Let the numbers do the talking.
Duluth, MN vs Minneapolis, MN
Duluth, MN vs Minneapolis, MN: What the data shows
Duluth, MN is in Duluth, MN while Minneapolis, MN is in Minneapolis, MN — both in the same state. On home prices, Minneapolis, MN is the more affordable option at $313,400 median — $137,100 less than Duluth, MN's $450,500. WYLT rates Duluth, MN as “Good for now” — a solid choice worth serious consideration — and Minneapolis, MN as “Good for now” — a solid choice worth serious consideration.
Duluth, MN has the stronger safety profile of the two. Duluth, MN has Moderate violent crime and Moderate property crime. Minneapolis, MN has Moderate violent crime and High property crime. On environmental risk, Duluth, MN has Low flood risk and Minneapolis, MN has Low flood risk.
Minneapolis, MN is the more walkable neighborhood. Duluth, MN scores N/A/100 versus Minneapolis, MN's 16/100 (car-dependent). For families weighing school quality, Minneapolis, MN has the higher school rating — Duluth, MN rates 4.6/10 and Minneapolis, MN rates 5.9/10.
| Category | Duluth, MN | Minneapolis, MN |
|---|---|---|
| Housing | ||
| Verdict | Good for now | Good for now |
| Median Price | $451K | $313K ✓ Lower price |
| Median Rent | $693 ✓ Lower rent | $1K |
| Median Income | $39K | $88K ✓ Higher income |
| Price Volatility | Moderate | Moderate |
| Getting Around | ||
| Walk Score | Car-dependent | 16/100 ✓ More walkable |
| Transit Score | 41/100 | 53/100 ✓ Better transit |
| Bike Score | 25/100 | 25/100 |
| Commute | 177 min | 10 min ✓ Shorter commute |
| Safety & Environment | ||
| Safety Grade | D+ ✓ Safer | F |
| Violent Crime | Moderate | Moderate |
| Property Crime | Moderate ✓ Lower risk | High |
| Flood Risk | Low | Low |
| Air Quality | Moderate | Good ✓ Cleaner air |
| Community | ||
| Schools | 4.6/10 | 5.9/10 ✓ Better schools |
| Best for | Retirees seeking a quiet, low‑cost communityFamilies with children needing good schoolsRemote workers who can tolerate long commutes | young professionalsstudentscommuters |
Bottom line
If you're a retiree or family with children looking for a low-cost, quiet community with good schools, Duluth might be a better fit. However, if you're a young professional seeking a walk-to-work lifestyle, proximity to amenities, and a more urban experience, Minneapolis is generally a stronger choice. Alternatively, if remote work flexibility is key, Duluth's lower cost of living and long commute might be tolerable.
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