Median Income
$32,083
57% lower than US avg
Home Value
$102,100
64% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
8.4%
75% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$806
31% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
40.0%
25% higher than US avg
Unemployment
5.0%
39% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
12.3%
1% lower than US avg
How Erskine Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population445
Median Age36.8 yrs
Density685/mi²
Male / Female58% / 42%
Largest GroupWhite 89%
Veterans16.1%
Economy
C+
Median Income$32,083
Per Capita$28,344
Unemployment5.0%
Poverty12.3%
County GDP$248M
Commute22 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$102,100
Rent$806
Ownership54.9%
Zillow$311,962
Housing Units285
Rent Burden51.0%
Health
Obesity40.0%
Uninsured4.3%
Smoking17.3%
Depression27.5%
Heart Disease5.5%
Climate
Avg Temp39°F (4°C)
Rain26.5 in/yr
Elevation1,200 ft (366 m)
Education
D
Bachelor's+8.4%
High School+88.0%
Graduate+2.0%
School Score5.92
Community
2024 VoteR 68% / D 30%
Commute22 min
Broadband86.0%
EV Stations1
Libraries1
Is Erskine a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Erskine receives an overall livability score of 3.1 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include affordable housing, high health insurance coverage. Areas to be aware of include below-average incomes, high obesity rates. Erskine offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Erskine is $32,083, 57% below the national average of $75,149. The unemployment rate of 5.0% is somewhat elevated compared to the national rate of 3.6%. 12.3% of residents live in poverty, near the national average of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 22 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Erskine is $102,100, 64% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $806 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. A price-to-income ratio of 3.2x indicates a reasonably affordable housing market.
Education
8.4% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 88.0% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.9/10.
Climate & Weather
Erskine has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 39°F. Winters average 5°F in January while summers reach 67°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 26.5 inches, including 49.9 inches of snow.
Erskine has a population of 445 with a density of 685 people per square mile, spread across 0.7 square miles. The median age is 36.8 years, 5% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 42% female and 58% male. The city is predominantly White (89%), with 4% Hispanic, 4% Asian. English is the primary language spoken at home by 89.6% of residents, while 7.6% speak Spanish. 16.1% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 19.3% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 95.7% have health insurance coverage.
Population
445
Total Population
2023 Census
36.8yrs
Median Age
5% below US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
89.6%
14% above US avg
Spanish
7.6%
43% below US avg
The median household income in Erskine is $32,083, which is 57% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $28,344 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $858, 40% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 5.0% (above the 3.6% US average). 12.3% of residents live below the poverty line. The area has 126 business establishments, including 13 restaurants. The cost of living index is 98.6, roughly in line with the national average. Workers commute an average of 22 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 5.1% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $32,083 |
| 57% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $28,344 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $858 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $66,613 |
| Gini Index | 0.401 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 5.0% |
| 39% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 12.3% |
| 1% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 126 |
| County GDP | $248M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 13 |
| Healthcare | 5 |
| Retail | 17 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| |
| Cost of Living | 98.60 (100=avg) |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 22.0 min |
| Drive Alone | 78.7% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 5.1% |
The median home value in Erskine is $102,100, 64% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $311,962, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $806 (31% 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. 54.9% of housing units are owner-occupied (below the 65.4% national rate). There are 285 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1960. 51.0% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing, indicating a significant affordability challenge for renters. The home price-to-income ratio is 3.2x.
Home Values
| Census Median | $102,100 |
| 64% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $311,962 |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $806 |
| 31% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 51.0% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $809 |
| 1 Bedroom | $899 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,125 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,483 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,698 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 54.9% |
| Owner-Occupied | 54.9% |
| Renter-Occupied | 45.1% |
| Housing Units | 285 |
| Median Year Built | 1960 |
Property Tax
In Erskine, 40.0% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 9.2% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.5% of residents. 27.3% have high blood pressure. 17.3% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 20.4% report binge drinking. 25.8% are physically inactive. 27.5% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 18.1% experience frequent mental distress. 4.3% of residents lack health insurance (below the 8.6% national rate). 54.3% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 6.6 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Erskine vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 40.0% |
| 25% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 9.2% |
| Heart Disease | 5.5% |
| High Blood Pressure | 27.3% |
| Asthma | 11.1% |
| COPD | 6.1% |
| Cancer | 7.3% |
| Stroke | 3.0% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 17.3% |
| 24% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 20.4% |
| Physical Inactivity | 25.8% |
| Depression | 27.5% |
| Mental Distress | 18.1% |
| Physical Distress | 12.7% |
| Short Sleep | 35.9% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 95.7% |
| Uninsured | 4.3% |
| 50% below US avg |
| Checkup Rate | 71.6% |
| Dental Visits | 60.7% |
| Premature Death | 7,813/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 6.6/10 |
| Exercise Access | 54.3% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 5 |
Erskine has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 39°F (4°C). Winters average 5°F in January while summers reach 67°F in July / a wide seasonal temperature swing of 62°F. Annual precipitation totals 26.5 inches (drier than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 49.9 inches of snow annually, making winter weather a significant factor for residents. The city sits at an elevation of 1,200 feet.
Temperature
5°F Jan (-15°C)
67°F Jul (19°C)
| Annual Average | 38.8°F |
| 28% below US avg |
| January Average | 5°F (-15°C) |
| July Average | 67°F (19°C) |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,200 ft (366 m) |
| Area | 0.7 sq mi (1.7 km²) |
| Population Density | 685/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 47.6632°N, 96.0167°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Red Lake County County |
| Nearest Airport | Thief River Falls Regional (TVF) 29 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
26.5"
30% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
4.64"
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 2.2 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 10.6 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 86.1 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Very Low |
| Hail |
Very Low |
| Strong Wind |
Very Low |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Low |
| 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)
Tornado History
331 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 7 fatalities, 69 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jun 17, 2010 |
EF4 |
97 km |
0 |
| Aug 27, 2016 |
EF3 |
84 km |
0 |
| Jun 17, 2010 |
EF3 |
13 km |
1 |
| Jun 28, 1975 |
EF3 |
98 km |
0 |
| Jun 16, 1973 |
EF3 |
86 km |
0 |
| Aug 11, 1958 |
EF3 |
92 km |
0 |
| Jun 24, 2023 |
EF2 |
46 km |
0 |
| Jun 24, 2022 |
EF2 |
93 km |
0 |
| Jun 8, 2019 |
EF2 |
23 km |
0 |
| Jun 29, 2018 |
EF2 |
13 km |
0 |
| Jul 11, 2017 |
EF2 |
79 km |
0 |
| Jul 11, 2017 |
EF2 |
62 km |
0 |
| Jul 11, 2017 |
EF2 |
97 km |
0 |
| Aug 28, 2016 |
EF2 |
35 km |
0 |
| Jul 21, 2014 |
EF2 |
63 km |
0 |
| Jul 22, 2013 |
EF2 |
41 km |
0 |
| Aug 10, 2010 |
EF2 |
92 km |
0 |
| Jun 17, 2010 |
EF2 |
99 km |
0 |
| Jul 11, 2008 |
EF2 |
43 km |
0 |
| Aug 26, 2007 |
EF2 |
71 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950-2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: UNNAMED (131,401 ac, 1987).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 1987 |
UNNAMED |
131,401 |
64 km |
| 2003 |
REINER 36 |
67,641 |
60 km |
| 1989 |
UNNAMED |
66,422 |
61 km |
| 1990 |
UNNAMED |
43,533 |
70 km |
| 1991 |
UNNAMED |
37,840 |
52 km |
| 1990 |
UNNAMED |
32,693 |
54 km |
| 1987 |
SANDY LAKE |
26,617 |
50 km |
| 1990 |
UNNAMED |
26,345 |
73 km |
| 1998 |
RL3 |
14,882 |
67 km |
| 2018 |
2018 HIGHWAY 1 RXB |
13,170 |
68 km |
| 2021 |
OXCART |
12,538 |
20 km |
| 1987 |
UNNAMED |
10,819 |
64 km |
| 1987 |
UNNAMED |
9,281 |
84 km |
| 1994 |
UNNAMED |
8,690 |
52 km |
| 1990 |
UNNAMED |
8,025 |
69 km |
| 2016 |
2016 HIGHWAY 1 RXB |
7,744 |
67 km |
| 2021 |
RL 005 UNIT 8 AND 9 |
6,352 |
59 km |
| 2003 |
HICKORY ONE |
6,152 |
47 km |
| 2007 |
HWYONEBURN |
6,124 |
68 km |
| 2002 |
RED LAKE 468 |
6,076 |
51 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
5°F (-15°C) |
0.5 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
10°F (-12°C) |
0.5 in |
|
| March |
24°F (-5°C) |
1.0 in |
|
| April |
40°F (4°C) |
1.8 in |
|
| May |
53°F (12°C) |
3.0 in |
|
| June |
63°F (17°C) |
4.6 in |
Wettest |
| July |
67°F (19°C) |
3.9 in |
Warmest |
| August |
65°F (18°C) |
3.5 in |
|
| September |
57°F (14°C) |
3.0 in |
|
| October |
43°F (6°C) |
2.3 in |
|
| November |
27°F (-3°C) |
1.6 in |
|
| December |
13°F (-11°C) |
0.8 in |
|
Erskine has a seasonal temperature swing of 61°F / from 5°F in January to 67°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 26.6 inches, with June being the wettest month (4.6") and January the driest (0.5").
Average costs for common services in Erskine. 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 Erskine
What is the population of Erskine?
Erskine has a population of 445 residents and is located in Minnesota. The population density is 685 people per square mile, spread across 0.7 square miles. The median age of residents is 36.8 years. The population is 42% female and 58% male.
Is Erskine expensive to live in?
Erskine 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 $32,083, 57% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $102,100 (64% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $806 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 3.2x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
What is the weather like in Erskine?
Erskine has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 39°F (4°C). Winter temperatures average 5°F in January, while summers reach an average of 67°F in July. Annual rainfall totals 26.5 inches, with 49.9 inches of snow.
How is the job market in Erskine?
The unemployment rate in Erskine is 5.0%, somewhat above the national average of 3.6%. Job seekers may face moderate competition. The average weekly wage is $858. There are 126 business establishments in the area, including 13 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 22 minutes, and 5.1% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Erskine?
The median home value in Erskine is $102,100. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $311,962. For renters, the median monthly rent is $806. Fair market rent is $899 for a 1-bedroom and $1,125 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 54.9%.
How are the schools in Erskine?
Schools in Erskine score 5.9 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 8.4% of adults in Erskine hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 88.0% have completed high school. 2.0% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Erskine?
The obesity rate in Erskine is 40.0% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 17.3% of adults are smokers. 25.8% are physically inactive. 27.5% of residents report depression. 4.3% lack health insurance (below the national rate). 54.3% of residents have access to exercise opportunities.
What is transportation like in Erskine?
The average commute in Erskine is 22 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 78.7% of workers drive alone to work, and 5.1% work from home.
What are the demographics of Erskine?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Erskine is 89% White, 4% Hispanic or Latino, 4% Asian. 89.6% of residents speak only English at home, while 7.6% speak Spanish. 16.1% of the population are military veterans. 19.3% of residents have a disability. 95.7% have health insurance coverage.