2025 Compare Cities Overview:
Thief River Falls, MN vs Ely, MN

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Highlights
Are people in Ely older or younger than people in Thief River Falls?
- The Median Age in Ely is 14.0 years older than in Thief River Falls.

Are housing costs cheaper in Ely or Thief River Falls?
- Ely housing costs are 11.5% more expensive than Thief River Falls housing costs.

Which city has a longer commute, Ely or Thief River Falls?
- The average commute for residents of Ely is 5.3 minutes longer than it is for residents of Thief River Falls.

Things to do in Thief River Falls?
Living in Thief River Falls, MN is a great experience. The small town has a friendly atmosphere and the people are always willing to lend a helping hand. It’s also a great place to raise a family with plenty of outdoor activities like fishing, hunting, and snowmobiling that everyone can enjoy. The area is also home to some great schools, parks and recreation areas. In addition, there are plenty of local businesses, shops, and restaurants that make it a fun place to explore and spend time with loved ones. All in all, Thief River Falls is an amazing place to live with lots of charm and character!

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.

 Thief River Falls, MNEly, MNUnited States
 Population  Unlock3,280329,725,481
 Median Income$55,998  Unlock$69,021
 Median Age  Unlock52.238.4
 Avg. Home Price$180,700  Unlock$338,100
 Unemployment Rate  Unlock4.8%6.0%
 Avg. Commute Time14.55  Unlock26.38
Reviews for Thief River Falls    2 Reviews

I grew up here and came back for 10 years as an adult. There are jobs to be had with decent wages, but few large employers. This works out fine if you like what you're  More

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Thief River is a nice town, relatively untouched by the economic downturn plaguing the rest of the country. You can still find a pretty nice home here for around $100K  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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