Median Income
$70,000
7% lower than US avg
Home Value
$159,700
43% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
669/100K
76% higher than US avg
Bachelor's+
9.1%
73% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
37.0%
15% higher than US avg
Unemployment
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
5.7%
54% lower than US avg
How Harding Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population138
Median Age50.5 yrs
Density45/mi²
Male / Female68% / 32%
Largest GroupWhite 94%
Veterans13.3%
Economy
A
Median Income$70,000
Per Capita$29,739
Unemployment0.0%
Poverty5.7%
County GDP$1,501M
Commute29 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$159,700
Ownership88.6%
Zillow$246,455
Housing Units46
Rent Burden23.7%
Crime
F
Violent669/100K
Property4,866/100K
Health
Obesity37.0%
Uninsured8.5%
Smoking17.4%
Depression26.6%
Heart Disease6.1%
Climate
Avg Temp45°F (7°C)
AQI36 (Good)
Rain27.2 in/yr
Sunny Days276/yr
Elevation1,267 ft (386 m)
Education
D
Bachelor's+9.1%
High School+93.6%
Graduate+0.9%
School Score5.82
Community
2024 VoteR 77% / D 21%
Commute29 min
Broadband44.0%
EV Stations3
Libraries5
Is Harding a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Harding receives an overall livability score of 3.0 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include low unemployment, affordable housing, abundant sunshine, a low poverty rate. Areas to be aware of include elevated crime rates. Harding offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Harding is $70,000, roughly in line with the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 0.0%. Only 5.7% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 29 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Harding is $159,700, 43% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. At just 2.3x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
With 669 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, public safety is a notable concern / this is significantly above the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 4,866 per 100,000, 148% above the national average.
Education
9.1% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 93.6% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.8/10.
Climate & Weather
Harding has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 45°F. Winters average 14°F in January while summers reach 73°F in July. With 276 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 27.2 inches, including 52.8 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 36.
Harding has a population of 138 with a density of 45 people per square mile, spread across 3.1 square miles. The median age is 50.5 years, 30% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 31.9% female and 68.1% male. The city is predominantly White (94.2%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 95.6% of residents. 13.3% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 35.3% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 97.8% have health insurance coverage.
Population
50.5yrs
Median Age
30% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
95.6%
22% above US avg
Spanish
4.4%
67% below US avg
The median household income in Harding is $70,000, which is 7% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $29,739 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $909, 37% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 0.0% (below the 3.6% US average). 5.7% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 1,122 business establishments, including 94 restaurants. The cost of living index is 98.6, roughly in line with the national average. Workers commute an average of 29 minutes. 20.4% of workers work from home (above the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $70,000 |
| 7% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $29,739 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $909 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $65,404 |
| Gini Index | 0.424 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 5.7% |
| 54% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 1,122 |
| County GDP | $1,501M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 94 |
| Healthcare | 101 |
| Retail | 130 |
| Manufacturing | 55 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $3,307 |
| 6% below US avg |
| Cost of Living | 98.60 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 2.07% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 28.5 min |
| Drive Alone | 74.1% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 20.4% |
The median home value in Harding is $159,700, 43% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $246,455, higher than the Census estimate. Fair market rent ranges from $899 for a one-bedroom to $1,125 for a two-bedroom apartment. 88.6% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 46 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1959. The average annual property tax is $3,307. 23.7% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.3x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $159,700 |
| 43% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $246,455 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $809 |
| 1 Bedroom | $899 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,125 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,483 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,698 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 88.6% |
| Owner-Occupied | 88.6% |
| Renter-Occupied | 11.4% |
| Housing Units | 46 |
| Median Year Built | 1959 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $3,307 |
| 6% below US avg |
| Effective Rate | 2.07% |
In Harding, 37.0% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 9.6% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 6.1% of residents. 29.5% have high blood pressure. 17.4% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 19.4% report binge drinking. 25.0% are physically inactive. 26.6% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 17.8% experience frequent mental distress. 8.5% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,789. The dentist ratio is 1:2,634. 46.2% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.1 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Harding vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 37.0% |
| 15% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 9.6% |
| Heart Disease | 6.1% |
| High Blood Pressure | 29.5% |
| Asthma | 10.8% |
| COPD | 5.9% |
| Cancer | 7.2% |
| Stroke | 3.1% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 17.4% |
| 24% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 19.4% |
| Physical Inactivity | 25.0% |
| Depression | 26.6% |
| Mental Distress | 17.8% |
| Physical Distress | 12.5% |
| Short Sleep | 34.7% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 97.8% |
| Uninsured | 8.5% |
| 1% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,789 |
| Dentists | 1:2,634 |
| Mental Health | 1:745 |
| Checkup Rate | 72.0% |
| Dental Visits | 61.3% |
| Premature Death | 7,367/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.1/10 |
| Exercise Access | 46.2% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 101 |
Harding has a violent crime rate of 669 per 100,000 residents, 76% above the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 4,866 per 100,000, 148% above the U.S. average. The county recorded 5 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Harding receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Harding vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 668.6/100K |
| 76% above US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 4,865.6/100K |
| 148% above 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 |
Harding has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 45°F (7°C). Winters average 14°F in January while summers reach 73°F in July. 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 27.2 inches (drier than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 52.8 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 1,267 feet.
Temperature
14°F Jan (-10°C)
73°F Jul (23°C)
| Annual Average | 44.9°F |
| 17% below US avg |
| January Average | 14°F (-10°C) |
| July Average | 73°F (23°C) |
| Sunny Days | 276 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,267 ft (386 m) |
| Area | 3.1 sq mi (8.0 km²) |
| Population Density | 45/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 46.1191°N, 94.0368°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Morrison County County |
| Nearest Airport | Brainerd Lakes Regional (BRD)
20 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
27.2"
28% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
4.17"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 36.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 66.9 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 24.0 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 93.7 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Relatively Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hail |
Relatively Moderate |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Moderate |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Low |
| Lightning |
Relatively High |
| 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 |
145 km |
| Apr 29, 2011 |
Minnesota |
M2.5 |
116 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990-2025)
Tornado History
255 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 21 fatalities, 203 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jun 17, 2010 |
EF4 |
94 km |
0 |
| Aug 6, 1969 |
EF4 |
75 km |
12 |
| Jun 11, 1966 |
EF4 |
62 km |
0 |
| Jun 13, 2001 |
EF3 |
100 km |
0 |
| Sep 18, 1997 |
EF3 |
6 km |
1 |
| Jul 5, 1991 |
EF3 |
46 km |
0 |
| Sep 3, 1980 |
EF3 |
67 km |
1 |
| Aug 26, 1977 |
EF3 |
44 km |
0 |
| Jun 25, 1973 |
EF3 |
31 km |
0 |
| Aug 6, 1969 |
EF3 |
85 km |
0 |
| Aug 6, 1969 |
EF3 |
98 km |
1 |
| Jun 30, 1968 |
EF3 |
75 km |
0 |
| May 5, 1964 |
EF3 |
83 km |
0 |
| Jun 12, 2024 |
EF2 |
48 km |
0 |
| Jun 12, 2024 |
EF2 |
66 km |
0 |
| May 30, 2022 |
EF2 |
70 km |
0 |
| May 12, 2022 |
EF2 |
82 km |
0 |
| Jul 11, 2016 |
EF2 |
96 km |
0 |
| Jun 19, 2016 |
EF2 |
37 km |
0 |
| Jul 12, 2015 |
EF2 |
85 km |
0 |
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 |
32 km |
| 2009 |
CENTER TANK RANGE |
6,131 |
31 km |
| 2002 |
UNIT 4 |
5,887 |
71 km |
| 2003 |
UNITS 37 38 39 A |
4,879 |
77 km |
| 1998 |
UNITS 1617 |
4,649 |
72 km |
| 1988 |
UNNAMED |
4,475 |
32 km |
| 2005 |
RX HFR 05 |
4,253 |
72 km |
| 2009 |
BU9 |
4,112 |
70 km |
| 2007 |
WUI 07 - UNIT 36 |
4,025 |
78 km |
| 1988 |
UNNAMED |
3,642 |
10 km |
| 2000 |
UNIT 25 |
3,412 |
78 km |
| 2009 |
BU11 |
3,242 |
74 km |
| 2003 |
UNNAMED |
2,998 |
75 km |
| 1997 |
BIG |
2,987 |
75 km |
| 2009 |
HENDRICKSON IMPACT AREA |
2,757 |
32 km |
| 2015 |
TAMARACK |
2,745 |
86 km |
| 2003 |
UNITS 34 33 W |
2,637 |
77 km |
| 2024 |
UNIT 8E RX |
2,551 |
72 km |
| 1987 |
UNNAMED |
2,512 |
76 km |
| 1991 |
UNNAMED |
2,486 |
87 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
14°F (-10°C) |
0.7 in |
Coldest |
| February |
15°F (-9°C) |
0.6 in |
Driest |
| March |
28°F (-3°C) |
1.5 in |
|
| April |
43°F (6°C) |
2.2 in |
|
| May |
56°F (13°C) |
3.0 in |
|
| June |
65°F (18°C) |
4.2 in |
Wettest |
| July |
73°F (23°C) |
3.8 in |
Warmest |
| August |
67°F (19°C) |
3.6 in |
|
| September |
57°F (14°C) |
3.2 in |
|
| October |
46°F (8°C) |
2.4 in |
|
| November |
29°F (-2°C) |
1.3 in |
|
| December |
14°F (-10°C) |
0.8 in |
|
Harding has a seasonal temperature swing of 59°F / from 14°F in January to 73°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 27.2 inches, with June being the wettest month (4.2") and February the driest (0.6").
Average costs for common services in Harding. 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 | $534 |
| Toddler | $541 |
| Preschool | $541 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Harding
What is the population of Harding?
Harding has a population of 138 residents and is located in Minnesota. The population density is 45 people per square mile, spread across 3.1 square miles. The median age of residents is 50.5 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 31.9% female and 68.1% male.
Is Harding expensive to live in?
Harding 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 $70,000, 7% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $159,700 (43% below the U.S. median). The home price-to-income ratio is 2.3x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Harding safe?
Public safety is a concern in Harding, with a violent crime rate of 669 per 100,000 / significantly above the national average of 380. However, crime tends to concentrate in certain areas, and many neighborhoods remain relatively safe. Property crime occurs at a rate of 4,866 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Harding receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Harding?
Harding has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 45°F (7°C). Winter temperatures average 14°F in January, while summers reach an average of 73°F in July. The area receives 276 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 27.2 inches, with 52.8 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 36.
How is the job market in Harding?
The job market in Harding is very strong, with unemployment at just 0.0% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $909. There are 1,122 business establishments in the area, including 94 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 29 minutes, and 20.4% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Harding?
The median home value in Harding is $159,700. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $246,455. The homeownership rate is 88.6%. The average annual property tax is $3,307.
How are the schools in Harding?
Schools in Harding score 5.8 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 9.1% of adults in Harding hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 93.6% have completed high school. 0.9% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Harding?
The obesity rate in Harding is 37.0% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 17.4% of adults are smokers. 25.0% are physically inactive. 26.6% of residents report depression. 8.5% lack health insurance. 46.2% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,789.
What is transportation like in Harding?
The average commute in Harding is 29 minutes. 74.1% of workers drive alone to work, and 20.4% work from home.
What are the demographics of Harding?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Harding is 94.2% White. 95.6% of residents speak only English at home, while 4.4% speak Spanish. 13.3% of the population are military veterans. 35.3% of residents have a disability. 97.8% have health insurance coverage.
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