Median Income
$60,375
20% lower than US avg
Home Value
$95,000
66% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
10.4%
69% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$775
33% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
36.2%
13% higher than US avg
Unemployment
8.1%
125% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
13.6%
10% higher than US avg
How Badger Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population419
Median Age35.5 yrs
Density313/mi²
Male / Female58% / 42%
Largest GroupWhite 96%
Veterans6.4%
Economy
C+
Median Income$60,375
Per Capita$26,708
Unemployment8.1%
Poverty13.6%
County GDP$439M
Commute20 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$95,000
Rent$775
Ownership77.5%
Zillow$204,278
Housing Units179
Rent Burden26.0%
Health
Obesity36.2%
Uninsured0.5%
Smoking16.2%
Depression25.6%
Heart Disease5.4%
Climate
Avg Temp38°F (3°C)
Rain24.3 in/yr
Elevation1,082 ft (330 m)
Education
D
Bachelor's+10.4%
High School+96.5%
Graduate+1.5%
School Score6.16
Community
2024 VoteR 75% / D 23%
Commute20 min
Broadband72.2%
EV Stations3
Libraries1
Is Badger a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Badger receives an overall livability score of 3.2 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include affordable housing, high health insurance coverage. Areas to be aware of include above-average unemployment. Badger offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Badger is $60,375, 20% below the national average of $75,149. At 8.1%, unemployment is notably high. 13.6% of residents live in poverty, near the national average of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 20 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Badger is $95,000, 66% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $775 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 1.6x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Education
10.4% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 96.5% have completed high school. Local schools score 6.2/10 in standardized testing, reflecting strong academic performance.
Climate & Weather
Badger has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 38°F. Winters average 5°F in January while summers reach 65°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 24.3 inches, including 45.9 inches of snow.
Badger has a population of 419 with a density of 313 people per square mile, spread across 1.3 square miles. The median age is 35.5 years, 9% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 41.8% female and 58.2% male. The city is predominantly White (95.9%), with 1.9% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 96.5% of residents. 6.4% of the population are veterans. 10.0% of residents have a disability (below the 13.0% national average). 99.5% have health insurance coverage.
Population
419
Total Population
2023 Census
35.5yrs
Median Age
9% below US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
96.5%
23% above US avg
Spanish
3.6%
73% below US avg
The median household income in Badger is $60,375, which is 20% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $26,708 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,089, 24% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 8.1% (above the 3.6% US average). 13.6% 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 20 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 6.5% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $60,375 |
| 20% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $26,708 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,089 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $78,876 |
| Gini Index | 0.384 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 8.1% |
| 125% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 13.6% |
| 10% above 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 | 3.48% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 19.9 min |
| Drive Alone | 79.6% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 6.5% |
The median home value in Badger is $95,000, 66% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $204,278, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $775 (33% 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. 77.5% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 179 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1977. The average annual property tax is $3,310. 26.0% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.6x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $95,000 |
| 66% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $204,278 |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $775 |
| 33% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 26.0% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $809 |
| 1 Bedroom | $899 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,125 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,483 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,698 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 77.5% |
| Owner-Occupied | 77.5% |
| Renter-Occupied | 22.5% |
| Housing Units | 179 |
| Median Year Built | 1977 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $3,310 |
| 5% below US avg |
| Effective Rate | 3.48% |
In Badger, 36.2% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 9.1% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.4% of residents. 26.8% have high blood pressure. 16.2% are current smokers. 21.9% report binge drinking. 23.4% are physically inactive. 25.6% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 17.7% experience frequent mental distress. 0.5% of residents lack health insurance (below 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: Badger vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 36.2% |
| 13% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 9.1% |
| Heart Disease | 5.4% |
| High Blood Pressure | 26.8% |
| Asthma | 10.5% |
| COPD | 5.6% |
| Cancer | 7.2% |
| Stroke | 2.9% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 16.2% |
| 16% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 21.9% |
| Physical Inactivity | 23.4% |
| Depression | 25.6% |
| Mental Distress | 17.7% |
| Physical Distress | 11.9% |
| Short Sleep | 33.9% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 99.5% |
| Uninsured | 0.5% |
| 94% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:8,988 |
| Dentists | 1:4,430 |
| Checkup Rate | 71.5% |
| Dental Visits | 58.1% |
| Premature Death | 5,947/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.8/10 |
| Exercise Access | 33.6% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 18 |
Badger has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 38°F (3°C). Winters average 5°F in January while summers reach 65°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 24.3 inches (drier than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 45.9 inches of snow annually, making winter weather a significant factor for residents. The city sits at an elevation of 1,082 feet.
Temperature
5°F Jan (-15°C)
65°F Jul (19°C)
| Annual Average | 37.7°F |
| 30% below US avg |
| January Average | 5°F (-15°C) |
| July Average | 65°F (19°C) |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,082 ft (330 m) |
| Area | 1.3 sq mi (3.5 km²) |
| Population Density | 313/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 48.7768°N, 96.0213°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Marshall County County |
| Nearest Airport | Warroad International Memorial (RRT)
33 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
24.3"
36% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
3.88"
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
153 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF3. Total: 18 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Aug 5, 2006 |
EF3 |
52 km |
0 |
| May 19, 2004 |
EF3 |
79 km |
0 |
| Sep 19, 2014 |
EF2 |
74 km |
0 |
| Jul 2, 2005 |
EF2 |
74 km |
0 |
| Jul 2, 2005 |
EF2 |
81 km |
0 |
| Jul 2, 2005 |
EF2 |
78 km |
0 |
| Jul 2, 2005 |
EF2 |
78 km |
0 |
| Jun 23, 2005 |
EF2 |
69 km |
0 |
| Jun 27, 1997 |
EF2 |
3 km |
0 |
| Aug 25, 1983 |
EF2 |
88 km |
0 |
| Jul 13, 1983 |
EF2 |
58 km |
0 |
| Jul 11, 1980 |
EF2 |
98 km |
0 |
| May 26, 1978 |
EF2 |
77 km |
0 |
| Jul 13, 1977 |
EF2 |
95 km |
0 |
| Jun 12, 2022 |
EF1 |
46 km |
0 |
| Aug 13, 2020 |
EF1 |
79 km |
0 |
| Aug 9, 2020 |
EF1 |
80 km |
0 |
| Aug 9, 2020 |
EF1 |
70 km |
0 |
| Jul 17, 2020 |
EF1 |
78 km |
0 |
| Jun 17, 2020 |
EF1 |
63 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950-2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: UNNAMED (131,401 ac, 1987).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 1987 |
UNNAMED |
131,401 |
86 km |
| 2003 |
REINER 36 |
67,641 |
93 km |
| 1989 |
UNNAMED |
66,422 |
90 km |
| 1990 |
UNNAMED |
43,533 |
79 km |
| 2011 |
JUNEBERRY 3 |
29,455 |
26 km |
| 1990 |
UNNAMED |
26,345 |
53 km |
| 1991 |
UNNAMED |
22,647 |
27 km |
| 1988 |
UNNAMED |
22,262 |
22 km |
| 2007 |
UNNAMED |
21,954 |
21 km |
| 1988 |
UNNAMED |
17,778 |
39 km |
| 2003 |
CARIBOU |
16,184 |
46 km |
| 1998 |
RL3 |
14,882 |
88 km |
| 1988 |
UNNAMED |
14,432 |
24 km |
| 2018 |
2018 HIGHWAY 1 RXB |
13,170 |
87 km |
| 1988 |
UNNAMED |
11,927 |
47 km |
| 2003 |
UNNAMED |
11,544 |
47 km |
| 1987 |
UNNAMED |
10,819 |
60 km |
| 2018 |
NORTH COUNTY ROAD 7 |
9,471 |
35 km |
| 1987 |
UNNAMED |
9,281 |
65 km |
| 2000 |
UNNAMED |
9,194 |
45 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
5°F (-15°C) |
0.7 in |
Coldest |
| February |
9°F (-13°C) |
0.6 in |
Driest |
| March |
24°F (-5°C) |
1.2 in |
|
| April |
39°F (4°C) |
1.4 in |
|
| May |
52°F (11°C) |
2.7 in |
|
| June |
62°F (16°C) |
3.9 in |
Wettest |
| July |
65°F (19°C) |
3.8 in |
Warmest |
| August |
63°F (17°C) |
3.1 in |
|
| September |
55°F (13°C) |
2.8 in |
|
| October |
41°F (5°C) |
2.2 in |
|
| November |
26°F (-4°C) |
1.0 in |
|
| December |
12°F (-11°C) |
0.9 in |
|
Badger has a seasonal temperature swing of 61°F / from 5°F in January to 65°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 24.3 inches, with June being the wettest month (3.9") and February the driest (0.6").
Average costs for common services in Badger. 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 Badger
What is the population of Badger?
Badger has a population of 419 residents and is located in Minnesota. The population density is 313 people per square mile, spread across 1.3 square miles. The median age of residents is 35.5 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 41.8% female and 58.2% male.
Is Badger expensive to live in?
Badger 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 $60,375, 20% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $95,000 (66% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $775 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.6x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
What is the weather like in Badger?
Badger has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 38°F (3°C). Winter temperatures average 5°F in January, while summers reach an average of 65°F in July. Annual rainfall totals 24.3 inches, with 45.9 inches of snow.
How is the job market in Badger?
The job market in Badger faces challenges, with unemployment at 8.1% / significantly above the national rate 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 20 minutes, and 6.5% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Badger?
The median home value in Badger is $95,000. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $204,278. For renters, the median monthly rent is $775. Fair market rent is $899 for a 1-bedroom and $1,125 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 77.5%. The average annual property tax is $3,310.
How are the schools in Badger?
Schools in Badger score 6.2 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 10.4% of adults in Badger hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 96.5% have completed high school. 1.5% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Badger?
The obesity rate in Badger is 36.2% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 16.2% of adults are smokers. 23.4% are physically inactive. 25.6% of residents report depression. 0.5% lack health insurance (below 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 Badger?
The average commute in Badger is 20 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 79.6% of workers drive alone to work, and 6.5% work from home.
What are the demographics of Badger?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Badger is 95.9% White, 1.9% Hispanic or Latino. 96.5% of residents speak only English at home, while 3.6% speak Spanish. 6.4% of the population are military veterans. 10.0% of residents have a disability. 99.5% have health insurance coverage.