Median Income
$92,017
22% higher than US avg
Home Value
$265,500
6% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
45/100K
88% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
33.2%
1% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$742
36% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
32.8%
2% higher than US avg
Unemployment
1.3%
64% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
5.4%
56% lower than US avg
How Hawley Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population2,086
Median Age36.7 yrs
Density796/mi²
Male / Female45% / 55%
Largest GroupWhite 97%
Veterans4.6%
Economy
A+
Median Income$92,017
Per Capita$40,423
Unemployment1.3%
Poverty5.4%
County GDP$2,919M
Commute26 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$265,500
Rent$742
Ownership69.3%
Zillow$387,478
Housing Units834
Rent Burden26.3%
Crime
F
Violent45/100K
Property270/100K
Murder0.0/100K
Assault45/100K
Burglary180/100K
Health
Obesity32.8%
Uninsured6.9%
Smoking14.7%
Depression26.6%
Heart Disease5.0%
Climate
Avg Temp42°F (6°C)
AQI36 (Good)
Rain26.1 in/yr
Sunny Days276/yr
Elevation1,159 ft (353 m)
Education
B+
Bachelor's+33.2%
High School+93.3%
Graduate+6.1%
School Score6.18
Community
2024 VoteR 49% / D 49%
Commute26 min
Broadband86.5%
EV Stations1
Libraries3
Is Hawley a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Hawley receives an overall livability score of 3.6 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B+. Key strengths include above-average household incomes, low unemployment, low crime rates, abundant sunshine. Hawley offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Hawley is $92,017, 22% above the national average of $75,149. Residents generally enjoy above-average earning potential. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 1.3%. Only 5.4% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 26 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Hawley is $265,500, roughly aligned with the national median of $281,900. Renters pay a median of $742 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 2.9x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Hawley is a very safe community with a violent crime rate of 45 per 100,000 residents / well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 270 per 100,000, 86% below the national average.
Education
Educational attainment is solid, with 33.2% holding a bachelor's degree or higher, near the national average. 93.3% have completed high school. Local schools score 6.2/10 in standardized testing, reflecting strong academic performance.
Climate & Weather
Hawley has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 42°F. Winters average 8°F in January while summers reach 71°F in July. With 276 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 26.1 inches, including 52.7 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 36.
Hawley has a population of 2,086 with a density of 796 people per square mile, spread across 2.6 square miles. The median age is 36.7 years, 6% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 54.7% female and 45.3% male. The city is predominantly White (97.2%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 99% of residents. 4.6% of the population are veterans, below the national rate of 6.0%. 12.1% of residents have a disability. 95.3% have health insurance coverage.
Population
36.7yrs
Median Age
6% below US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
99.0%
26% above US avg
Spanish
1.0%
93% below US avg
The median household income in Hawley is $92,017, which is 22% above the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $40,423. The average weekly wage is $1,033, 28% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 1.3% (below the 3.6% US average). 5.4% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 1,520 business establishments, including 100 restaurants. The cost of living index is 98.6, roughly in line with the national average. Workers commute an average of 26 minutes. 11.7% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $92,017 |
| 22% above US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $40,423 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,033 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $72,991 |
| Gini Index | 0.443 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 1.3% |
| 64% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 5.4% |
| 56% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 1,520 |
| County GDP | $2,919M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 100 |
| Healthcare | 178 |
| Retail | 148 |
| Manufacturing | 39 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $4,896 |
| 40% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 98.60 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 1.84% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 25.6 min |
| Drive Alone | 77.7% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 11.7% |
The median home value in Hawley is $265,500, 6% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $387,478, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $742 (36% 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. 69.3% of housing units are owner-occupied. There are 834 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1976. The average annual property tax is $4,896 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 26.3% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.9x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $265,500 |
| 6% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $387,478 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $742 |
| 36% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 26.3% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $809 |
| 1 Bedroom | $899 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,125 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,483 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,698 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 69.3% |
| Owner-Occupied | 69.3% |
| Renter-Occupied | 30.7% |
| Housing Units | 834 |
| Median Year Built | 1976 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $4,896 |
| 40% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 1.84% |
In Hawley, 32.8% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 8.5% have diabetes (below the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 5.0% of residents. 28.7% have high blood pressure. 14.7% are current smokers. 20.6% report binge drinking. 21.2% are physically inactive. 26.6% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 16.6% experience frequent mental distress. 6.9% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:5,044. The dentist ratio is 1:2,060. 87.4% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.7 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Hawley vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 32.8% |
| 2% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 8.5% |
| Heart Disease | 5.0% |
| High Blood Pressure | 28.7% |
| Asthma | 10.4% |
| COPD | 5.0% |
| Cancer | 7.4% |
| Stroke | 2.6% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 14.7% |
| 5% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 20.6% |
| Physical Inactivity | 21.2% |
| Depression | 26.6% |
| Mental Distress | 16.6% |
| Physical Distress | 10.8% |
| Short Sleep | 32.0% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 95.3% |
| Uninsured | 6.9% |
| 20% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:5,044 |
| Dentists | 1:2,060 |
| Mental Health | 1:300 |
| Checkup Rate | 71.8% |
| Dental Visits | 69.1% |
| Premature Death | 7,319/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.7/10 |
| Exercise Access | 87.4% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 178 |
Hawley has a violent crime rate of 45 per 100,000 residents, 88% below the national average of 380. This breaks down to aggravated assault at 45.0 per 100,000, robbery at 0.0, rape at 0.0. The murder rate is 0.0 per 100,000 (below the national rate of 6.3). Property crime stands at 270 per 100,000, 86% below the U.S. average. This includes larceny/theft at 90, burglary at 180, vehicle theft at 0 per 100,000 residents. The county recorded 6 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Hawley receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Hawley vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 45.0/100K |
| 88% below US avg |
| Murder | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg |
| Rape | 0.0/100K |
| Robbery | 0.0/100K |
| Assault | 45.0/100K |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 269.9/100K |
| 86% below US avg |
| Burglary | 179.9/100K |
| Theft | 90.0/100K |
| Vehicle Theft | 0.0/100K |
| Arson | 0.0/100K |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 6 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Hawley has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 42°F (6°C). Winters average 8°F in January while summers reach 71°F in July / a wide seasonal temperature swing of 63°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 26.1 inches (drier than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 52.7 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 1,159 feet.
Temperature
8°F Jan (-13°C)
71°F Jul (22°C)
| Annual Average | 42.2°F |
| 22% below US avg |
| January Average | 8°F (-13°C) |
| July Average | 71°F (22°C) |
| Sunny Days | 276 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,159 ft (353 m) |
| Area | 2.6 sq mi (6.8 km²) |
| Population Density | 796/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 46.8731°N, 96.3193°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Clay County County |
| Nearest Airport | Hector International (FAR)
24 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
26.1"
31% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
3.82"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 36.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 73.7 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 12.8 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 74.7 / 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 High |
| Lightning |
Relatively Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
Relatively Low |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
3 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M4.1. Most recent: M2.5 on Apr 29, 2011.
| Jun 5, 1993 |
11 km N of Johnson, Minnesota |
M4.1 |
133 km |
| Oct 20, 1995 |
8 km SSE of New Effington, South Dakota |
M3.7 |
128 km |
| Apr 29, 2011 |
Minnesota |
M2.5 |
115 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990-2025)
Tornado History
423 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF5. Total: 20 fatalities, 229 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jun 20, 1957 |
EF5 |
78 km |
10 |
| Jul 8, 2020 |
EF4 |
92 km |
1 |
| Aug 7, 2010 |
EF4 |
88 km |
0 |
| Jun 28, 1975 |
EF4 |
31 km |
0 |
| Jul 2, 1955 |
EF4 |
67 km |
2 |
| Aug 27, 2016 |
EF3 |
91 km |
0 |
| Jun 17, 2010 |
EF3 |
86 km |
1 |
| Jun 6, 2008 |
EF3 |
99 km |
0 |
| May 10, 1982 |
EF3 |
96 km |
0 |
| Jun 28, 1975 |
EF3 |
20 km |
0 |
| Jun 16, 1973 |
EF3 |
79 km |
0 |
| Jun 15, 1973 |
EF3 |
71 km |
0 |
| May 5, 1964 |
EF3 |
94 km |
0 |
| Aug 30, 1956 |
EF3 |
37 km |
0 |
| Jul 2, 1955 |
EF3 |
49 km |
0 |
| Jun 24, 2023 |
EF2 |
51 km |
0 |
| Jun 24, 2022 |
EF2 |
48 km |
0 |
| May 12, 2022 |
EF2 |
95 km |
0 |
| Jul 8, 2020 |
EF2 |
91 km |
0 |
| Jun 8, 2019 |
EF2 |
70 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950-2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: OXCART (12,538 ac, 2021).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2021 |
OXCART |
12,538 |
96 km |
| 2021 |
BIESTERFELD |
3,481 |
98 km |
| 2003 |
ROTHSAY |
3,015 |
39 km |
| 2024 |
DORAN WMA |
2,455 |
80 km |
| 2008 |
UNNAMED |
2,420 |
94 km |
| 2024 |
4 SQUARE MILE RX |
2,320 |
94 km |
| 2008 |
UNNAMED |
2,092 |
90 km |
| 2010 |
NELSON PRAIRIE MIDDLE WPA |
1,779 |
72 km |
| 2009 |
DOWNING |
1,506 |
41 km |
| 2020 |
GRAVEL PIT |
1,468 |
94 km |
| 2012 |
SPRING CREEK |
1,413 |
41 km |
| 2000 |
00 14 |
1,377 |
55 km |
| 1987 |
UNNAMED |
1,341 |
99 km |
| 2003 |
OLERUD |
1,275 |
88 km |
| 2010 |
BEJOU WMA |
1,270 |
69 km |
| 2007 |
UNNAMED |
1,270 |
91 km |
| 2007 |
FLICKERTAIL |
1,239 |
22 km |
| 2011 |
NEAL WMA |
1,213 |
36 km |
| 1996 |
UNNAMED |
1,153 |
11 km |
| 1985 |
ALICE 02 |
1,142 |
91 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
8°F (-13°C) |
0.6 in |
Coldest |
| February |
13°F (-11°C) |
0.4 in |
Driest |
| March |
26°F (-4°C) |
0.9 in |
|
| April |
42°F (6°C) |
1.7 in |
|
| May |
56°F (13°C) |
2.8 in |
|
| June |
65°F (18°C) |
3.8 in |
Wettest |
| July |
71°F (22°C) |
3.3 in |
Warmest |
| August |
68°F (20°C) |
3.0 in |
|
| September |
58°F (14°C) |
2.6 in |
|
| October |
45°F (7°C) |
2.0 in |
|
| November |
27°F (-3°C) |
0.9 in |
|
| December |
12°F (-11°C) |
0.6 in |
|
Hawley has a seasonal temperature swing of 63°F / from 8°F in January to 71°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 22.8 inches, with June being the wettest month (3.8") and February the driest (0.4").
Average costs for common services in Hawley. 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 | $765 |
| Toddler | $650 |
| Preschool | $664 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Hawley
What is the population of Hawley?
Hawley has a population of 2,086 residents and is located in Minnesota. The population density is 796 people per square mile, spread across 2.6 square miles. The median age of residents is 36.7 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 54.7% female and 45.3% male.
Is Hawley expensive to live in?
Hawley 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 $92,017, 22% above the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $265,500 (6% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $742 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.9x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Hawley safe?
Hawley is considered a very safe city with a violent crime rate of 45 per 100,000 residents, well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 270 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Hawley receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Hawley?
Hawley has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 42°F (6°C). Winter temperatures average 8°F in January, while summers reach an average of 71°F in July. The area receives 276 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 26.1 inches, with 52.7 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 36.
How is the job market in Hawley?
The job market in Hawley is very strong, with unemployment at just 1.3% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,033. There are 1,520 business establishments in the area, including 100 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 26 minutes, and 11.7% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Hawley?
The median home value in Hawley is $265,500. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $387,478. For renters, the median monthly rent is $742. Fair market rent is $899 for a 1-bedroom and $1,125 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 69.3%. The average annual property tax is $4,896.
How are the schools in Hawley?
Schools in Hawley score 6.2 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 33.2% of adults in Hawley hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 93.3% have completed high school. 6.1% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Hawley?
The obesity rate in Hawley is 32.8% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 14.7% of adults are smokers. 21.2% are physically inactive. 26.6% of residents report depression. 6.9% lack health insurance (below the national rate). 87.4% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:5,044.
What is transportation like in Hawley?
The average commute in Hawley is 26 minutes. 77.7% of workers drive alone to work, and 11.7% work from home.
What are the demographics of Hawley?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Hawley is 97.2% White, 0.7% Black or African American. 99% of residents speak only English at home. 4.6% of the population are military veterans. 12.1% of residents have a disability. 95.3% have health insurance coverage.
All Countries
