Where does this demographic data come from?

All demographic data comes from the U.S. Census Bureau's American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year Estimates, which samples about 3.5 million households annually. The 5-year estimates provide the most reliable data for small geographies like municipalities.

What is the difference between Census data and ACS data?

The decennial Census (conducted every 10 years) is a full population count focusing on basic demographics. The ACS is an ongoing survey that collects detailed data on income, education, housing, commute patterns, and more. ACS data is updated annually but represents averages over a 5-year period.

How accurate is this data for small towns?

For smaller municipalities, ACS estimates have wider margins of error because fewer residents are sampled. The 5-year estimates reduce this uncertainty by averaging over a longer period. For towns under 5,000 people, treat specific numbers as approximations rather than precise counts.

Ely, MN Population, Income & Demographics 2026

CSADuluth-Grand Rapids MSADuluth#10/41 Population

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Demographics — 2024 ACS 5-Year Estimatesi

Census

Populationi

3,240

Median Agei

52.1

Race & Ethnicityi

White

92.9%3,011

Black

2%66

Two or More

1.9%61

Hispanic/Latino

1.6%52

Other

1.3%43

American Indian/Alaska Native

0.2%7

Educational Attainment (Age 25+)i

GED/Alternative

1.7%43

High School Diploma

22%546

Some College (<1 yr)

4.7%117

Some College (1+ yr)

16%397

Associate's Degree

15.1%374

Bachelor's Degree

24%595

Master's Degree

7.3%181

Doctorate

0.3%8

HS or Higher

91%

BA or Higher

31.6%

Graduate+

7.6%

Housingi

Median Home Valuei

$157,300

Median Renti

$627

Tenure

Owner-Occupied

63.4%1,128

Renter-Occupied

36.6%652

Total Units

1,976

Homeownership

63.4%

Vacancy Rate

9.9%

Economyi

Median Household Incomei

$43,901

Mean Household Incomei

$59,368

Per Capita Incomei

$32,996

Poverty Ratei

12.7%

Unemploymenti

2.5%

Labor Forcei

1,674

Federally Subsidized Housingi

HUD

The federal government helps low-income families, seniors, and people with disabilities afford housing through several programs. Residents typically pay about 30% of their income toward rent, with the government covering the rest. This data shows how many households in this community receive that assistance.

Subsidized Homesi

193

Residentsi

246

Avg. Tenant Renti

$426/mo

Avg. Waitlisti

4 months

Programs in this community

Public Housing120 homes100% occupied$408/mo rent

Government-owned housing managed by local housing authorities

Housing Choice Vouchers1 homes

Rental vouchers (Section 8) that help tenants pay for private-market housing

Project Based Section 872 homes87% occupied$457/mo rent

Privately owned apartments with rent subsidies tied to the building

Household Incomei

Based on area median of $43,901/yr

Extremely low incomeUnder $13K/yr

64.4%

Very low income$13K–$22K/yr

30.1%

Low income$22K–$35K/yr

4.9%

Moderate / aboveOver $35K/yr

0.6%

Who Receives This Housing

66.3% of subsidized households are headed by a single mother

5.6% of subsidized households are minority

23.5% of subsidized households include someone with a disability

51.4% of subsidized households include a senior (62+)

Social Characteristicsi

Veteransi

256(8.6% of civilian adults)