Median Income
$58,125
23% lower than US avg
Home Value
$94,000
67% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
206/100K
46% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
9.7%
71% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$1,284
10% higher than US avg
Obesity Rate
39.5%
23% higher than US avg
Unemployment
2.2%
39% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
2.5%
80% lower than US avg
How Barrett Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population322
Median Age49.5 yrs
Density154/mi²
Male / Female55% / 45%
Largest GroupWhite 98%
Veterans15.1%
Economy
A
Median Income$58,125
Per Capita$31,452
Unemployment2.2%
Poverty2.5%
County GDP$2,860M
Commute33 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$94,000
Rent$1,284
Ownership77.4%
Zillow$264,397
Housing Units187
Rent Burden45.5%
Crime
F
Violent206/100K
Property1,963/100K
Health
Obesity39.5%
Uninsured7.9%
Smoking17.1%
Depression27.0%
Heart Disease5.5%
Climate
Avg Temp42°F (6°C)
AQI36 (Good)
Rain27.0 in/yr
Sunny Days276/yr
Elevation1,209 ft (369 m)
Education
D
Bachelor's+9.7%
High School+96.0%
Graduate+2.9%
School Score6.93
Community
2024 VoteR 67% / D 32%
Commute33 min
Broadband84.7%
EV Stations5
Libraries1
Is Barrett a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Barrett receives an overall livability score of 3.0 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include low unemployment, low crime rates, affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include below-average incomes, high obesity rates. Barrett offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Barrett is $58,125, 23% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 2.2%. Only 2.5% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 33 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Barrett is $94,000, 67% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $1,284 per month. At just 1.6x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Violent crime in Barrett is below the national average at 206 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,963 per 100,000, near the national average.
Education
9.7% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 96.0% have completed high school. Local schools score 6.9/10 in standardized testing, reflecting strong academic performance.
Climate & Weather
Barrett has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 42°F. Winters average 10°F in January while summers reach 70°F in July. With 276 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 27.0 inches, including 44.6 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 36.
Barrett has a population of 322 with a density of 154 people per square mile, spread across 2.1 square miles. The median age is 49.5 years, 27% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 45% female and 55% male. The city is predominantly White (98.1%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 99.4% of residents. 15.1% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 21.8% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 93.5% have health insurance coverage.
Population
49.5yrs
Median Age
27% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
99.4%
27% above US avg
Spanish
0.6%
96% below US avg
The median household income in Barrett is $58,125, which is 23% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $31,452 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,097, 23% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 2.2% (below the 3.6% US average). 2.5% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 1,499 business establishments, including 124 restaurants. The cost of living index is 98.6, roughly in line with the national average. Workers commute an average of 33 minutes (longer than the 28-minute US average). 5.0% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $58,125 |
| 23% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $31,452 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,097 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $83,113 |
| Gini Index | 0.438 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 2.2% |
| 39% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 2.5% |
| 80% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 1,499 |
| County GDP | $2,860M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 124 |
| Healthcare | 155 |
| Retail | 216 |
| Manufacturing | 87 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $5,084 |
| 45% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 98.60 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 5.41% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 32.9 min |
| Drive Alone | 70.0% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 5.0% |
The median home value in Barrett is $94,000, 67% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $264,397, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $1,284 (10% 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. 77.4% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 187 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1938. The average annual property tax is $5,084 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 45.5% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing, indicating a significant affordability challenge for renters. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.6x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $94,000 |
| 67% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $264,397 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $1,284 |
| 10% above US avg |
| Rent Burden | 45.5% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $809 |
| 1 Bedroom | $899 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,125 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,483 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,698 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 77.4% |
| Owner-Occupied | 77.4% |
| Renter-Occupied | 22.6% |
| Housing Units | 187 |
| Median Year Built | 1938 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $5,084 |
| 45% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 5.41% |
In Barrett, 39.5% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 9.4% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.5% of residents. 29.2% have high blood pressure. 17.1% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 20.5% report binge drinking. 24.3% are physically inactive. 27.0% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 18.0% experience frequent mental distress. 7.9% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:892. The dentist ratio is 1:1,322. 74.7% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.8 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Barrett vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 39.5% |
| 23% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 9.4% |
| Heart Disease | 5.5% |
| High Blood Pressure | 29.2% |
| Asthma | 10.5% |
| COPD | 5.8% |
| Cancer | 7.3% |
| Stroke | 2.9% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 17.1% |
| 22% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 20.5% |
| Physical Inactivity | 24.3% |
| Depression | 27.0% |
| Mental Distress | 18.0% |
| Physical Distress | 12.2% |
| Short Sleep | 29.2% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 93.5% |
| Uninsured | 7.9% |
| 8% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:892 |
| Dentists | 1:1,322 |
| Mental Health | 1:408 |
| Checkup Rate | 71.7% |
| Dental Visits | 68.9% |
| Premature Death | 6,113/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.8/10 |
| Exercise Access | 74.7% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 155 |
Barrett has a violent crime rate of 206 per 100,000 residents, 46% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 1,963 per 100,000, 0% below the U.S. average. The county recorded 4 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Barrett receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Barrett vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 205.7/100K |
| 46% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 1,963.4/100K |
| 0% below US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 4 |
| Traffic Accidents | 25 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.2 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Barrett has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 42°F (6°C). Winters average 10°F in January while summers reach 70°F in July. 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 27.0 inches (drier than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 44.6 inches of snow annually, making winter weather a significant factor for residents. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 36. The city sits at an elevation of 1,209 feet.
Temperature
10°F Jan (-12°C)
70°F Jul (21°C)
| Annual Average | 42.2°F |
| 22% below US avg |
| January Average | 10°F (-12°C) |
| July Average | 70°F (21°C) |
| Sunny Days | 276 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,209 ft (369 m) |
| Area | 2.1 sq mi (5.4 km²) |
| Population Density | 154/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 45.9132°N, 95.9047°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Douglas County County |
| Nearest Airport | Hector International (FAR)
82 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
27.0"
29% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
3.94"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 36.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 44.3 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 22.7 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 97.6 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Low |
| 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 |
Relatively Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
4 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 |
40 km |
| Oct 20, 1995 |
8 km SSE of New Effington, South Dakota |
M3.7 |
76 km |
| Feb 9, 1994 |
6 km NNE of Blomkest, Minnesota |
M3.1 |
124 km |
| Apr 29, 2011 |
Minnesota |
M2.5 |
30 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
446 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 4 fatalities, 119 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jul 8, 2020 |
EF4 |
20 km |
1 |
| Aug 7, 2010 |
EF4 |
60 km |
0 |
| Jun 17, 2010 |
EF4 |
41 km |
1 |
| Jun 17, 2010 |
EF4 |
79 km |
0 |
| Jun 13, 2001 |
EF3 |
53 km |
0 |
| May 17, 1996 |
EF3 |
97 km |
0 |
| May 10, 1982 |
EF3 |
45 km |
0 |
| Jun 18, 1964 |
EF3 |
46 km |
0 |
| May 5, 1964 |
EF3 |
56 km |
0 |
| May 5, 1964 |
EF3 |
95 km |
0 |
| Jul 2, 1955 |
EF3 |
91 km |
0 |
| Jul 1, 1952 |
EF3 |
83 km |
0 |
| May 30, 2022 |
EF2 |
94 km |
0 |
| May 30, 2022 |
EF2 |
17 km |
0 |
| May 30, 2022 |
EF2 |
8 km |
0 |
| May 30, 2022 |
EF2 |
45 km |
0 |
| May 12, 2022 |
EF2 |
83 km |
0 |
| May 12, 2022 |
EF2 |
46 km |
0 |
| Aug 14, 2020 |
EF2 |
14 km |
0 |
| Jul 8, 2020 |
EF2 |
53 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: LOUISBURGRADE (6,487 ac, 2004).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2004 |
LOUISBURGRADE |
6,487 |
82 km |
| 2003 |
ROTHSAY |
3,015 |
77 km |
| 2024 |
DORAN WMA |
2,455 |
37 km |
| 2003 |
CHIPPEWA PRAIRIE |
2,067 |
86 km |
| 2004 |
FISH FIRE |
1,799 |
83 km |
| 2003 |
DANIELSON |
1,682 |
97 km |
| 2005 |
GRAND MEWS |
1,245 |
82 km |
| 1998 |
LEE |
1,137 |
84 km |
| 2016 |
UNNAMED |
1,128 |
84 km |
| 1995 |
UNNAMED |
1,115 |
83 km |
| 2003 |
ANDERSON |
1,082 |
84 km |
| 2019 |
UNNAMED |
1,060 |
84 km |
| 2021 |
HARTLEBEN WPA |
1,002 |
84 km |
| 1998 |
ANDREASEN |
1,001 |
82 km |
| 1990 |
ANDERSON |
988 |
82 km |
| 1992 |
MEADOWS |
922 |
77 km |
| 2007 |
ANDERSON |
797 |
84 km |
| 1987 |
UNNAMED |
770 |
94 km |
| 2006 |
ANDERSON |
764 |
82 km |
| 1986 |
ANDERSON |
746 |
84 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
10°F (-12°C) |
0.8 in |
Coldest |
| February |
16°F (-9°C) |
0.6 in |
Driest |
| March |
28°F (-2°C) |
1.2 in |
|
| April |
44°F (7°C) |
2.1 in |
|
| May |
58°F (14°C) |
2.8 in |
|
| June |
66°F (19°C) |
3.9 in |
Wettest |
| July |
70°F (21°C) |
3.3 in |
Warmest |
| August |
68°F (20°C) |
3.2 in |
|
| September |
59°F (15°C) |
2.5 in |
|
| October |
46°F (8°C) |
2.1 in |
|
| November |
29°F (-2°C) |
1.0 in |
|
| December |
15°F (-10°C) |
0.6 in |
|
Barrett has a seasonal temperature swing of 61°F / from 10°F in January to 70°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 23.9 inches, with June being the wettest month (3.9") and February the driest (0.6").
Average costs for common services in Barrett. 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 | $621 |
| Toddler | $570 |
| Preschool | $570 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Barrett
What is the population of Barrett?
Barrett has a population of 322 residents and is located in Minnesota. The population density is 154 people per square mile, spread across 2.1 square miles. The median age of residents is 49.5 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 45% female and 55% male.
Is Barrett expensive to live in?
Barrett 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 $58,125, 23% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $94,000 (67% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $1,284 per month. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.6x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Barrett safe?
Barrett is safer than the national average, with a violent crime rate of 206 per 100,000 compared to the U.S. rate of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,963 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Barrett receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Barrett?
Barrett has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 42°F (6°C). Winter temperatures average 10°F in January, while summers reach an average of 70°F in July. The area receives 276 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 27.0 inches, with 44.6 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 36.
How is the job market in Barrett?
The job market in Barrett is very strong, with unemployment at just 2.2% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,097. There are 1,499 business establishments in the area, including 124 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 33 minutes, and 5.0% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Barrett?
The median home value in Barrett is $94,000. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $264,397. For renters, the median monthly rent is $1,284. Fair market rent is $899 for a 1-bedroom and $1,125 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 77.4%. The average annual property tax is $5,084.
How are the schools in Barrett?
Schools in Barrett score 6.9 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 9.7% of adults in Barrett hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 96.0% have completed high school. 2.9% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Barrett?
The obesity rate in Barrett is 39.5% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 17.1% of adults are smokers. 24.3% are physically inactive. 27.0% of residents report depression. 7.9% lack health insurance. 74.7% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:892.
What is transportation like in Barrett?
The average commute in Barrett is 33 minutes, longer than the national average of 28 minutes. 70% of workers drive alone to work, and 5.0% work from home.
What are the demographics of Barrett?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Barrett is 98.1% White. 99.4% of residents speak only English at home. 15.1% of the population are military veterans. 21.8% of residents have a disability. 93.5% have health insurance coverage.
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