Median Income
$94,219
25% higher than US avg
Home Value
$247,900
12% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
69/100K
82% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
27.2%
19% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$1,167
0% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
36.7%
14% higher than US avg
Unemployment
2.7%
25% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
3.1%
75% lower than US avg
How Foreston Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population735
Median Age34.1 yrs
Density514/mi²
Male / Female54% / 46%
Largest GroupWhite 97%
Veterans6.2%
Economy
A+
Median Income$94,219
Per Capita$34,483
Unemployment2.7%
Poverty3.1%
County GDP$1,160M
Commute32 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$247,900
Rent$1,167
Ownership89.6%
Zillow$341,433
Housing Units259
Rent Burden23.8%
Crime
F
Violent69/100K
Property2,663/100K
Health
Obesity36.7%
Uninsured8.2%
Smoking16.4%
Depression25.6%
Heart Disease5.5%
Climate
Avg Temp42°F (5°C)
AQI36 (Good)
Rain30.8 in/yr
Sunny Days270/yr
Elevation1,080 ft (329 m)
Education
B
Bachelor's+27.2%
High School+91.7%
Graduate+13.9%
School Score5.76
Community
2024 VoteR 70% / D 29%
Commute32 min
Broadband92.0%
EV Stations1
Libraries3
Is Foreston a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Foreston receives an overall livability score of 3.5 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B+. Key strengths include above-average household incomes, low unemployment, low crime rates, affordable housing. Foreston offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Foreston is $94,219, 25% above the national average of $75,149. Residents generally enjoy above-average earning potential. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 2.7%. Only 3.1% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 32 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Foreston is $247,900, 12% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $1,167 per month. At just 2.6x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Foreston is a very safe community with a violent crime rate of 69 per 100,000 residents / well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 2,663 per 100,000, 36% above the national average.
Education
27.2% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 91.7% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.8/10.
Climate & Weather
Foreston has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 42°F. Winters average 11°F in January while summers reach 69°F in July. With 270 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 30.8 inches, including 48.9 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 36.
Foreston has a population of 735 with a density of 514 people per square mile, spread across 1.4 square miles. The median age is 34.1 years, 12% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 46% female and 54% male. The city is predominantly White (96.5%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 99.2% of residents. 6.2% of the population are veterans. 4.9% of residents have a disability (below the 13.0% national average). 99.4% have health insurance coverage.
Population
34.1yrs
Median Age
12% below US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
99.2%
26% above US avg
Spanish
0.8%
94% below US avg
The median household income in Foreston is $94,219, which is 25% above the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $34,483 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $915, 36% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 2.7% (below the 3.6% US average). 3.1% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 796 business establishments, including 72 restaurants. The cost of living index is 98.6, roughly in line with the national average. Workers commute an average of 32 minutes. 19.8% of workers work from home (above the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $94,219 |
| 25% above US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $34,483 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $915 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $64,646 |
| Gini Index | 0.421 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 2.7% |
| 25% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 3.1% |
| 75% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 796 |
| County GDP | $1,160M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 72 |
| Healthcare | 80 |
| Retail | 102 |
| Manufacturing | 41 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $3,858 |
| 10% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 98.60 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 1.56% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 31.8 min |
| Drive Alone | 69.3% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 19.8% |
The median home value in Foreston is $247,900, 12% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $341,433, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $1,167 (0% 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. 89.6% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 259 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 2000. The average annual property tax is $3,858. 23.8% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.6x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $247,900 |
| 12% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $341,433 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $1,167 |
| 0% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 23.8% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $809 |
| 1 Bedroom | $899 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,125 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,483 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,698 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 89.6% |
| Owner-Occupied | 89.6% |
| Renter-Occupied | 10.4% |
| Housing Units | 259 |
| Median Year Built | 2000 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $3,858 |
| 10% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 1.56% |
In Foreston, 36.7% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 9.1% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.5% of residents. 29.8% have high blood pressure. 16.4% are current smokers. 21.3% report binge drinking. 25.0% are physically inactive. 25.6% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 17.2% experience frequent mental distress. 8.2% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,580. The dentist ratio is 1:1,949. 65.7% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.6 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Foreston vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 36.7% |
| 14% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 9.1% |
| Heart Disease | 5.5% |
| High Blood Pressure | 29.8% |
| Asthma | 10.3% |
| COPD | 5.4% |
| Cancer | 7.4% |
| Stroke | 2.9% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 16.4% |
| 17% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 21.3% |
| Physical Inactivity | 25.0% |
| Depression | 25.6% |
| Mental Distress | 17.2% |
| Physical Distress | 11.6% |
| Short Sleep | 32.8% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 99.4% |
| Uninsured | 8.2% |
| 5% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,580 |
| Dentists | 1:1,949 |
| Mental Health | 1:366 |
| Checkup Rate | 70.9% |
| Dental Visits | 67.1% |
| Premature Death | 11,137/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.6/10 |
| Exercise Access | 65.7% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 80 |
Foreston has a violent crime rate of 69 per 100,000 residents, 82% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 2,663 per 100,000, 36% above the U.S. average. The county recorded 3 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Foreston receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Foreston vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 69.2/100K |
| 82% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 2,662.5/100K |
| 36% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 3 |
| Traffic Accidents | 35 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.2 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Foreston has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 42°F (5°C). Winters average 11°F in January while summers reach 69°F in July. The area gets 270 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 30.8 inches. The area receives 48.9 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 1,080 feet.
Temperature
11°F Jan (-12°C)
69°F Jul (21°C)
| Annual Average | 41.8°F |
| 23% below US avg |
| January Average | 11°F (-12°C) |
| July Average | 69°F (21°C) |
| Sunny Days | 270 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,080 ft (329 m) |
| Area | 1.4 sq mi (3.7 km²) |
| Population Density | 514/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 45.7270°N, 93.7089°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Mille Lacs County County |
| Nearest Airport | St Cloud Regional (STC)
21 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
30.8"
19% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
4.57"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 36.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Air Pollutants (EPA 2023)
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 28.5 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 19.2 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 94.6 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Relatively Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Low |
| Lightning |
Relatively Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
Relatively Low |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
2 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.1. Most recent: M2.5 on Apr 29, 2011.
| Feb 9, 1994 |
6 km NNE of Blomkest, Minnesota |
M3.1 |
129 km |
| Apr 29, 2011 |
Minnesota |
M2.5 |
144 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
330 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 29 fatalities, 648 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jul 3, 1983 |
EF4 |
64 km |
0 |
| May 6, 1965 |
EF4 |
99 km |
0 |
| May 6, 1965 |
EF4 |
84 km |
3 |
| May 6, 1965 |
EF4 |
87 km |
6 |
| May 21, 1957 |
EF4 |
67 km |
0 |
| May 25, 2008 |
EF3 |
80 km |
1 |
| Jun 18, 2001 |
EF3 |
82 km |
2 |
| Sep 18, 1997 |
EF3 |
46 km |
1 |
| Jul 1, 1997 |
EF3 |
72 km |
0 |
| Jun 16, 1992 |
EF3 |
89 km |
0 |
| Jul 5, 1991 |
EF3 |
96 km |
0 |
| Jul 23, 1987 |
EF3 |
67 km |
0 |
| Apr 26, 1984 |
EF3 |
87 km |
1 |
| Sep 3, 1980 |
EF3 |
45 km |
1 |
| Aug 26, 1977 |
EF3 |
92 km |
0 |
| Jun 25, 1973 |
EF3 |
79 km |
0 |
| Jun 30, 1968 |
EF3 |
72 km |
0 |
| May 5, 1964 |
EF3 |
85 km |
0 |
| May 24, 1958 |
EF3 |
87 km |
0 |
| Jun 23, 1952 |
EF3 |
91 km |
2 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: UNNAMED (9,055 ac, 2007).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2007 |
UNNAMED |
9,055 |
78 km |
| 2009 |
CENTER TANK RANGE |
6,131 |
76 km |
| 2002 |
UNIT 4 |
5,887 |
25 km |
| 2003 |
UNITS 37 38 39 A |
4,879 |
28 km |
| 1998 |
UNITS 1617 |
4,649 |
24 km |
| 1988 |
UNNAMED |
4,475 |
76 km |
| 2005 |
RX HFR 05 |
4,253 |
24 km |
| 2009 |
BU9 |
4,112 |
25 km |
| 2007 |
WUI 07 - UNIT 36 |
4,025 |
30 km |
| 1988 |
UNNAMED |
3,642 |
57 km |
| 2000 |
UNIT 25 |
3,412 |
29 km |
| 2009 |
BU11 |
3,242 |
27 km |
| 2003 |
UNNAMED |
2,998 |
98 km |
| 1997 |
BIG |
2,987 |
28 km |
| 2009 |
UNNAMED |
2,904 |
70 km |
| 2009 |
HENDRICKSON IMPACT AREA |
2,757 |
80 km |
| 2003 |
UNITS 34 33 W |
2,637 |
29 km |
| 2024 |
UNIT 8E RX |
2,551 |
26 km |
| 1987 |
UNNAMED |
2,512 |
100 km |
| 1992 |
SHARPTAIL |
2,288 |
30 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
11°F (-12°C) |
0.8 in |
Coldest |
| February |
16°F (-9°C) |
0.7 in |
Driest |
| March |
28°F (-2°C) |
1.5 in |
|
| April |
44°F (6°C) |
2.3 in |
|
| May |
57°F (14°C) |
3.3 in |
|
| June |
65°F (18°C) |
4.6 in |
Wettest |
| July |
69°F (21°C) |
3.7 in |
Warmest |
| August |
67°F (20°C) |
3.9 in |
|
| September |
58°F (14°C) |
3.2 in |
|
| October |
46°F (8°C) |
2.4 in |
|
| November |
29°F (-2°C) |
1.5 in |
|
| December |
15°F (-10°C) |
0.9 in |
|
Foreston has a seasonal temperature swing of 59°F / from 11°F in January to 69°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 28.7 inches, with June being the wettest month (4.6") and February the driest (0.7").
Average costs for common services in Foreston. 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 | $1,070 |
| Toddler | $945 |
| Preschool | $891 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $621 |
| Toddler | $570 |
| Preschool | $570 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Foreston
What is the population of Foreston?
Foreston has a population of 735 residents and is located in Minnesota. The population density is 514 people per square mile, spread across 1.4 square miles. The median age of residents is 34.1 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 46% female and 54% male.
Is Foreston expensive to live in?
Foreston 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 $94,219, 25% above the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $247,900 (12% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $1,167 per month. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.6x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Foreston safe?
Foreston is considered a very safe city with a violent crime rate of 69 per 100,000 residents, well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 2,663 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Foreston receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Foreston?
Foreston has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 42°F (5°C). Winter temperatures average 11°F in January, while summers reach an average of 69°F in July. The area receives 270 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 30.8 inches, with 48.9 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 36.
How is the job market in Foreston?
The job market in Foreston is very strong, with unemployment at just 2.7% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $915. There are 796 business establishments in the area, including 72 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 32 minutes, and 19.8% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Foreston?
The median home value in Foreston is $247,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $341,433. For renters, the median monthly rent is $1,167. Fair market rent is $899 for a 1-bedroom and $1,125 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 89.6%. The average annual property tax is $3,858.
How are the schools in Foreston?
Schools in Foreston score 5.8 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 27.2% of adults in Foreston hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 91.7% have completed high school. 13.9% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Foreston?
The obesity rate in Foreston is 36.7% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 16.4% of adults are smokers. 25.0% are physically inactive. 25.6% of residents report depression. 8.2% lack health insurance. 65.7% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,580.
What is transportation like in Foreston?
The average commute in Foreston is 32 minutes, longer than the national average of 28 minutes. 69.3% of workers drive alone to work, and 19.8% work from home.
What are the demographics of Foreston?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Foreston is 96.5% White, 0.8% Hispanic or Latino. 99.2% of residents speak only English at home. 6.2% of the population are military veterans. 4.9% of residents have a disability. 99.4% have health insurance coverage.
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