Median Income
$57,232
24% lower than US avg
Home Value
$86,400
69% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
212/100K
44% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
12.8%
62% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$792
32% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
38.7%
21% higher than US avg
Unemployment
2.1%
42% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
11.5%
7% lower than US avg
How Clarkfield Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population868
Median Age34.4 yrs
Density768/mi²
Male / Female45% / 55%
Largest GroupWhite 82%
Veterans4.1%
Economy
B+
Median Income$57,232
Per Capita$33,879
Unemployment2.1%
Poverty11.5%
County GDP$784M
Commute23 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$86,400
Rent$792
Ownership77.8%
Zillow$100,538
Housing Units433
Rent Burden26.4%
Crime
F
Violent212/100K
Property3,013/100K
Health
Obesity38.7%
Uninsured9.2%
Smoking15.9%
Depression26.0%
Heart Disease5.3%
Climate
Avg Temp44°F (6°C)
AQI36 (Good)
Rain29.5 in/yr
Sunny Days276/yr
Elevation1,088 ft (332 m)
Education
C
Bachelor's+12.8%
High School+93.1%
Graduate+2.4%
School Score5.62
Community
2024 VoteR 69% / D 29%
Commute23 min
Broadband82.6%
EV Stations1
Libraries3
Is Clarkfield a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Clarkfield 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. Areas to be aware of include below-average incomes, high obesity rates. Clarkfield offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Clarkfield is $57,232, 24% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 2.1%. 11.5% of residents live in poverty, near the national average of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 23 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Clarkfield is $86,400, 69% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $792 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 1.5x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Violent crime in Clarkfield is below the national average at 212 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 3,013 per 100,000, 54% above the national average.
Education
12.8% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 93.1% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.6/10.
Climate & Weather
Clarkfield has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 44°F. Winters average 12°F in January while summers reach 71°F in July. With 276 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 29.5 inches, including 45.5 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 36.
Clarkfield has a population of 868 with a density of 768 people per square mile, spread across 1.1 square miles. The median age is 34.4 years, 12% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 55.2% female and 44.8% male. The city is predominantly White (82%), with 5.5% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 84.1% of residents, while 15.9% speak Spanish. 4.1% of the population are veterans, below the national rate of 6.0%. 14.7% of residents have a disability. 88.9% have health insurance coverage.
Population
34.4yrs
Median Age
12% below US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Clarkfield vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
84.1%
7% above US avg
Spanish
15.9%
19% above US avg
Social Characteristics
Clarkfield vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Clarkfield is $57,232, which is 24% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $33,879 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $954, 33% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 2.1% (below the 3.6% US average). 11.5% of residents live below the poverty line. The area has 388 business establishments, including 24 restaurants. The cost of living index is 98.6, roughly in line with the national average. Workers commute an average of 23 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 4.0% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income: Clarkfield vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $57,232 |
| 24% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $33,879 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $954 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $74,153 |
| Gini Index | 0.422 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 2.1% |
| 42% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 11.5% |
| 7% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 388 |
| County GDP | $784M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 24 |
| Healthcare | 31 |
| Retail | 46 |
| Manufacturing | 17 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $3,238 |
| 7% below US avg |
| Cost of Living | 98.60 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 3.75% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 22.5 min |
| Drive Alone | 85.5% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 4.0% |
The median home value in Clarkfield is $86,400, 69% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $100,538, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $792 (32% 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. 77.8% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 433 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1953. The average annual property tax is $3,238. 26.4% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.5x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $86,400 |
| 69% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $100,538 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $792 |
| 32% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 26.4% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $809 |
| 1 Bedroom | $899 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,125 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,483 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,698 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 77.8% |
| Owner-Occupied | 77.8% |
| Renter-Occupied | 22.2% |
| Housing Units | 433 |
| Median Year Built | 1953 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $3,238 |
| 7% below US avg |
| Effective Rate | 3.75% |
In Clarkfield, 38.7% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 9.3% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.3% of residents. 28.6% have high blood pressure. 15.9% are current smokers. 20.1% report binge drinking. 24.7% are physically inactive. 26.0% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 17.5% experience frequent mental distress. 9.2% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,882. The dentist ratio is 1:2,372. 45.1% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.4 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Clarkfield vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 38.7% |
| 21% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 9.3% |
| Heart Disease | 5.3% |
| High Blood Pressure | 28.6% |
| Asthma | 10.4% |
| COPD | 5.4% |
| Cancer | 7.3% |
| Stroke | 2.8% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 15.9% |
| 14% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 20.1% |
| Physical Inactivity | 24.7% |
| Depression | 26.0% |
| Mental Distress | 17.5% |
| Physical Distress | 11.9% |
| Short Sleep | 33.1% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 88.9% |
| Uninsured | 9.2% |
| 7% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,882 |
| Dentists | 1:2,372 |
| Mental Health | 1:1,052 |
| Checkup Rate | 72.2% |
| Dental Visits | 63.9% |
| Premature Death | 8,670/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.4/10 |
| Exercise Access | 45.1% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 31 |
Clarkfield has a violent crime rate of 212 per 100,000 residents, 44% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 3,013 per 100,000, 54% above the U.S. average. The county recorded 3 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Clarkfield receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Clarkfield vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 212.4/100K |
| 44% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 3,012.8/100K |
| 54% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 3 |
| Traffic Accidents | 60 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Clarkfield has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 44°F (6°C). Winters average 12°F in January while summers reach 71°F in July. 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 29.5 inches (drier than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 45.5 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 1,088 feet.
Temperature
12°F Jan (-11°C)
71°F Jul (22°C)
| Annual Average | 43.5°F |
| 19% below US avg |
| January Average | 12°F (-11°C) |
| July Average | 71°F (22°C) |
| Sunny Days | 276 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,088 ft (332 m) |
| Area | 1.1 sq mi (2.8 km²) |
| Population Density | 768/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 44.7903°N, 95.8076°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Yellow Medicine County County |
| Nearest Airport | Southwest Minnesota Regional Marshall/Ryan Field (MML)
23 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
29.5"
23% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
3.86"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 36.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 30.0 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 30.9 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 88.0 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Very Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Moderate |
| Lightning |
Very Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
Relatively Low |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
4 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 |
105 km |
| Oct 20, 1995 |
8 km SSE of New Effington, South Dakota |
M3.7 |
138 km |
| Feb 9, 1994 |
6 km NNE of Blomkest, Minnesota |
M3.1 |
68 km |
| Apr 29, 2011 |
Minnesota |
M2.5 |
135 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
429 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF5. Total: 14 fatalities, 271 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jun 13, 1968 |
EF5 |
69 km |
9 |
| Jul 25, 2000 |
EF4 |
16 km |
1 |
| Mar 29, 1998 |
EF4 |
96 km |
1 |
| Jun 16, 1992 |
EF4 |
94 km |
0 |
| Jul 7, 1955 |
EF4 |
46 km |
1 |
| May 30, 2022 |
EF3 |
80 km |
0 |
| Jul 11, 2008 |
EF3 |
61 km |
0 |
| May 17, 1996 |
EF3 |
75 km |
0 |
| Jun 16, 1992 |
EF3 |
65 km |
0 |
| Jun 16, 1992 |
EF3 |
77 km |
0 |
| Jun 16, 1992 |
EF3 |
1 km |
0 |
| Jun 16, 1992 |
EF3 |
4 km |
0 |
| Jun 16, 1992 |
EF3 |
60 km |
0 |
| Jun 18, 1964 |
EF3 |
97 km |
0 |
| May 30, 2022 |
EF2 |
81 km |
0 |
| May 12, 2022 |
EF2 |
85 km |
0 |
| May 12, 2022 |
EF2 |
97 km |
0 |
| May 12, 2022 |
EF2 |
52 km |
0 |
| Jul 1, 2011 |
EF2 |
62 km |
0 |
| Jul 14, 2009 |
EF2 |
70 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: LOUISBURGRADE (6,487 ac, 2004).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2004 |
LOUISBURGRADE |
6,487 |
58 km |
| 2003 |
CHIPPEWA PRAIRIE |
2,067 |
43 km |
| 2004 |
FISH FIRE |
1,799 |
62 km |
| 2005 |
GRAND MEWS |
1,245 |
66 km |
| 1998 |
LEE |
1,137 |
66 km |
| 1995 |
UNNAMED |
1,115 |
67 km |
| 2003 |
ANDERSON |
1,082 |
62 km |
| 1998 |
ANDREASEN |
1,001 |
63 km |
| 1990 |
ANDERSON |
988 |
66 km |
| 2007 |
ANDERSON |
797 |
62 km |
| 2006 |
ANDERSON |
764 |
66 km |
| 1986 |
ANDERSON |
746 |
62 km |
| 2000 |
FISH |
720 |
64 km |
| 2010 |
WALDEN |
717 |
83 km |
| 2007 |
LEE |
689 |
67 km |
| 2000 |
SVOR |
661 |
69 km |
| 2003 |
LEE |
560 |
67 km |
| 1994 |
ARTICHOKE |
556 |
65 km |
| 2002 |
ARTICHOKE |
548 |
65 km |
| 2003 |
DISMAL SWAMP |
518 |
83 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
12°F (-11°C) |
0.8 in |
Coldest |
| February |
18°F (-8°C) |
0.8 in |
|
| March |
31°F (-1°C) |
1.6 in |
|
| April |
46°F (8°C) |
2.4 in |
|
| May |
59°F (15°C) |
3.1 in |
|
| June |
69°F (20°C) |
3.9 in |
Wettest |
| July |
71°F (22°C) |
3.6 in |
Warmest |
| August |
70°F (21°C) |
2.9 in |
|
| September |
60°F (16°C) |
2.4 in |
|
| October |
48°F (9°C) |
2.0 in |
|
| November |
31°F (-1°C) |
1.3 in |
|
| December |
17°F (-9°C) |
0.7 in |
Driest |
Clarkfield has a seasonal temperature swing of 59°F / from 12°F in January to 71°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 25.6 inches, with June being the wettest month (3.9") and December the driest (0.7").
Average costs for common services in Clarkfield. 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 | $860 |
| Toddler | $828 |
| Preschool | $765 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $556 |
| Toddler | $563 |
| Preschool | $563 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Clarkfield
What is the population of Clarkfield?
Clarkfield has a population of 868 residents and is located in Minnesota. The population density is 768 people per square mile, spread across 1.1 square miles. The median age of residents is 34.4 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 55.2% female and 44.8% male.
Is Clarkfield expensive to live in?
Clarkfield 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 $57,232, 24% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $86,400 (69% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $792 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.5x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Clarkfield safe?
Clarkfield is safer than the national average, with a violent crime rate of 212 per 100,000 compared to the U.S. rate of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 3,013 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Clarkfield receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Clarkfield?
Clarkfield has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 44°F (6°C). Winter temperatures average 12°F in January, while summers reach an average of 71°F in July. The area receives 276 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 29.5 inches, with 45.5 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 36.
How is the job market in Clarkfield?
The job market in Clarkfield is very strong, with unemployment at just 2.1% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $954. There are 388 business establishments in the area, including 24 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 23 minutes, and 4.0% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Clarkfield?
The median home value in Clarkfield is $86,400. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $100,538. For renters, the median monthly rent is $792. Fair market rent is $899 for a 1-bedroom and $1,125 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 77.8%. The average annual property tax is $3,238.
How are the schools in Clarkfield?
Schools in Clarkfield score 5.6 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 12.8% of adults in Clarkfield hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 93.1% have completed high school. 2.4% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Clarkfield?
The obesity rate in Clarkfield is 38.7% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 15.9% of adults are smokers. 24.7% are physically inactive. 26.0% of residents report depression. 9.2% lack health insurance. 45.1% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,882.
What is transportation like in Clarkfield?
The average commute in Clarkfield is 23 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 85.5% of workers drive alone to work, and 4.0% work from home.
What are the demographics of Clarkfield?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Clarkfield is 82% White, 5.5% Hispanic or Latino. 84.1% of residents speak only English at home, while 15.9% speak Spanish. 4.1% of the population are military veterans. 14.7% of residents have a disability. 88.9% have health insurance coverage.
All Countries
