Minnesota
Bemidji is a small city in Minnesota with a population of 15,490. Residents earn $53,850 per year, which is 28% below the national average.
Based on current data, Bemidji receives an overall livability score of 3.2 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include low unemployment, affordable housing, high health insurance coverage. Areas to be aware of include below-average incomes, high obesity rates. Bemidji offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
The median household income in Bemidji is $53,850, 28% below the national average of $75,149. Unemployment stands at 3.4%, indicating a healthy job market. 12.1% of residents live in poverty, near the national average of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 17 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
The median home value in Bemidji is $189,500, 33% below the national median — offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $1,004 per month, below the national average — a plus for affordability. A price-to-income ratio of 3.5x indicates a reasonably affordable housing market.
The violent crime rate of 434 per 100,000 is above the national average of 380 — something for prospective residents to consider. Property crime occurs at a rate of 8,089 per 100,000, 313% above the national average.
Educational attainment is solid, with 33.3% holding a bachelor's degree or higher, near the national average. 92.4% have completed high school. Local schools score 6.1/10 in standardized testing, reflecting strong academic performance.
Bemidji has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 40°F. Winters average 7°F in January while summers reach 69°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 26.5 inches, including 48.9 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 36.
| English Only | 95.7% |
| 22% above US avg | |
| Spanish | 4.3% |
| 68% below US avg |
| Median HH Income | $53,850 |
| 28% below US avg | |
| Per Capita Income | $30,619 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $894 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $68,529 |
| Unemployment | 3.4% |
| 6% below US avg | |
| Poverty Rate | 12.1% |
| 2% below US avg | |
| Establishments (County) | 684 |
| County GDP | $968M |
| Restaurants | 82 |
| Healthcare | 56 |
| Retail | 109 |
| Manufacturing | 29 |
| Property Tax (IRS) | $4,149 |
| 19% above US avg | |
| Effective Tax Rate | 2.19% |
| Commute Time | 16.5 min |
| Drive Alone | 77.9% |
| Public Transit | 1.1% |
| Work from Home | 7.3% |
| Census Median | $189,500 |
| 33% below US avg | |
| Zillow ZHVI | $209,426 |
| Median List Price | $299,900 |
| Median List Price | $299,900 |
| $/Sq Ft | $152 |
| Homes Sold | 9 |
| Sale-to-List Ratio | 96.8% |
| Price Drops | 11.1% |
| Inventory | 36 |
| Census Median Rent | $1,004 |
| 14% below US avg | |
| Zillow Rent (ZORI) | $1,473 |
| Rent Burden | 27.0% |
| Studio | $809 |
| 1 Bedroom | $899 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,125 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,483 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,698 |
| Owner-Occupied | 41.9% |
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $4,149 |
| 19% above US avg | |
| Effective Rate | 2.19% |
| Obesity | 40.7% |
| 27% above US avg | |
| Diabetes | 10.4% |
| Heart Disease | 5.9% |
| High Blood Pressure | 30.6% |
| Asthma | 11.6% |
| COPD | 6.6% |
| Stroke | 3.3% |
| Binge Drinking | 18.2% |
| Physical Inactivity | 27.0% |
| Depression | 28.2% |
| Mental Distress | 18.8% |
| Physical Distress | 13.2% |
| Insurance Rate | 93.9% |
| Checkup Rate | 71.9% |
| Premature Death | 6,268/100K |
| Food Environment | 8.4/10 |
| Exercise Access | 56.6% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 56 |
| Total Violent | 434.1/100K |
| 14% above US avg | |
| Murder | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg | |
| Rape | 124.0/100K |
| Robbery | 27.6/100K |
| Assault | 282.5/100K |
| Total Property | 8,089.3/100K |
| 313% above US avg | |
| Burglary | 627.0/100K |
| Theft | 7,241.8/100K |
| Vehicle Theft | 220.5/100K |
| Arson | 20.7/100K |
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 1 |
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
| Annual Average | 40.0°F |
| 26% below US avg | |
| January Average | 7°F (-14°C) |
| July Average | 69°F (20°C) |
| Annual Rainfall | 26.5 inches |
| 30% below US avg | |
| Snowfall | 48.9 inches/yr |
| AQI Median | 36.0 |
| Rating | Good |
| Elevation | 1,373 ft (418 m) |
| Area | 17.4 sq mi (45.2 km²) |
| Population Density | 888/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 47.4870°N, 94.8827°W |
| County FIPS | 27057 |
Winner: Republican by 31.5 points
| Bachelor's Degree+ | 33.3% |
| 1% below US avg | |
| High School+ | 92.4% |
| School Test Score | 6.08 |
| RUCC Code 9 | Nonmetro — Rural |
| Population Density | 888/sq mi |
| Total Area | 17.4 sq mi |
| Broadband Access | 89.7% |
| EV Charging Stations | 7 |
| Alt Fuel Stations | 11 |
| Public Libraries | 1 |
| Healthcare Facilities | 56 |
| Restaurants | 82 |
| Retail Stores | 109 |
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 1 |
| Avg Commute | 16.5 min |
| Drive Alone | 77.9% |
| Public Transit | 1.1% |
| Work from Home | 7.3% |