Median Income
$53,850
28% lower than US avg
Home Value
$189,500
33% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
534/100K
40% higher than US avg
Bachelor's+
33.3%
1% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$1,004
14% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
40.7%
27% higher than US avg
Unemployment
3.4%
6% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
12.1%
2% lower than US avg
How Bemidji Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population15,490
Median Age29.8 yrs
Density888/mi²
Male / Female48% / 52%
Largest GroupWhite 75%
Veterans5.7%
Economy
B+
Median Income$53,850
Per Capita$30,619
Unemployment3.4%
Poverty12.1%
County GDP$968M
Commute17 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$189,500
Rent$1,004
Ownership41.9%
Zillow$209,426
Housing Units6,820
Rent Burden27.0%
Crime
F
Violent534/100K
Property7,633/100K
Murder0.0/100K
Assault379/100K
Burglary585/100K
Health
Obesity40.7%
Uninsured9.0%
Smoking19.4%
Depression28.2%
Heart Disease5.9%
Climate
Avg Temp40°F (4°C)
AQI36 (Good)
Rain26.5 in/yr
Sunny Days276/yr
Elevation1,373 ft (418 m)
Education
B+
Bachelor's+33.3%
High School+92.4%
Graduate+13.2%
School Score5.82
Community
2024 VoteR 65% / D 33%
Commute17 min
Broadband89.7%
EV Stations7
Libraries1
Is Bemidji a Good Place to Live?
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, abundant sunshine, high health insurance coverage. Areas to be aware of include elevated crime rates, below-average incomes, high obesity rates. Bemidji offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
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.
Cost of Living & Housing
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.
Safety & Crime
The violent crime rate of 534 per 100,000 is above the national average of 380 / something for prospective residents to consider. Property crime occurs at a rate of 7,633 per 100,000, 289% above the national average.
Education
Educational attainment is solid, with 33.3% holding a bachelor's degree or higher, near the national average. 92.4% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.8/10.
Climate & Weather
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. With 276 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 26.5 inches, including 48.9 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 36.
Bemidji has a population of 15,490 with a density of 888 people per square mile, spread across 17.4 square miles. The median age is 29.8 years, 23% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 52.2% female and 47.8% male. The city is predominantly White (74.9%), with 17.3% Hispanic, 3.2% Black. English is the primary language spoken at home by 95.7% of residents. 5.7% of the population are veterans. 17.2% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 93.9% have health insurance coverage.
Population
29.8yrs
Median Age
23% below US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
95.7%
22% above US avg
Spanish
4.3%
68% below US avg
The median household income in Bemidji is $53,850, which is 28% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $30,619 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $894, 38% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 3.4% (below the 3.6% US average). 12.1% of residents live below the poverty line. The area has 684 business establishments, including 82 restaurants. The cost of living index is 98.6, roughly in line with the national average. Workers commute an average of 17 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 7.3% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $53,850 |
| 28% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $30,619 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $894 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $68,529 |
| Gini Index | 0.449 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 3.4% |
| 6% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 12.1% |
| 2% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 684 |
| County GDP | $968M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 82 |
| Healthcare | 56 |
| Retail | 109 |
| Manufacturing | 29 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $4,149 |
| 19% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 98.60 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 2.19% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 16.5 min |
| Drive Alone | 77.9% |
| Public Transit | 1.1% |
| Work from Home | 7.3% |
The median home value in Bemidji is $189,500, 33% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $209,426, higher than the Census estimate. Homes sell for 96.8% of their list price, suggesting buyers have room to negotiate. Monthly rent averages $1,004 (14% 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. 41.9% of housing units are owner-occupied (below the 65.4% national rate). There are 6,820 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1979. The average annual property tax is $4,149 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 27.0% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 3.5x.
Home Values
| Census Median | $189,500 |
| 33% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $209,426 |
| Median List Price | $299,900 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
| Median List Price | $299,900 |
| $/Sq Ft | $152 |
| Homes Sold | 9 |
| Sale-to-List Ratio | 96.8% |
| Price Drops | 11.1% |
| Inventory | 36 |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $1,004 |
| 14% below US avg |
| Zillow Rent (ZORI) | $1,473 |
| Rent Burden | 27.0% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $809 |
| 1 Bedroom | $899 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,125 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,483 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,698 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 41.9% |
| Owner-Occupied | 41.9% |
| Renter-Occupied | 58.1% |
| Housing Units | 6,820 |
| Median Year Built | 1979 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $4,149 |
| 19% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 2.19% |
In Bemidji, 40.7% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 10.4% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.9% of residents. 30.6% have high blood pressure. 19.4% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 18.2% report binge drinking. 27.0% are physically inactive. 28.2% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 18.8% experience frequent mental distress. 9.0% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,670. The dentist ratio is 1:3,660. 56.6% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.4 out of 10.
Air Quality (Open-Meteo CAMS - 2026-05-23)
PM2.5
0.8
μg/m³
Fine particulate
PM10
0.9
μg/m³
Coarse particulate
NO₂
1.3
μg/m³
Nitrogen dioxide
SO₂
0.2
μg/m³
Sulphur dioxide
CO
129.0
μg/m³
Carbon monoxide
Health Metrics: Bemidji vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| 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% |
| Cancer | 7.2% |
| Stroke | 3.3% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 19.4% |
| 39% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 18.2% |
| Physical Inactivity | 27.0% |
| Depression | 28.2% |
| Mental Distress | 18.8% |
| Physical Distress | 13.2% |
| Short Sleep | 34.1% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 93.9% |
| Uninsured | 9.0% |
| 5% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,670 |
| Dentists | 1:3,660 |
| Mental Health | 1:632 |
| Checkup Rate | 71.9% |
| Dental Visits | 57.7% |
| Premature Death | 6,268/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.4/10 |
| Exercise Access | 56.6% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 56 |
Bemidji has a violent crime rate of 534 per 100,000 residents, 40% above the national average of 380. This breaks down to aggravated assault at 379.4 per 100,000, robbery at 70.7, rape at 83.6. The murder rate is 0.0 per 100,000 (below the national rate of 6.3). Property crime stands at 7,633 per 100,000, 289% above the U.S. average. This includes larceny/theft at 6,682, burglary at 585, vehicle theft at 367 per 100,000 residents. The county recorded 1 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Bemidji receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Bemidji vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 533.8/100K |
| 40% above US avg |
| Murder | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg |
| Rape | 83.6/100K |
| Robbery | 70.7/100K |
| Assault | 379.4/100K |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 7,633.4/100K |
| 289% above US avg |
| Burglary | 585.2/100K |
| Theft | 6,681.7/100K |
| Vehicle Theft | 366.6/100K |
| Arson | 12.9/100K |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 1 |
| Traffic Accidents | 520 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Bemidji has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 40°F (4°C). Winters average 7°F in January while summers reach 69°F in July / a wide seasonal temperature swing of 62°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 26.5 inches (drier than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 48.9 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 1,373 feet.
Temperature
7°F Jan (-14°C)
69°F Jul (20°C)
| Annual Average | 40.0°F |
| 26% below US avg |
| January Average | 7°F (-14°C) |
| July Average | 69°F (20°C) |
| Sunny Days | 276 days/yr |
Geography
| 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 |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Hubbard County County |
| Nearest Airport | Bemidji Regional (BJI) 3 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
26.5"
30% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
3.90"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 36.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 35.2 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 38.9 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 51.4 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Relatively Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Moderate |
| Lightning |
Relatively Low |
| Ice Storm |
Very Low |
| Drought |
Relatively Moderate |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Relatively Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Tornado History
176 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 13 fatalities, 86 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Aug 6, 1969 |
EF4 |
93 km |
12 |
| Jun 17, 2010 |
EF3 |
99 km |
1 |
| Jun 6, 2008 |
EF3 |
57 km |
0 |
| Aug 6, 1969 |
EF3 |
86 km |
0 |
| Jun 24, 2023 |
EF2 |
84 km |
0 |
| Jun 24, 2022 |
EF2 |
93 km |
0 |
| Jun 8, 2019 |
EF2 |
100 km |
0 |
| Jun 29, 2018 |
EF2 |
86 km |
0 |
| Jul 22, 2013 |
EF2 |
80 km |
0 |
| Jul 11, 2008 |
EF2 |
74 km |
0 |
| Jun 6, 2008 |
EF2 |
83 km |
0 |
| Jul 5, 1991 |
EF2 |
72 km |
0 |
| Aug 5, 1981 |
EF2 |
36 km |
0 |
| Sep 1, 1973 |
EF2 |
95 km |
0 |
| Aug 25, 1960 |
EF2 |
47 km |
0 |
| Jun 24, 2022 |
EF1 |
66 km |
0 |
| Jun 20, 2022 |
EF1 |
18 km |
0 |
| May 30, 2022 |
EF1 |
84 km |
0 |
| Oct 9, 2021 |
EF1 |
67 km |
0 |
| Jul 26, 2021 |
EF1 |
45 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 |
80 km |
| 2003 |
REINER 36 |
67,641 |
74 km |
| 1989 |
UNNAMED |
66,422 |
77 km |
| 1990 |
UNNAMED |
43,533 |
88 km |
| 1991 |
UNNAMED |
37,840 |
65 km |
| 1990 |
UNNAMED |
32,693 |
67 km |
| 1987 |
SANDY LAKE |
26,617 |
68 km |
| 1998 |
RL3 |
14,882 |
79 km |
| 2018 |
2018 HIGHWAY 1 RXB |
13,170 |
80 km |
| 1994 |
UNNAMED |
8,690 |
69 km |
| 1990 |
UNNAMED |
8,025 |
83 km |
| 2016 |
2016 HIGHWAY 1 RXB |
7,744 |
85 km |
| 2021 |
RL 005 UNIT 8 AND 9 |
6,352 |
62 km |
| 2003 |
HICKORY ONE |
6,152 |
75 km |
| 2007 |
HWYONEBURN |
6,124 |
83 km |
| 2002 |
RED LAKE 468 |
6,076 |
60 km |
| 2021 |
RL 203 GOODS |
5,555 |
71 km |
| 2012 |
HWY 1 2012 |
5,491 |
84 km |
| 2000 |
RL205 |
5,239 |
77 km |
| 2018 |
RL 029 UNIT 4 |
5,076 |
62 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
7°F (-14°C) |
0.7 in |
Coldest |
| February |
11°F (-12°C) |
0.5 in |
Driest |
| March |
24°F (-4°C) |
1.0 in |
|
| April |
40°F (5°C) |
1.9 in |
|
| May |
54°F (12°C) |
3.0 in |
|
| June |
63°F (17°C) |
3.9 in |
Wettest |
| July |
69°F (20°C) |
3.8 in |
Warmest |
| August |
66°F (19°C) |
3.4 in |
|
| September |
56°F (13°C) |
2.8 in |
|
| October |
43°F (6°C) |
2.2 in |
|
| November |
26°F (-4°C) |
0.9 in |
|
| December |
10°F (-12°C) |
0.8 in |
|
Bemidji has a seasonal temperature swing of 61°F / from 7°F in January to 69°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 24.8 inches, with June being the wettest month (3.9") and February the driest (0.5").
Average costs for common services in Bemidji. 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 | $1,070 |
| Toddler | $945 |
| Preschool | $891 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $621 |
| Toddler | $570 |
| Preschool | $570 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Bemidji
What is the population of Bemidji?
Bemidji has a population of 15,490 residents and is located in Minnesota. The population density is 888 people per square mile, spread across 17.4 square miles. The median age of residents is 29.8 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 52.2% female and 47.8% male.
Is Bemidji expensive to live in?
Bemidji 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 $53,850, 28% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $189,500 (33% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $1,004 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 3.5x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Bemidji safe?
The violent crime rate in Bemidji is 534 per 100,000 residents, above the national average of 380. Prospective residents should research specific neighborhoods, as crime rates can vary significantly within the city. Property crime occurs at a rate of 7,633 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Bemidji receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Bemidji?
Bemidji has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 40°F (4°C). Winter temperatures average 7°F in January, while summers reach an average of 69°F in July. The area receives 276 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 26.5 inches, with 48.9 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 36.
How is the job market in Bemidji?
Bemidji has a healthy job market with an unemployment rate of 3.4%, near the national average of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $894. There are 684 business establishments in the area, including 82 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 17 minutes, and 7.3% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Bemidji?
The median home value in Bemidji is $189,500. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $209,426. For renters, the median monthly rent is $1,004. Fair market rent is $899 for a 1-bedroom and $1,125 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 41.9%. The average annual property tax is $4,149.
How are the schools in Bemidji?
Schools in Bemidji score 5.8 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 33.3% of adults in Bemidji hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 92.4% have completed high school. 13.2% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Bemidji?
The obesity rate in Bemidji is 40.7% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 19.4% of adults are smokers. 27.0% are physically inactive. 28.2% of residents report depression. 9.0% lack health insurance. 56.6% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,670.
What is transportation like in Bemidji?
The average commute in Bemidji is 17 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 77.9% of workers drive alone to work, 1.1% use public transit, and 7.3% work from home.
What are the demographics of Bemidji?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Bemidji is 74.9% White, 3.2% Black or African American, 17.3% Hispanic or Latino. 95.7% of residents speak only English at home, while 4.3% speak Spanish. 5.7% of the population are military veterans. 17.2% of residents have a disability. 93.9% have health insurance coverage.