1st Advantage MortgageBecker County households have a median income of $71,388 and median rent of $920 a month (ACS 2020 to 2024). Those figures describe the county, not you: compare at least three written offers by APR and total cost, and confirm the lender's license before you apply.
On this page
- A quick profile of Becker County
- Household income in Becker County
- What it costs to live in Becker County
- How Becker County residents earn a living
- Becker County towns compared
- Neighboring counties at a glance
- Room for a loan payment in Becker County
- What the numbers mean for Becker County borrowers
- More Becker County figures
- Lender oversight for Becker County
- Before you sign
- Related local guides
- Frequently asked questions
A quick profile of Becker County
With an estimated 35,343 residents (ACS 2020 to 2024), Becker County ranks 31st of 87 in Minnesota for population. Land area is 1,315 square miles (2024 Gazetteer), so density runs near 27 per square mile. Under the July 2023 OMB definitions, Becker County is not part of any metropolitan area. Of the 11 Census places inside Becker County, Detroit Lakes leads by population with about 10,025; 7 of the 11 are incorporated.
Household income in Becker County
Half of Becker County households take in less than $71,388 a year and half take in more, 20% below the Minnesota median of $89,062.
| Household income | Becker County | vs Minnesota |
|---|---|---|
| Under $35,000 | 21.7% | +4.4 pts |
| $35,000 to $99,999 | 44.5% | +6.5 pts |
| $100,000 to $199,999 | 25.5% | -5.3 pts |
| $200,000 or more | 8.3% | -5.6 pts |
The spread is wide: 34% of Becker County households make $100,000 or more, and 22% make less than $35,000. Census counts 12.9% of Becker County residents in poverty, against 9.3% across Minnesota. For a borrower in Becker County, the county median is only context: a lender looks at the income you can document, so pay stubs, benefit letters or tax returns matter more than any average.
What it costs to live in Becker County
A typical Becker County rental runs $920 a month including utilities, which is 28% below Minnesota. By the Census definition, 46% of Becker County renters are cost-burdened. With a median value of $291,000, a typical Becker County house costs 4.1 times what the median household earns in a year. 77% of Becker County households own their home and 23% rent. The median year built is 1981.
| Home costs | Becker County | Minnesota | U.S. middle county |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median gross rent | $920/mo | $1,280/mo | $877/mo |
| Median home value | $291,000 | $329,300 | $185,300 |
| Owners | 77% | 72% | 75% |
| Rent-burdened renters | 46% | 48% | 45% |
| Burdened owners | 27% | 23% | n/a |
| Mobile homes | 7.7% | 2.9% | n/a |
Owners with equity have a second option. Weigh a secured line against an unsecured loan by risk as well as cost before you choose (how they compare).
How Becker County residents earn a living
By the Census industry count, 24% of employed Becker County residents work in education and health care and 13% in manufacturing. Construction stands out: 9% of workers here, versus 6% statewide. Averaged over the five survey years, 4.3% of the labor force was out of work and looking. About 75% drive to work alone and 13% have trips of 45 minutes or more. 5.8% of households have no vehicle.
| Top industries | Becker County share | +/- vs Minnesota |
|---|---|---|
| Education and health care | 24.1% | -1.7 pts |
| Manufacturing | 12.9% | -0.4 pts |
| Retail trade | 11.1% | +0.4 pts |
| Construction | 9.3% | +2.9 pts |
| Arts, lodging and food service | 7.4% | +0.3 pts |
| Professional and administrative services | 6.9% | -3.6 pts |
Industry shapes paperwork. Salaried and public jobs are easy to verify, while hourly, tipped, commission or contract earners in Becker County should have bank statements and tax returns ready.
Becker County towns compared
The table lists the 11 largest of 11 Census places in Becker County, by population. Together all 11 hold about 14,327 people, so roughly 59% of residents live outside any named place. Among places of 500 or more people, median income runs from $17,450 in White Earth to $64,028 in Lake Park. Rent is cheapest in White Earth ($300) and steepest in Detroit Lakes ($954). No Becker County place has a separate guide yet; this county page serves all 11.
| Name | Kind | Pop. | Income | Rent | Miles |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Detroit Lakes | city | 10,025 | $62,958 | $954 | 10 mi |
| Frazee | city | 1,647 | $47,016 | $902 | 15 mi |
| Lake Park | city | 600 | $64,028 | $692 | 17 mi |
| White Earth | CDP | 506 | $17,450 | $300 | 13 mi |
| Audubon | city | 388 | $67,500 | $1,054 | 12 mi |
| Osage | CDP | 290 | $48,333 | $725 | 23 mi |
| Ogema | city | 257 | $55,250 | $700 | 14 mi |
| Pine Point | CDP | 241 | $40,000 | $544 | 16 mi |
| Callaway | city | 224 | $53,125 | $913 | 9 mi |
| Elbow Lake | CDP | 76 | $29,583 | $483 | 17 mi |
| Wolf Lake | city | 73 | $65,833 | $950 | 20 mi |
CDP: census-designated place, an unincorporated community mapped for statistics.
Neighboring counties at a glance
Nearest neighbors first, measured between county centers (27 to 43 miles). Income ranges from $59,441 in Mahnomen County to $81,172 in Clay County; 4 of these neighbors top Becker County's median.
| County | Distance | Median income | Median rent | Owners |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Becker County | - | $71,388 | $920/mo | 77% |
| Mahnomen County, MN | 27 mi | $59,441 | $696/mo | 73% |
| Clay County, MN | 36 mi | $81,172 | $1,019/mo | 66% |
| Otter Tail County, MN | 37 mi | $72,255 | $868/mo | 79% |
| Hubbard County, MN | 41 mi | $71,995 | $905/mo | 83% |
| Wadena County, MN | 43 mi | $61,467 | $746/mo | 74% |
| Norman County, MN | 43 mi | $72,260 | $774/mo | 79% |
Room for a loan payment in Becker County
Here is the Becker County median household run through a simple DTI check. Your numbers will differ.
- Start: $5,949 gross per month ($71,388 / 12)
- Less median rent of $920, which is 15% of it
- 35% debt-to-income limit: $1,162 left for all other debt payments
- 45% debt-to-income limit: $1,757 left for all other debt payments
Car, student loan and card payments come out of that room first. Try your own numbers in the calculator.
What the numbers mean for Becker County borrowers
Where the Becker County numbers stand out, and why it matters for a loan:
- 46% rent-burdened. A payment on top of high rent needs a cushion; size it with the calculator.
- Combining balances. It helps when total cost falls and the cards stay paid down (consolidation).
- Know your credit. Review all three bureau reports for free (AnnualCreditReport.com).
More Becker County figures
College graduates make up 28% of the adult population. About 6% go without health insurance.
| People and households | Becker County | Minnesota | Median county |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median age | 43.5 | 38.8 | 41.5 |
| Bachelor's or higher | 28.0% | 39.4% | 22.2% |
| No high school diploma | 6.8% | 6.1% | n/a |
| No health insurance | 5.8% | 4.7% | 7.8% |
| No vehicle | 5.8% | 6.7% | 5.4% |
| Work from home | 10.6% | 17.6% | 8.7% |
| Poverty rate | 12.9% | 9.3% | 13.2% |
| Unemployment (ACS) | 4.3% | 4.1% | 4.4% |
| Travel time to work | Workers |
|---|---|
| Under 15 min | 42.5% |
| 15 to 29 min | 32.1% |
| 30 to 44 min | 12.7% |
| 45 to 59 min | 5.7% |
| 60+ min | 7.0% |
Lender oversight for Becker County
The Minnesota Department of Commerce is the place to verify any lender's Minnesota license. Federal complaints: consumerfinance.gov. The Minnesota guide covers state rules in more detail.
Before you sign
Quick steps for Becker County:
- Get a written quote for whatever you are paying for in Becker County.
- Ask each lender for the APR and all fees in writing.
- A Minnesota license check takes minutes; do it first.
- Never pay a fee up front to get a loan.
Related local guides
The Minnesota guide covers the whole state.
Frequently asked questions
What does a typical Becker County household make?
About $71,388 a year at the median (ACS 2020-24), 20% below the Minnesota median.
What do renters pay in Becker County?
$920 a month at the median, about 15% of median household income.
Which towns does the Becker County guide cover?
Every community in the county, unincorporated areas included. The largest of its 11 Census places: Detroit Lakes, Frazee, Lake Park, White Earth, Audubon.
Are Becker County applicants treated differently?
No. Everyone answers the same questions and is screened on the same objective points; lending partners set their own criteria under fair-lending laws.
Who do I complain to about a lender in Becker County?
Start with the Minnesota Department of Commerce, then the CFPB complaint portal. Keep copies of every message.