Median Income
$58,750
22% lower than US avg
Home Value
$104,700
63% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
77/100K
80% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
8.5%
75% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$490
58% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
37.6%
17% higher than US avg
Unemployment
0.9%
75% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
7.0%
44% lower than US avg
How Backus Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population287
Median Age47.9 yrs
Density463/mi²
Male / Female55% / 45%
Largest GroupWhite 73%
Veterans15.2%
Economy
A
Median Income$58,750
Per Capita$29,160
Unemployment0.9%
Poverty7.0%
County GDP$1,363M
Commute19 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$104,700
Rent$490
Ownership76.1%
Zillow$273,270
Housing Units173
Rent Burden21.0%
Crime
F
Violent77/100K
Property5,003/100K
Health
Obesity37.6%
Uninsured8.9%
Smoking19.3%
Depression25.7%
Heart Disease6.2%
Climate
Avg Temp42°F (5°C)
AQI36 (Good)
Sunny Days253/yr
Elevation1,342 ft (409 m)
Education
D
Bachelor's+8.5%
High School+95.3%
Graduate+3.4%
School Score5.03
Community
2024 VoteR 66% / D 33%
Commute19 min
Broadband85.3%
EV Stations1
Libraries5
Is Backus a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Backus 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. Backus has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Backus is $58,750, 22% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 0.9%. Only 7.0% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 19 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Backus is $104,700, 63% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $490 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 1.8x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Backus is a very safe community with a violent crime rate of 77 per 100,000 residents / well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 5,003 per 100,000, 155% above the national average.
Education
8.5% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 95.3% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5/10.
Climate & Weather
Backus has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 42°F. Winters average 10°F in January while summers reach 69°F in July. With 253 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 36.
Backus has a population of 287 with a density of 463 people per square mile, spread across 0.6 square miles. The median age is 47.9 years, 23% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 44.6% female and 55.4% male. The city is predominantly White (72.5%), with 5.6% Hispanic, 7% Black. English is the primary language spoken at home by 98.9% of residents. 15.2% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 13.8% of residents have a disability. 94.4% have health insurance coverage.
Population
47.9yrs
Median Age
23% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
98.9%
26% above US avg
Spanish
1.1%
92% below US avg
The median household income in Backus is $58,750, which is 22% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $29,160 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $844, 41% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 0.9% (below the 3.6% US average). 7.0% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 965 business establishments, including 135 restaurants. The cost of living index is 98.6, roughly in line with the national average. Workers commute an average of 19 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 4.0% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $58,750 |
| 22% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $29,160 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $844 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $76,495 |
| Gini Index | 0.433 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 0.9% |
| 75% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 7.0% |
| 44% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 965 |
| County GDP | $1,363M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 135 |
| Healthcare | 84 |
| Retail | 133 |
| Manufacturing | 36 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $4,634 |
| 32% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 98.60 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 4.43% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 19.4 min |
| Drive Alone | 89.7% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 4.0% |
The median home value in Backus is $104,700, 63% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $273,270, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $490 (58% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $899 for a one-bedroom to $1,125 for a two-bedroom apartment. 76.1% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 173 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1970. The average annual property tax is $4,634 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 21.0% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.8x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $104,700 |
| 63% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $273,270 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
| $/Sq Ft | $134 |
| Homes Sold | 1 |
| Sale-to-List Ratio | 100.0% |
| Price Drops | 50.0% |
| Inventory | 2 |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $490 |
| 58% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 21.0% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $809 |
| 1 Bedroom | $899 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,125 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,483 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,698 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 76.1% |
| Owner-Occupied | 76.1% |
| Renter-Occupied | 23.9% |
| Housing Units | 173 |
| Median Year Built | 1970 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $4,634 |
| 32% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 4.43% |
In Backus, 37.6% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 10.4% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 6.2% of residents. 30.9% have high blood pressure. 19.3% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 21.5% report binge drinking. 26.7% are physically inactive. 25.7% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 18.7% experience frequent mental distress. 8.9% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:3,404. The dentist ratio is 1:1,489. 50.9% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.4 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Backus vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 37.6% |
| 17% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 10.4% |
| Heart Disease | 6.2% |
| High Blood Pressure | 30.9% |
| Asthma | 10.6% |
| COPD | 6.6% |
| Cancer | 7.3% |
| Stroke | 3.3% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 19.3% |
| 38% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 21.5% |
| Physical Inactivity | 26.7% |
| Depression | 25.7% |
| Mental Distress | 18.7% |
| Physical Distress | 13.3% |
| Short Sleep | 37.5% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 94.4% |
| Uninsured | 8.9% |
| 3% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:3,404 |
| Dentists | 1:1,489 |
| Mental Health | 1:1,123 |
| Checkup Rate | 70.9% |
| Dental Visits | 63.6% |
| Premature Death | 12,951/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.4/10 |
| Exercise Access | 50.9% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 84 |
Backus has a violent crime rate of 77 per 100,000 residents, 80% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 5,003 per 100,000, 155% above the U.S. average. The county recorded 7 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Backus receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Backus vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 76.8/100K |
| 80% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 5,003.2/100K |
| 155% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 7 |
| Traffic Accidents | 169 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Backus has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 42°F (5°C). Winters average 10°F in January while summers reach 69°F in July. The area gets 253 sunny days per year, above the national average. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 36. The city sits at an elevation of 1,342 feet.
Temperature
10°F Jan (-12°C)
69°F Jul (21°C)
| Annual Average | 41.8°F |
| 23% below US avg |
| January Average | 10°F (-12°C) |
| July Average | 69°F (21°C) |
| Sunny Days | 253 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,342 ft (409 m) |
| Area | 0.6 sq mi (1.6 km²) |
| Population Density | 463/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 46.8209°N, 94.5145°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Cass County County |
| Nearest Airport | Brainerd Lakes Regional (BRD)
34 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Wettest Month (Jun)
4.17"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 36.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Air Pollutants (EPA 2023)
| PM2.5 (Fine Particles) | 7.8 μg/m³ |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 53.5 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 73.1 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 79.0 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Low |
| Hail |
Very Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Moderate |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Moderate |
| Lightning |
Relatively Low |
| Ice Storm |
Very Low |
| Drought |
Relatively Low |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Landslide |
Relatively Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
1 earthquake (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M2.5. Most recent: M2.5 on Apr 29, 2011.
| Apr 29, 2011 |
Minnesota |
M2.5 |
121 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990-2025)
Tornado History
202 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 15 fatalities, 126 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jun 17, 2010 |
EF4 |
68 km |
0 |
| Aug 6, 1969 |
EF4 |
23 km |
12 |
| Jun 11, 1966 |
EF4 |
24 km |
0 |
| Jun 6, 2008 |
EF3 |
42 km |
0 |
| Jun 13, 2001 |
EF3 |
96 km |
0 |
| Sep 18, 1997 |
EF3 |
91 km |
1 |
| Jul 5, 1991 |
EF3 |
41 km |
0 |
| Aug 26, 1977 |
EF3 |
52 km |
0 |
| Jun 25, 1973 |
EF3 |
60 km |
0 |
| Aug 6, 1969 |
EF3 |
81 km |
1 |
| Aug 6, 1969 |
EF3 |
20 km |
0 |
| Jun 12, 2024 |
EF2 |
50 km |
0 |
| Jun 12, 2024 |
EF2 |
24 km |
0 |
| Jun 24, 2022 |
EF2 |
90 km |
0 |
| May 30, 2022 |
EF2 |
58 km |
0 |
| May 12, 2022 |
EF2 |
66 km |
0 |
| Jul 8, 2020 |
EF2 |
95 km |
0 |
| Jun 19, 2016 |
EF2 |
62 km |
0 |
| Jul 12, 2015 |
EF2 |
65 km |
0 |
| Jun 6, 2008 |
EF2 |
44 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 |
66 km |
| 2009 |
CENTER TANK RANGE |
6,131 |
70 km |
| 1988 |
UNNAMED |
4,475 |
70 km |
| 1988 |
UNNAMED |
3,642 |
80 km |
| 2018 |
BOY RIVER |
3,546 |
47 km |
| 2003 |
UNNAMED |
2,998 |
96 km |
| 2009 |
HENDRICKSON IMPACT AREA |
2,757 |
63 km |
| 2015 |
TAMARACK |
2,745 |
100 km |
| 1987 |
UNNAMED |
2,512 |
96 km |
| 1991 |
UNNAMED |
2,486 |
80 km |
| 1987 |
UNNAMED |
1,963 |
73 km |
| 2010 |
BOY RIVER - CORE 2010 |
1,872 |
47 km |
| 2019 |
UNNAMED |
1,835 |
47 km |
| 2009 |
EAST TANK RANGE |
1,801 |
74 km |
| 1987 |
UNNAMED |
1,799 |
78 km |
| 2016 |
UNNAMED |
1,777 |
45 km |
| 1987 |
UNNAMED |
1,760 |
79 km |
| 1988 |
UNNAMED |
1,589 |
57 km |
| 2012 |
JEEP FIRE |
1,437 |
39 km |
| 2004 |
SOUTH MAIN ROAD |
1,384 |
95 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
10°F (-12°C) |
0.8 in |
Coldest |
| February |
14°F (-10°C) |
0.6 in |
Driest |
| March |
26°F (-3°C) |
1.5 in |
|
| April |
42°F (5°C) |
2.1 in |
|
| May |
55°F (13°C) |
3.1 in |
|
| June |
63°F (17°C) |
4.2 in |
Wettest |
| July |
69°F (21°C) |
4.0 in |
Warmest |
| August |
66°F (19°C) |
3.5 in |
|
| September |
56°F (13°C) |
2.9 in |
|
| October |
44°F (7°C) |
2.6 in |
|
| November |
27°F (-3°C) |
1.3 in |
|
| December |
12°F (-11°C) |
0.8 in |
|
Backus has a seasonal temperature swing of 60°F / from 10°F in January to 69°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 27.3 inches, with June being the wettest month (4.2") and February the driest (0.6").
Average costs for common services in Backus. 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 | $621 |
| Toddler | $570 |
| Preschool | $570 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Backus
What is the population of Backus?
Backus has a population of 287 residents and is located in Minnesota. The population density is 463 people per square mile, spread across 0.6 square miles. The median age of residents is 47.9 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 44.6% female and 55.4% male.
Is Backus expensive to live in?
Backus 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 $58,750, 22% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $104,700 (63% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $490 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.8x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Backus safe?
Backus is considered a very safe city with a violent crime rate of 77 per 100,000 residents, well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 5,003 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Backus receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Backus?
Backus has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 42°F (5°C). Winter temperatures average 10°F in January, while summers reach an average of 69°F in July. The area receives 253 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 36.
How is the job market in Backus?
The job market in Backus is very strong, with unemployment at just 0.9% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $844. There are 965 business establishments in the area, including 135 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 19 minutes, and 4.0% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Backus?
The median home value in Backus is $104,700. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $273,270. For renters, the median monthly rent is $490. Fair market rent is $899 for a 1-bedroom and $1,125 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 76.1%. The average annual property tax is $4,634.
How are the schools in Backus?
Schools in Backus score 5 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 8.5% of adults in Backus hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 95.3% have completed high school. 3.4% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Backus?
The obesity rate in Backus is 37.6% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 19.3% of adults are smokers. 26.7% are physically inactive. 25.7% of residents report depression. 8.9% lack health insurance. 50.9% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:3,404.
What is transportation like in Backus?
The average commute in Backus is 19 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 89.7% of workers drive alone to work, and 4.0% work from home.
What are the demographics of Backus?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Backus is 72.5% White, 7% Black or African American, 5.6% Hispanic or Latino. 98.9% of residents speak only English at home. 15.2% of the population are military veterans. 13.8% of residents have a disability. 94.4% have health insurance coverage.
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