Median Income
$72,750
3% lower than US avg
Home Value
$177,100
37% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
0/100K
100% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
14.6%
57% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$575
51% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
39.7%
24% higher than US avg
Unemployment
5.9%
64% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
2.9%
77% lower than US avg
How Fountain Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population490
Median Age40.5 yrs
Density495/mi²
Male / Female55% / 46%
Largest GroupWhite 94%
Veterans3.1%
Economy
B+
Median Income$72,750
Per Capita$35,707
Unemployment5.9%
Poverty2.9%
County GDP$877M
Commute28 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$177,100
Rent$575
Ownership86.5%
Zillow$310,064
Housing Units199
Rent Burden18.8%
Crime
Violent0/100K
Property0/100K
Health
Obesity39.7%
Uninsured8.0%
Smoking14.5%
Depression24.6%
Heart Disease5.0%
Climate
Avg Temp44°F (7°C)
AQI36 (Good)
Rain36.8 in/yr
Sunny Days260/yr
Elevation1,301 ft (397 m)
Education
C
Bachelor's+14.6%
High School+94.7%
Graduate+3.3%
School Score6.36
Community
2024 VoteR 62% / D 36%
Commute28 min
Broadband89.4%
EV Stations3
Libraries7
Is Fountain a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Fountain receives an overall livability score of 3.7 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B+. Key strengths include low crime rates, affordable housing, abundant sunshine, a low poverty rate. Areas to be aware of include above-average unemployment, high obesity rates. Fountain offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Fountain is $72,750, roughly in line with the national average of $75,149. The unemployment rate of 5.9% is somewhat elevated compared to the national rate of 3.6%. Only 2.9% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 28 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Fountain is $177,100, 37% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $575 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 2.4x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Fountain is a very safe community with a violent crime rate of 0 per 100,000 residents / well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 0 per 100,000, 100% below the national average.
Education
14.6% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 94.7% have completed high school. Local schools score 6.4/10 in standardized testing, reflecting strong academic performance.
Climate & Weather
Fountain has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 44°F. Winters average 14°F in January while summers reach 70°F in July. With 260 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 36.8 inches, including 42.2 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 36.
Fountain has a population of 490 with a density of 495 people per square mile, spread across 1.0 square miles. The median age is 40.5 years, 4% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 45.5% female and 54.5% male. The city is predominantly White (93.9%), with 1.6% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 99.6% of residents. 3.1% of the population are veterans, below the national rate of 6.0%. 5.8% of residents have a disability (below the 13.0% national average). 96.1% have health insurance coverage.
Population
40.5yrs
Median Age
4% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
99.6%
27% above US avg
Spanish
0.4%
97% below US avg
The median household income in Fountain is $72,750, which is 3% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $35,707. The average weekly wage is $852, 41% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 5.9% (above the 3.6% US average). 2.9% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 802 business establishments, including 64 restaurants. The cost of living index is 98.6, roughly in line with the national average. Workers commute an average of 28 minutes. 9.5% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $72,750 |
| 3% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $35,707 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $852 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $68,191 |
| Gini Index | 0.400 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 5.9% |
| 64% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 2.9% |
| 77% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 802 |
| County GDP | $877M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 64 |
| Healthcare | 46 |
| Retail | 89 |
| Manufacturing | 45 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $3,479 |
| 1% below US avg |
| Cost of Living | 98.60 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 1.96% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 27.5 min |
| Drive Alone | 72.8% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 9.5% |
The median home value in Fountain is $177,100, 37% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $310,064, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $575 (51% 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. 86.5% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 199 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1940. The average annual property tax is $3,479. 18.8% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.4x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $177,100 |
| 37% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $310,064 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $575 |
| 51% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 18.8% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $809 |
| 1 Bedroom | $899 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,125 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,483 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,698 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 86.5% |
| Owner-Occupied | 86.5% |
| Renter-Occupied | 13.5% |
| Housing Units | 199 |
| Median Year Built | 1940 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $3,479 |
| 1% below US avg |
| Effective Rate | 1.96% |
In Fountain, 39.7% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 8.6% have diabetes (below the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 5.0% of residents. 28.4% have high blood pressure. 14.5% are current smokers. 21.4% report binge drinking. 21.7% are physically inactive. 24.6% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 16.5% experience frequent mental distress. 8.0% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:3,545. The dentist ratio is 1:1,784. 78.7% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 9.5 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Fountain vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 39.7% |
| 24% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 8.6% |
| Heart Disease | 5.0% |
| High Blood Pressure | 28.4% |
| Asthma | 10.0% |
| COPD | 4.8% |
| Cancer | 7.3% |
| Stroke | 2.6% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 14.5% |
| 4% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 21.4% |
| Physical Inactivity | 21.7% |
| Depression | 24.6% |
| Mental Distress | 16.5% |
| Physical Distress | 11.1% |
| Short Sleep | 31.3% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 96.1% |
| Uninsured | 8.0% |
| 7% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:3,545 |
| Dentists | 1:1,784 |
| Mental Health | 1:2,391 |
| Checkup Rate | 71.6% |
| Dental Visits | 66.6% |
| Premature Death | 6,032/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 9.5/10 |
| Exercise Access | 78.7% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 46 |
Fountain has a violent crime rate of 0 per 100,000 residents, 100% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 0 per 100,000, 100% below the U.S. average. The county recorded 1 fatal traffic crashes.
Crime Rates: Fountain vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 1 |
| Traffic Accidents | 59 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
Fountain has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 44°F (7°C). Winters average 14°F in January while summers reach 70°F in July. The area gets 260 sunny days per year, above the national average. Annual precipitation totals 36.8 inches. The area receives 42.2 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 1,301 feet.
Temperature
14°F Jan (-10°C)
70°F Jul (21°C)
| Annual Average | 43.8°F |
| 19% below US avg |
| January Average | 14°F (-10°C) |
| July Average | 70°F (21°C) |
| Sunny Days | 260 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,301 ft (397 m) |
| Area | 1.0 sq mi (2.6 km²) |
| Population Density | 495/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 43.7425°N, 92.1342°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Fillmore County County |
| Nearest Airport | Rochester International (RST)
22 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
36.8"
3% below US avg
Wettest Month (Aug)
4.25"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 36.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 49.8 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 32.7 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 90.7 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Hurricane |
No Rating |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Low |
| Lightning |
Very Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
Relatively Low |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Landslide |
Relatively Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Tornado History
436 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 9 fatalities, 170 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jul 12, 1971 |
EF4 |
62 km |
0 |
| Apr 30, 1967 |
EF4 |
90 km |
0 |
| Apr 30, 1967 |
EF4 |
97 km |
0 |
| May 5, 1965 |
EF4 |
76 km |
0 |
| Sep 16, 1962 |
EF4 |
36 km |
0 |
| May 10, 1953 |
EF4 |
39 km |
2 |
| Jun 17, 2010 |
EF3 |
89 km |
0 |
| Jun 17, 2010 |
EF3 |
81 km |
0 |
| Jun 11, 2004 |
EF3 |
51 km |
0 |
| May 15, 1998 |
EF3 |
95 km |
0 |
| Jul 19, 1994 |
EF3 |
50 km |
0 |
| Jun 7, 1984 |
EF3 |
98 km |
0 |
| May 17, 1982 |
EF3 |
94 km |
0 |
| Jun 5, 1980 |
EF3 |
74 km |
0 |
| May 28, 1974 |
EF3 |
99 km |
0 |
| Jul 12, 1971 |
EF3 |
86 km |
0 |
| Jun 24, 1971 |
EF3 |
79 km |
1 |
| Apr 30, 1967 |
EF3 |
97 km |
0 |
| May 5, 1965 |
EF3 |
29 km |
0 |
| May 26, 1959 |
EF3 |
64 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
1 wildfire (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: BEAVER CUTOFF (982 ac, 2007).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2007 |
BEAVER CUTOFF |
982 |
48 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
14°F (-10°C) |
0.9 in |
Coldest |
| February |
20°F (-7°C) |
0.8 in |
Driest |
| March |
32°F (-0°C) |
2.0 in |
|
| April |
46°F (8°C) |
3.0 in |
|
| May |
58°F (14°C) |
3.8 in |
|
| June |
67°F (20°C) |
4.2 in |
|
| July |
70°F (21°C) |
4.2 in |
Warmest |
| August |
69°F (21°C) |
4.3 in |
Wettest |
| September |
60°F (16°C) |
4.0 in |
|
| October |
49°F (9°C) |
2.5 in |
|
| November |
33°F (0°C) |
1.8 in |
|
| December |
19°F (-7°C) |
1.3 in |
|
Fountain has a seasonal temperature swing of 56°F / from 14°F in January to 70°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 32.7 inches, with August being the wettest month (4.3") and February the driest (0.8").
Average costs for common services in Fountain. 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 | $592 |
| Toddler | $534 |
| Preschool | $548 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Fountain
What is the population of Fountain?
Fountain has a population of 490 residents and is located in Minnesota. The population density is 495 people per square mile, spread across 1.0 square miles. The median age of residents is 40.5 years. The population is 45.5% female and 54.5% male.
Is Fountain expensive to live in?
Fountain 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 $72,750, 3% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $177,100 (37% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $575 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.4x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Fountain safe?
Fountain is considered a very safe city with a violent crime rate of 0 per 100,000 residents, well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 0 per 100,000 (below the national average).
What is the weather like in Fountain?
Fountain has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 44°F (7°C). Winter temperatures average 14°F in January, while summers reach an average of 70°F in July. The area receives 260 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 36.8 inches, with 42.2 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 36.
How is the job market in Fountain?
The unemployment rate in Fountain is 5.9%, somewhat above the national average of 3.6%. Job seekers may face moderate competition. The average weekly wage is $852. There are 802 business establishments in the area, including 64 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 28 minutes, and 9.5% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Fountain?
The median home value in Fountain is $177,100. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $310,064. For renters, the median monthly rent is $575. Fair market rent is $899 for a 1-bedroom and $1,125 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 86.5%. The average annual property tax is $3,479.
How are the schools in Fountain?
Schools in Fountain score 6.4 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 14.6% of adults in Fountain hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 94.7% have completed high school. 3.3% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Fountain?
The obesity rate in Fountain is 39.7% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 14.5% of adults are smokers. 21.7% are physically inactive. 24.6% of residents report depression. 8.0% lack health insurance. 78.7% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:3,545.
What is transportation like in Fountain?
The average commute in Fountain is 28 minutes. 72.8% of workers drive alone to work, and 9.5% work from home.
What are the demographics of Fountain?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Fountain is 93.9% White, 1.6% Hispanic or Latino. 99.6% of residents speak only English at home. 3.1% of the population are military veterans. 5.8% of residents have a disability. 96.1% have health insurance coverage.
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