Duluth, MN
Why You’ll Love Living in Duluth, Minnesota
Perched along the shores of Lake Superior, Duluth, Minnesota, offers a front-row seat to the breathtaking beauty of the Great Lakes. Many residents love to explore its rugged cliffs, serene beaches and winding trails. Other favorite pastimes include enjoying water sports and relaxing in one of the many city parks. The University of Minnesota Duluth and St. Luke’s Hospital are major employers, and the growing craft brewery scene and thriving tech and start-up culture provide additional employment opportunities. The vibrant Canal Park district offers myriad dining, shopping and arts options.
Thinking of moving to Duluth, MN? Keep scrolling to find all the details about living in Duluth, including quick facts such as the population, median home value and property taxes. Plus, learn more about the cost of living and quality of life in Duluth, from the economy and job opportunities to weather, outdoor activities and things to do, including local restaurants and points of interest.
What Makes Duluth, MN, a Best Place to Live in 2024
Real talk: everyone in Minnesota already knows Duluth is great, so when the rest of the country notices, we’re simultaneously proud and nervous that too many people will discover this hidden gem.
Duluth is the gateway to one of America’s most treasured road trips: the North Shore All-American Scenic Drive, which traces Lake Superior all the way up to the Canadian border. The 154-mile route is punctuated with lighthouses, forests, craggy coastlines, state parks and even waterfalls, meaning Duluth locals can embark on many fun adventures close to home.
Duluth is full of Midwest magic and is one of the best places to live in the U.S., with excellent schools and colleges, including the University of Minnesota Duluth and Lake Superior College. Duluth residents love to get outdoors, and there are 200 miles of hiking trails, plus spots to snowshoe, cross-country ski and snowmobile. The Duluth Ride Center’s 90 miles of trails put the lakefront city on the map as one of the best mountain biking destinations in the U.S.
High-ranking health care also solidifies Duluth’s rank as a top city. The 1-million-square-foot Essentia Health-St. Mary’s Medical Center, which opened in 2023, is the largest health care facility in the region. The thriving health care industry also provides Duluth residents with many job opportunities.
Duluth, MN Quality of Life LivScore
Duluth, MN Top Categories
Housing & Cost of Living
Education
Health
Duluth ranks highest for housing, education and health.
Weather and Outdoor Activities in Duluth, MN
Winters are snowy and cold, but Duluth residents have a knack for embracing the cold, whether it’s bundling up to go ice skating or cozying up in cidery. Summers are pleasant and don’t ever really get too hot. The average highs and lows are 71°F and 55°F (summer) and 23°F and 8°F (winter).
The average annual snowfall in Duluth is a staggering 75 inches each year and is the highest reported total in the state of Minnesota.
The average annual rainfall in Duluth is around 31 inches.
Duluth averages 164 sunny days a year.
In the winter, head to Lester-Amity Ski Trail, which has trails for beginner, intermediate and advanced cross-country skiers. In the summer, get your steps in on Duluth’s Lakewalk, which has nearly 8 miles of trails, with many of them tracing Lake Superior’s shoreline.
Things To Do in Duluth, MN
Visit the Tweed Art Museum on the University of Minnesota Duluth campus. Tweed is a collecting and teaching museum with a global collection of more than 10,000 objects spanning eight centuries. Admire all types of mixed-media pieces, including paintings, photographs, sculptures and ceramics. One of the coolest pieces you’ll see is the mural in the elevator!
Spend the day at the Great Lakes Aquarium, a three-story waterfront structure with various exhibits. Kids will especially love ‘Otter Cove,’ where otters play, and the ‘Isle Royale,’ which features an 85,000-gallon tank with lake sturgeon, burbot and more.
Watching the Aerial Lift Bridge grant passage to ships never gets old. Download the Harbor Lookout app to see when the largest ships are going to be passing through.
Hucklebeary is a cute shop for cards and party supplies and also hosts craft and movie nights.
Ride the Pizza Party Express train, which operates evenings in summer and fall.
The Duluth Homegrown Music Festival can’t be missed. The festival is spread out over multiple venues, two cities and eight days, and more than 150 acts come together to entertain.
Wussow’s Concert Cafe is a cozy coffeehouse with a full live music calendar.
The Local and State Economy in Duluth, MN
Health care, aviation and manufacturing are the titans of Duluth’s industry. Duluth is home to Cirrus Aircraft, the largest manufacturer of piston aircraft in the world, and Monaco Air. Several companies, including Altec, ME Global and iPS Cranes, are based in Duluth.
In 2024, the sales tax rate in Duluth is 8.88%.
Yes, Minnesota has a state income tax.
Duluth is home to two first-rate hospitals, which provide residents with access to more than 50 specialty care areas and 12,000 health care professionals. Essentia Health and St. Luke’s Hospital set Duluth apart and make the city a destination medical region.
Several colleges and universities are located in Duluth, including the University of Minnesota – Duluth and Lake Superior College.
Weather in Duluth, MN
Average Temperatures
48 high / 30 low
Average Annual Rainfall
31 in
Average Annual Snowfall
75 in
Quick Facts about Duluth, Minnesota
- Median Home Value
- $212,739
- Median Property Tax
- $2,581
- Total Population
- 85,703
- Average Commute
- 14 min
- Median Household Income
- $64,460
- Median Monthly Rent
- $905
Map of Duluth, MN
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