Median Income
$57,344
24% lower than US avg
Home Value
$142,000
50% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
636/100K
67% higher than US avg
Bachelor's+
20.4%
39% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$502
57% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
40.3%
26% higher than US avg
Unemployment
7.0%
94% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
13.0%
5% higher than US avg
How Breckenridge Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population3,369
Median Age40.9 yrs
Density1,296/mi²
Male / Female52% / 48%
Largest GroupWhite 92%
Veterans7.2%
Economy
B
Median Income$57,344
Per Capita$30,550
Unemployment7.0%
Poverty13.0%
County GDP$386M
Commute17 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$142,000
Rent$502
Ownership69.2%
Zillow$194,217
Housing Units1,653
Rent Burden26.3%
Crime
F
Violent636/100K
Property303/100K
Health
Obesity40.3%
Uninsured4.2%
Smoking18.9%
Depression27.3%
Heart Disease6.2%
Climate
Avg Temp42°F (6°C)
Rain24.1 in/yr
Elevation964 ft (294 m)
Education
C+
Bachelor's+20.4%
High School+92.0%
Graduate+7.1%
School Score5.77
Community
2024 VoteR 69% / D 29%
Commute17 min
Broadband82.4%
Libraries1
Is Breckenridge a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Breckenridge receives an overall livability score of 2.9 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C+. Key strengths include affordable housing, high health insurance coverage. Areas to be aware of include elevated crime rates, above-average unemployment, below-average incomes. Breckenridge has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Breckenridge is $57,344, 24% below the national average of $75,149. The unemployment rate of 7.0% is somewhat elevated compared to the national rate of 3.6%. 13.0% 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 Breckenridge is $142,000, 50% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $502 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 2.5x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
With 636 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, public safety is a notable concern / this is significantly above the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 303 per 100,000, 85% below the national average.
Education
20.4% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 92.0% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.8/10.
Climate & Weather
Breckenridge has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 42°F. Winters average 9°F in January while summers reach 71°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 24.1 inches, including 49.6 inches of snow.
Breckenridge has a population of 3,369 with a density of 1,296 people per square mile, spread across 2.6 square miles. The median age is 40.9 years, 5% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 48.4% female and 51.6% male. The city is predominantly White (91.6%), with 3% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 97.7% of residents. 7.2% of the population are veterans. 19.1% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 95.8% have health insurance coverage.
Population
3,369
Total Population
2023 Census
40.9yrs
Median Age
5% above US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Breckenridge vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
97.7%
24% above US avg
Spanish
1.7%
87% below US avg
Social Characteristics
Breckenridge vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Breckenridge is $57,344, which is 24% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $30,550 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,077, 25% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 7.0% (above the 3.6% US average). 13.0% of residents live below the poverty line. The area has 208 business establishments, including 7 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). 8.1% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income: Breckenridge vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $57,344 |
| 24% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $30,550 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,077 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $71,164 |
| Gini Index | 0.450 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 7.0% |
| 94% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 13.0% |
| 5% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 208 |
| County GDP | $386M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 7 |
| Healthcare | 20 |
| Retail | 20 |
| Manufacturing | 4 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $3,733 |
| 7% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 98.60 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 2.63% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 17.2 min |
| Drive Alone | 74.3% |
| Public Transit | 0.3% |
| Work from Home | 8.1% |
The median home value in Breckenridge is $142,000, 50% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $194,217, higher than the Census estimate. According to Redfin, the median sale price is $399,000 with homes selling in an average of 369 days. Monthly rent averages $502 (57% 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. 69.2% of housing units are owner-occupied. There are 1,653 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1969. The average annual property tax is $3,733. 26.3% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.5x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $142,000 |
| 50% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $194,217 |
| Redfin Median Sale | $399,000 |
| Median List Price | $329,900 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
| Median Sale Price | $399,000 |
| Median List Price | $329,900 |
| $/Sq Ft | $214 |
| Homes Sold | 1 |
| Days on Market | 369 days |
| Sale-to-List Ratio | 100.0% |
| Price Drops | 26.7% |
| Inventory | 15 |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $502 |
| 57% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 26.3% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $809 |
| 1 Bedroom | $899 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,125 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,483 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,698 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 69.2% |
| Owner-Occupied | 69.2% |
| Renter-Occupied | 30.8% |
| Housing Units | 1,653 |
| Median Year Built | 1969 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $3,733 |
| 7% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 2.63% |
In Breckenridge, 40.3% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 10.6% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 6.2% of residents. 31.0% have high blood pressure. 18.9% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 19.9% report binge drinking. 27.3% are physically inactive. 27.3% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 18.6% experience frequent mental distress. 4.2% of residents lack health insurance (below the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:3,198. The dentist ratio is 1:3,175. 56.8% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.5 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Breckenridge vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 40.3% |
| 26% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 10.6% |
| Heart Disease | 6.2% |
| High Blood Pressure | 31.0% |
| Asthma | 11.0% |
| COPD | 6.9% |
| Cancer | 7.3% |
| Stroke | 3.3% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 18.9% |
| 35% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 19.9% |
| Physical Inactivity | 27.3% |
| Depression | 27.3% |
| Mental Distress | 18.6% |
| Physical Distress | 13.6% |
| Short Sleep | 30.8% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 95.8% |
| Uninsured | 4.2% |
| 51% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:3,198 |
| Dentists | 1:3,175 |
| Mental Health | 1:371 |
| Checkup Rate | 71.8% |
| Dental Visits | 61.3% |
| Premature Death | 9,030/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.5/10 |
| Exercise Access | 56.8% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 20 |
Breckenridge has a violent crime rate of 636 per 100,000 residents, 67% above the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 303 per 100,000, 85% below the U.S. average. The county recorded 1 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Breckenridge receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Breckenridge vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 636.2/100K |
| 67% above US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 302.9/100K |
| 85% below US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 1 |
| Traffic Accidents | 7 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Breckenridge has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 42°F (6°C). Winters average 9°F in January while summers reach 71°F in July / a wide seasonal temperature swing of 62°F. Annual precipitation totals 24.1 inches (drier than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 49.6 inches of snow annually, making winter weather a significant factor for residents. The city sits at an elevation of 964 feet.
Temperature
9°F Jan (-13°C)
71°F Jul (22°C)
| Annual Average | 42.1°F |
| 22% below US avg |
| January Average | 9°F (-13°C) |
| July Average | 71°F (22°C) |
Geography
| Elevation | 964 ft (294 m) |
| Area | 2.6 sq mi (6.7 km²) |
| Population Density | 1,296/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 46.2659°N, 96.5846°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Wilkin County County |
| Nearest Airport | Hector International (FAR)
47 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
24.1"
37% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
4.14"
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 5.3 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 10.6 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 71.9 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Very Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Moderate |
| Lightning |
Very Low |
| Ice Storm |
Very Low |
| Drought |
No Rating |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Very 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 |
70 km |
| Oct 20, 1995 |
8 km SSE of New Effington, South Dakota |
M3.7 |
57 km |
| Apr 29, 2011 |
Minnesota |
M2.5 |
87 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990-2025)
Tornado History
446 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF5. Total: 15 fatalities, 209 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jun 20, 1957 |
EF5 |
92 km |
10 |
| Jul 8, 2020 |
EF4 |
53 km |
1 |
| Aug 7, 2010 |
EF4 |
18 km |
0 |
| Jun 17, 2010 |
EF4 |
91 km |
1 |
| Jun 28, 1975 |
EF4 |
68 km |
0 |
| Jul 2, 1955 |
EF4 |
41 km |
2 |
| Jun 13, 2001 |
EF3 |
97 km |
0 |
| May 10, 1982 |
EF3 |
29 km |
0 |
| Jun 28, 1975 |
EF3 |
67 km |
0 |
| Jul 1, 1973 |
EF3 |
48 km |
0 |
| Jul 1, 1973 |
EF3 |
96 km |
0 |
| Jun 15, 1973 |
EF3 |
84 km |
0 |
| May 5, 1964 |
EF3 |
24 km |
0 |
| Aug 30, 1956 |
EF3 |
72 km |
0 |
| Jul 2, 1955 |
EF3 |
30 km |
0 |
| Jul 1, 1952 |
EF3 |
36 km |
0 |
| Jun 24, 2022 |
EF2 |
95 km |
0 |
| May 30, 2022 |
EF2 |
62 km |
0 |
| May 30, 2022 |
EF2 |
49 km |
0 |
| May 12, 2022 |
EF2 |
28 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950-2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: BIESTERFELD (3,481 ac, 2021).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2021 |
BIESTERFELD |
3,481 |
64 km |
| 2003 |
ROTHSAY |
3,015 |
33 km |
| 2024 |
DORAN WMA |
2,455 |
30 km |
| 2003 |
DANIELSON |
1,682 |
61 km |
| 2003 |
OLERUD |
1,275 |
58 km |
| 2007 |
FLICKERTAIL |
1,239 |
90 km |
| 1996 |
UNNAMED |
1,153 |
65 km |
| 1985 |
ALICE 02 |
1,142 |
89 km |
| 2016 |
UNNAMED |
1,128 |
33 km |
| 2019 |
UNNAMED |
1,060 |
33 km |
| 2021 |
HARTLEBEN WPA |
1,002 |
36 km |
| 1999 |
HELLIKSEN |
993 |
100 km |
| 1992 |
MEADOWS |
922 |
22 km |
| 2005 |
HILLICKSON 05 |
818 |
100 km |
| 2012 |
DONELY TILMAN |
773 |
97 km |
| 2000 |
UNNAMED |
718 |
89 km |
| 1997 |
HELLIKSON |
669 |
99 km |
| 2006 |
MOSQUITO RANCH |
656 |
73 km |
| 2009 |
READ |
643 |
97 km |
| 2007 |
HAUGVEDT WPA |
630 |
50 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
9°F (-13°C) |
0.7 in |
Coldest |
| February |
13°F (-11°C) |
0.6 in |
Driest |
| March |
27°F (-3°C) |
1.0 in |
|
| April |
43°F (6°C) |
1.6 in |
|
| May |
56°F (14°C) |
2.9 in |
|
| June |
67°F (19°C) |
4.1 in |
Wettest |
| July |
71°F (22°C) |
3.9 in |
Warmest |
| August |
69°F (21°C) |
2.5 in |
|
| September |
60°F (16°C) |
2.5 in |
|
| October |
46°F (8°C) |
2.8 in |
|
| November |
30°F (-1°C) |
0.8 in |
|
| December |
16°F (-9°C) |
0.7 in |
|
Breckenridge has a seasonal temperature swing of 62°F / from 9°F in January to 71°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 24.1 inches, with June being the wettest month (4.1") and February the driest (0.6").
Average costs for common services in Breckenridge. 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 | $758 |
| Toddler | $697 |
| Preschool | $637 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $556 |
| Toddler | $563 |
| Preschool | $563 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Breckenridge
What is the population of Breckenridge?
Breckenridge has a population of 3,369 residents and is located in Minnesota. The population density is 1,296 people per square mile, spread across 2.6 square miles. The median age of residents is 40.9 years. The population is 48.4% female and 51.6% male.
Is Breckenridge expensive to live in?
Breckenridge 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 $57,344, 24% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $142,000 (50% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $502 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.5x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Breckenridge safe?
Public safety is a concern in Breckenridge, with a violent crime rate of 636 per 100,000 / significantly above the national average of 380. However, crime tends to concentrate in certain areas, and many neighborhoods remain relatively safe. Property crime occurs at a rate of 303 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Breckenridge receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Breckenridge?
Breckenridge has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 42°F (6°C). Winter temperatures average 9°F in January, while summers reach an average of 71°F in July. Annual rainfall totals 24.1 inches, with 49.6 inches of snow.
How is the job market in Breckenridge?
The unemployment rate in Breckenridge is 7.0%, somewhat above the national average of 3.6%. Job seekers may face moderate competition. The average weekly wage is $1,077. There are 208 business establishments in the area, including 7 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 17 minutes, and 8.1% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Breckenridge?
The median home value in Breckenridge is $142,000. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $194,217. According to Redfin, the median sale price is $399,000, with homes typically selling within 369 days. For renters, the median monthly rent is $502. Fair market rent is $899 for a 1-bedroom and $1,125 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 69.2%. The average annual property tax is $3,733.
How are the schools in Breckenridge?
Schools in Breckenridge score 5.8 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 20.4% of adults in Breckenridge hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 92.0% have completed high school. 7.1% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Breckenridge?
The obesity rate in Breckenridge is 40.3% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 18.9% of adults are smokers. 27.3% are physically inactive. 27.3% of residents report depression. 4.2% lack health insurance (below the national rate). 56.8% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:3,198.
What is transportation like in Breckenridge?
The average commute in Breckenridge is 17 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 74.3% of workers drive alone to work, and 8.1% work from home.
What are the demographics of Breckenridge?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Breckenridge is 91.6% White, 3% Hispanic or Latino. 97.7% of residents speak only English at home. 7.2% of the population are military veterans. 19.1% of residents have a disability. 95.8% have health insurance coverage.