Median Income
$39,583
47% lower than US avg
Home Value
$102,900
63% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
171/100K
55% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
15.5%
54% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$878
25% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
34.1%
6% higher than US avg
Unemployment
9.2%
156% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
21.8%
76% higher than US avg
How Hill City Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population543
Median Age38.4 yrs
Density489/mi²
Male / Female51% / 49%
Largest GroupWhite 96%
Veterans16.3%
Economy
D
Median Income$39,583
Per Capita$21,648
Unemployment9.2%
Poverty21.8%
County GDP$674M
Commute26 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$102,900
Rent$878
Ownership65.7%
Zillow$179,426
Housing Units382
Rent Burden38.1%
Crime
F
Violent171/100K
Property3,077/100K
Murder0.0/100K
Assault171/100K
Burglary171/100K
Health
Obesity34.1%
Uninsured8.6%
Smoking18.9%
Depression28.6%
Heart Disease5.8%
Climate
Avg Temp41°F (5°C)
AQI36 (Good)
Rain31.9 in/yr
Sunny Days249/yr
Elevation1,275 ft (389 m)
Education
C
Bachelor's+15.5%
High School+93.1%
Graduate+1.1%
School Score5.67
Community
2024 VoteR 65% / D 34%
Commute26 min
Broadband82.4%
EV Stations7
Libraries2
Is Hill City a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Hill City receives an overall livability score of 2.5 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. Hill City has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Hill City is $39,583, 47% below the national average of $75,149. At 9.2%, unemployment is notably high. The poverty rate of 21.8% exceeds the national average of 12.4%, indicating economic hardship for a significant portion of the population. Workers commute an average of 26 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Hill City is $102,900, 63% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $878 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 2.6x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Violent crime in Hill City is below the national average at 171 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 3,077 per 100,000, 57% above the national average.
Education
15.5% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 93.1% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.7/10.
Climate & Weather
Hill City has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 41°F. Winters average 10°F in January while summers reach 68°F in July. The area gets 249 sunny days per year. Annual precipitation totals 31.9 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 36.
Hill City has a population of 543 with a density of 489 people per square mile, spread across 1.4 square miles. The median age is 38.4 years, 1% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 49.4% female and 50.6% male. The city is predominantly White (95.6%), with 2.9% Hispanic, 1.1% Black. English is the primary language spoken at home by 99.6% of residents. 16.3% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 27.4% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 93.1% have health insurance coverage.
Population
38.4yrs
Median Age
1% below US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Hill City vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
99.6%
27% above US avg
Spanish
0.4%
97% below US avg
Social Characteristics
Hill City vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Hill City is $39,583, which is 47% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $21,648 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $917, 36% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 9.2% (above the 3.6% US average). 21.8% of residents live below the poverty line, higher than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 476 business establishments, including 55 restaurants. The cost of living index is 98.6, roughly in line with the national average. Workers commute an average of 26 minutes. 2.6% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income: Hill City vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $39,583 |
| 47% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $21,648 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $917 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $67,457 |
| Gini Index | 0.436 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 9.2% |
| 156% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 21.8% |
| 76% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 476 |
| County GDP | $674M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 55 |
| Healthcare | 39 |
| Retail | 65 |
| Manufacturing | 21 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $3,500 |
| 0% below US avg |
| Cost of Living | 98.60 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 3.40% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 26.4 min |
| Drive Alone | 92.8% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 2.6% |
The median home value in Hill City is $102,900, 63% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $179,426, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $878 (25% 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. 65.7% of housing units are owner-occupied. There are 382 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1976. The average annual property tax is $3,500. 38.1% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.6x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $102,900 |
| 63% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $179,426 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $878 |
| 25% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 38.1% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $809 |
| 1 Bedroom | $899 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,125 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,483 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,698 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 65.7% |
| Owner-Occupied | 65.7% |
| Renter-Occupied | 34.3% |
| Housing Units | 382 |
| Median Year Built | 1976 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $3,500 |
| 0% below US avg |
| Effective Rate | 3.40% |
In Hill City, 34.1% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 9.8% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.8% of residents. 29.4% have high blood pressure. 18.9% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 21.2% report binge drinking. 26.3% are physically inactive. 28.6% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 19.1% experience frequent mental distress. 8.6% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,135. The dentist ratio is 1:3,225. 48.6% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 7.5 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Hill City vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 34.1% |
| 6% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 9.8% |
| Heart Disease | 5.8% |
| High Blood Pressure | 29.4% |
| Asthma | 11.3% |
| COPD | 6.7% |
| Cancer | 7.3% |
| Stroke | 3.2% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 18.9% |
| 35% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 21.2% |
| Physical Inactivity | 26.3% |
| Depression | 28.6% |
| Mental Distress | 19.1% |
| Physical Distress | 13.1% |
| Short Sleep | 34.5% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 93.1% |
| Uninsured | 8.6% |
| 0% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,135 |
| Dentists | 1:3,225 |
| Mental Health | 1:1,073 |
| Checkup Rate | 72.1% |
| Dental Visits | 62.2% |
| Premature Death | 8,648/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.5/10 |
| Exercise Access | 48.6% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 39 |
Hill City has a violent crime rate of 171 per 100,000 residents, 55% below the national average of 380. This breaks down to aggravated assault at 170.9 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 3,077 per 100,000, 57% above the U.S. average. This includes larceny/theft at 2,735, burglary at 171, vehicle theft at 171 per 100,000 residents. The county recorded 1 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Hill City receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Hill City vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 170.9/100K |
| 55% below US avg |
| Murder | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg |
| Rape | 0.0/100K |
| Robbery | 0.0/100K |
| Assault | 170.9/100K |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 3,076.9/100K |
| 57% above US avg |
| Burglary | 170.9/100K |
| Theft | 2,735.0/100K |
| Vehicle Theft | 170.9/100K |
| Arson | 0.0/100K |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 1 |
| Traffic Accidents | 95 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.1 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Hill City has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 41°F (5°C). Winters average 10°F in January while summers reach 68°F in July. The area gets 249 sunny days per year, above the national average. Annual precipitation totals 31.9 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 36. The city sits at an elevation of 1,275 feet.
Temperature
10°F Jan (-13°C)
68°F Jul (20°C)
| Annual Average | 40.6°F |
| 25% below US avg |
| January Average | 10°F (-13°C) |
| July Average | 68°F (20°C) |
| Sunny Days | 249 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,275 ft (389 m) |
| Area | 1.4 sq mi (3.5 km²) |
| Population Density | 489/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 46.9852°N, 93.5950°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Aitkin County County |
| Nearest Airport | Range Regional (HIB)
45 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
31.9"
16% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
4.45"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 36.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 56.6 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 72.9 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 98.2 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Very Low |
| Lightning |
Relatively 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
105 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 15 fatalities, 130 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Aug 6, 1969 |
EF4 |
53 km |
12 |
| Jun 11, 1966 |
EF4 |
71 km |
0 |
| Jul 5, 1991 |
EF3 |
81 km |
0 |
| Aug 26, 1977 |
EF3 |
99 km |
0 |
| Jun 25, 1973 |
EF3 |
73 km |
0 |
| Aug 6, 1969 |
EF3 |
15 km |
1 |
| Aug 6, 1969 |
EF3 |
47 km |
0 |
| Aug 6, 1969 |
EF3 |
91 km |
0 |
| Aug 6, 1969 |
EF3 |
90 km |
0 |
| Jun 30, 1968 |
EF3 |
96 km |
0 |
| Jun 12, 2024 |
EF2 |
57 km |
0 |
| Jun 12, 2024 |
EF2 |
60 km |
0 |
| Jun 19, 2016 |
EF2 |
65 km |
0 |
| Jun 13, 2001 |
EF2 |
84 km |
0 |
| Sep 18, 1997 |
EF2 |
97 km |
0 |
| Oct 26, 1996 |
EF2 |
50 km |
0 |
| Jul 5, 1991 |
EF2 |
42 km |
0 |
| Jul 3, 1985 |
EF2 |
78 km |
0 |
| Sep 8, 1977 |
EF2 |
18 km |
0 |
| Jun 7, 1977 |
EF2 |
41 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: UNNAMED (3,642 ac, 1988).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 1988 |
UNNAMED |
3,642 |
92 km |
| 2018 |
BOY RIVER |
3,546 |
51 km |
| 2003 |
UNNAMED |
2,998 |
51 km |
| 2015 |
TAMARACK |
2,745 |
46 km |
| 1987 |
UNNAMED |
2,512 |
50 km |
| 1991 |
UNNAMED |
2,486 |
23 km |
| 1987 |
UNNAMED |
1,963 |
22 km |
| 2010 |
BOY RIVER - CORE 2010 |
1,872 |
47 km |
| 2019 |
UNNAMED |
1,835 |
41 km |
| 1987 |
UNNAMED |
1,799 |
19 km |
| 2016 |
UNNAMED |
1,777 |
48 km |
| 1987 |
UNNAMED |
1,760 |
23 km |
| 1988 |
UNNAMED |
1,589 |
51 km |
| 2004 |
SOUTH MAIN ROAD |
1,384 |
54 km |
| 2006 |
WUI RX BURN UNIT 15 |
1,380 |
52 km |
| 1987 |
UNNAMED |
1,352 |
51 km |
| 1997 |
UNNAMED |
1,306 |
22 km |
| 2009 |
UNNAMED |
1,249 |
22 km |
| 1988 |
UNNAMED |
1,226 |
25 km |
| 2000 |
S MAIN RO |
1,181 |
55 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
10°F (-13°C) |
0.9 in |
Coldest |
| February |
13°F (-11°C) |
0.6 in |
Driest |
| March |
25°F (-4°C) |
1.3 in |
|
| April |
40°F (5°C) |
2.0 in |
|
| May |
54°F (12°C) |
3.0 in |
|
| June |
62°F (17°C) |
4.5 in |
Wettest |
| July |
68°F (20°C) |
4.3 in |
Warmest |
| August |
65°F (18°C) |
3.8 in |
|
| September |
56°F (13°C) |
3.0 in |
|
| October |
44°F (7°C) |
2.6 in |
|
| November |
28°F (-2°C) |
1.4 in |
|
| December |
13°F (-11°C) |
0.8 in |
|
Hill City has a seasonal temperature swing of 58°F / from 10°F in January to 68°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 28.2 inches, with June being the wettest month (4.5") and February the driest (0.6").
Average costs for common services in Hill City. 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 | $765 |
| Toddler | $650 |
| Preschool | $664 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Hill City
What is the population of Hill City?
Hill City has a population of 543 residents and is located in Minnesota. The population density is 489 people per square mile, spread across 1.4 square miles. The median age of residents is 38.4 years. The population is 49.4% female and 50.6% male.
Is Hill City expensive to live in?
Hill City 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 $39,583, 47% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $102,900 (63% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $878 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.6x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Hill City safe?
Hill City is safer than the national average, with a violent crime rate of 171 per 100,000 compared to the U.S. rate of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 3,077 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Hill City receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Hill City?
Hill City has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 41°F (5°C). Winter temperatures average 10°F in January, while summers reach an average of 68°F in July. The area receives 249 sunny days per year. Annual rainfall totals 31.9 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 36.
How is the job market in Hill City?
The job market in Hill City faces challenges, with unemployment at 9.2% / significantly above the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $917. There are 476 business establishments in the area, including 55 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 26 minutes, and 2.6% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Hill City?
The median home value in Hill City is $102,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $179,426. For renters, the median monthly rent is $878. Fair market rent is $899 for a 1-bedroom and $1,125 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 65.7%. The average annual property tax is $3,500.
How are the schools in Hill City?
Schools in Hill City score 5.7 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 15.5% of adults in Hill City hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 93.1% have completed high school. 1.1% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Hill City?
The obesity rate in Hill City is 34.1% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 18.9% of adults are smokers. 26.3% are physically inactive. 28.6% of residents report depression. 8.6% lack health insurance. 48.6% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,135.
What is transportation like in Hill City?
The average commute in Hill City is 26 minutes. 92.8% of workers drive alone to work, and 2.6% work from home.
What are the demographics of Hill City?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Hill City is 95.6% White, 1.1% Black or African American, 2.9% Hispanic or Latino. 99.6% of residents speak only English at home. 16.3% of the population are military veterans. 27.4% of residents have a disability. 93.1% have health insurance coverage.
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