year-over-year change
Median household income in Pelican Rapids
$63,917/year
-2.4% year-over-year change

Pelican Rapids income by age

In Pelican Rapids, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $93,777. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $63,854 overall. Overall, 83.6% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
25 - 44 $93,777 -4.5%
45 - 64 $63,854 -25.5%
Over 65 $20,484 14.5%
Above poverty level
2,104
Below poverty level
413
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 2,104 83.6% 0.8%
Below poverty level 413 16.4% 0.0%

Average renter income in Pelican Rapids

To get a better sense of what renters earn on average in Pelican Rapids, their median household income was $15,431 according to 2022 Census data.

Renter median household income
$15,431
Rent-to-income ratio
0%
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 Pelican Rapids

Workforce and job types in Pelican Rapids

The job market in Pelican Rapids is powered by 1,085 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 57.6% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 42.4% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 8.3% run their own businesses, 71.6% are employed by private companies, and 14.6% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
1,085
-2.2% year-over-year change
White collar
625
Blue collar
460
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 625 57.6% -8.6%
Blue collar 460 42.4% 8.2%
Employer type
Self employees
8.3%
Private companies
71.6%
Governmental workers
14.6%
Not for profit companies
5.5%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 90 8.3% -17.4%
Private companies 777 71.6% -1.5%
Governmental workers 158 14.6% -11.7%
Not for profit companies 60 5.5% 87.5%
Unemployment rate
4.5%
34.2% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Pelican Rapids stands at 4.5%, 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 Pelican Rapids

How people get around in Pelican Rapids

Commuting methods vary: 78.7% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 8.1% 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 843 78.7% -4.1%
Walk 87 8.1% 13.0%
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 Pelican Rapids by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
56572 5,827 2,305 $79,475 $100,598

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FAQs about Pelican Rapids demographics 

What is the total population of Pelican Rapids?

Pelican Rapids has a total population of 2,586 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 -0.1% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Pelican Rapids?

The gender ratio in Pelican Rapids is as follows:
  • 52.2% males (1,349 residents)
  • 47.8% females (1,237 residents)

What is the median age in Pelican Rapids?

The median age in Pelican Rapids is 38.6.

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

The age distribution in Pelican Rapids is as follows:
  • Under 15: 21.5% (555 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 12.2% (316 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 21.7% (560 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 27.5% (711 residents)
  • Over 65: 17.2% (444 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Pelican Rapids?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Pelican Rapids is as follows:
  • White: 54% (1,397 residents)
  • Black or African American: 10.6% (273 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0.2% (6 residents)
  • Asian: 0% (0 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% (0 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 15.2% (394 residents)
  • Other: 20% (516 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 72% of the population in Pelican Rapids.

How many housing units are there in Pelican Rapids?

There are 1,042 housing units in Pelican Rapids, reflecting a -3.8% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

Pelican Rapids has a total of 931 households, with an average of 3 people in each.

What is the median household income in Pelican Rapids?

Pelican Rapids has a median household income of $63,917, representing a -2.4% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

The employment rate is 95.5% in Pelican Rapids, with a workforce of 1,085 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 57.6% (625 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 42.4% (460 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 8.3% (90 residents)
  • Private companies: 71.6% (777 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 14.6% (158 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 5.5% (60 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