Median Income
$44,545
41% lower than US avg
Home Value
$87,900
69% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
167/100K
56% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
15.2%
55% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$833
28% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
35.1%
9% higher than US avg
Unemployment
6.7%
86% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
20.8%
68% higher than US avg
How Freeborn Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population321
Median Age34.5 yrs
Density1,783/mi²
Male / Female49% / 51%
Largest GroupWhite 88%
Veterans2.9%
Economy
C
Median Income$44,545
Per Capita$25,281
Unemployment6.7%
Poverty20.8%
County GDP$1,740M
Commute25 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$87,900
Rent$833
Ownership85.8%
Zillow$132,180
Housing Units145
Rent Burden27.2%
Crime
F
Violent167/100K
Property84/100K
Health
Obesity35.1%
Uninsured7.6%
Smoking15.7%
Depression24.7%
Heart Disease5.4%
Climate
Avg Temp46°F (8°C)
AQI36 (Good)
Rain34.5 in/yr
Sunny Days260/yr
Elevation1,237 ft (377 m)
Education
C
Bachelor's+15.2%
High School+93.2%
Graduate+2.2%
School Score5.71
Community
2024 VoteR 60% / D 39%
Commute25 min
Broadband81.3%
EV Stations6
Libraries1
Is Freeborn a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Freeborn receives an overall livability score of 2.7 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, an elevated poverty rate, below-average incomes. Freeborn has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Freeborn is $44,545, 41% below the national average of $75,149. The unemployment rate of 6.7% is somewhat elevated compared to the national rate of 3.6%. The poverty rate of 20.8% exceeds the national average of 12.4%, indicating economic hardship for a significant portion of the population. Workers commute an average of 25 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Freeborn is $87,900, 69% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $833 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 2x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Violent crime in Freeborn is below the national average at 167 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 84 per 100,000, 96% below the national average.
Education
15.2% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 93.2% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.7/10.
Climate & Weather
Freeborn experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 46°F. Winters average 14°F in January while summers reach 72°F in July. With 260 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 34.5 inches, including 40.1 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 36.
Freeborn has a population of 321 with a density of 1,783 people per square mile, spread across 0.2 square miles. The median age is 34.5 years, 11% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 50.8% female and 49.2% male. The city is predominantly White (87.9%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 99.6% of residents. 2.9% of the population are veterans, below the national rate of 6.0%. 12.5% of residents have a disability. 94.4% have health insurance coverage.
Population
34.5yrs
Median Age
11% below 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 Freeborn is $44,545, which is 41% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $25,281 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,021, 29% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 6.7% (above the 3.6% US average). 20.8% of residents live below the poverty line, higher than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 832 business establishments, including 73 restaurants. The cost of living index is 98.6, roughly in line with the national average. Workers commute an average of 25 minutes. 5.6% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $44,545 |
| 41% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $25,281 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,021 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $64,740 |
| Gini Index | 0.448 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 6.7% |
| 86% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 20.8% |
| 68% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 832 |
| County GDP | $1,740M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 73 |
| Healthcare | 66 |
| Retail | 131 |
| Manufacturing | 47 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $4,279 |
| 22% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 98.60 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 4.87% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 25.1 min |
| Drive Alone | 78.3% |
| Public Transit | 1.4% |
| Work from Home | 5.6% |
The median home value in Freeborn is $87,900, 69% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $132,180, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $833 (28% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $742 for a one-bedroom to $974 for a two-bedroom apartment. 85.8% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 145 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1953. The average annual property tax is $4,279 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 27.2% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 2x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $87,900 |
| 69% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $132,180 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $833 |
| 28% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 27.2% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $672 |
| 1 Bedroom | $742 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $974 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,283 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,432 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 85.8% |
| Owner-Occupied | 85.8% |
| Renter-Occupied | 14.2% |
| Housing Units | 145 |
| Median Year Built | 1953 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $4,279 |
| 22% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 4.87% |
In Freeborn, 35.1% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 8.8% have diabetes (below the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 5.4% of residents. 28.0% have high blood pressure. 15.7% are current smokers. 23.0% report binge drinking. 24.3% are physically inactive. 24.7% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 17.1% experience frequent mental distress. 7.6% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,537. The dentist ratio is 1:2,363. 61.1% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.5 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Freeborn vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 35.1% |
| 9% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 8.8% |
| Heart Disease | 5.4% |
| High Blood Pressure | 28.0% |
| Asthma | 9.9% |
| COPD | 5.2% |
| Cancer | 7.4% |
| Stroke | 2.8% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 15.7% |
| 12% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 23.0% |
| Physical Inactivity | 24.3% |
| Depression | 24.7% |
| Mental Distress | 17.1% |
| Physical Distress | 11.4% |
| Short Sleep | 33.2% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 94.4% |
| Uninsured | 7.6% |
| 12% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,537 |
| Dentists | 1:2,363 |
| Mental Health | 1:710 |
| Checkup Rate | 71.2% |
| Dental Visits | 64.7% |
| Premature Death | 7,899/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.5/10 |
| Exercise Access | 61.1% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 66 |
Freeborn has a violent crime rate of 167 per 100,000 residents, 56% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 84 per 100,000, 96% below the U.S. average. The county recorded 5 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Freeborn receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Freeborn vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 167.1/100K |
| 56% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 83.5/100K |
| 96% below US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 5 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Freeborn experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 46°F (8°C). Winters average 14°F in January while summers reach 72°F in July. The area gets 260 sunny days per year, above the national average. Annual precipitation totals 34.5 inches. The area receives 40.1 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 1,237 feet.
Temperature
14°F Jan (-10°C)
72°F Jul (22°C)
| Annual Average | 45.5°F |
| 16% below US avg |
| January Average | 14°F (-10°C) |
| July Average | 72°F (22°C) |
| Sunny Days | 260 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,237 ft (377 m) |
| Area | 0.2 sq mi (0.5 km²) |
| Population Density | 1,783/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 43.7660°N, 93.5644°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Freeborn County County |
| Nearest Airport | Owatonna Degner Regional (OWA)
29 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
34.5"
9% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
4.33"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 36.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 51.0 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 35.9 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 89.6 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Moderate |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Moderate |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Moderate |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Moderate |
| Lightning |
Very Low |
| Ice Storm |
Very Low |
| Drought |
Relatively High |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
1 earthquake (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M2.8. Most recent: M2.8 on Apr 25, 2017.
| Apr 25, 2017 |
Near Mankato, Minnesota |
M2.8 |
59 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
604 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 25 fatalities, 338 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jun 17, 2010 |
EF4 |
22 km |
1 |
| Apr 30, 1967 |
EF4 |
47 km |
0 |
| Apr 30, 1967 |
EF4 |
5 km |
6 |
| Apr 30, 1967 |
EF4 |
61 km |
0 |
| Apr 30, 1967 |
EF4 |
24 km |
5 |
| May 5, 1965 |
EF4 |
81 km |
0 |
| Sep 16, 1962 |
EF4 |
92 km |
0 |
| May 10, 1953 |
EF4 |
78 km |
0 |
| Jun 12, 2013 |
EF3 |
99 km |
0 |
| Jun 17, 2010 |
EF3 |
14 km |
0 |
| Jun 17, 2010 |
EF3 |
37 km |
0 |
| Jun 17, 2010 |
EF3 |
26 km |
0 |
| Aug 24, 2006 |
EF3 |
80 km |
1 |
| Aug 1, 2006 |
EF3 |
94 km |
0 |
| Jun 11, 2004 |
EF3 |
91 km |
0 |
| Mar 29, 1998 |
EF3 |
75 km |
1 |
| Mar 29, 1998 |
EF3 |
70 km |
0 |
| Jun 18, 1994 |
EF3 |
74 km |
0 |
| Jun 7, 1984 |
EF3 |
82 km |
0 |
| Jun 7, 1984 |
EF3 |
20 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
3 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: SNAKE TRAIL (1,496 ac, 2024).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2024 |
SNAKE TRAIL |
1,496 |
40 km |
| 1990 |
UNNAMED |
598 |
77 km |
| 2024 |
LINCOLN WPA RX |
575 |
64 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
14°F (-10°C) |
0.7 in |
Coldest |
| February |
19°F (-7°C) |
0.6 in |
Driest |
| March |
31°F (-0°C) |
1.7 in |
|
| April |
46°F (8°C) |
2.8 in |
|
| May |
59°F (15°C) |
3.6 in |
|
| June |
68°F (20°C) |
4.3 in |
Wettest |
| July |
72°F (22°C) |
4.2 in |
Warmest |
| August |
69°F (21°C) |
4.0 in |
|
| September |
61°F (16°C) |
3.2 in |
|
| October |
49°F (9°C) |
2.2 in |
|
| November |
32°F (0°C) |
1.6 in |
|
| December |
18°F (-8°C) |
1.0 in |
|
Freeborn has a seasonal temperature swing of 58°F / from 14°F in January to 72°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 29.9 inches, with June being the wettest month (4.3") and February the driest (0.6").
Average costs for common services in Freeborn. 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 | $914 |
| Toddler | $853 |
| Preschool | $787 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $534 |
| Toddler | $541 |
| Preschool | $541 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Freeborn
What is the population of Freeborn?
Freeborn has a population of 321 residents and is located in Minnesota. The population density is 1,783 people per square mile, spread across 0.2 square miles. The median age of residents is 34.5 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 50.8% female and 49.2% male.
Is Freeborn expensive to live in?
Freeborn 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 $44,545, 41% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $87,900 (69% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $833 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 2x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Freeborn safe?
Freeborn is safer than the national average, with a violent crime rate of 167 per 100,000 compared to the U.S. rate of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 84 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Freeborn receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Freeborn?
Freeborn has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 46°F (8°C). Winter temperatures average 14°F in January, while summers reach an average of 72°F in July. The area receives 260 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 34.5 inches, with 40.1 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 36.
How is the job market in Freeborn?
The unemployment rate in Freeborn is 6.7%, somewhat above the national average of 3.6%. Job seekers may face moderate competition. The average weekly wage is $1,021. There are 832 business establishments in the area, including 73 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 25 minutes, and 5.6% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Freeborn?
The median home value in Freeborn is $87,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $132,180. For renters, the median monthly rent is $833. Fair market rent is $742 for a 1-bedroom and $974 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 85.8%. The average annual property tax is $4,279.
How are the schools in Freeborn?
Schools in Freeborn score 5.7 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 15.2% of adults in Freeborn hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 93.2% have completed high school. 2.2% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Freeborn?
The obesity rate in Freeborn is 35.1% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 15.7% of adults are smokers. 24.3% are physically inactive. 24.7% of residents report depression. 7.6% lack health insurance. 61.1% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,537.
What is transportation like in Freeborn?
The average commute in Freeborn is 25 minutes. 78.3% of workers drive alone to work, 1.4% use public transit, and 5.6% work from home.
What are the demographics of Freeborn?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Freeborn is 87.9% White. 99.6% of residents speak only English at home. 2.9% of the population are military veterans. 12.5% of residents have a disability. 94.4% have health insurance coverage.
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