Is Ham Lake Safe, Pros and cons of living in Ham Lake

Ham Lake, Minnesota, offers a blend of suburban comfort and natural beauty, appealing to those seeking a quieter pace of life within the Minneapolis-Saint Paul metropolitan area. This community provides a distinct lifestyle with access to urban amenities while retaining a sense of open space. Residents often appreciate the balance between peaceful residential areas and the conveniences of nearby cities. The city’s development has focused on maintaining a welcoming atmosphere for families and individuals alike.

The area is known for its family-friendly environment, with a strong emphasis on community engagement and outdoor recreation. Ham Lake’s strategic location allows for easy commutes and access to a wide range of services and employment opportunities. Its growth reflects a desire for a more spacious living environment without sacrificing connectivity. This approach has shaped Ham Lake into an attractive destination for a diverse population seeking a well-rounded place to call home.

Is it Safe to Live in Ham Lake?

Ham Lake is considered a safe community, with crime rates significantly below the national average for violent crimes. The chance of becoming a victim of violent crime in Ham Lake is approximately 1 in 1,691, a rate much lower than the state and national averages (as reported by NeighborhoodScout). Property crime rates in Ham Lake are comparable to the national average, with a rate of 5 per 1,000 residents (as reported by NeighborhoodScout).

Overall, Ham Lake ranks in the 81st percentile for safety, meaning it is safer than 81% of cities in the U.S. (as reported by Augurisk). The cost of crime per resident in Ham Lake is also notably lower than the national and state averages, indicating a secure living environment (as reported by Augurisk). Neighborhoods within Ham Lake can vary in safety, with the northeast part of the city generally considered the safest (as reported by Augurisk).

Demographics and Community Profile

Ham Lake is home to approximately 16,702 residents, with a median age of 43.8 years (as reported by Data USA and Data Commons). The population is fairly balanced in terms of gender, with about 51.8% males and 48.2% females (as reported by Data USA). The community is predominantly White, making up about 90% of the population, with smaller percentages of Asian and other racial groups (as reported by Point2Homes and Data USA).

The majority of Ham Lake residents are U.S. citizens, with over 96% holding citizenship (as reported by Point2Homes). The poverty rate in Ham Lake is low, with about 4% of the population living below the poverty line (as reported by Data USA). This indicates a stable economic environment for many of its residents.

Housing Market and Cost of Living

The housing market in Ham Lake presents a median property value of $442,500 (as reported by Data USA) and a median listing price of $623,983 (as reported by Zillow). The homeownership rate is high, at 93.7% (as reported by Data USA), suggesting a strong commitment to homeownership among residents. Rental availability is limited, with only a few listings available, which can impact rental pricing.

The overall cost of living in Ham Lake is approximately 6% lower than the national average (as reported by Livability.com and PayScale). Housing expenses are notably lower than the national average, by about 11% (as reported by PayScale). Utility prices are also more affordable, being 5% lower than the national average (as reported by PayScale).

Job Market and Economic Landscape

The primary employment sectors for Ham Lake residents are Manufacturing, Health Care & Social Assistance, and Construction (as reported by Data USA). Management Occupations, Sales & Related Occupations, and Business & Financial Operations Occupations are the most common job groups (as reported by Data USA). The average annual salary in Ham Lake is approximately $51,212 per year, or $24.62 per hour (as reported by ZipRecruiter).

Employment in Ham Lake saw a slight decline of -2.03% between 2023 and 2024 (as reported by Data USA). The unemployment rate in Minnesota was 4.5% in February 2026 (as reported by USAFacts). Major employers in Ham Lake include a variety of retail and service businesses, such as Dairy Queen, Burger King, and O’Reilly Auto Parts (as reported by Indeed.com).

Climate and Weather Patterns

Ham Lake experiences a humid continental climate with warm summers and freezing, snowy winters (as reported by myPerfectWeather and Time and Date). Throughout the year, temperatures typically range from 4°F to 82°F (as reported by myPerfectWeather). The warmest month is July, with average highs of 82°F, while January sees the coldest temperatures with average highs around 23°F (as reported by myPerfectWeather).

The annual precipitation averages about 33 inches, with the majority falling in the summer months (as reported by myPerfectWeather). Snowfall averages around 52 inches annually (as reported by myPerfectWeather). Residents can expect a comfortable humidity level during the summer, making it pleasant for outdoor activities.

Education and School System

Ham Lake is served by the Anoka-Hennepin School District, one of Minnesota’s largest school districts (as reported by Wikipedia). Within Ham Lake, McKinley Elementary School is highly rated, achieving an “A minus” overall Niche grade and a 5 out of 5 rating from SchoolDigger (as reported by Niche and SchoolDigger.com). McKinley Elementary students show strong academic performance, with 81% proficient in math and 71% in reading (as reported by Niche).

DaVinci Academy of Arts & Science is another school serving the area, offering education from K-8 and holding a rating of 2.88 out of 5 on Niche (as reported by Niche). While McKinley Elementary stands out for its exceptional test scores and ratings, DaVinci Academy also performs reasonably well within the state’s educational landscape.

Pros and Cons of Living in Ham Lake

Ham Lake offers a safe living environment with crime rates well below the national average for violent offenses (as reported by NeighborhoodScout). The cost of living is also lower than the national average, particularly in housing expenses, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious individuals and families (as reported by PayScale). The community boasts a high homeownership rate and a generally peaceful atmosphere, appealing to those who value a sense of stability and quiet living (as reported by Data USA).

However, the rental market in Ham Lake is quite restricted, with limited availability which can make finding rental properties challenging (as reported by Apartments.com and Zillow). While the overall cost of living is favorable, some specific costs, like groceries, can be slightly higher than the national average (as reported by PayScale). Additionally, some residents have noted a desire for improved local infrastructure, such as paved roads for quicker access to neighboring cities (as reported by Niche).