Median Income
$74,618
1% lower than US avg
Home Value
$243,800
14% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
128/100K
66% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
28.9%
14% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$872
25% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
39.9%
24% higher than US avg
Unemployment
2.3%
36% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
7.3%
41% lower than US avg
How East Grand Forks Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population9,067
Median Age34.0 yrs
Density1,524/mi²
Male / Female51% / 49%
Largest GroupWhite 83%
Veterans5.4%
Economy
A
Median Income$74,618
Per Capita$36,017
Unemployment2.3%
Poverty7.3%
County GDP$5,920M
Commute16 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$243,800
Rent$872
Ownership67.9%
Zillow$278,228
Housing Units3,645
Rent Burden33.0%
Crime
F
Violent128/100K
Property1,163/100K
Murder0.0/100K
Assault105/100K
Burglary198/100K
Health
Obesity39.9%
Uninsured8.2%
Smoking15.4%
Depression25.9%
Heart Disease5.4%
Climate
Avg Temp41°F (5°C)
AQI36 (Good)
Rain22.8 in/yr
Sunny Days276/yr
Elevation833 ft (254 m)
Education
B
Bachelor's+28.9%
High School+94.4%
Graduate+6.8%
School Score6.08
Community
2024 VoteR 58% / D 40%
Commute16 min
Broadband93.0%
EV Stations1
Libraries3
Is East Grand Forks a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, East Grand Forks 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. Areas to be aware of include high obesity rates. East Grand Forks offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in East Grand Forks is $74,618, roughly in line with the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 2.3%. Only 7.3% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 16 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in East Grand Forks is $243,800, 14% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $872 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. A price-to-income ratio of 3.3x indicates a reasonably affordable housing market.
Safety & Crime
East Grand Forks is a very safe community with a violent crime rate of 128 per 100,000 residents / well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,163 per 100,000, 41% below the national average.
Education
28.9% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 94.4% have completed high school. Local schools score 6.1/10 in standardized testing, reflecting strong academic performance.
Climate & Weather
East Grand Forks has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 41°F. Winters average 7°F in January while summers reach 70°F in July. With 276 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 22.8 inches, including 48.7 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 36.
East Grand Forks has a population of 9,067 with a density of 1,524 people per square mile, spread across 6.0 square miles. The median age is 34.0 years, 13% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 48.6% female and 51.4% male. The city is predominantly White (82.6%), with 3.8% Hispanic, 4.7% Black. English is the primary language spoken at home by 93.4% of residents, while 6.6% speak Spanish. 5.4% of the population are veterans. 13.5% of residents have a disability. 96.8% have health insurance coverage.
Population
34.0yrs
Median Age
13% below US avg
Race & Ethnicity
East Grand Forks vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
93.4%
19% above US avg
Spanish
6.6%
51% below US avg
Social Characteristics
East Grand Forks vs U.S. Average
The median household income in East Grand Forks is $74,618, which is 1% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $36,017. The average weekly wage is $1,145, 20% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 2.3% (below the 3.6% US average). 7.3% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 2,774 business establishments, including 198 restaurants. The cost of living index is 98.6, roughly in line with the national average. Workers commute an average of 16 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 5.8% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income: East Grand Forks vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $74,618 |
| 1% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $36,017 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,145 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $82,164 |
| Gini Index | 0.459 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 2.3% |
| 36% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 7.3% |
| 41% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 2,774 |
| County GDP | $5,920M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 198 |
| Healthcare | 185 |
| Retail | 274 |
| Manufacturing | 55 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $7,219 |
| 106% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 98.60 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 2.96% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 16.4 min |
| Drive Alone | 81.3% |
| Public Transit | 0.7% |
| Work from Home | 5.8% |
The median home value in East Grand Forks is $243,800, 14% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $278,228, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $872 (25% 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. 67.9% of housing units are owner-occupied. There are 3,645 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1975. The average annual property tax is $7,219 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 33.0% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 3.3x.
Home Values
| Census Median | $243,800 |
| 14% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $278,228 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $872 |
| 25% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 33.0% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $809 |
| 1 Bedroom | $899 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,125 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,483 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,698 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 67.9% |
| Owner-Occupied | 67.9% |
| Renter-Occupied | 32.1% |
| Housing Units | 3,645 |
| Median Year Built | 1975 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $7,219 |
| 106% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 2.96% |
In East Grand Forks, 39.9% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 9.2% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.4% of residents. 27.4% have high blood pressure. 15.4% are current smokers. 20.6% report binge drinking. 24.1% are physically inactive. 25.9% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 17.0% experience frequent mental distress. 8.2% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:817. The dentist ratio is 1:1,168. 89.3% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.6 out of 10.
Health Metrics: East Grand Forks vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 39.9% |
| 24% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 9.2% |
| Heart Disease | 5.4% |
| High Blood Pressure | 27.4% |
| Asthma | 10.6% |
| COPD | 5.5% |
| Cancer | 7.3% |
| Stroke | 2.9% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 15.4% |
| 10% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 20.6% |
| Physical Inactivity | 24.1% |
| Depression | 25.9% |
| Mental Distress | 17.0% |
| Physical Distress | 11.8% |
| Short Sleep | 35.4% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 96.8% |
| Uninsured | 8.2% |
| 5% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:817 |
| Dentists | 1:1,168 |
| Mental Health | 1:261 |
| Checkup Rate | 72.5% |
| Dental Visits | 65.3% |
| Premature Death | 6,701/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.6/10 |
| Exercise Access | 89.3% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 185 |
East Grand Forks has a violent crime rate of 128 per 100,000 residents, 66% below the national average of 380. This breaks down to aggravated assault at 104.7 per 100,000, robbery at 11.6, rape at 11.6. The murder rate is 0.0 per 100,000 (below the national rate of 6.3). Property crime stands at 1,163 per 100,000, 41% below the U.S. average. This includes larceny/theft at 814, burglary at 198, vehicle theft at 151 per 100,000 residents. The county recorded 4 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, East Grand Forks receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: East Grand Forks vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 128.0/100K |
| 66% below US avg |
| Murder | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg |
| Rape | 11.6/100K |
| Robbery | 11.6/100K |
| Assault | 104.7/100K |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 1,163.2/100K |
| 41% below US avg |
| Burglary | 197.7/100K |
| Theft | 814.2/100K |
| Vehicle Theft | 151.2/100K |
| Arson | 11.6/100K |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 4 |
| Traffic Accidents | 1 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
East Grand Forks has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 41°F (5°C). Winters average 7°F in January while summers reach 70°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 22.8 inches (drier than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 48.7 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 833 feet.
Temperature
7°F Jan (-14°C)
70°F Jul (21°C)
| Annual Average | 40.5°F |
| 25% below US avg |
| January Average | 7°F (-14°C) |
| July Average | 70°F (21°C) |
| Sunny Days | 276 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 833 ft (254 m) |
| Area | 6.0 sq mi (15.4 km²) |
| Population Density | 1,524/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 47.9286°N, 97.0138°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Grand Forks County County |
| Nearest Airport | Grand Forks International (GFK)
8 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
22.8"
40% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
3.11"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 36.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 57.7 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 14.4 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 78.3 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Moderate |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Moderate |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Very High |
| Lightning |
Relatively Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively High |
| Drought |
Very Low |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Tornado History
439 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 8 fatalities, 92 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jun 17, 2010 |
EF4 |
48 km |
0 |
| Aug 26, 2007 |
EF4 |
50 km |
1 |
| Jun 6, 1999 |
EF4 |
94 km |
0 |
| Aug 27, 2016 |
EF3 |
49 km |
0 |
| Jun 17, 2010 |
EF3 |
70 km |
1 |
| Aug 26, 2007 |
EF3 |
71 km |
0 |
| Jul 21, 1987 |
EF3 |
84 km |
0 |
| Jun 16, 1973 |
EF3 |
62 km |
0 |
| Jun 21, 1971 |
EF3 |
82 km |
0 |
| Aug 11, 1958 |
EF3 |
14 km |
0 |
| Aug 9, 2021 |
EF2 |
70 km |
0 |
| Jun 8, 2019 |
EF2 |
77 km |
0 |
| Jun 29, 2018 |
EF2 |
85 km |
0 |
| Jul 11, 2017 |
EF2 |
87 km |
0 |
| Jul 11, 2017 |
EF2 |
61 km |
0 |
| Jul 11, 2017 |
EF2 |
39 km |
0 |
| Aug 28, 2016 |
EF2 |
66 km |
0 |
| Jun 27, 2015 |
EF2 |
36 km |
0 |
| Jul 21, 2014 |
EF2 |
28 km |
0 |
| Aug 10, 2010 |
EF2 |
32 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950-2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: UNNAMED (26,345 ac, 1990).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 1990 |
UNNAMED |
26,345 |
94 km |
| 2021 |
OXCART |
12,538 |
60 km |
| 1987 |
UNNAMED |
10,819 |
83 km |
| 2024 |
AGASSIZ NWR PROJECT RX |
5,562 |
90 km |
| 2008 |
UNNAMED |
4,932 |
87 km |
| 2012 |
COUNTY 27 FIRE |
4,653 |
78 km |
| 1998 |
16 A |
4,255 |
90 km |
| 1988 |
UNNAMED |
4,073 |
99 km |
| 2003 |
NORTH EAST WEIR FIRE |
3,956 |
89 km |
| 2010 |
HINTERLANDS |
3,860 |
98 km |
| 2008 |
POOL 21 |
3,482 |
84 km |
| 2009 |
PARKER POOL |
3,166 |
85 km |
| 1987 |
GOLDEN VAL |
3,147 |
94 km |
| 1987 |
UNNAMED |
2,836 |
90 km |
| 1998 |
NORTH BDRY |
2,535 |
96 km |
| 2005 |
HINTERLANDS |
2,503 |
99 km |
| 2008 |
UNNAMED |
2,420 |
57 km |
| 2005 |
8 H MOOSE PASTURE |
2,397 |
92 km |
| 2007 |
JUPITER FIRE |
2,389 |
92 km |
| 2003 |
ELM LAKE |
2,350 |
84 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
7°F (-14°C) |
0.7 in |
Coldest |
| February |
12°F (-11°C) |
0.6 in |
Driest |
| March |
25°F (-4°C) |
0.9 in |
|
| April |
42°F (5°C) |
1.2 in |
|
| May |
56°F (13°C) |
2.1 in |
|
| June |
66°F (19°C) |
3.1 in |
Wettest |
| July |
70°F (21°C) |
2.8 in |
Warmest |
| August |
68°F (20°C) |
2.8 in |
|
| September |
58°F (14°C) |
2.0 in |
|
| October |
45°F (7°C) |
1.6 in |
|
| November |
26°F (-3°C) |
0.8 in |
|
| December |
12°F (-11°C) |
0.6 in |
|
East Grand Forks has a seasonal temperature swing of 63°F / from 7°F in January to 70°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 19.1 inches, with June being the wettest month (3.1") and February the driest (0.6").
Average costs for common services in East Grand Forks. 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 | $918 |
| Toddler | $838 |
| Preschool | $778 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $676 |
| Toddler | $637 |
| Preschool | $642 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About East Grand Forks
What is the population of East Grand Forks?
East Grand Forks has a population of 9,067 residents and is located in Minnesota. The population density is 1,524 people per square mile, spread across 6.0 square miles. The median age of residents is 34.0 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 48.6% female and 51.4% male.
Is East Grand Forks expensive to live in?
East Grand Forks 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 $74,618, 1% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $243,800 (14% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $872 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 3.3x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is East Grand Forks safe?
East Grand Forks is considered a very safe city with a violent crime rate of 128 per 100,000 residents, well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,163 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, East Grand Forks receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in East Grand Forks?
East Grand Forks has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 41°F (5°C). Winter temperatures average 7°F in January, while summers reach an average of 70°F in July. The area receives 276 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 22.8 inches, with 48.7 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 36.
How is the job market in East Grand Forks?
The job market in East Grand Forks is very strong, with unemployment at just 2.3% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,145. There are 2,774 business establishments in the area, including 198 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 16 minutes, and 5.8% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in East Grand Forks?
The median home value in East Grand Forks is $243,800. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $278,228. For renters, the median monthly rent is $872. Fair market rent is $899 for a 1-bedroom and $1,125 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 67.9%. The average annual property tax is $7,219.
How are the schools in East Grand Forks?
Schools in East Grand Forks score 6.1 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 28.9% of adults in East Grand Forks hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 94.4% have completed high school. 6.8% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is East Grand Forks?
The obesity rate in East Grand Forks is 39.9% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 15.4% of adults are smokers. 24.1% are physically inactive. 25.9% of residents report depression. 8.2% lack health insurance. 89.3% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:817.
What is transportation like in East Grand Forks?
The average commute in East Grand Forks is 16 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 81.3% of workers drive alone to work, and 5.8% work from home.
What are the demographics of East Grand Forks?
The racial and ethnic makeup of East Grand Forks is 82.6% White, 4.7% Black or African American, 3.8% Hispanic or Latino. 93.4% of residents speak only English at home, while 6.6% speak Spanish. 5.4% of the population are military veterans. 13.5% of residents have a disability. 96.8% have health insurance coverage.
All Countries
