Median Income
$75,208
0% lower than US avg
Home Value
$146,900
48% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
134/100K
65% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
7.2%
79% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$925
20% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
35.9%
12% higher than US avg
Unemployment
2.2%
39% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
6.1%
51% lower than US avg
How Bowlus Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population267
Median Age41.7 yrs
Density209/mi²
Male / Female57% / 43%
Largest GroupWhite 99%
Veterans11.0%
Economy
A
Median Income$75,208
Per Capita$40,808
Unemployment2.2%
Poverty6.1%
County GDP$12,618M
Commute32 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$146,900
Rent$925
Ownership74.0%
Zillow$204,533
Housing Units130
Rent Burden24.2%
Crime
F
Violent134/100K
Property1,805/100K
Health
Obesity35.9%
Uninsured7.6%
Smoking16.1%
Depression25.6%
Heart Disease5.3%
Climate
Avg Temp42°F (5°C)
AQI36 (Good)
Rain30.1 in/yr
Sunny Days270/yr
Elevation1,111 ft (339 m)
Education
D
Bachelor's+7.2%
High School+90.0%
Graduate+0.6%
School Score6.21
Community
2024 VoteR 62% / D 36%
Commute32 min
Broadband79.5%
EV Stations3
Libraries10
Is Bowlus a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Bowlus 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. Bowlus offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Bowlus is $75,208, roughly in line with the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 2.2%. Only 6.1% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 32 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Bowlus is $146,900, 48% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $925 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 2x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Bowlus is a very safe community with a violent crime rate of 134 per 100,000 residents / well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,805 per 100,000, near the national average.
Education
7.2% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 90.0% have completed high school. Local schools score 6.2/10 in standardized testing, reflecting strong academic performance.
Climate & Weather
Bowlus has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 42°F. Winters average 10°F in January while summers reach 69°F in July. With 270 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 30.1 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 36.
Bowlus has a population of 267 with a density of 209 people per square mile, spread across 1.3 square miles. The median age is 41.7 years, 7% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 43.1% female and 56.9% male. The city is predominantly White (98.9%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 97.4% of residents. 11.0% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 14.5% of residents have a disability. 97.2% have health insurance coverage.
Population
41.7yrs
Median Age
7% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
97.4%
24% above US avg
Spanish
2.6%
81% below US avg
The median household income in Bowlus is $75,208, which is 0% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $40,808. The average weekly wage is $1,198, 16% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 2.2% (below the 3.6% US average). 6.1% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 4,733 business establishments, including 391 restaurants. The cost of living index is 98.6, roughly in line with the national average. Workers commute an average of 32 minutes. 4.7% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $75,208 |
| 0% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $40,808 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,198 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $79,564 |
| Gini Index | 0.431 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 2.2% |
| 39% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 6.1% |
| 51% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 4,733 |
| County GDP | $12,618M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 391 |
| Healthcare | 529 |
| Retail | 642 |
| Manufacturing | 231 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $5,101 |
| 46% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 98.60 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 3.47% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 31.8 min |
| Drive Alone | 87.3% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 4.7% |
The median home value in Bowlus is $146,900, 48% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $204,533, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $925 (20% 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. 74.0% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 130 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1938. The average annual property tax is $5,101 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 24.2% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 2x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $146,900 |
| 48% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $204,533 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $925 |
| 20% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 24.2% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $809 |
| 1 Bedroom | $899 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,125 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,483 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,698 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 74.0% |
| Owner-Occupied | 74.0% |
| Renter-Occupied | 26.0% |
| Housing Units | 130 |
| Median Year Built | 1938 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $5,101 |
| 46% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 3.47% |
In Bowlus, 35.9% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 8.7% have diabetes (below the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 5.3% of residents. 28.1% have high blood pressure. 16.1% are current smokers. 20.6% report binge drinking. 23.3% are physically inactive. 25.6% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 16.8% experience frequent mental distress. 7.6% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,025. The dentist ratio is 1:1,224. 77.6% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.5 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Bowlus vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 35.9% |
| 12% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 8.7% |
| Heart Disease | 5.3% |
| High Blood Pressure | 28.1% |
| Asthma | 10.3% |
| COPD | 5.3% |
| Cancer | 7.2% |
| Stroke | 2.7% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 16.1% |
| 15% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 20.6% |
| Physical Inactivity | 23.3% |
| Depression | 25.6% |
| Mental Distress | 16.8% |
| Physical Distress | 11.7% |
| Short Sleep | 33.2% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 97.2% |
| Uninsured | 7.6% |
| 12% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,025 |
| Dentists | 1:1,224 |
| Mental Health | 1:235 |
| Checkup Rate | 71.6% |
| Dental Visits | 66.4% |
| Premature Death | 6,211/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.5/10 |
| Exercise Access | 77.6% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 529 |
Bowlus has a violent crime rate of 134 per 100,000 residents, 65% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 1,805 per 100,000, 8% below the U.S. average. The county recorded 10 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Bowlus receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Bowlus vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 134.2/100K |
| 65% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 1,805.3/100K |
| 8% below US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 10 |
| Traffic Accidents | 17 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Bowlus has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 42°F (5°C). Winters average 10°F in January while summers reach 69°F in July. The area gets 270 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 30.1 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 1,111 feet.
Temperature
10°F Jan (-12°C)
69°F Jul (21°C)
| Annual Average | 41.6°F |
| 23% below US avg |
| January Average | 10°F (-12°C) |
| July Average | 69°F (21°C) |
| Sunny Days | 270 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,111 ft (339 m) |
| Area | 1.3 sq mi (3.3 km²) |
| Population Density | 209/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 45.8191°N, 94.4072°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Stearns County County |
| Nearest Airport | St Cloud Regional (STC)
25 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
30.1"
21% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
4.09"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 36.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Air Pollutants (EPA 2023)
| Ozone (O₃) | 0.0456 ppm |
| PM2.5 (Fine Particles) | 8.7 μg/m³ |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Moderate |
| Risk Score | 87.6 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 24.1 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 96.2 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively High |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Relatively Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hail |
Relatively High |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively High |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively High |
| Lightning |
Relatively High |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Moderate |
| Drought |
Relatively Low |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Landslide |
Relatively 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 |
147 km |
| Feb 9, 1994 |
6 km NNE of Blomkest, Minnesota |
M3.1 |
102 km |
| Apr 29, 2011 |
Minnesota |
M2.5 |
89 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
361 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 10 fatalities, 166 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jun 17, 2010 |
EF4 |
89 km |
0 |
| Jun 17, 2010 |
EF4 |
85 km |
1 |
| Jun 11, 1966 |
EF4 |
90 km |
0 |
| Jun 13, 2001 |
EF3 |
81 km |
0 |
| Sep 18, 1997 |
EF3 |
39 km |
1 |
| Jul 1, 1997 |
EF3 |
83 km |
0 |
| Jun 16, 1992 |
EF3 |
90 km |
0 |
| Jul 5, 1991 |
EF3 |
73 km |
0 |
| Sep 3, 1980 |
EF3 |
35 km |
1 |
| Aug 26, 1977 |
EF3 |
60 km |
0 |
| Jun 25, 1973 |
EF3 |
71 km |
0 |
| Jun 18, 1964 |
EF3 |
85 km |
0 |
| May 5, 1964 |
EF3 |
39 km |
0 |
| Jun 12, 2024 |
EF2 |
87 km |
0 |
| Jun 12, 2024 |
EF2 |
98 km |
0 |
| May 30, 2022 |
EF2 |
70 km |
0 |
| May 30, 2022 |
EF2 |
77 km |
0 |
| May 12, 2022 |
EF2 |
78 km |
0 |
| Jul 8, 2020 |
EF2 |
99 km |
0 |
| Jul 11, 2016 |
EF2 |
78 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 |
46 km |
| 2009 |
CENTER TANK RANGE |
6,131 |
42 km |
| 2002 |
UNIT 4 |
5,887 |
60 km |
| 2003 |
UNITS 37 38 39 A |
4,879 |
68 km |
| 1998 |
UNITS 1617 |
4,649 |
64 km |
| 1988 |
UNNAMED |
4,475 |
42 km |
| 2005 |
RX HFR 05 |
4,253 |
64 km |
| 2009 |
BU9 |
4,112 |
60 km |
| 2007 |
WUI 07 - UNIT 36 |
4,025 |
69 km |
| 1988 |
UNNAMED |
3,642 |
54 km |
| 2000 |
UNIT 25 |
3,412 |
69 km |
| 2009 |
BU11 |
3,242 |
63 km |
| 1997 |
BIG |
2,987 |
66 km |
| 2009 |
HENDRICKSON IMPACT AREA |
2,757 |
50 km |
| 2003 |
UNITS 34 33 W |
2,637 |
68 km |
| 2024 |
UNIT 8E RX |
2,551 |
62 km |
| 1992 |
SHARPTAIL |
2,288 |
68 km |
| 1988 |
UNNAMED |
2,243 |
47 km |
| 2010 |
WUI 10 UNIT D |
2,042 |
68 km |
| 1996 |
UNNAMED |
1,906 |
70 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
10°F (-12°C) |
0.8 in |
Coldest |
| February |
17°F (-9°C) |
0.7 in |
Driest |
| March |
29°F (-2°C) |
1.5 in |
|
| April |
44°F (7°C) |
2.2 in |
|
| May |
58°F (14°C) |
3.2 in |
|
| June |
67°F (19°C) |
4.1 in |
Wettest |
| July |
69°F (21°C) |
3.4 in |
Warmest |
| August |
69°F (20°C) |
3.6 in |
|
| September |
59°F (15°C) |
3.2 in |
|
| October |
47°F (8°C) |
2.4 in |
|
| November |
30°F (-1°C) |
1.3 in |
|
| December |
15°F (-9°C) |
0.8 in |
|
Bowlus has a seasonal temperature swing of 60°F / from 10°F in January to 69°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 27.1 inches, with June being the wettest month (4.1") and February the driest (0.7").
Average costs for common services in Bowlus. 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 | $1,865 |
| Toddler | $1,653 |
| Preschool | $1,458 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $621 |
| Toddler | $570 |
| Preschool | $570 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Bowlus
What is the population of Bowlus?
Bowlus has a population of 267 residents and is located in Minnesota. The population density is 209 people per square mile, spread across 1.3 square miles. The median age of residents is 41.7 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 43.1% female and 56.9% male.
Is Bowlus expensive to live in?
Bowlus 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 $75,208, 0% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $146,900 (48% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $925 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 2x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Bowlus safe?
Bowlus is considered a very safe city with a violent crime rate of 134 per 100,000 residents, well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,805 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Bowlus receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Bowlus?
Bowlus has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 42°F (5°C). Winter temperatures average 10°F in January, while summers reach an average of 69°F in July. The area receives 270 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 30.1 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 36.
How is the job market in Bowlus?
The job market in Bowlus is very strong, with unemployment at just 2.2% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,198. There are 4,733 business establishments in the area, including 391 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 32 minutes, and 4.7% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Bowlus?
The median home value in Bowlus is $146,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $204,533. For renters, the median monthly rent is $925. Fair market rent is $899 for a 1-bedroom and $1,125 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 74.0%. The average annual property tax is $5,101.
How are the schools in Bowlus?
Schools in Bowlus score 6.2 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 7.2% of adults in Bowlus hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 90.0% have completed high school. 0.6% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Bowlus?
The obesity rate in Bowlus is 35.9% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 16.1% of adults are smokers. 23.3% are physically inactive. 25.6% of residents report depression. 7.6% lack health insurance. 77.6% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,025.
What is transportation like in Bowlus?
The average commute in Bowlus is 32 minutes, longer than the national average of 28 minutes. 87.3% of workers drive alone to work, and 4.7% work from home.
What are the demographics of Bowlus?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Bowlus is 98.9% White, 0.7% Hispanic or Latino. 97.4% of residents speak only English at home. 11.0% of the population are military veterans. 14.5% of residents have a disability. 97.2% have health insurance coverage.
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