2025 Compare Cities Overview:
Grand Forks, ND vs Ely, MN

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Highlights
Are people in Ely older or younger than people in Grand Forks?
- The Median Age in Ely is 22.8 years older than in Grand Forks.

Are housing costs cheaper in Ely or Grand Forks?
- Ely housing costs are 16.1% less expensive than Grand Forks housing costs.

Which city has a longer commute, Ely or Grand Forks?
- The average commute for residents of Ely is 6.7 minutes longer than it is for residents of Grand Forks.

Things to do in Grand Forks?
Grand Forks, North Dakota is a friendly and vibrant city located in the Red River Valley. With its rich history and diverse culture, Grand Forks offers plenty of attractions for those looking to explore. The city has a number of great parks and trails that are perfect for outdoor activities such as hiking, biking and fishing. There are also several museums and art galleries showcasing the city’s culture and past. In addition, Grand Forks is home to plenty of restaurants, cafes and entertainment venues as well as excellent shopping opportunities. From its diverse cultural heritage to its breathtaking views, Grand Forks is a great place to visit or live!

Things to do in Ely?
Ely, Minnesota is a small town located along the scenic edge of the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness. It has a population of just over 3,000 people and is known for its quaint downtown area and close-knit community atmosphere. Residents here enjoy a slower pace of life surrounded by vast natural beauty. Summertime activities include camping, hiking, canoeing, fishing, and more in the nearby parks and forests, while winter brings snowmobiling, skiing, and snowshoeing opportunities nearby. Whether you’re looking for an active outdoor lifestyle or simply an escape from big city bustle and noise, Ely offers a unique experience that makes it feel like home to its residents.

 Grand Forks, NDEly, MNUnited States
 Population  Unlock3,280329,725,481
 Median Income$53,611  Unlock$69,021
 Median Age  Unlock52.238.4
 Avg. Home Price$240,100  Unlock$338,100
 Unemployment Rate  Unlock4.8%6.0%
 Avg. Commute Time13.12  Unlock26.38
Reviews for Grand Forks    21 Reviews

I lived here for about a year and I can't say many good things about it. I'll start with the positives, it has low crime rate and stores are all close by. Negatives  More

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Over 8 years ago

I am a black male and recently moved to the area do to a job offer. For the most part the people are friendly. However if you are black be prepared to give an  More

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Over 12 years ago

If you try to get a job here, please know that there is a strong culture of support for bullying and verbal abuse. The HR department openly supports and assists  More

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Reviews for Ely    1 Reviews

Over 19 years ago

Lots of local talent. For a small city, Ely has a very educated population that brings a variety of talents to local arts and  More

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