Median Income
$70,000
7% lower than US avg
Home Value
$132,700
53% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
279/100K
27% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
25.3%
25% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$1,208
4% higher than US avg
Obesity Rate
40.9%
27% higher than US avg
Unemployment
4.6%
28% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
10.8%
13% lower than US avg
How Alvarado Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population338
Median Age31.2 yrs
Density1,610/mi²
Male / Female48% / 52%
Largest GroupWhite 60%
Veterans5.8%
Economy
B+
Median Income$70,000
Per Capita$32,223
Unemployment4.6%
Poverty10.8%
County GDP$439M
Commute23 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$132,700
Rent$1,208
Ownership75.9%
Zillow$173,971
Housing Units137
Rent Burden32.1%
Crime
F
Violent279/100K
Property2,326/100K
Health
Obesity40.9%
Uninsured11.3%
Smoking16.3%
Depression24.8%
Heart Disease5.8%
Climate
Avg Temp39°F (4°C)
AQI36 (Good)
Sunny Days200/yr
Elevation813 ft (248 m)
Education
B
Bachelor's+25.3%
High School+83.3%
Graduate+7.9%
School Score6.16
Community
2024 VoteR 75% / D 23%
Commute23 min
Broadband87.1%
EV Stations1
Libraries1
Is Alvarado a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Alvarado receives an overall livability score of 3.2 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include low crime rates, affordable housing, high health insurance coverage. Areas to be aware of include high obesity rates. Alvarado offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Alvarado is $70,000, roughly in line with the national average of $75,149. Unemployment stands at 4.6%, indicating a healthy job market. 10.8% of residents live in poverty, near the national average of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 23 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Alvarado is $132,700, 53% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $1,208 per month. At just 1.9x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Violent crime in Alvarado is below the national average at 279 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 2,326 per 100,000, near the national average.
Education
25.3% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 83.3% have completed high school. Local schools score 6.2/10 in standardized testing, reflecting strong academic performance.
Climate & Weather
Alvarado has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 39°F. Winters average 4°F in January while summers reach 70°F in July. With 200 sunny days, the area sees less sunshine than many U.S. cities. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 36.
Alvarado has a population of 338 with a density of 1,610 people per square mile, spread across 0.2 square miles. The median age is 31.2 years, 20% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 52.1% female and 47.9% male. The city is predominantly White (60.4%), with 11.5% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 86.6% of residents, while 13.4% speak Spanish. 5.8% of the population are veterans. 7.5% of residents have a disability (below the 13.0% national average). 93.6% have health insurance coverage.
Population
31.2yrs
Median Age
20% below US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
86.6%
10% above US avg
Spanish
13.4%
0% below US avg
The median household income in Alvarado is $70,000, which is 7% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $32,223 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,089, 24% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 4.6% (above the 3.6% US average). 10.8% of residents live below the poverty line. The area has 348 business establishments, including 22 restaurants. The cost of living index is 98.6, roughly in line with the national average. Workers commute an average of 23 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 1.9% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $70,000 |
| 7% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $32,223 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,089 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $78,876 |
| Gini Index | 0.384 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 4.6% |
| 28% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 10.8% |
| 13% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 348 |
| County GDP | $439M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 22 |
| Healthcare | 18 |
| Retail | 29 |
| Manufacturing | 15 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $3,310 |
| 5% below US avg |
| Cost of Living | 98.60 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 2.49% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 23.1 min |
| Drive Alone | 91.6% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 1.9% |
The median home value in Alvarado is $132,700, 53% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $173,971, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $1,208 (4% above the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $899 for a one-bedroom to $1,125 for a two-bedroom apartment. 75.9% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 137 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1973. The average annual property tax is $3,310. 32.1% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.9x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $132,700 |
| 53% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $173,971 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $1,208 |
| 4% above US avg |
| Rent Burden | 32.1% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $809 |
| 1 Bedroom | $899 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,125 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,483 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,698 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 75.9% |
| Owner-Occupied | 75.9% |
| Renter-Occupied | 24.1% |
| Housing Units | 137 |
| Median Year Built | 1973 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $3,310 |
| 5% below US avg |
| Effective Rate | 2.49% |
In Alvarado, 40.9% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 10.3% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.8% of residents. 29.7% have high blood pressure. 16.3% are current smokers. 20.7% report binge drinking. 26.0% are physically inactive. 24.8% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 17.2% experience frequent mental distress. 11.3% of residents lack health insurance (above the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:8,988. The dentist ratio is 1:4,430. 33.6% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 7.8 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Alvarado vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 40.9% |
| 27% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 10.3% |
| Heart Disease | 5.8% |
| High Blood Pressure | 29.7% |
| Asthma | 10.3% |
| COPD | 5.7% |
| Cancer | 6.9% |
| Stroke | 3.0% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 16.3% |
| 16% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 20.7% |
| Physical Inactivity | 26.0% |
| Depression | 24.8% |
| Mental Distress | 17.2% |
| Physical Distress | 12.5% |
| Short Sleep | 32.8% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 93.6% |
| Uninsured | 11.3% |
| 31% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:8,988 |
| Dentists | 1:4,430 |
| Checkup Rate | 71.5% |
| Dental Visits | 62.4% |
| Premature Death | 5,947/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.8/10 |
| Exercise Access | 33.6% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 18 |
Alvarado has a violent crime rate of 279 per 100,000 residents, 27% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 2,326 per 100,000, 19% above the U.S. average. Overall, Alvarado receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Alvarado vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 279.1/100K |
| 27% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 2,326.1/100K |
| 19% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Alvarado has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 39°F (4°C). Winters average 4°F in January while summers reach 70°F in July / a wide seasonal temperature swing of 66°F. The area gets 200 sunny days per year. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 36. The city sits at an elevation of 813 feet.
Temperature
4°F Jan (-16°C)
70°F Jul (21°C)
| Annual Average | 39.1°F |
| 28% below US avg |
| January Average | 4°F (-16°C) |
| July Average | 70°F (21°C) |
| Sunny Days | 200 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 813 ft (248 m) |
| Area | 0.2 sq mi (0.5 km²) |
| Population Density | 1,610/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 48.1929°N, 96.9985°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Marshall County County |
| Nearest Airport | Grand Forks International (GFK)
19 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Wettest Month (Jun)
3.11"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 36.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 23.6 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 24.0 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 93.2 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Relatively Low |
| Flood |
Very Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Moderate |
| Lightning |
Very Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
Relatively Moderate |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Tornado History
420 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 4 fatalities, 49 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jun 17, 2010 |
EF4 |
76 km |
0 |
| Aug 26, 2007 |
EF4 |
70 km |
1 |
| Jun 6, 1999 |
EF4 |
73 km |
0 |
| Aug 27, 2016 |
EF3 |
79 km |
0 |
| Jun 17, 2010 |
EF3 |
87 km |
1 |
| Aug 26, 2007 |
EF3 |
84 km |
0 |
| May 19, 2004 |
EF3 |
81 km |
0 |
| Jun 16, 1973 |
EF3 |
92 km |
0 |
| Aug 11, 1958 |
EF3 |
36 km |
0 |
| Aug 9, 2021 |
EF2 |
87 km |
0 |
| Jun 8, 2019 |
EF2 |
97 km |
0 |
| Jul 11, 2017 |
EF2 |
90 km |
0 |
| Jul 11, 2017 |
EF2 |
66 km |
0 |
| Aug 28, 2016 |
EF2 |
89 km |
0 |
| Jun 27, 2015 |
EF2 |
60 km |
0 |
| Sep 19, 2014 |
EF2 |
74 km |
0 |
| Jul 21, 2014 |
EF2 |
56 km |
0 |
| Aug 10, 2010 |
EF2 |
59 km |
0 |
| Jun 17, 2010 |
EF2 |
40 km |
0 |
| Aug 26, 2007 |
EF2 |
53 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950-2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: JUNEBERRY 3 (29,455 ac, 2011).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2011 |
JUNEBERRY 3 |
29,455 |
94 km |
| 1990 |
UNNAMED |
26,345 |
84 km |
| 1988 |
UNNAMED |
22,262 |
96 km |
| 2007 |
UNNAMED |
21,954 |
96 km |
| 1988 |
UNNAMED |
17,778 |
80 km |
| 2003 |
CARIBOU |
16,184 |
96 km |
| 2021 |
OXCART |
12,538 |
75 km |
| 1988 |
UNNAMED |
11,927 |
93 km |
| 2003 |
UNNAMED |
11,544 |
92 km |
| 1987 |
UNNAMED |
10,819 |
75 km |
| 2018 |
NORTH COUNTY ROAD 7 |
9,471 |
91 km |
| 2000 |
UNNAMED |
9,194 |
93 km |
| 2006 |
UNNAMED |
6,964 |
83 km |
| 2000 |
UNNAMED |
6,057 |
80 km |
| 1985 |
UNNAMED |
5,891 |
93 km |
| 1990 |
UNNAMED |
5,817 |
98 km |
| 2024 |
AGASSIZ NWR PROJECT RX |
5,562 |
80 km |
| 2008 |
UNNAMED |
4,932 |
76 km |
| 2008 |
UNNAMED |
4,724 |
93 km |
| 2012 |
COUNTY 27 FIRE |
4,653 |
52 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
4°F (-16°C) |
0.7 in |
Coldest |
| February |
10°F (-12°C) |
0.5 in |
Driest |
| March |
23°F (-5°C) |
0.9 in |
|
| April |
41°F (5°C) |
1.3 in |
|
| May |
56°F (14°C) |
2.1 in |
|
| June |
65°F (18°C) |
3.1 in |
Wettest |
| July |
70°F (21°C) |
2.8 in |
Warmest |
| August |
67°F (19°C) |
2.4 in |
|
| September |
57°F (14°C) |
2.1 in |
|
| October |
44°F (7°C) |
1.4 in |
|
| November |
26°F (-3°C) |
0.8 in |
|
| December |
11°F (-12°C) |
0.6 in |
|
Alvarado has a seasonal temperature swing of 66°F / from 4°F in January to 70°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 18.6 inches, with June being the wettest month (3.1") and February the driest (0.5").
Average costs for common services in Alvarado. 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 | $948 |
| Toddler | $893 |
| Preschool | $821 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $534 |
| Toddler | $541 |
| Preschool | $541 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Alvarado
What is the population of Alvarado?
Alvarado has a population of 338 residents and is located in Minnesota. The population density is 1,610 people per square mile, spread across 0.2 square miles. The median age of residents is 31.2 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 52.1% female and 47.9% male.
Is Alvarado expensive to live in?
Alvarado 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 $70,000, 7% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $132,700 (53% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $1,208 per month. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.9x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Alvarado safe?
Alvarado is safer than the national average, with a violent crime rate of 279 per 100,000 compared to the U.S. rate of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 2,326 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Alvarado receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Alvarado?
Alvarado has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 39°F (4°C). Winter temperatures average 4°F in January, while summers reach an average of 70°F in July. The area receives 200 sunny days per year. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 36.
How is the job market in Alvarado?
Alvarado has a healthy job market with an unemployment rate of 4.6%, near the national average of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,089. There are 348 business establishments in the area, including 22 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 23 minutes, and 1.9% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Alvarado?
The median home value in Alvarado is $132,700. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $173,971. For renters, the median monthly rent is $1,208. Fair market rent is $899 for a 1-bedroom and $1,125 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 75.9%. The average annual property tax is $3,310.
How are the schools in Alvarado?
Schools in Alvarado score 6.2 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 25.3% of adults in Alvarado hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 83.3% have completed high school. 7.9% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Alvarado?
The obesity rate in Alvarado is 40.9% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 16.3% of adults are smokers. 26.0% are physically inactive. 24.8% of residents report depression. 11.3% lack health insurance (above the national rate). 33.6% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:8,988.
What is transportation like in Alvarado?
The average commute in Alvarado is 23 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 91.6% of workers drive alone to work, and 1.9% work from home.
What are the demographics of Alvarado?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Alvarado is 60.4% White, 11.5% Hispanic or Latino. 86.6% of residents speak only English at home, while 13.4% speak Spanish. 5.8% of the population are military veterans. 7.5% of residents have a disability. 93.6% have health insurance coverage.
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