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Duluth is located in northeastern Minnesota’s Arrowhead Region, on the western tip of Lake Superior. With just over 85,600 residents, 15.9% of whom are seniors, Duluth is one of the largest cities in the state.
Duluth was voted the best town in America by Outside magazine, making it an ideal destination for seniors who love outdoor adventures. The city boasts 11,000 acres of green space, including 129 parks and 150 miles of hiking trails. During the city’s famously snowy winters, seniors can take advantage of the 38 miles of cross country ski trails. There’s plenty to do indoors, too; seniors can stop by one of the city’s many museums and historic sites or watch a performance at the Duluth Playhouse or the Duluth Superior Symphony Orchestra.
Assisted living may work well for seniors who need a little extra help with their medication or personal care tasks and who prefer the companionship of community living. Assistance with chores like housekeeping, laundry and cooking are also included. According to the 2021 Genworth Cost of Care Survey, assisted living care in Duluth, MN, averages $5,000 per month, which is higher than the Minnesota state average of $4,508 and the national average of $4,500.
This guide will provide a cost comparison of assisted living rates in Duluth, Minnesota, neighboring states, and the nation.
Hundreds of thousands of American seniors utilize assisted living, a figure that is only growing. For these seniors, assisted living combines residential housing,assistance in daily activities, and some healthcare. These communities also strive to provide an atmosphere that is comfortable and engaging for their residents… Read More >
COVID-19 restrictions and rules for Assisted Living Facilities are typically set by the state – to see the rules in your state, you can read our guide to Assisted Living in Minnesota. Keep in mind that there may be other policies that communities put in place to protect their residents, so you should contact your local community for more information. Additionally, you can contact your local Area Agency on Aging to learn more – find contact information here.
In Duluth, MN, seniors will pay an average of $5,000 per month for assisted living care. This runs almost $500 higher than the Minnesota average of $4,508 and the national average of $4,500.
The cost of assisted living varies widely in Minnesota and other nearby cities. Duluth’s average rate of $5,000 per month and Minneapolis’ rates of $5,135 are considerably higher than the state and national averages. Rochester, in the southeastern part of the state, offers lower costs at $4,180 per month. St. Cloud in central Minnesota comes in cheaper still at $4,100, and Mankato in the south-central region boasts the most affordable prices at $3,135 per month. Nearby in Wisconsin, Eau Claire will cost residents about $4,375 per month and facilities in Fargo, ND charge, on average, a reasonable $3,840.
More Ways to Pay for Assisted Living
Since not everyone can afford to pay for assisted living out-of-pocket, it’s important to find alternative methods to help make assisted living more affordable. Some of these options include:
For more information about your options for making assisted living more affordable, visit our guide to Assisted Living in Minnesota.
| Contact | Description | |
| Arrowhead Area Agency on Aging | (218) 722-5545 | As the Area Agency on Aging for Minnesota’s Arrowhead Region, this organization provides information and assistance to Duluth seniors. To learn about helpful community resources and services or to get personalized help, seniors can call the Senior Linkage Line at (800) 333-2433. They can also contact the AAA to participate in healthy living classes, such as fall prevention and diabetes self-management. In addition, the organization provides free Medicare counseling every month. |
| Evergreen Senior Center | (218) 730-4300 | The Evergreen Senior Center provides monthly senior programming. Older adults can stop by the Senior Center to take part in bingo, card games or exercise programs or just socialize with other seniors. The Senior Center also serves lunch. Seniors can reserve the Center for private events like retirement parties. |
| Legal Aid Service of Northeastern Minnesota | (800) 933-1112 | Through its Senior Citizens’ Law Project, this nonprofit law firm provides free legal services to older adults. The firm can assist seniors with many civil law issues, including those relating to long-term care, Medicaid and Medicare. Seniors are encouraged to call to schedule an appointment, but the Duluth office can sometimes accept walk-in clients. |
| Arrowhead Retired and Senior Volunteer Program | (218) 748-7328 | Arrowhead RSVP helps older adults find meaningful volunteer opportunities in Cook, Lake and St. Louis counties. These opportunities may include placements in hospitals, animal shelters, libraries and other local organizations. Seniors who participate in Arrowhead RSVP are asked to commit to at least 48 hours of volunteering per year. |
| Lake Superior College | (218) 733-7600 | This public community college offers a special senior rate for lifelong learners. In lieu of regular tuition, seniors pay just $20 per credit. Seniors are responsible for books, supplies and other course-related fees. Minnesota residents who are 62 or older may be eligible for this rate. |
| Harbor Centers, Inc. | (218) 624-4949 | Harbor Centers is a nonprofit organization that serves seniors in northeastern Minnesota. It publishes The Senior Reporter, a free magazine that caters to older adults. Another publication is the Duluth Senior and Caregiver Guide, a senior resource directory that helps older residents find local programs, organizations and support groups. |
Assisted Living Facilities in the Duluth area are required to follow a set of rules and regulations that are determined at the state level. For an overview of those rules and regulations, see the information below. For more specific information, talk with your local community or Area Agency on Aging.
