Median Income
$71,272
5% lower than US avg
Home Value
$298,400
6% higher than US avg
Violent Crime
173/100K
54% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
37.7%
12% higher than US avg
Median Rent
$1,123
3% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
37.0%
15% higher than US avg
Unemployment
2.1%
42% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
8.5%
31% lower than US avg
How Baxter Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population8,804
Median Age42.9 yrs
Density467/mi²
Male / Female49% / 52%
Largest GroupWhite 96%
Veterans8.5%
Economy
A
Median Income$71,272
Per Capita$41,962
Unemployment2.1%
Poverty8.5%
County GDP$4,044M
Commute20 min
Housing
A
Home Value$298,400
Rent$1,123
Ownership62.0%
Zillow$369,294
Housing Units3,796
Rent Burden31.9%
Crime
F
Violent173/100K
Property3,081/100K
Health
Obesity37.0%
Uninsured7.4%
Smoking14.5%
Depression24.9%
Heart Disease5.2%
Climate
Avg Temp42°F (6°C)
AQI38 (Good)
Rain24.5 in/yr
Elevation1,190 ft (363 m)
Education
A
Bachelor's+37.7%
High School+96.9%
Graduate+16.7%
School Score6.62
Community
2024 VoteR 65% / D 34%
Commute20 min
Broadband85.7%
EV Stations4
Libraries3
Is Baxter a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Baxter receives an overall livability score of 3.4 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include low unemployment, low crime rates, a highly educated population, a low poverty rate. Baxter offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Baxter is $71,272, roughly in line with the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 2.1%. 8.5% of residents live in poverty, near the national average of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 20 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Baxter is $298,400, roughly aligned with the national median of $281,900. Renters pay a median of $1,123 per month. A price-to-income ratio of 4.2x indicates a reasonably affordable housing market.
Safety & Crime
Violent crime in Baxter is below the national average at 173 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 3,081 per 100,000, 57% above the national average.
Education
Educational attainment is solid, with 37.7% holding a bachelor's degree or higher, near the national average. 96.9% have completed high school. Local schools score 6.6/10 in standardized testing, reflecting strong academic performance.
Climate & Weather
Baxter has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 42°F. Winters average 11°F in January while summers reach 70°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 24.5 inches, including 48.2 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 38.
Baxter has a population of 8,804 with a density of 467 people per square mile, spread across 20.6 square miles. The median age is 42.9 years, 10% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 51.5% female and 48.5% male. The city is predominantly White (95.8%), with 3.6% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 98.4% of residents. 8.5% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 16.4% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 92.6% have health insurance coverage.
Population
8,804
Total Population
2023 Census
42.9yrs
Median Age
10% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
98.4%
25% above US avg
Spanish
1.9%
86% below US avg
The median household income in Baxter is $71,272, which is 5% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $41,962. The average weekly wage is $1,020, 29% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 2.1% (below the 3.6% US average). 8.5% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 2,376 business establishments, including 219 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). 16.6% of workers work from home.
Income
| Median HH Income | $71,272 |
| 5% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $41,962 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,020 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $74,335 |
| Gini Index | 0.429 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 2.1% |
| 42% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 8.5% |
| 31% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 2,376 |
| County GDP | $4,044M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 219 |
| Healthcare | 256 |
| Retail | 381 |
| Manufacturing | 112 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $4,830 |
| 38% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 98.60 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 1.62% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 20.4 min |
| Drive Alone | 73.8% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 16.6% |
The median home value in Baxter is $298,400, 6% above the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $369,294, higher than the Census estimate. According to Redfin, the median sale price is $328,900 with homes selling in an average of 20 days. Homes sell for 98.2% of their list price. Monthly rent averages $1,123 (3% 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. 62.0% of housing units are owner-occupied. There are 3,796 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1999. The average annual property tax is $4,830 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 31.9% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 4.2x.
Home Values
| Census Median | $298,400 |
| 6% above US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $369,294 |
| Redfin Median Sale | $328,900 |
| Median List Price | $379,900 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
| Median Sale Price | $328,900 |
| Median List Price | $379,900 |
| $/Sq Ft | $225 |
| Homes Sold | 9 |
| Days on Market | 20 days |
| Sale-to-List Ratio | 98.2% |
| Price Drops | 12.9% |
| Inventory | 31 |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $1,123 |
| 3% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 31.9% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $809 |
| 1 Bedroom | $899 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,125 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,483 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,698 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 62.0% |
| Owner-Occupied | 62.0% |
| Renter-Occupied | 38.0% |
| Housing Units | 3,796 |
| Median Year Built | 1999 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $4,830 |
| 38% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 1.62% |
In Baxter, 37.0% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 8.5% have diabetes (below the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 5.2% of residents. 28.2% have high blood pressure. 14.5% are current smokers. 21.2% report binge drinking. 21.6% are physically inactive. 24.9% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 16.2% experience frequent mental distress. 7.4% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:989. The dentist ratio is 1:1,213. 80.6% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.7 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Baxter vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 37.0% |
| 15% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 8.5% |
| Heart Disease | 5.2% |
| High Blood Pressure | 28.2% |
| Asthma | 10.5% |
| COPD | 5.1% |
| Cancer | 7.5% |
| Stroke | 2.7% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 14.5% |
| 4% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 21.2% |
| Physical Inactivity | 21.6% |
| Depression | 24.9% |
| Mental Distress | 16.2% |
| Physical Distress | 10.8% |
| Short Sleep | 30.1% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 92.6% |
| Uninsured | 7.4% |
| 14% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:989 |
| Dentists | 1:1,213 |
| Mental Health | 1:259 |
| Checkup Rate | 72.4% |
| Dental Visits | 67.6% |
| Premature Death | 7,321/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.7/10 |
| Exercise Access | 80.6% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 256 |
Baxter has a violent crime rate of 173 per 100,000 residents, 54% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 3,081 per 100,000, 57% above the U.S. average. The county recorded 7 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Baxter receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Baxter vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 173.0/100K |
| 54% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 3,081.4/100K |
| 57% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 7 |
| Traffic Accidents | 124 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Baxter has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 42°F (6°C). Winters average 11°F in January while summers reach 70°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 24.5 inches (drier than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 48.2 inches of snow annually, making winter weather a significant factor for residents. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 38. 81% of days have good air quality. The city sits at an elevation of 1,190 feet.
Temperature
11°F Jan (-12°C)
70°F Jul (21°C)
| Annual Average | 42.2°F |
| 22% below US avg |
| January Average | 11°F (-12°C) |
| July Average | 70°F (21°C) |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,190 ft (363 m) |
| Area | 20.6 sq mi (53.4 km²) |
| Population Density | 467/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 46.3439°N, 94.2760°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Crow Wing County County |
| Nearest Airport | Brainerd Lakes Regional (BRD)
8 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
24.5"
36% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jul)
4.35"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 38.0 |
| Rating | Good |
| Good Days % | 81.4% |
| Unhealthy Days | 1 |
Air Pollutants (EPA 2023)
| Ozone (O₃) | 0.0429 ppm |
| PM2.5 (Fine Particles) | 7.3 μg/m³ |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 77.5 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 35.5 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 97.4 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Relatively Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hail |
Relatively Moderate |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Moderate |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Low |
| Lightning |
Relatively Moderate |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
Relatively Low |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively High |
| 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 |
105 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990-2025)
Tornado History
244 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 21 fatalities, 207 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jun 17, 2010 |
EF4 |
70 km |
0 |
| Jun 17, 2010 |
EF4 |
94 km |
1 |
| Aug 6, 1969 |
EF4 |
49 km |
12 |
| Jun 11, 1966 |
EF4 |
33 km |
0 |
| Jun 6, 2008 |
EF3 |
91 km |
0 |
| Jun 13, 2001 |
EF3 |
83 km |
0 |
| Sep 18, 1997 |
EF3 |
35 km |
1 |
| Jul 5, 1991 |
EF3 |
15 km |
0 |
| Sep 3, 1980 |
EF3 |
91 km |
1 |
| Aug 26, 1977 |
EF3 |
17 km |
0 |
| Jun 25, 1973 |
EF3 |
20 km |
0 |
| Aug 6, 1969 |
EF3 |
54 km |
0 |
| Aug 6, 1969 |
EF3 |
88 km |
1 |
| Jun 30, 1968 |
EF3 |
94 km |
0 |
| May 5, 1964 |
EF3 |
94 km |
0 |
| Jun 12, 2024 |
EF2 |
31 km |
0 |
| Jun 12, 2024 |
EF2 |
39 km |
0 |
| May 30, 2022 |
EF2 |
46 km |
0 |
| May 12, 2022 |
EF2 |
59 km |
0 |
| Jul 8, 2020 |
EF2 |
93 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 |
17 km |
| 2009 |
CENTER TANK RANGE |
6,131 |
20 km |
| 1988 |
UNNAMED |
4,475 |
21 km |
| 1988 |
UNNAMED |
3,642 |
27 km |
| 2018 |
BOY RIVER |
3,546 |
94 km |
| 2003 |
UNNAMED |
2,998 |
78 km |
| 2009 |
HENDRICKSON IMPACT AREA |
2,757 |
13 km |
| 2015 |
TAMARACK |
2,745 |
88 km |
| 1987 |
UNNAMED |
2,512 |
79 km |
| 1991 |
UNNAMED |
2,486 |
80 km |
| 1988 |
UNNAMED |
2,243 |
65 km |
| 1987 |
UNNAMED |
1,963 |
74 km |
| 2010 |
BOY RIVER - CORE 2010 |
1,872 |
92 km |
| 2019 |
UNNAMED |
1,835 |
89 km |
| 2009 |
EAST TANK RANGE |
1,801 |
24 km |
| 1987 |
UNNAMED |
1,799 |
81 km |
| 2016 |
UNNAMED |
1,777 |
91 km |
| 1987 |
UNNAMED |
1,760 |
79 km |
| 2006 |
UNIT 4 |
1,732 |
100 km |
| 1987 |
UNNAMED |
1,655 |
45 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
11°F (-12°C) |
0.5 in |
Coldest |
| February |
16°F (-9°C) |
0.4 in |
Driest |
| March |
29°F (-2°C) |
1.0 in |
|
| April |
43°F (6°C) |
1.6 in |
|
| May |
55°F (13°C) |
3.3 in |
|
| June |
65°F (18°C) |
4.0 in |
|
| July |
70°F (21°C) |
4.4 in |
Warmest, Wettest |
| August |
67°F (20°C) |
3.1 in |
|
| September |
59°F (15°C) |
2.6 in |
|
| October |
45°F (7°C) |
2.4 in |
|
| November |
31°F (-1°C) |
0.9 in |
|
| December |
17°F (-8°C) |
0.6 in |
|
Baxter has a seasonal temperature swing of 59°F / from 11°F in January to 70°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 24.5 inches, with July being the wettest month (4.4") and February the driest (0.4").
Average costs for common services in Baxter. 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 Baxter
What is the population of Baxter?
Baxter has a population of 8,804 residents and is located in Minnesota. The population density is 467 people per square mile, spread across 20.6 square miles. The median age of residents is 42.9 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 51.5% female and 48.5% male.
Is Baxter expensive to live in?
Baxter 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 $71,272, 5% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $298,400 (6% above the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $1,123 per month. The home price-to-income ratio is 4.2x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Baxter safe?
Baxter is safer than the national average, with a violent crime rate of 173 per 100,000 compared to the U.S. rate of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 3,081 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Baxter receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Baxter?
Baxter has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 42°F (6°C). Winter temperatures average 11°F in January, while summers reach an average of 70°F in July. Annual rainfall totals 24.5 inches, with 48.2 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 38.
How is the job market in Baxter?
The job market in Baxter is very strong, with unemployment at just 2.1% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,020. There are 2,376 business establishments in the area, including 219 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 20 minutes, and 16.6% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Baxter?
The median home value in Baxter is $298,400. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $369,294. According to Redfin, the median sale price is $328,900, with homes typically selling within 20 days. For renters, the median monthly rent is $1,123. Fair market rent is $899 for a 1-bedroom and $1,125 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 62.0%. The average annual property tax is $4,830.
How are the schools in Baxter?
Schools in Baxter score 6.6 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 37.7% of adults in Baxter hold a bachelor's degree or higher, above the national average of 33.7%. 96.9% have completed high school. 16.7% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Baxter?
The obesity rate in Baxter is 37.0% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 14.5% of adults are smokers. 21.6% are physically inactive. 24.9% of residents report depression. 7.4% lack health insurance. 80.6% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:989.
What is transportation like in Baxter?
The average commute in Baxter is 20 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 73.8% of workers drive alone to work, and 16.6% work from home.
What are the demographics of Baxter?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Baxter is 95.8% White, 3.6% Hispanic or Latino, 0.6% Asian. 98.4% of residents speak only English at home. 8.5% of the population are military veterans. 16.4% of residents have a disability. 92.6% have health insurance coverage.