Median Income
$60,750
19% lower than US avg
Home Value
$93,300
67% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
0/100K
100% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
15.7%
53% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$625
46% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
36.7%
14% higher than US avg
Unemployment
0.4%
89% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
10.3%
17% lower than US avg
How Comfrey Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population297
Median Age42.9 yrs
Density691/mi²
Male / Female50% / 50%
Largest GroupWhite 96%
Veterans9.5%
Economy
A
Median Income$60,750
Per Capita$33,794
Unemployment0.4%
Poverty10.3%
County GDP$2,006M
Commute24 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$93,300
Rent$625
Ownership82.5%
Zillow$269,155
Housing Units199
Rent Burden27.0%
Crime
C+
Violent0/100K
Property567/100K
Murder0.0/100K
Assault0/100K
Burglary0/100K
Health
Obesity36.7%
Uninsured9.3%
Smoking15.8%
Depression24.8%
Heart Disease5.3%
Climate
Avg Temp44°F (7°C)
AQI36 (Good)
Rain29.6 in/yr
Sunny Days276/yr
Elevation1,125 ft (343 m)
Education
C
Bachelor's+15.7%
High School+95.2%
Graduate+6.7%
School Score6.16
Community
2024 VoteR 67% / D 32%
Commute24 min
Broadband83.9%
EV Stations2
Libraries5
Is Comfrey a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Comfrey receives an overall livability score of 3.4 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include low unemployment, low crime rates, affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Comfrey offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Comfrey is $60,750, 19% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 0.4%. 10.3% of residents live in poverty, near the national average of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 24 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Comfrey is $93,300, 67% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $625 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
Comfrey is a very safe community with a violent crime rate of 0 per 100,000 residents / well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 567 per 100,000, 71% below the national average.
Education
15.7% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 95.2% have completed high school. Local schools score 6.2/10 in standardized testing, reflecting strong academic performance.
Climate & Weather
Comfrey has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 44°F. Winters average 14°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 29.6 inches, including 42.3 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 36.
Comfrey has a population of 297 with a density of 691 people per square mile, spread across 0.4 square miles. The median age is 42.9 years, 10% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 49.8% female and 50.2% male. The city is predominantly White (96%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 96.8% of residents. 9.5% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 15.1% of residents have a disability. 93.5% have health insurance coverage.
Population
42.9yrs
Median Age
10% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
96.8%
23% above US avg
Spanish
3.2%
76% below US avg
The median household income in Comfrey is $60,750, which is 19% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $33,794 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,066, 26% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 0.4% (below the 3.6% US average). 10.3% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 902 business establishments, including 66 restaurants. The cost of living index is 98.6, roughly in line with the national average. Workers commute an average of 24 minutes. 0.0% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $60,750 |
| 19% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $33,794 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,066 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $77,300 |
| Gini Index | 0.400 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 0.4% |
| 89% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 10.3% |
| 17% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 902 |
| County GDP | $2,006M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 66 |
| Healthcare | 93 |
| Retail | 103 |
| Manufacturing | 40 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $3,718 |
| 6% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 98.60 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 3.98% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 23.6 min |
| Drive Alone | 91.5% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 0.0% |
The median home value in Comfrey is $93,300, 67% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $269,155, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $625 (46% 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. 82.5% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 199 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1951. The average annual property tax is $3,718. 27.0% 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 | $93,300 |
| 67% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $269,155 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $625 |
| 46% below US avg |
| 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 | 82.5% |
| Owner-Occupied | 82.5% |
| Renter-Occupied | 17.5% |
| Housing Units | 199 |
| Median Year Built | 1951 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $3,718 |
| 6% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 3.98% |
In Comfrey, 36.7% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 9.4% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.3% of residents. 28.8% have high blood pressure. 15.8% are current smokers. 20.7% report binge drinking. 23.8% are physically inactive. 24.8% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 17.0% experience frequent mental distress. 9.3% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,076. The dentist ratio is 1:1,608. 82.4% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 9.1 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Comfrey vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 36.7% |
| 14% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 9.4% |
| Heart Disease | 5.3% |
| High Blood Pressure | 28.8% |
| Asthma | 10.2% |
| COPD | 5.5% |
| Cancer | 7.2% |
| Stroke | 2.9% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 15.8% |
| 13% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 20.7% |
| Physical Inactivity | 23.8% |
| Depression | 24.8% |
| Mental Distress | 17.0% |
| Physical Distress | 11.9% |
| Short Sleep | 29.1% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 93.5% |
| Uninsured | 9.3% |
| 8% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,076 |
| Dentists | 1:1,608 |
| Mental Health | 1:434 |
| Checkup Rate | 72.9% |
| Dental Visits | 64.4% |
| Premature Death | 4,833/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 9.1/10 |
| Exercise Access | 82.4% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 93 |
Comfrey has a violent crime rate of 0 per 100,000 residents, 100% below the national average of 380. This breaks down to aggravated assault at 0.0 per 100,000, robbery at 0.0, rape at 0.0. The murder rate is 0.0 per 100,000 (below the national rate of 6.3). Property crime stands at 567 per 100,000, 71% below the U.S. average. This includes larceny/theft at 567, burglary at 0, vehicle theft at 0 per 100,000 residents. Overall, Comfrey receives a safety grade of C+.
Crime Rates: Comfrey vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg |
| Murder | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg |
| Rape | 0.0/100K |
| Robbery | 0.0/100K |
| Assault | 0.0/100K |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 566.6/100K |
| 71% below US avg |
| Burglary | 0.0/100K |
| Theft | 566.6/100K |
| Vehicle Theft | 0.0/100K |
| Arson | 0.0/100K |
Traffic Safety
| Traffic Accidents | 5 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | C+ |
| Safety Score | 2.5 / 5.0 |
Comfrey has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 44°F (7°C). Winters average 14°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 29.6 inches (drier than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 42.3 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 1,125 feet.
Temperature
14°F Jan (-10°C)
71°F Jul (22°C)
| Annual Average | 44.4°F |
| 18% below US avg |
| January Average | 14°F (-10°C) |
| July Average | 71°F (22°C) |
| Sunny Days | 276 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,125 ft (343 m) |
| Area | 0.4 sq mi (1.1 km²) |
| Population Density | 691/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 44.1111°N, 94.9028°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Brown County County |
| Nearest Airport | Mankato Regional (MKT)
49 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
29.6"
22% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jul)
3.82"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 36.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 50.4 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 11.4 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 98.9 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Moderate |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Moderate |
| 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)
Earthquake History
3 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.1. Most recent: M2.7 on Jun 30, 2021.
| Feb 9, 1994 |
6 km NNE of Blomkest, Minnesota |
M3.1 |
99 km |
| Apr 25, 2017 |
Near Mankato, Minnesota |
M2.8 |
72 km |
| Jun 30, 2021 |
4 km E of Rembrandt, Iowa |
M2.7 |
144 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990-2025)
Tornado History
476 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF5. Total: 17 fatalities, 538 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jun 16, 1992 |
EF5 |
96 km |
1 |
| Jun 13, 1968 |
EF5 |
68 km |
9 |
| Mar 29, 1998 |
EF4 |
53 km |
1 |
| Jun 16, 1992 |
EF4 |
82 km |
0 |
| Jun 19, 1951 |
EF4 |
95 km |
1 |
| Aug 24, 2006 |
EF3 |
54 km |
1 |
| Aug 1, 2006 |
EF3 |
28 km |
0 |
| Mar 29, 1998 |
EF3 |
80 km |
0 |
| Mar 29, 1998 |
EF3 |
61 km |
1 |
| Jun 16, 1992 |
EF3 |
46 km |
0 |
| Jun 16, 1992 |
EF3 |
56 km |
0 |
| Jun 16, 1992 |
EF3 |
73 km |
0 |
| Apr 20, 1985 |
EF3 |
99 km |
0 |
| Jun 10, 1977 |
EF3 |
99 km |
0 |
| May 31, 1971 |
EF3 |
89 km |
0 |
| May 6, 1965 |
EF3 |
86 km |
0 |
| Mar 21, 1953 |
EF3 |
96 km |
0 |
| Jul 1, 2011 |
EF2 |
100 km |
0 |
| Jun 25, 2010 |
EF2 |
70 km |
0 |
| Jun 25, 2010 |
EF2 |
61 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950-2024)
Wildfire History
1 wildfire (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: LINCOLN WPA RX (575 ac, 2024).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2024 |
LINCOLN WPA RX |
575 |
51 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
14°F (-10°C) |
0.6 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
19°F (-7°C) |
0.7 in |
|
| March |
31°F (-0°C) |
1.7 in |
|
| April |
46°F (8°C) |
2.7 in |
|
| May |
59°F (15°C) |
3.2 in |
|
| June |
69°F (20°C) |
3.8 in |
|
| July |
71°F (22°C) |
3.8 in |
Warmest, Wettest |
| August |
69°F (21°C) |
3.2 in |
|
| September |
61°F (16°C) |
3.1 in |
|
| October |
49°F (9°C) |
2.1 in |
|
| November |
32°F (-0°C) |
1.4 in |
|
| December |
18°F (-8°C) |
0.8 in |
|
Comfrey has a seasonal temperature swing of 58°F / from 14°F in January to 71°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 26.9 inches, with July being the wettest month (3.8") and January the driest (0.6").
Average costs for common services in Comfrey. 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 | $621 |
| Toddler | $570 |
| Preschool | $570 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Comfrey
What is the population of Comfrey?
Comfrey has a population of 297 residents and is located in Minnesota. The population density is 691 people per square mile, spread across 0.4 square miles. The median age of residents is 42.9 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 49.8% female and 50.2% male.
Is Comfrey expensive to live in?
Comfrey 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 $60,750, 19% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $93,300 (67% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $625 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 Comfrey safe?
Comfrey is considered a very safe city with a violent crime rate of 0 per 100,000 residents, well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 567 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Comfrey receives a safety grade of C+ based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Comfrey?
Comfrey has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 44°F (7°C). Winter temperatures average 14°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 29.6 inches, with 42.3 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 36.
How is the job market in Comfrey?
The job market in Comfrey is very strong, with unemployment at just 0.4% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,066. There are 902 business establishments in the area, including 66 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 24 minutes, and 0.0% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Comfrey?
The median home value in Comfrey is $93,300. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $269,155. For renters, the median monthly rent is $625. Fair market rent is $899 for a 1-bedroom and $1,125 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 82.5%. The average annual property tax is $3,718.
How are the schools in Comfrey?
Schools in Comfrey score 6.2 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 15.7% of adults in Comfrey hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 95.2% have completed high school. 6.7% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Comfrey?
The obesity rate in Comfrey is 36.7% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 15.8% of adults are smokers. 23.8% are physically inactive. 24.8% of residents report depression. 9.3% lack health insurance. 82.4% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,076.
What is transportation like in Comfrey?
The average commute in Comfrey is 24 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 91.5% of workers drive alone to work, and 0.0% work from home.
What are the demographics of Comfrey?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Comfrey is 96% White, 1% Hispanic or Latino. 96.8% of residents speak only English at home, while 3.2% speak Spanish. 9.5% of the population are military veterans. 15.1% of residents have a disability. 93.5% have health insurance coverage.
All Countries
