Median Income
$98,750
31% higher than US avg
Home Value
$162,500
42% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
193/100K
49% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
10.8%
68% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
32.5%
1% higher than US avg
Unemployment
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
How Baker Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population50
Median Age37.6 yrs
Density50/mi²
Male / Female62% / 38%
Largest GroupWhite 98%
Veterans39.0%
Economy
A+
Median Income$98,750
Per Capita$46,354
Unemployment0.0%
Poverty0.0%
County GDP$2,919M
Commute29 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$162,500
Ownership79.2%
Zillow$332,584
Housing Units21
Rent Burden32.7%
Crime
F
Violent193/100K
Property3,568/100K
Health
Obesity32.5%
Smoking13.4%
Depression26.1%
Heart Disease5.1%
Climate
Avg Temp41°F (5°C)
AQI36 (Good)
Rain24.4 in/yr
Sunny Days276/yr
Elevation937 ft (286 m)
Education
D
Bachelor's+10.8%
High School+97.3%
Graduate+9.7%
School Score6.18
Community
2024 VoteR 49% / D 49%
Commute29 min
Broadband24.0%
EV Stations3
Libraries3
Is Baker a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Baker receives an overall livability score of 3.2 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include above-average household incomes, low unemployment, low crime rates, affordable housing. Baker offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Baker is $98,750, which is significantly higher than the national average / 31% above $75,149. This places Baker among higher-income communities. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 0.0%. Only 0.0% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 29 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Baker is $162,500, 42% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. At just 1.6x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Violent crime in Baker is below the national average at 193 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 3,568 per 100,000, 82% above the national average.
Education
10.8% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 97.3% have completed high school. Local schools score 6.2/10 in standardized testing, reflecting strong academic performance.
Climate & Weather
Baker has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 41°F. Winters average 8°F in January while summers reach 71°F in July. With 276 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 24.4 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 36.
Baker has a population of 50 with a density of 50 people per square mile, spread across 1.0 square miles. The median age is 37.6 years, 3% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 38% female and 62% male. The city is predominantly White (98%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 93.3% of residents, while 6.7% speak Spanish. 39.0% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 17.0% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 95.7% have health insurance coverage.
Population
37.6yrs
Median Age
3% below US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
93.3%
19% above US avg
Spanish
6.7%
50% below US avg
The median household income in Baker is $98,750, which is 31% above the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $46,354 (above the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,033, 28% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 0.0% (below the 3.6% US average). 0.0% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 1,520 business establishments, including 100 restaurants. The cost of living index is 98.6, roughly in line with the national average. Workers commute an average of 29 minutes. 3.1% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $98,750 |
| 31% above US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $46,354 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,033 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $72,991 |
| Gini Index | 0.443 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 1,520 |
| County GDP | $2,919M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 100 |
| Healthcare | 178 |
| Retail | 148 |
| Manufacturing | 39 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $4,896 |
| 40% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 98.60 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 3.01% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 28.7 min |
| Drive Alone | 96.9% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 3.1% |
The median home value in Baker is $162,500, 42% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $332,584, higher than the Census estimate. Fair market rent ranges from $899 for a one-bedroom to $1,125 for a two-bedroom apartment. 79.2% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 21 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1938. The average annual property tax is $4,896 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 32.7% 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 | $162,500 |
| 42% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $332,584 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $809 |
| 1 Bedroom | $899 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,125 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,483 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,698 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 79.2% |
| Owner-Occupied | 79.2% |
| Renter-Occupied | 20.8% |
| Housing Units | 21 |
| Median Year Built | 1938 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $4,896 |
| 40% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 3.01% |
In Baker, 32.5% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 8.4% have diabetes (below the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 5.1% of residents. 28.7% have high blood pressure. 13.4% are current smokers. 20.7% report binge drinking. 19.8% are physically inactive, below the national average. 26.1% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 15.9% experience frequent mental distress. The primary care physician ratio is 1:5,044. The dentist ratio is 1:2,060. 87.4% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.7 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Baker vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 32.5% |
| 1% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 8.4% |
| Heart Disease | 5.1% |
| High Blood Pressure | 28.7% |
| Asthma | 10.0% |
| COPD | 4.7% |
| Cancer | 7.6% |
| Stroke | 2.6% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 13.4% |
| 4% below US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 20.7% |
| Physical Inactivity | 19.8% |
| Depression | 26.1% |
| Mental Distress | 15.9% |
| Physical Distress | 10.3% |
| Short Sleep | 31.9% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 95.7% |
| |
| Primary Care | 1:5,044 |
| Dentists | 1:2,060 |
| Mental Health | 1:300 |
| Checkup Rate | 72.3% |
| Dental Visits | 69.4% |
| Premature Death | 7,319/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.7/10 |
| Exercise Access | 87.4% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 178 |
Baker has a violent crime rate of 193 per 100,000 residents, 49% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 3,568 per 100,000, 82% above the U.S. average. The county recorded 6 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Baker receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Baker vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 192.9/100K |
| 49% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 3,568.0/100K |
| 82% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 6 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Baker has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 41°F (5°C). Winters average 8°F in January while summers reach 71°F in July / a wide seasonal temperature swing of 63°F. The area gets 276 sunny days per year, well above the U.S. average of 205 / making it one of the sunnier locations in the country. Annual precipitation totals 24.4 inches (drier than the 38-inch national average). Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 36. The city sits at an elevation of 937 feet.
Temperature
8°F Jan (-14°C)
71°F Jul (21°C)
| Annual Average | 41.4°F |
| 23% below US avg |
| January Average | 8°F (-14°C) |
| July Average | 71°F (21°C) |
| Sunny Days | 276 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 937 ft (286 m) |
| Area | 1.0 sq mi (2.6 km²) |
| Population Density | 50/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 46.7105°N, 96.5579°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Clay County County |
| Nearest Airport | Hector International (FAR)
19 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
24.4"
36% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
3.62"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 36.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 73.7 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 12.8 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 74.7 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Relatively Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hail |
Relatively Moderate |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Moderate |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively High |
| Lightning |
Relatively Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
Relatively Low |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
3 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M4.1. Most recent: M2.5 on Apr 29, 2011.
| Jun 5, 1993 |
11 km N of Johnson, Minnesota |
M4.1 |
117 km |
| Oct 20, 1995 |
8 km SSE of New Effington, South Dakota |
M3.7 |
105 km |
| Apr 29, 2011 |
Minnesota |
M2.5 |
112 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990-2025)
Tornado History
445 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF5. Total: 20 fatalities, 232 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jun 20, 1957 |
EF5 |
64 km |
10 |
| Jul 8, 2020 |
EF4 |
84 km |
1 |
| Aug 7, 2010 |
EF4 |
67 km |
0 |
| Jun 28, 1975 |
EF4 |
22 km |
0 |
| Jul 2, 1955 |
EF4 |
41 km |
2 |
| Aug 27, 2016 |
EF3 |
96 km |
0 |
| May 10, 1982 |
EF3 |
77 km |
0 |
| Jun 28, 1975 |
EF3 |
18 km |
0 |
| Jul 1, 1973 |
EF3 |
81 km |
0 |
| Jun 16, 1973 |
EF3 |
83 km |
0 |
| Jun 15, 1973 |
EF3 |
56 km |
0 |
| May 5, 1964 |
EF3 |
74 km |
0 |
| Aug 30, 1956 |
EF3 |
28 km |
0 |
| Jul 2, 1955 |
EF3 |
24 km |
0 |
| Jul 1, 1952 |
EF3 |
77 km |
0 |
| Jun 24, 2023 |
EF2 |
76 km |
0 |
| Jun 24, 2022 |
EF2 |
68 km |
0 |
| May 30, 2022 |
EF2 |
90 km |
0 |
| May 12, 2022 |
EF2 |
76 km |
0 |
| Aug 14, 2020 |
EF2 |
96 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950-2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: BIESTERFELD (3,481 ac, 2021).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2021 |
BIESTERFELD |
3,481 |
73 km |
| 2003 |
ROTHSAY |
3,015 |
25 km |
| 2024 |
DORAN WMA |
2,455 |
66 km |
| 2010 |
NELSON PRAIRIE MIDDLE WPA |
1,779 |
96 km |
| 2009 |
DOWNING |
1,506 |
67 km |
| 2012 |
SPRING CREEK |
1,413 |
66 km |
| 2000 |
00 14 |
1,377 |
78 km |
| 2003 |
OLERUD |
1,275 |
64 km |
| 2010 |
BEJOU WMA |
1,270 |
93 km |
| 2007 |
FLICKERTAIL |
1,239 |
42 km |
| 2011 |
NEAL WMA |
1,213 |
57 km |
| 1996 |
UNNAMED |
1,153 |
17 km |
| 1985 |
ALICE 02 |
1,142 |
73 km |
| 2016 |
UNNAMED |
1,128 |
73 km |
| 2019 |
UNNAMED |
1,060 |
73 km |
| 1998 |
UNNAMED |
1,026 |
66 km |
| 2021 |
HARTLEBEN WPA |
1,002 |
76 km |
| 1999 |
HELLIKSEN |
993 |
56 km |
| 2010 |
UNNAMED |
931 |
90 km |
| 1992 |
MEADOWS |
922 |
28 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
8°F (-14°C) |
0.7 in |
Coldest |
| February |
14°F (-10°C) |
0.5 in |
Driest |
| March |
27°F (-3°C) |
0.9 in |
|
| April |
43°F (6°C) |
1.6 in |
|
| May |
57°F (14°C) |
2.8 in |
|
| June |
66°F (19°C) |
3.6 in |
Wettest |
| July |
71°F (21°C) |
3.1 in |
Warmest |
| August |
68°F (20°C) |
2.7 in |
|
| September |
59°F (15°C) |
2.4 in |
|
| October |
46°F (8°C) |
1.9 in |
|
| November |
28°F (-2°C) |
0.9 in |
|
| December |
13°F (-11°C) |
0.6 in |
|
Baker has a seasonal temperature swing of 63°F / from 8°F in January to 71°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 21.5 inches, with June being the wettest month (3.6") and February the driest (0.5").
Average costs for common services in Baker. 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 | $914 |
| Toddler | $853 |
| Preschool | $787 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $765 |
| Toddler | $650 |
| Preschool | $664 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Baker
What is the population of Baker?
Baker has a population of 50 residents and is located in Minnesota. The population density is 50 people per square mile, spread across 1.0 square miles. The median age of residents is 37.6 years. The population is 38% female and 62% male.
Is Baker expensive to live in?
Baker 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 $98,750, 31% above the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $162,500 (42% below the U.S. median). The home price-to-income ratio is 1.6x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Baker safe?
Baker is safer than the national average, with a violent crime rate of 193 per 100,000 compared to the U.S. rate of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 3,568 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Baker receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Baker?
Baker has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 41°F (5°C). Winter temperatures average 8°F in January, while summers reach an average of 71°F in July. The area receives 276 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 24.4 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 36.
How is the job market in Baker?
The job market in Baker is very strong, with unemployment at just 0.0% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,033. There are 1,520 business establishments in the area, including 100 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 29 minutes, and 3.1% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Baker?
The median home value in Baker is $162,500. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $332,584. The homeownership rate is 79.2%. The average annual property tax is $4,896.
How are the schools in Baker?
Schools in Baker score 6.2 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 10.8% of adults in Baker hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 97.3% have completed high school. 9.7% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Baker?
The obesity rate in Baker is 32.5% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 13.4% of adults are smokers. 19.8% are physically inactive. 26.1% of residents report depression. 87.4% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:5,044.
What is transportation like in Baker?
The average commute in Baker is 29 minutes. 96.9% of workers drive alone to work, and 3.1% work from home.
What are the demographics of Baker?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Baker is 98% White. 93.3% of residents speak only English at home, while 6.7% speak Spanish. 39.0% of the population are military veterans. 17.0% of residents have a disability. 95.7% have health insurance coverage.
All Countries
