Gravel driveway cost in Duluth, MN
Local estimate from BLS wage data and BEA price levels. Reviewed Nov 4, 2026.
- Typical range (1,000 sq ft)
- $2,800 – $11,300
- Per sq ft
- $2.80 – $11
- before permit
- Versus US midpoint
- +11%
- US $6,350
- Rank of 300 metros
- #59
- 1 = most expensive
If you want to install a gravel driveway in Duluth, plan on $2,800 to $11,300 for 1,000 sq ft, all in. Per sq ft, that is $2.80 to $11 for materials and labor, with the permit on top. The local midpoint runs 11% higher than the national one. Construction laborers earn a median of $29.49 an hour in the Duluth area, 30% above the US median of $22.66.
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Estimated cost for 1,000 sq ft in Duluth, MN, standard level
$5,350 to $8,750
About $5.30 to $8.65 per sq ft before permits. Labor is about 57% of the bill.
| Part | Low | High |
|---|---|---|
| Materials | $2,250 | $3,700 |
| Labor | $3,100 | $4,950 |
| Permits and fees | $55 | $120 |
| Total | $5,350 | $8,750 |
Cost breakdown for 1,000 sq ft in Duluth, MN
| Part of the job | Low | Midpoint | High | Share |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Materials | $1,150 | $2,950 | $4,750 | 42% |
| Labor | $1,650 | $4,000 | $6,400 | 57% |
| Permits and fees | $0 | $90 | $180 | 1% |
| Total | $2,800 | $7,050 | $11,300 | 100% |
Why Duluth prices look the way they do
Labor is 57% of the midpoint bill here, against 50% nationally. The mix of trades behind this job is construction laborers (50%), operating engineers and other construction equipment operators (50%). We weight each trade's local median wage by that share and compare it with the national median. In Duluth the blended ratio comes out at 1.28.
On the materials line, the BEA goods price index for the Duluth metro is 95.3 (US = 100). The midpoint materials bill for 1,000 sq ft comes to $2,950, compared with $3,100 at national prices. Permit and inspection fees are scaled by the broader index (88.8) and land at $0 to $180.
Pick a size, pick a tier: gravel driveway pricing in Duluth
Three bands are cut from the same cited range and localized for Duluth wages and prices. They overlap on purpose: a good standard job and a modest premium job can cost the same. The grid below prices the same bands at 4 common sizes.
Basic
$2,800 to $6,200
Crusher-run spread and compacted on firm ground
Standard
$5,350 to $8,750
Excavated base plus top course, fabric, light grading
Premium
$7,900 to $11,300
Deep multi-layer build, edging, culvert or drainage
| Size | Basic | Standard | Premium |
|---|---|---|---|
| single car (500 sq ft) | $1,400 – $3,150 | $2,700 – $4,450 | $4,000 – $5,750 |
| two car (1,000 sq ft) | $2,800 – $6,200 | $5,350 – $8,750 | $7,900 – $11,300 |
| 100 ft x 10 ft (1,000 sq ft) | $2,800 – $6,200 | $5,350 – $8,750 | $7,900 – $11,300 |
| long rural (2,000 sq ft) | $5,600 – $12,400 | $10,700 – $17,400 | $15,700 – $22,500 |
Planning more than one job in Duluth?
Because every project leans on different trades, Duluth's wage level does not move all prices equally. Against the US midpoint, French drain runs +17% and sod installation −1%.
| Project | Size | Range | vs. US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Asphalt driveway | 600 sq ft | $3,250 – $8,100 | +8% |
| Concrete driveway | 600 sq ft | $4,100 – $10,600 | +14% |
| French drain | 60 linear ft | $700 – $2,450 | +17% |
| Sod installation | 1,500 sq ft | $1,500 – $3,250 | −1% |
| Concrete slab | 400 sq ft | $2,650 – $5,500 | +7% |
| Paver patio | 300 sq ft | $3,350 – $6,100 | +12% |
Duluth labor market for gravel driveway
Wages are the part of this estimate that changes most from town to town. 2 trades carry the job here, and each is compared with its US median. The weighted result for Duluth is 1.28 times the national level.
Construction laborers (47-2061), 50% of the weighting: a median of $29.49 an hour, 30% above the US median of $22.66. The middle half of them earn between $23.29 and $37.00 an hour. About 1,390 work in the metro. That is 111.5 per 10,000 jobs, compared with 70.5 nationally, which suggests plenty of local crews to bid.
For operating engineers and other construction equipment operators (47-2073, weighted 50%) the local median is $36.08 an hour, which is 25% above the national $28.78. The middle half of them earn between $29.89 and $40.28 an hour. BLS counts 770 of them working in the area, 61.7 for every 10,000 jobs (US: 30.7), so the local bench is deeper than average.
Quotes come from real crews, not medians. If the construction laborers on your job are paid at the 75th percentile ($37.00 an hour) instead of the median, the labor line grows by about $520. At the 25th percentile ($23.29) it shrinks by about $430. The total moves by 7.4% or 6.1%, so wages alone rarely explain a quote that is far outside our range.
For context on the local economy, BLS counts 124,710 jobs in the Duluth area. That makes it the 173rd largest of the 300 metros we cover, with 0.08% of US employment.
| Trade | Weight | 25th pct | Median | 75th pct | US median | Ratio | Level used |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Construction laborers (47-2061) | 50% | $23.29 | $29.49 | $37.00 | $22.66 | 1.30 | metro |
| Operating engineers and other construction equipment operators (47-2073) | 50% | $29.89 | $36.08 | $40.28 | $28.78 | 1.25 | metro |
| Blended | 100% | 1.28 | |||||
Add-ons priced for Duluth
Extras are quoted nationally and then scaled to Duluth by the average of the local wage index (1.28) and goods index (0.95), a factor of 1.12. Tick any of them in the estimator above to add them to your total. Treat these as planning figures: an add-on touches different trades than the main job, so the scaling is an approximation.
| Add-on | Local range |
|---|---|
| Add edging (approx. 1 ft per 10 sq ft) | $560 – $2,000 |
Climate in Duluth: timing your gravel driveway job
We use NOAA's 1991-2020 climate normals for Duluth (5 miles from the city center). These are 30-year monthly averages, not forecasts.
May through October is the stretch where digging, grading and setting material in the ground runs into the fewest weather problems in Duluth (6 of 12 months). January, February, March, April, November and December have an average overnight low at or below freezing (32°F).
In January, February, March, April, November and December the average low is at or below freezing, which means frozen ground and slower digging, compaction and sod or stone placement. NOAA counts about 177 days a year with a low at or below 32°F at this station.
Duluth gets about 31 inches of precipitation in a normal year, including roughly 90 inches of snow. The wettest months are June, July and August (4.4 inches in June). Inside the workable window, May and October are the driest, at 3.4 and 2.9 inches. The station averages about 2 days a year at 90°F or above.
Does the season change the price? Probably, but we do not have a sourced seasonal price curve, so the estimator shows a year-round figure and does not adjust by month. When you collect quotes, ask whether scheduling in a slower month gets a better rate.
| Month | Avg high °F | Avg low °F | Precip (in) | For this job |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 20 | 2 | 0.9 | Cold |
| Feb | 25 | 6 | 1.0 | Cold |
| Mar | 36 | 18 | 1.5 | Cold |
| Apr | 49 | 30 | 2.5 | Cold |
| May | 63 | 41 | 3.4 | Workable |
| Jun | 72 | 50 | 4.4 | Workable |
| Jul | 78 | 56 | 3.9 | Workable |
| Aug | 76 | 55 | 3.7 | Workable |
| Sep | 67 | 47 | 3.5 | Workable |
| Oct | 53 | 36 | 2.9 | Workable |
| Nov | 37 | 23 | 2.0 | Cold |
| Dec | 25 | 10 | 1.5 | Cold |
Duluth against nearby metros and the rest of Minnesota
Of the five closest metros, 2 are cheaper than Duluth. Fargo is the lowest at about $6,350 (midpoint, 1,000 sq ft), 215 miles away.
| Area | Range | Midpoint | vs. here |
|---|---|---|---|
| Duluth, MNthis page | $2,800 – $11,300 | $7,050 | |
| St. Cloud, MN155 miles | $2,800 – $11,300 | $7,050 | level |
| Minneapolis, MN160 miles | $3,000 – $12,100 | $7,550 | +7% |
| Eau Claire, WI175 miles | $2,750 – $11,100 | $6,950 | −2% |
| Wausau, WI210 miles | $2,850 – $11,500 | $7,150 | +1% |
| Fargo, ND215 miles | $2,500 – $10,200 | $6,350 | −10% |
| Minnesota (statewide) | $2,900 – $11,700 | $7,300 | +3% |
| United States | $2,500 – $10,200 | $6,350 | −10% |
Across 300 US metros, Duluth comes in at #59 from the top. The priciest is Kahului, HI at $9,500; the cheapest is McAllen, TX at $5,200 (midpoints, 1,000 sq ft). Statewide, Duluth is 3% below the Minnesota figure.
Other Minnesota metros
| Metro | Size | Range | Midpoint | vs. here |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Minneapolis, MN | 1,951,650 jobs | $3,000 – $12,100 | $7,550 | +7% |
| Rochester, MN | 122,980 jobs | $2,850 – $11,400 | $7,150 | +1% |
| St. Cloud, MN | 103,920 jobs | $2,800 – $11,300 | $7,050 | level |
Cities with a workforce like Duluth's
Big cities and small ones price differently, so here is Duluth against the 4 metros with the closest total employment.
| Metro | Size | Range | Midpoint | vs. here |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Crestview, FL | 125,050 jobs | $2,300 – $9,450 | $5,850 | −17% |
| Appleton, WI | 124,230 jobs | $2,850 – $11,500 | $7,150 | +1% |
| Norwich, CT | 126,450 jobs | $2,600 – $10,600 | $6,600 | −6% |
| Amarillo, TX | 123,930 jobs | $2,200 – $8,950 | $5,550 | −21% |
Gravel driveway: what moves the price in Duluth
Stone is sold by weight
Stone is priced by the ton, so every extra inch of depth or foot of width adds loads of delivery.
Permit
A driveway permit is typically $50-$200 where one is needed for a new curb cut or connection; plenty of rural counties require none.
Depth and layers
A proper driveway is a 4-inch base plus a 2-inch top course. Each extra inch of stone adds weight in tons and money.
Get 3 local quotes
Tell us about the job and we will try to connect you with up to three local contractors for written quotes. It is free and you are under no obligation to hire. Your estimate of $5,350 to $8,750 for Duluth, MN is attached.
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Multi-page report for Duluth, MN: low, typical and high cost, a line-item breakdown of materials and labor by trade, permit notes, the best months to schedule, a quote comparison sheet, red flags, questions for contractors, checklists and every source. Save your estimate above, preview page 1 free, and unlock the full report for $9 one-time, or get every report with CostLocal Pro.
Gravel driveway in Duluth: your questions
+How much does it cost to install a gravel driveway in Duluth?
For 1,000 sq ft, expect $2,800 to $11,300 in the Duluth area. A standard-spec job lands at $5,350 to $8,750. Small jobs usually cost more per sq ft and large ones less.
+What is the price per sq ft for gravel driveway in Duluth?
About $2.80 to $11 per sq ft for materials and labor, plus $0 to $180 for the permit if one is needed. The US range is $2.50 to $10.
+Is gravel driveway cheaper in Duluth or St. Cloud?
St. Cloud is 155 miles away. The midpoint for 1,000 sq ft there is $7,050, which is 0% more than Duluth ($7,050). Wage and materials indexes both feed that gap.
+How much of the bill is labor in Duluth?
About 57% at the midpoint, or $4,000 out of $7,050. Materials are 42% and permits 1%. Nationally, labor is 50%.
+What would 100 ft x 10 ft (1,000 sq ft) cost in Duluth?
$2,800 to $11,300. Pick a different size in the estimator above to get your own number.
+Does gravel driveway need a permit in Duluth?
Often, but rules are set by your city or county building office, so call before you hire. Budget $0 to $180 for fees in the Duluth area (our national range of $0 to $200 scaled by the local price level).
+Is Duluth expensive for gravel driveway compared with the rest of Minnesota?
Duluth is 3% below the Minnesota statewide estimate ($7,300 at the midpoint). We cover 4 metros in Minnesota; see the state page to compare them.
+What do construction laborers earn in Duluth?
The BLS median is $29.49 an hour in the Duluth area, compared with $22.66 nationally. The 25th to 75th percentile range is $23.29 to $37.00.
+What do basic and premium gravel driveway work cost in Duluth?
For 1,000 sq ft, basic work runs $2,800 to $6,200 and premium work $7,900 to $11,300. Basic means: crusher-run spread and compacted on firm ground. Premium means: deep multi-layer build, edging, culvert or drainage.
+When is the best time to install a gravel driveway in Duluth?
Based on NOAA 1991-2020 normals, the comfortable months for this kind of work are May through October. May and October are typically the driest of those months. Local contractors' schedules matter as much as the weather, so book early for the busy months.
+What does "add edging" add in Duluth?
$560 to $2,000 for 1,000 sq ft, from a national range scaled by the local wage and goods indexes.
Gravel driveway near Duluth
Where these numbers come from
Base prices are national ranges from the sources below. We scale labor by local BLS wages, materials by BEA goods prices and permits by the BEA all-items price level. Full method on the methodology page.
- HomeGuide: How Much Does a Gravel Driveway Cost? (2026) (accessed November 4, 2026)
- CalculateGravel: Gravel Driveway Cost in 2026 (accessed November 4, 2026)
- HomeGuide: 2026 Building Permit Costs | Fees & Cost Calculator (accessed November 4, 2026)
- BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025
- BEA Regional Price Parities, 2024
- NOAA NCEI U.S. Climate Normals, 1991-2020
Note on derived figures: Installed range spans a basic spread-and-compact job ($2.50/sq ft low, CalculateGravel) to a full build with excavation ($10/sq ft high, HomeGuide). Materials low end is DIY stone ($1.20/sq ft, CalculateGravel); high end is half of HomeGuide's $10 because it says labor is about 50% of the project.