Minnesota
Backus is a small town in Minnesota with a population of 287. Residents earn $58,750 per year, which is 22% below the national average.
Based on current data, Backus receives an overall livability score of 3.6 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B+. Key strengths include low unemployment, affordable housing, a low poverty rate, high health insurance coverage. Areas to be aware of include below-average incomes. Backus offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
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.
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.
8.5% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 95.3% have completed high school. Local schools score 6.1/10 in standardized testing, reflecting strong academic performance.
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. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 36.
| English Only | 98.9% |
| 26% above US avg | |
| Spanish | 1.1% |
| 92% below US avg |
| Median HH Income | $58,750 |
| 22% below US avg | |
| Per Capita Income | $29,160 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $844 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $76,495 |
| Unemployment | 0.9% |
| 75% below US avg | |
| Poverty Rate | 7.0% |
| 44% below US avg | |
| Establishments (County) | 965 |
| County GDP | $1,363M |
| Restaurants | 135 |
| Healthcare | 84 |
| Retail | 133 |
| Manufacturing | 36 |
| Property Tax (IRS) | $4,634 |
| 32% above US avg | |
| Effective Tax Rate | 4.43% |
| Commute Time | 19.4 min |
| Drive Alone | 89.7% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 4.0% |
| Census Median | $104,700 |
| 63% below US avg | |
| Zillow ZHVI | $273,270 |
| $/Sq Ft | $134 |
| Homes Sold | 1 |
| Sale-to-List Ratio | 100.0% |
| Price Drops | 50.0% |
| Inventory | 2 |
| Census Median Rent | $490 |
| 58% below US avg | |
| Rent Burden | 21.0% |
| Studio | $809 |
| 1 Bedroom | $899 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,125 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,483 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,698 |
| Owner-Occupied | 76.1% |
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $4,634 |
| 32% above US avg | |
| Effective Rate | 4.43% |
| 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% |
| Stroke | 3.3% |
| Binge Drinking | 21.5% |
| Physical Inactivity | 26.7% |
| Depression | 25.7% |
| Mental Distress | 18.7% |
| Physical Distress | 13.3% |
| Insurance Rate | 94.4% |
| Checkup Rate | 70.9% |
| Premature Death | 12,951/100K |
| Food Environment | 8.4/10 |
| Exercise Access | 50.9% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 84 |
| Annual Average | 41.8°F |
| 23% below US avg | |
| January Average | 10°F (-12°C) |
| July Average | 69°F (21°C) |
| AQI Median | 36.0 |
| Rating | Good |
| 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 FIPS | 27021 |
Winner: Republican by 33.4 points
| Bachelor's Degree+ | 8.5% |
| 75% below US avg | |
| High School+ | 95.3% |
| School Test Score | 6.08 |
| RUCC Code 9 | Nonmetro — Rural |
| Population Density | 463/sq mi |
| Total Area | 0.6 sq mi |
| Broadband Access | 85.3% |
| Alt Fuel Stations | 1 |
| Public Libraries | 5 |
| Healthcare Facilities | 84 |
| Restaurants | 135 |
| Retail Stores | 133 |
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 7 |
| Avg Commute | 19.4 min |
| Drive Alone | 89.7% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 4.0% |