Median Income
$64,444
14% lower than US avg
Home Value
$118,400
58% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
202/100K
47% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
17.8%
47% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$783
33% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
38.4%
20% higher than US avg
Unemployment
1.7%
53% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
5.4%
56% lower than US avg
How Fertile Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population782
Median Age47.1 yrs
Density376/mi²
Male / Female44% / 56%
Largest GroupWhite 96%
Veterans7.1%
Economy
A
Median Income$64,444
Per Capita$35,257
Unemployment1.7%
Poverty5.4%
County GDP$246M
Commute26 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$118,400
Rent$783
Ownership75.3%
Zillow$225,799
Housing Units360
Rent Burden27.6%
Crime
F
Violent202/100K
Property860/100K
Health
Obesity38.4%
Uninsured7.8%
Smoking15.3%
Depression26.4%
Heart Disease5.1%
Climate
Avg Temp40°F (4°C)
AQI36 (Good)
Rain24.3 in/yr
Sunny Days276/yr
Elevation1,139 ft (347 m)
Education
C
Bachelor's+17.8%
High School+94.1%
Graduate+3.7%
School Score6.12
Community
2024 VoteR 60% / D 38%
Commute26 min
Broadband82.9%
EV Stations1
Libraries1
Is Fertile a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Fertile 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. Fertile offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Fertile is $64,444, 14% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 1.7%. Only 5.4% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 26 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Fertile is $118,400, 58% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $783 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 1.8x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Violent crime in Fertile 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
17.8% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 94.1% have completed high school. Local schools score 6.1/10 in standardized testing, reflecting strong academic performance.
Climate & Weather
Fertile 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 24.3 inches, including 49.9 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 36.
Fertile has a population of 782 with a density of 376 people per square mile, spread across 2.1 square miles. The median age is 47.1 years, 21% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 56% female and 44% male. The city is predominantly White (95.9%), with 4% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 97.8% of residents. 7.1% of the population are veterans. 18.7% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 96.5% have health insurance coverage.
Population
47.1yrs
Median Age
21% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
97.8%
25% above US avg
Spanish
2.2%
84% below US avg
The median household income in Fertile is $64,444, which is 14% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $35,257. The average weekly wage is $939, 34% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 1.7% (below the 3.6% US average). 5.4% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 259 business establishments, including 8 restaurants. The cost of living index is 98.6, roughly in line with the national average. Workers commute an average of 26 minutes. 7.7% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $64,444 |
| 14% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $35,257 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $939 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $69,820 |
| Gini Index | 0.442 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 1.7% |
| 53% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 5.4% |
| 56% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 259 |
| County GDP | $246M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 8 |
| Healthcare | 17 |
| Retail | 27 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $2,057 |
| 41% below US avg |
| Cost of Living | 98.60 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 1.74% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 25.6 min |
| Drive Alone | 71.8% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 7.7% |
The median home value in Fertile is $118,400, 58% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $225,799, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $783 (33% 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. 75.3% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 360 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1956. The average annual property tax is $2,057 (lower than the $3,500 national average). 27.6% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.8x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $118,400 |
| 58% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $225,799 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $783 |
| 33% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 27.6% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $809 |
| 1 Bedroom | $899 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,125 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,483 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,698 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 75.3% |
| Owner-Occupied | 75.3% |
| Renter-Occupied | 24.7% |
| Housing Units | 360 |
| Median Year Built | 1956 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $2,057 |
| 41% below US avg |
| Effective Rate | 1.74% |
In Fertile, 38.4% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 8.5% have diabetes (below the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 5.1% of residents. 26.2% have high blood pressure. 15.3% are current smokers. 21.2% report binge drinking. 23.2% are physically inactive. 26.4% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 17.1% experience frequent mental distress. 7.8% of residents lack health insurance. The dentist ratio is 1:1,594. 40.4% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.3 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Fertile vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 38.4% |
| 20% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 8.5% |
| Heart Disease | 5.1% |
| High Blood Pressure | 26.2% |
| Asthma | 10.5% |
| COPD | 5.2% |
| Cancer | 7.4% |
| Stroke | 2.7% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 15.3% |
| 9% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 21.2% |
| Physical Inactivity | 23.2% |
| Depression | 26.4% |
| Mental Distress | 17.1% |
| Physical Distress | 11.5% |
| Short Sleep | 33.7% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 96.5% |
| Uninsured | 7.8% |
| 9% below US avg |
| Dentists | 1:1,594 |
| Mental Health | 1:6,329 |
| Checkup Rate | 71.8% |
| Dental Visits | 67.5% |
| Premature Death | 7,593/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.3/10 |
| Exercise Access | 40.4% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 17 |
Fertile 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, Fertile receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Fertile 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 |
Fertile has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 40°F (4°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 24.3 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. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 36. The city sits at an elevation of 1,139 feet.
Temperature
6°F Jan (-14°C)
69°F Jul (20°C)
| Annual Average | 39.8°F |
| 26% below US avg |
| January Average | 6°F (-14°C) |
| July Average | 69°F (20°C) |
| Sunny Days | 276 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,139 ft (347 m) |
| Area | 2.1 sq mi (5.4 km²) |
| Population Density | 376/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 47.5307°N, 96.2816°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Norman County County |
| Nearest Airport | Thief River Falls Regional (TVF)
37 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
24.3"
36% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
3.90"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 36.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 14.4 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 47.5 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 54.3 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Very Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Moderate |
| Lightning |
Very Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
Relatively Moderate |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Tornado History
395 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 7 fatalities, 76 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jun 17, 2010 |
EF4 |
77 km |
0 |
| Jun 28, 1975 |
EF4 |
81 km |
0 |
| Aug 27, 2016 |
EF3 |
62 km |
0 |
| Jun 17, 2010 |
EF3 |
14 km |
1 |
| Jun 28, 1975 |
EF3 |
77 km |
0 |
| Jun 16, 1973 |
EF3 |
62 km |
0 |
| Aug 11, 1958 |
EF3 |
80 km |
0 |
| Aug 30, 1956 |
EF3 |
80 km |
0 |
| Jun 24, 2023 |
EF2 |
40 km |
0 |
| Jun 24, 2022 |
EF2 |
87 km |
0 |
| Jun 8, 2019 |
EF2 |
6 km |
0 |
| Jun 29, 2018 |
EF2 |
20 km |
0 |
| Jul 11, 2017 |
EF2 |
78 km |
0 |
| Jul 11, 2017 |
EF2 |
55 km |
0 |
| Jul 11, 2017 |
EF2 |
39 km |
0 |
| Aug 28, 2016 |
EF2 |
10 km |
0 |
| Jun 27, 2015 |
EF2 |
85 km |
0 |
| Jul 21, 2014 |
EF2 |
47 km |
0 |
| Jul 22, 2013 |
EF2 |
38 km |
0 |
| Jul 4, 2011 |
EF2 |
92 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 |
88 km |
| 2003 |
REINER 36 |
67,641 |
84 km |
| 1989 |
UNNAMED |
66,422 |
86 km |
| 1990 |
UNNAMED |
43,533 |
94 km |
| 1991 |
UNNAMED |
37,840 |
77 km |
| 1990 |
UNNAMED |
32,693 |
79 km |
| 1987 |
SANDY LAKE |
26,617 |
75 km |
| 1990 |
UNNAMED |
26,345 |
92 km |
| 1998 |
RL3 |
14,882 |
92 km |
| 2018 |
2018 HIGHWAY 1 RXB |
13,170 |
93 km |
| 2021 |
OXCART |
12,538 |
22 km |
| 1987 |
UNNAMED |
10,819 |
81 km |
| 1994 |
UNNAMED |
8,690 |
77 km |
| 1990 |
UNNAMED |
8,025 |
93 km |
| 2016 |
2016 HIGHWAY 1 RXB |
7,744 |
91 km |
| 2021 |
RL 005 UNIT 8 AND 9 |
6,352 |
84 km |
| 2003 |
HICKORY ONE |
6,152 |
71 km |
| 2007 |
HWYONEBURN |
6,124 |
92 km |
| 2002 |
RED LAKE 468 |
6,076 |
76 km |
| 2024 |
AGASSIZ NWR PROJECT RX |
5,562 |
88 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
6°F (-14°C) |
0.7 in |
Coldest |
| February |
12°F (-11°C) |
0.5 in |
Driest |
| March |
24°F (-4°C) |
0.9 in |
|
| April |
41°F (5°C) |
1.6 in |
|
| May |
55°F (13°C) |
2.7 in |
|
| June |
64°F (18°C) |
3.9 in |
Wettest |
| July |
69°F (20°C) |
3.2 in |
Warmest |
| August |
67°F (19°C) |
3.2 in |
|
| September |
57°F (14°C) |
2.6 in |
|
| October |
44°F (7°C) |
1.9 in |
|
| November |
26°F (-3°C) |
0.8 in |
|
| December |
11°F (-12°C) |
0.7 in |
|
Fertile has a seasonal temperature swing of 63°F / from 6°F in January to 69°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 22.7 inches, with June being the wettest month (3.9") and February the driest (0.5").
Average costs for common services in Fertile. 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 | $556 |
| Toddler | $563 |
| Preschool | $563 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Fertile
What is the population of Fertile?
Fertile has a population of 782 residents and is located in Minnesota. The population density is 376 people per square mile, spread across 2.1 square miles. The median age of residents is 47.1 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 56% female and 44% male.
Is Fertile expensive to live in?
Fertile 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 $64,444, 14% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $118,400 (58% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $783 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.8x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Fertile safe?
Fertile 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, Fertile receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Fertile?
Fertile has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 40°F (4°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 24.3 inches, with 49.9 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 36.
How is the job market in Fertile?
The job market in Fertile is very strong, with unemployment at just 1.7% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $939. There are 259 business establishments in the area, including 8 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 26 minutes, and 7.7% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Fertile?
The median home value in Fertile is $118,400. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $225,799. For renters, the median monthly rent is $783. Fair market rent is $899 for a 1-bedroom and $1,125 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 75.3%. The average annual property tax is $2,057.
How are the schools in Fertile?
Schools in Fertile score 6.1 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 17.8% of adults in Fertile hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 94.1% have completed high school. 3.7% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Fertile?
The obesity rate in Fertile is 38.4% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 15.3% of adults are smokers. 23.2% are physically inactive. 26.4% of residents report depression. 7.8% lack health insurance. 40.4% of residents have access to exercise opportunities.
What is transportation like in Fertile?
The average commute in Fertile is 26 minutes. 71.8% of workers drive alone to work, and 7.7% work from home.
What are the demographics of Fertile?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Fertile is 95.9% White, 4% Hispanic or Latino. 97.8% of residents speak only English at home. 7.1% of the population are military veterans. 18.7% of residents have a disability. 96.5% have health insurance coverage.
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