Median Income
$45,813
39% lower than US avg
Home Value
$172,800
39% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
101/100K
73% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
20.0%
41% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$657
44% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
34.1%
6% higher than US avg
Unemployment
2.1%
42% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
13.4%
8% higher than US avg
How Aitkin Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population2,217
Median Age47.3 yrs
Density749/mi²
Male / Female45% / 55%
Largest GroupWhite 94%
Veterans5.9%
Economy
B+
Median Income$45,813
Per Capita$25,091
Unemployment2.1%
Poverty13.4%
County GDP$674M
Commute14 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$172,800
Rent$657
Ownership60.8%
Zillow$184,456
Housing Units1,012
Rent Burden28.8%
Crime
F
Violent101/100K
Property2,267/100K
Murder0.0/100K
Assault101/100K
Burglary101/100K
Health
Obesity34.1%
Uninsured8.5%
Smoking18.0%
Depression27.8%
Heart Disease5.7%
Climate
Avg Temp41°F (5°C)
AQI36 (Good)
Rain31.9 in/yr
Sunny Days249/yr
Elevation1,235 ft (376 m)
Education
C+
Bachelor's+20.0%
High School+91.7%
Graduate+6.1%
School Score5.67
Community
2024 VoteR 65% / D 34%
Commute14 min
Broadband84.1%
EV Stations2
Libraries2
Is Aitkin a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Aitkin receives an overall livability score of 2.9 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C+. Key strengths include low unemployment, low crime rates, affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include below-average incomes. Aitkin has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Aitkin is $45,813, 39% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 2.1%. 13.4% of residents live in poverty, near the national average of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 14 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Aitkin is $172,800, 39% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $657 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. A price-to-income ratio of 3.8x indicates a reasonably affordable housing market.
Safety & Crime
Aitkin is a very safe community with a violent crime rate of 101 per 100,000 residents / well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 2,267 per 100,000, near the national average.
Education
20.0% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 91.7% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.7/10.
Climate & Weather
Aitkin has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 41°F. Winters average 10°F in January while summers reach 68°F in July. The area gets 249 sunny days per year. Annual precipitation totals 31.9 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 36.
Aitkin has a population of 2,217 with a density of 749 people per square mile, spread across 2.2 square miles. The median age is 47.3 years, 22% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 54.9% female and 45.1% male. The city is predominantly White (93.9%), with 1.6% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 99% of residents. 5.9% of the population are veterans. 26.7% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 98.5% have health insurance coverage.
Population
47.3yrs
Median Age
22% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
99.0%
26% above US avg
Spanish
1.0%
93% below US avg
The median household income in Aitkin is $45,813, which is 39% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $25,091 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $917, 36% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 2.1% (below the 3.6% US average). 13.4% of residents live below the poverty line. The area has 476 business establishments, including 55 restaurants. The cost of living index is 98.6, roughly in line with the national average. Workers commute an average of 14 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 9.1% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $45,813 |
| 39% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $25,091 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $917 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $67,457 |
| Gini Index | 0.436 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 2.1% |
| 42% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 13.4% |
| 8% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 476 |
| County GDP | $674M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 55 |
| Healthcare | 39 |
| Retail | 65 |
| Manufacturing | 21 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $3,500 |
| 0% below US avg |
| Cost of Living | 98.60 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 2.03% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 14.0 min |
| Drive Alone | 70.5% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 9.1% |
The median home value in Aitkin is $172,800, 39% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $184,456. Monthly rent averages $657 (44% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $742 for a one-bedroom to $973 for a two-bedroom apartment. 60.8% of housing units are owner-occupied. There are 1,012 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1970. The average annual property tax is $3,500. 28.8% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 3.8x.
Home Values
| Census Median | $172,800 |
| 39% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $184,456 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $657 |
| 44% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 28.8% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $737 |
| 1 Bedroom | $742 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $973 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,353 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,471 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 60.8% |
| Owner-Occupied | 60.8% |
| Renter-Occupied | 39.2% |
| Housing Units | 1,012 |
| Median Year Built | 1970 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $3,500 |
| 0% below US avg |
| Effective Rate | 2.03% |
In Aitkin, 34.1% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 9.9% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.7% of residents. 29.5% have high blood pressure. 18.0% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 21.1% report binge drinking. 25.7% are physically inactive. 27.8% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 18.2% experience frequent mental distress. 8.5% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,135. The dentist ratio is 1:3,225. 48.6% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 7.5 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Aitkin vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 34.1% |
| 6% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 9.9% |
| Heart Disease | 5.7% |
| High Blood Pressure | 29.5% |
| Asthma | 11.0% |
| COPD | 6.5% |
| Cancer | 7.4% |
| Stroke | 3.1% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 18.0% |
| 29% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 21.1% |
| Physical Inactivity | 25.7% |
| Depression | 27.8% |
| Mental Distress | 18.2% |
| Physical Distress | 12.8% |
| Short Sleep | 33.1% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 98.5% |
| Uninsured | 8.5% |
| 1% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,135 |
| Dentists | 1:3,225 |
| Mental Health | 1:1,073 |
| Checkup Rate | 72.6% |
| Dental Visits | 62.8% |
| Premature Death | 8,648/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.5/10 |
| Exercise Access | 48.6% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 39 |
Aitkin has a violent crime rate of 101 per 100,000 residents, 73% below the national average of 380. This breaks down to aggravated assault at 100.8 per 100,000, robbery at 0.0, rape at 0.0. The murder rate is 0.0 per 100,000 (below the national rate of 6.3). Property crime stands at 2,267 per 100,000, 16% above the U.S. average. This includes larceny/theft at 2,015, burglary at 101, vehicle theft at 151 per 100,000 residents. The county recorded 1 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Aitkin receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Aitkin vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 100.8/100K |
| 73% below US avg |
| Murder | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg |
| Rape | 0.0/100K |
| Robbery | 0.0/100K |
| Assault | 100.8/100K |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 2,267.0/100K |
| 16% above US avg |
| Burglary | 100.8/100K |
| Theft | 2,015.1/100K |
| Vehicle Theft | 151.1/100K |
| Arson | 0.0/100K |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 1 |
| Traffic Accidents | 353 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Aitkin has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 41°F (5°C). Winters average 10°F in January while summers reach 68°F in July. The area gets 249 sunny days per year, above the national average. Annual precipitation totals 31.9 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 36. The city sits at an elevation of 1,235 feet.
Temperature
10°F Jan (-13°C)
68°F Jul (20°C)
| Annual Average | 40.6°F |
| 25% below US avg |
| January Average | 10°F (-13°C) |
| July Average | 68°F (20°C) |
| Sunny Days | 249 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,235 ft (376 m) |
| Area | 2.2 sq mi (5.7 km²) |
| Population Density | 749/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 46.5267°N, 93.7050°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Aitkin County County |
| Nearest Airport | Brainerd Lakes Regional (BRD)
22 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
31.9"
16% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
4.21"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 36.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 56.6 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 72.9 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 98.2 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Very Low |
| Lightning |
Relatively Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
Relatively Low |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Landslide |
Relatively Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Tornado History
154 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 17 fatalities, 123 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Aug 6, 1969 |
EF4 |
48 km |
12 |
| Jun 11, 1966 |
EF4 |
52 km |
0 |
| Sep 18, 1997 |
EF3 |
57 km |
1 |
| Jul 5, 1991 |
EF3 |
50 km |
0 |
| Aug 26, 1977 |
EF3 |
64 km |
0 |
| Jun 25, 1973 |
EF3 |
29 km |
0 |
| Aug 6, 1969 |
EF3 |
81 km |
0 |
| Aug 6, 1969 |
EF3 |
73 km |
0 |
| Aug 6, 1969 |
EF3 |
46 km |
1 |
| Jun 30, 1968 |
EF3 |
61 km |
0 |
| Jun 12, 2024 |
EF2 |
22 km |
0 |
| Jun 12, 2024 |
EF2 |
46 km |
0 |
| May 30, 2022 |
EF2 |
91 km |
0 |
| Jun 19, 2016 |
EF2 |
19 km |
0 |
| Jun 13, 2001 |
EF2 |
43 km |
0 |
| Jun 13, 2001 |
EF2 |
88 km |
0 |
| Sep 18, 1997 |
EF2 |
50 km |
0 |
| Sep 18, 1997 |
EF2 |
85 km |
0 |
| Oct 26, 1996 |
EF2 |
15 km |
0 |
| Jul 21, 1995 |
EF2 |
100 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950-2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: UNNAMED (9,055 ac, 2007).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2007 |
UNNAMED |
9,055 |
64 km |
| 2009 |
CENTER TANK RANGE |
6,131 |
67 km |
| 1988 |
UNNAMED |
4,475 |
67 km |
| 1988 |
UNNAMED |
3,642 |
42 km |
| 2018 |
BOY RIVER |
3,546 |
82 km |
| 2003 |
UNNAMED |
2,998 |
30 km |
| 2009 |
HENDRICKSON IMPACT AREA |
2,757 |
60 km |
| 2015 |
TAMARACK |
2,745 |
39 km |
| 1987 |
UNNAMED |
2,512 |
31 km |
| 1991 |
UNNAMED |
2,486 |
35 km |
| 1988 |
UNNAMED |
2,243 |
75 km |
| 1987 |
UNNAMED |
1,963 |
31 km |
| 2010 |
BOY RIVER - CORE 2010 |
1,872 |
79 km |
| 2019 |
UNNAMED |
1,835 |
73 km |
| 2009 |
EAST TANK RANGE |
1,801 |
70 km |
| 1987 |
UNNAMED |
1,799 |
38 km |
| 2016 |
UNNAMED |
1,777 |
79 km |
| 1987 |
UNNAMED |
1,760 |
35 km |
| 1987 |
UNNAMED |
1,655 |
76 km |
| 1988 |
UNNAMED |
1,589 |
13 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
10°F (-13°C) |
0.8 in |
Coldest |
| February |
13°F (-10°C) |
0.6 in |
Driest |
| March |
26°F (-3°C) |
1.5 in |
|
| April |
41°F (5°C) |
2.2 in |
|
| May |
55°F (13°C) |
3.0 in |
|
| June |
63°F (17°C) |
4.2 in |
Wettest |
| July |
68°F (20°C) |
4.2 in |
Warmest |
| August |
66°F (19°C) |
3.8 in |
|
| September |
57°F (14°C) |
3.1 in |
|
| October |
45°F (7°C) |
2.5 in |
|
| November |
29°F (-2°C) |
1.5 in |
|
| December |
14°F (-10°C) |
0.9 in |
|
Aitkin has a seasonal temperature swing of 58°F / from 10°F in January to 68°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 28.1 inches, with June being the wettest month (4.2") and February the driest (0.6").
Average costs for common services in Aitkin. Prices are estimated based on regional cost of living data and may vary by provider.
Healthcare
| Doctor Visit (Primary Care) |
$247 ($148-$394) |
| Specialist Visit |
$345 ($197-$542) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$197 ($99-$345) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$2,169 ($789-$4,930) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$128 ($74-$197) |
| Dental Filling |
$247 ($148-$394) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$44 ($25-$74) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$74 ($49-$118) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$296 ($148-$493) |
| Tire Rotation |
$39 ($20-$74) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$592 ($394-$986) |
| Battery Replacement |
$197 ($99-$345) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$99 ($59-$148) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$89 ($49-$138) |
| HVAC Repair |
$394 ($148-$789) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,902 ($3,944-$11,832) |
| Roof Repair |
$986 ($394-$1,972) |
| Roof Replacement |
$8,874 ($5,423-$14,790) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,479 ($493-$3,451) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$14,790 ($4,930-$29,580) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,930 ($1,972-$9,860) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,479 ($789-$2,958) |
| Will Preparation |
$493 ($197-$986) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,465 ($986-$4,930) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$25 ($15-$44) |
| Women's Haircut |
$54 ($30-$99) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$148 ($74-$247) |
| Manicure |
$25 ($15-$44) |
| Pedicure |
$39 ($25-$64) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$79 ($49-$128) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$4.04 ($2.96-$5.42) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.45 ($2.47-$4.93) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.75 ($2.47-$5.42) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.44 ($2.96-$6.41) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$5.42 ($3.94-$7.40) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.99 ($0.59-$1.77) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$138 ($79-$247) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$69 ($30-$148) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$69 ($39-$118) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$69 ($39-$99) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$64 ($30-$99) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$84 ($49-$148) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$197 ($74-$493) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,972 ($1,183-$3,451) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$69 ($30-$128) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$15 ($7.89-$25) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$99 ($30-$247) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$30 ($15-$74) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,183 ($592-$2,465) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$986 ($493-$1,972) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$394 ($197-$690) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$49 ($25-$99) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$986 ($394-$2,465) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$12,325 ($4,930-$29,580) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$59 ($30-$99) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$99 ($49-$197) |
| Dog Grooming |
$59 ($30-$99) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$39 ($20-$74) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$296 ($148-$493) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$197 ($99-$394) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $758 |
| Toddler | $697 |
| Preschool | $637 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $765 |
| Toddler | $650 |
| Preschool | $664 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Aitkin
What is the population of Aitkin?
Aitkin has a population of 2,217 residents and is located in Minnesota. The population density is 749 people per square mile, spread across 2.2 square miles. The median age of residents is 47.3 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 54.9% female and 45.1% male.
Is Aitkin expensive to live in?
Aitkin has a cost of living roughly in line with the national average, with an index of 98.6 (baseline: 100). The median household income is $45,813, 39% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $172,800 (39% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $657 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 3.8x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Aitkin safe?
Aitkin is considered a very safe city with a violent crime rate of 101 per 100,000 residents, well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 2,267 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Aitkin receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Aitkin?
Aitkin has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 41°F (5°C). Winter temperatures average 10°F in January, while summers reach an average of 68°F in July. The area receives 249 sunny days per year. Annual rainfall totals 31.9 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 36.
How is the job market in Aitkin?
The job market in Aitkin is very strong, with unemployment at just 2.1% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $917. There are 476 business establishments in the area, including 55 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 14 minutes, and 9.1% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Aitkin?
The median home value in Aitkin is $172,800. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $184,456. For renters, the median monthly rent is $657. Fair market rent is $742 for a 1-bedroom and $973 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 60.8%. The average annual property tax is $3,500.
How are the schools in Aitkin?
Schools in Aitkin score 5.7 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 20.0% of adults in Aitkin hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 91.7% have completed high school. 6.1% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Aitkin?
The obesity rate in Aitkin is 34.1% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 18.0% of adults are smokers. 25.7% are physically inactive. 27.8% of residents report depression. 8.5% lack health insurance. 48.6% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,135.
What is transportation like in Aitkin?
The average commute in Aitkin is 14 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 70.5% of workers drive alone to work, and 9.1% work from home.
What are the demographics of Aitkin?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Aitkin is 93.9% White, 1.6% Hispanic or Latino. 99% of residents speak only English at home. 5.9% of the population are military veterans. 26.7% of residents have a disability. 98.5% have health insurance coverage.
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