Housing in Duluth
Duluth is a vibrant city of about 87,000 residents, defined by strong neighborhoods and natural beauty. While our population has remained relatively steady, we face a significant housing shortage that has affected residents at all income levels. Low vacancy rates and rising costs have created a tight market, making it harder for people to find homes that fit their needs.
To address this, Duluth needs a wider variety of housing options—from affordable and senior housing to missing middle and infill development. The City is committed to addressing these needs by partnering with local organizations, state and federal agencies, and private developers to create and preserve housing throughout the community.
- Facilitate the Housing Trust Fund
- Act as conduit for CDBG/HOME/ESG funding to local housing entities
- Provide Tax Increment Financing/Tax Abatement for eligible projects
- Assemble property for future projects
- Submit grant applications for housing project support
- Support applications to MN Housing for Low Income Housing Tax Credit projects in Duluth
- Assist affordable housing projects through City processes
- Nearly 75% of Duluth's housing units are at least 46 years old, while 44% are at least 76 years old
- Median sale price 2023: $275,000
- Average Rent Cost 2022: $724 (studio), $834 (1 bedroom), $1,025 (2 bedroom), $1,413 (3 bedroom), $1,794 (4 bedroom)
- Duluth Median Household Income 2023: $63,545
- Increase density in and around the designated Core Investment Areas
- Provide affordable, attainable housing opportunities
- Prioritize inclusive housing policies to reflect the City's social, cultural, economic, and historic diversity and development patterns
- Improve the quality of the City's housing stock and neighborhoods
- Expand the cohesiveness of "One Duluth" by expanding a variety of housing opportunities throughout the City while maintaining unique community characteristics within distinct individual neighborhoods