Median Income
$50,694
33% lower than US avg
Home Value
$126,500
55% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
252/100K
34% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
22.1%
34% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$846
27% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
40.3%
26% higher than US avg
Unemployment
5.6%
56% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
15.2%
23% higher than US avg
How Fosston Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population1,283
Median Age45.7 yrs
Density638/mi²
Male / Female43% / 57%
Largest GroupWhite 93%
Veterans8.2%
Economy
B
Median Income$50,694
Per Capita$27,531
Unemployment5.6%
Poverty15.2%
County GDP$393M
Commute14 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$126,500
Rent$846
Ownership56.8%
Zillow$214,844
Housing Units631
Rent Burden25.5%
Crime
F
Violent252/100K
Property3,455/100K
Health
Obesity40.3%
Uninsured8.8%
Smoking18.1%
Depression27.3%
Heart Disease5.8%
Climate
Avg Temp39°F (4°C)
AQI36 (Good)
Rain26.6 in/yr
Sunny Days276/yr
Elevation1,291 ft (393 m)
Education
C+
Bachelor's+22.1%
High School+82.0%
Graduate+8.0%
School Score5.10
Community
2024 VoteR 74% / D 24%
Commute14 min
Broadband76.1%
EV Stations1
Libraries1
Is Fosston a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Fosston receives an overall livability score of 2.9 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C+. Key strengths include low crime rates, affordable housing, abundant sunshine, high health insurance coverage. Areas to be aware of include above-average unemployment, below-average incomes, high obesity rates. Fosston has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Fosston is $50,694, 33% below the national average of $75,149. The unemployment rate of 5.6% is somewhat elevated compared to the national rate of 3.6%. The poverty rate of 15.2% exceeds the national average of 12.4%, indicating economic hardship for a significant portion of the population. Workers commute an average of 14 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Fosston is $126,500, 55% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $846 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 2.5x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Violent crime in Fosston is below the national average at 252 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 3,455 per 100,000, 76% above the national average.
Education
22.1% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 82.0% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.1/10.
Climate & Weather
Fosston 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. With 276 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 26.6 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 36.
Fosston has a population of 1,283 with a density of 638 people per square mile, spread across 1.7 square miles. The median age is 45.7 years, 17% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 57.1% female and 42.9% male. The city is predominantly White (93.1%), with 2.8% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 98.4% of residents. 8.2% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 19.4% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 97.2% have health insurance coverage.
Population
45.7yrs
Median Age
17% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
98.4%
25% above US avg
Spanish
1.6%
88% below US avg
The median household income in Fosston is $50,694, which is 33% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $27,531 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,116, 22% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 5.6% (above the 3.6% US average). 15.2% of residents live below the poverty line, higher than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 231 business establishments, including 20 restaurants. The cost of living index is 98.6, roughly in line with the national average. Workers commute an average of 14 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 7.7% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $50,694 |
| 33% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $27,531 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,116 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $60,554 |
| Gini Index | 0.445 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 5.6% |
| 56% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 15.2% |
| 23% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 231 |
| County GDP | $393M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 20 |
| Healthcare | 17 |
| Retail | 37 |
| Manufacturing | 11 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $2,300 |
| 34% below US avg |
| Cost of Living | 98.60 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 1.82% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 14.3 min |
| Drive Alone | 71.7% |
| Public Transit | 0.6% |
| Work from Home | 7.7% |
The median home value in Fosston is $126,500, 55% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $214,844, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $846 (27% 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. 56.8% of housing units are owner-occupied (below the 65.4% national rate). There are 631 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1962. The average annual property tax is $2,300 (lower than the $3,500 national average). 25.5% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.5x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $126,500 |
| 55% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $214,844 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $846 |
| 27% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 25.5% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $809 |
| 1 Bedroom | $899 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,125 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,483 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,698 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 56.8% |
| Owner-Occupied | 56.8% |
| Renter-Occupied | 43.2% |
| Housing Units | 631 |
| Median Year Built | 1962 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $2,300 |
| 34% below US avg |
| Effective Rate | 1.82% |
In Fosston, 40.3% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 9.6% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.8% of residents. 28.0% have high blood pressure. 18.1% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 20.5% report binge drinking. 26.2% are physically inactive. 27.3% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 18.1% experience frequent mental distress. 8.8% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,859. The dentist ratio is 1:2,883. 59.4% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 7.1 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Fosston vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 40.3% |
| 26% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 9.6% |
| Heart Disease | 5.8% |
| High Blood Pressure | 28.0% |
| Asthma | 10.9% |
| COPD | 6.4% |
| Cancer | 7.3% |
| Stroke | 3.1% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 18.1% |
| 29% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 20.5% |
| Physical Inactivity | 26.2% |
| Depression | 27.3% |
| Mental Distress | 18.1% |
| Physical Distress | 12.9% |
| Short Sleep | 33.3% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 97.2% |
| Uninsured | 8.8% |
| 2% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:2,859 |
| Dentists | 1:2,883 |
| Mental Health | 1:4,322 |
| Checkup Rate | 71.5% |
| Dental Visits | 66.2% |
| Premature Death | 9,847/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.1/10 |
| Exercise Access | 59.4% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 17 |
Fosston has a violent crime rate of 252 per 100,000 residents, 34% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 3,455 per 100,000, 76% above the U.S. average. The county recorded 1 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Fosston receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Fosston vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 251.7/100K |
| 34% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 3,455.4/100K |
| 76% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 1 |
| Traffic Accidents | 48 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Fosston 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. 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 26.6 inches (drier than the 38-inch national average). Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 36. The city sits at an elevation of 1,291 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) |
| Sunny Days | 276 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,291 ft (393 m) |
| Area | 1.7 sq mi (4.4 km²) |
| Population Density | 638/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 47.5851°N, 95.7527°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Clearwater County County |
| Nearest Airport | Bemidji Regional (BJI)
38 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
26.6"
30% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
4.13"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 36.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 4.2 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 30.1 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 49.2 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Relatively Low |
| Flood |
Very Low |
| Hail |
Very Low |
| Strong Wind |
Very Low |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Low |
| Lightning |
Very Low |
| Ice Storm |
Very Low |
| Drought |
Relatively Low |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Tornado History
290 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF3. Total: 7 fatalities, 62 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jun 17, 2010 |
EF3 |
33 km |
1 |
| Jun 6, 2008 |
EF3 |
87 km |
0 |
| Jun 24, 2023 |
EF2 |
40 km |
0 |
| Jun 24, 2022 |
EF2 |
81 km |
0 |
| Jun 8, 2019 |
EF2 |
36 km |
0 |
| Jun 29, 2018 |
EF2 |
20 km |
0 |
| Jul 11, 2017 |
EF2 |
70 km |
0 |
| Jul 11, 2017 |
EF2 |
95 km |
0 |
| Aug 28, 2016 |
EF2 |
50 km |
0 |
| Jul 21, 2014 |
EF2 |
84 km |
0 |
| Jul 22, 2013 |
EF2 |
34 km |
0 |
| Jul 11, 2008 |
EF2 |
32 km |
0 |
| Aug 26, 2007 |
EF2 |
92 km |
0 |
| Jun 23, 2005 |
EF2 |
79 km |
0 |
| Jun 23, 2005 |
EF2 |
92 km |
0 |
| May 21, 2005 |
EF2 |
72 km |
0 |
| Jun 5, 1996 |
EF2 |
77 km |
0 |
| Aug 25, 1983 |
EF2 |
58 km |
0 |
| Aug 5, 1981 |
EF2 |
40 km |
0 |
| Jul 11, 1980 |
EF2 |
61 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 |
61 km |
| 2003 |
REINER 36 |
67,641 |
55 km |
| 1989 |
UNNAMED |
66,422 |
58 km |
| 1990 |
UNNAMED |
43,533 |
69 km |
| 1991 |
UNNAMED |
37,840 |
45 km |
| 1990 |
UNNAMED |
32,693 |
47 km |
| 1987 |
SANDY LAKE |
26,617 |
45 km |
| 1990 |
UNNAMED |
26,345 |
82 km |
| 1998 |
RL3 |
14,882 |
63 km |
| 2018 |
2018 HIGHWAY 1 RXB |
13,170 |
65 km |
| 2021 |
OXCART |
12,538 |
42 km |
| 1987 |
UNNAMED |
10,819 |
74 km |
| 1987 |
UNNAMED |
9,281 |
85 km |
| 1994 |
UNNAMED |
8,690 |
46 km |
| 1990 |
UNNAMED |
8,025 |
66 km |
| 2016 |
2016 HIGHWAY 1 RXB |
7,744 |
65 km |
| 2021 |
RL 005 UNIT 8 AND 9 |
6,352 |
50 km |
| 2003 |
HICKORY ONE |
6,152 |
44 km |
| 2007 |
HWYONEBURN |
6,124 |
66 km |
| 2002 |
RED LAKE 468 |
6,076 |
42 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
5°F (-15°C) |
0.7 in |
Coldest |
| February |
11°F (-12°C) |
0.5 in |
Driest |
| March |
24°F (-4°C) |
1.0 in |
|
| April |
41°F (5°C) |
1.5 in |
|
| May |
55°F (13°C) |
2.7 in |
|
| June |
64°F (18°C) |
4.1 in |
Wettest |
| July |
67°F (19°C) |
3.7 in |
Warmest |
| August |
66°F (19°C) |
3.4 in |
|
| September |
56°F (13°C) |
2.8 in |
|
| October |
44°F (6°C) |
2.2 in |
|
| November |
25°F (-4°C) |
0.9 in |
|
| December |
10°F (-12°C) |
0.6 in |
|
Fosston has a seasonal temperature swing of 61°F / from 5°F in January to 67°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 24.0 inches, with June being the wettest month (4.1") and February the driest (0.5").
Average costs for common services in Fosston. 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 | $534 |
| Toddler | $541 |
| Preschool | $541 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Fosston
What is the population of Fosston?
Fosston has a population of 1,283 residents and is located in Minnesota. The population density is 638 people per square mile, spread across 1.7 square miles. The median age of residents is 45.7 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 57.1% female and 42.9% male.
Is Fosston expensive to live in?
Fosston 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 $50,694, 33% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $126,500 (55% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $846 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.5x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Fosston safe?
Fosston is safer than the national average, with a violent crime rate of 252 per 100,000 compared to the U.S. rate of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 3,455 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Fosston receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Fosston?
Fosston 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. The area receives 276 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 26.6 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 36.
How is the job market in Fosston?
The unemployment rate in Fosston is 5.6%, somewhat above the national average of 3.6%. Job seekers may face moderate competition. The average weekly wage is $1,116. There are 231 business establishments in the area, including 20 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 14 minutes, and 7.7% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Fosston?
The median home value in Fosston is $126,500. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $214,844. For renters, the median monthly rent is $846. Fair market rent is $899 for a 1-bedroom and $1,125 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 56.8%. The average annual property tax is $2,300.
How are the schools in Fosston?
Schools in Fosston score 5.1 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 22.1% of adults in Fosston hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 82.0% have completed high school. 8.0% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Fosston?
The obesity rate in Fosston is 40.3% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 18.1% of adults are smokers. 26.2% are physically inactive. 27.3% of residents report depression. 8.8% lack health insurance. 59.4% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,859.
What is transportation like in Fosston?
The average commute in Fosston is 14 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 71.7% of workers drive alone to work, and 7.7% work from home.
What are the demographics of Fosston?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Fosston is 93.1% White, 2.8% Hispanic or Latino. 98.4% of residents speak only English at home. 8.2% of the population are military veterans. 19.4% of residents have a disability. 97.2% have health insurance coverage.
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