Let’s be upfront: the entire Detroit Lakes, MN area is a great place to raise children in. This is Northwest Minnesota, after all – a wholesome place, where decent people work hard whenever they’re not thinking up creative new ways to catch walleye.
Let’s focus on the three main reasons why Detroit Lakes is the perfect place in which to buy a family home: its above-average school district, its safe neighborhoods, and all the fun it offers!
The Detroit Lakes Public School District Is Above Average
The population density of Becker County is extremely low: 25.9 people per square mile, according to the 2020 census. The Detroit Lakes Public School District is accordingly very large, spanning several dozen square miles.
Despite being so spread out, the Detroit Lakes Public School District boasts an above-average teacher-to-student ratio. The state average is one teacher for every 17 students. As of 2023, the Detroit Lakes Public School District employs approximately one teacher for every 14 students – substantially better than the minimum advised ratio of 1:18.
A cursory glance at the Detroit Lakes Public School District’s rankings show why that excellent teacher-to-student pays off. According to Niche.com, our school district has earned the following grades:
- Teachers: A-
- Administration: B+
- Sports: B+
- Food: B+
- Resources & Facilities: B+
- Academics: B
- College Prep: B
- Clubs & Activities: B
Niche.com goes on to give Detroit Lakes Public School District the following favorable rankings:
- Best places to teach in Minnesota: #49 out of 374
- Districts with the best teachers in Minnesota: #55 out of 362
- Best school districts in Minnesota: #68 out of 361
The Detroit Lakes Area Is Safe
Becker County has a significantly lower crime rate than the national average. Our violent crime rate is 9.2 as opposed to 22.7. Likewise, our property crime is 32.1 as opposed to 35.4. According to City-Data.com, Detroit Lakes’ crime rate is 1.3 times smaller than the national average – and the 2022 violent crime rate fell by 10% compared to the preceding year. In no uncertain terms, when you move to Detroit Lakes, you can sleep easier at night knowing that you’re raising your family in a safe environment.
Naturally, crime rates vary by neighborhood. According to NeighborhoodScout.com, the safest Detroit Lakes area neighborhoods are as follows:
- Richards / Westbury
- Bucks Mill / Shoreham
- Detroit Lakes South
- City Center
The Detroit Lakes Area Is Fun
You don’t just want your kids to be well educated and safe. You also want them to grow up in an environment with lots of fun and stimulating activities.
Once again, Detroit Lakes delivers in full. Our humble area is the peak of lake living, with over 400 swimmable, fishable and boatable lakes in a compact 25 square miles. Becker County manages nearly 75,000 acres of public trust lands which are open for all manners of outdoor recreation. And even though Minnesota is one of the flattest states in the country, nearby Detroit Mountain and Maplelag Resort offer plenty of opportunities for skiing and mountain biking. If you’ve always dreamt of raising your kids in an outdoorsy area, Detroit Lakes offers it all!
Whether you’re looking for the ideal lakefront home for summer retreats – or a full-time residence, where you can treat your family to the best summer and winter living – then we welcome you to contact Action Realty of Detroit Lakes today. Our Realtors have raised their own families here, and they’re standing by to help you feather the perfect nest for your own brood!