Median Income
$48,750
35% lower than US avg
Home Value
$111,300
61% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
202/100K
47% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
28.0%
17% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$725
38% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
37.6%
17% higher than US avg
Unemployment
1.5%
58% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
15.6%
26% higher than US avg
How Climax Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population184
Median Age26.0 yrs
Density196/mi²
Male / Female52% / 48%
Largest GroupWhite 88%
Veterans9.2%
Economy
B+
Median Income$48,750
Per Capita$23,425
Unemployment1.5%
Poverty15.6%
County GDP$1,694M
Commute19 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$111,300
Rent$725
Ownership66.2%
Zillow$198,464
Housing Units79
Rent Burden28.8%
Crime
F
Violent202/100K
Property860/100K
Health
Obesity37.6%
Uninsured6.9%
Smoking13.9%
Depression25.7%
Heart Disease5.0%
Climate
Avg Temp40°F (5°C)
AQI36 (Good)
Rain22.4 in/yr
Sunny Days276/yr
Elevation865 ft (264 m)
Education
B
Bachelor's+28.0%
High School+95.7%
Graduate+2.1%
School Score6.05
Community
2024 VoteR 66% / D 32%
Commute19 min
Broadband71.0%
EV Stations4
Libraries6
Is Climax a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Climax receives an overall livability score of 3.2 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. Climax offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Climax is $48,750, 35% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 1.5%. The poverty rate of 15.6% exceeds the national average of 12.4%, indicating economic hardship for a significant portion of the population. Workers commute an average of 19 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Climax is $111,300, 61% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $725 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 2.3x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Violent crime in Climax is below the national average at 202 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 860 per 100,000, 56% below the national average.
Education
28.0% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 95.7% have completed high school. Local schools score 6.1/10 in standardized testing, reflecting strong academic performance.
Climate & Weather
Climax has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 40°F. Winters average 6°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 22.4 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 36.
Climax has a population of 184 with a density of 196 people per square mile, spread across 0.9 square miles. The median age is 26.0 years, 33% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 47.8% female and 52.2% male. The city is predominantly White (88%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 98.7% of residents. 9.2% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 9.5% of residents have a disability (below the 13.0% national average). 89.3% have health insurance coverage.
Population
26.0yrs
Median Age
33% below US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
98.7%
26% above US avg
Spanish
1.3%
90% below US avg
The median household income in Climax is $48,750, which is 35% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $23,425 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,052, 27% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 1.5% (below the 3.6% US average). 15.6% of residents live below the poverty line, higher than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 1,029 business establishments, including 61 restaurants. The cost of living index is 98.6, roughly in line with the national average. Workers commute an average of 19 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 0.0% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $48,750 |
| 35% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $23,425 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,052 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $71,261 |
| Gini Index | 0.420 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 1.5% |
| 58% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 15.6% |
| 26% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 1,029 |
| County GDP | $1,694M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 61 |
| Healthcare | 101 |
| Retail | 96 |
| Manufacturing | 36 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $4,349 |
| 24% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 98.60 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 3.91% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 18.6 min |
| Drive Alone | 82.0% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 0.0% |
The median home value in Climax is $111,300, 61% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $198,464, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $725 (38% 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. 66.2% of housing units are owner-occupied. There are 79 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1971. The average annual property tax is $4,349 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 28.8% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.3x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $111,300 |
| 61% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $198,464 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $725 |
| 38% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 28.8% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $809 |
| 1 Bedroom | $899 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,125 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,483 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,698 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 66.2% |
| Owner-Occupied | 66.2% |
| Renter-Occupied | 33.8% |
| Housing Units | 79 |
| Median Year Built | 1971 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $4,349 |
| 24% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 3.91% |
In Climax, 37.6% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 8.2% have diabetes (below the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 5.0% of residents. 25.6% have high blood pressure. 13.9% are current smokers. 22.1% report binge drinking. 21.2% are physically inactive. 25.7% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 16.3% experience frequent mental distress. 6.9% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,809. The dentist ratio is 1:2,195. 71.8% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.2 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Climax vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 37.6% |
| 17% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 8.2% |
| Heart Disease | 5.0% |
| High Blood Pressure | 25.6% |
| Asthma | 10.1% |
| COPD | 4.7% |
| Cancer | 7.4% |
| Stroke | 2.6% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 13.9% |
| 1% below US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 22.1% |
| Physical Inactivity | 21.2% |
| Depression | 25.7% |
| Mental Distress | 16.3% |
| Physical Distress | 10.7% |
| Short Sleep | 34.1% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 89.3% |
| Uninsured | 6.9% |
| 20% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,809 |
| Dentists | 1:2,195 |
| Mental Health | 1:371 |
| Checkup Rate | 71.8% |
| Dental Visits | 68.9% |
| Premature Death | 7,266/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.2/10 |
| Exercise Access | 71.8% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 101 |
Climax has a violent crime rate of 202 per 100,000 residents, 47% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 860 per 100,000, 56% below the U.S. average. The county recorded 1 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Climax receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Climax vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 202.4/100K |
| 47% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 860.2/100K |
| 56% below US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 1 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Climax has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 40°F (5°C). Winters average 6°F in January while summers reach 69°F in July / a wide seasonal temperature swing of 63°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 22.4 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 865 feet.
Temperature
6°F Jan (-14°C)
69°F Jul (21°C)
| Annual Average | 40.1°F |
| 26% below US avg |
| January Average | 6°F (-14°C) |
| July Average | 69°F (21°C) |
| Sunny Days | 276 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 865 ft (264 m) |
| Area | 0.9 sq mi (2.4 km²) |
| Population Density | 196/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 47.6095°N, 96.8122°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Polk County County |
| Nearest Airport | Grand Forks International (GFK)
29 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
22.4"
41% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
3.62"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 36.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 67.1 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 35.7 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 77.3 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Relatively Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Moderate |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Moderate |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively High |
| Lightning |
Very Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
Relatively Moderate |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively High |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Tornado History
468 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF5. Total: 18 fatalities, 199 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jun 20, 1957 |
EF5 |
89 km |
10 |
| Jun 17, 2010 |
EF4 |
37 km |
0 |
| Aug 26, 2007 |
EF4 |
61 km |
1 |
| Jun 28, 1975 |
EF4 |
83 km |
0 |
| Aug 27, 2016 |
EF3 |
25 km |
0 |
| Jun 17, 2010 |
EF3 |
48 km |
1 |
| Aug 26, 2007 |
EF3 |
85 km |
0 |
| Jul 21, 1987 |
EF3 |
93 km |
0 |
| Jun 28, 1975 |
EF3 |
84 km |
0 |
| Jun 16, 1973 |
EF3 |
33 km |
0 |
| Jun 15, 1973 |
EF3 |
89 km |
0 |
| Jun 21, 1971 |
EF3 |
85 km |
0 |
| Aug 11, 1958 |
EF3 |
43 km |
0 |
| Aug 30, 1956 |
EF3 |
79 km |
0 |
| Jun 24, 2023 |
EF2 |
77 km |
0 |
| Aug 9, 2021 |
EF2 |
80 km |
0 |
| Jun 8, 2019 |
EF2 |
47 km |
0 |
| Jun 29, 2018 |
EF2 |
60 km |
0 |
| Jul 11, 2017 |
EF2 |
49 km |
0 |
| Jul 11, 2017 |
EF2 |
29 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950-2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: OXCART (12,538 ac, 2021).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2021 |
OXCART |
12,538 |
43 km |
| 1987 |
UNNAMED |
10,819 |
93 km |
| 2003 |
HICKORY ONE |
6,152 |
100 km |
| 2024 |
AGASSIZ NWR PROJECT RX |
5,562 |
100 km |
| 2008 |
UNNAMED |
4,932 |
97 km |
| 1998 |
16 A |
4,255 |
100 km |
| 2003 |
NORTH EAST WEIR FIRE |
3,956 |
99 km |
| 2008 |
POOL 21 |
3,482 |
97 km |
| 2009 |
PARKER POOL |
3,166 |
97 km |
| 2008 |
UNNAMED |
2,420 |
39 km |
| 2003 |
ELM LAKE |
2,350 |
95 km |
| 2001 |
PARKER 12 A |
2,337 |
97 km |
| 2024 |
4 SQUARE MILE RX |
2,320 |
44 km |
| 2007 |
UNNAMED |
2,270 |
100 km |
| 2008 |
UNNAMED |
2,166 |
98 km |
| 2004 |
UNNAMED |
2,113 |
95 km |
| 2008 |
UNNAMED |
2,092 |
42 km |
| 2009 |
MADSEN |
1,955 |
99 km |
| 1988 |
UNNAMED |
1,910 |
99 km |
| 2008 |
DAHL POOL |
1,897 |
99 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
6°F (-14°C) |
0.6 in |
Coldest |
| February |
12°F (-11°C) |
0.5 in |
Driest |
| March |
25°F (-4°C) |
0.8 in |
|
| April |
42°F (6°C) |
1.5 in |
|
| May |
57°F (14°C) |
2.5 in |
|
| June |
66°F (19°C) |
3.6 in |
Wettest |
| July |
69°F (21°C) |
3.0 in |
Warmest |
| August |
67°F (20°C) |
2.8 in |
|
| September |
58°F (14°C) |
2.2 in |
|
| October |
45°F (7°C) |
1.8 in |
|
| November |
27°F (-3°C) |
0.9 in |
|
| December |
12°F (-11°C) |
0.6 in |
|
Climax has a seasonal temperature swing of 63°F / from 6°F in January to 69°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 20.7 inches, with June being the wettest month (3.6") and February the driest (0.5").
Average costs for common services in Climax. 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 | $948 |
| Toddler | $893 |
| Preschool | $821 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $534 |
| Toddler | $541 |
| Preschool | $541 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Climax
What is the population of Climax?
Climax has a population of 184 residents and is located in Minnesota. The population density is 196 people per square mile, spread across 0.9 square miles. The median age of residents is 26.0 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 47.8% female and 52.2% male.
Is Climax expensive to live in?
Climax 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 $48,750, 35% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $111,300 (61% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $725 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.3x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Climax safe?
Climax is safer than the national average, with a violent crime rate of 202 per 100,000 compared to the U.S. rate of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 860 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Climax receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Climax?
Climax has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 40°F (5°C). Winter temperatures average 6°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 22.4 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 36.
How is the job market in Climax?
The job market in Climax is very strong, with unemployment at just 1.5% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,052. There are 1,029 business establishments in the area, including 61 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 19 minutes, and 0.0% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Climax?
The median home value in Climax is $111,300. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $198,464. For renters, the median monthly rent is $725. Fair market rent is $899 for a 1-bedroom and $1,125 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 66.2%. The average annual property tax is $4,349.
How are the schools in Climax?
Schools in Climax score 6.1 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 28.0% of adults in Climax hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 95.7% have completed high school. 2.1% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Climax?
The obesity rate in Climax is 37.6% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 13.9% of adults are smokers. 21.2% are physically inactive. 25.7% of residents report depression. 6.9% lack health insurance (below the national rate). 71.8% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,809.
What is transportation like in Climax?
The average commute in Climax is 19 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 82% of workers drive alone to work, and 0.0% work from home.
What are the demographics of Climax?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Climax is 88% White. 98.7% of residents speak only English at home. 9.2% of the population are military veterans. 9.5% of residents have a disability. 89.3% have health insurance coverage.
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