Median Income
$61,324
18% lower than US avg
Home Value
$120,300
57% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
0/100K
100% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
36.7%
9% higher than US avg
Median Rent
$650
44% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
35.0%
9% higher than US avg
Unemployment
0.4%
89% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
2.7%
78% lower than US avg
How Karlstad Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population622
Median Age49.7 yrs
Density415/mi²
Male / Female47% / 53%
Largest GroupWhite 98%
Veterans5.9%
Economy
A
Median Income$61,324
Per Capita$32,006
Unemployment0.4%
Poverty2.7%
County GDP$439M
Commute25 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$120,300
Rent$650
Ownership69.6%
Zillow$167,638
Housing Units370
Rent Burden20.0%
Crime
Violent0/100K
Property0/100K
Health
Obesity35.0%
Uninsured7.6%
Smoking16.2%
Depression26.5%
Heart Disease5.3%
Climate
Avg Temp39°F (4°C)
AQI36 (Good)
Rain22.3 in/yr
Sunny Days269/yr
Elevation1,047 ft (319 m)
Education
B+
Bachelor's+36.7%
High School+98.7%
Graduate+1.0%
School Score6.16
Community
2024 VoteR 75% / D 23%
Commute25 min
Broadband83.3%
EV Stations2
Libraries1
Is Karlstad a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Karlstad receives an overall livability score of 4.4 out of 5.0, earning a grade of A. Key strengths include low unemployment, low crime rates, affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Karlstad stands out as an excellent place to live, with strong marks across most quality-of-life indicators.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Karlstad is $61,324, 18% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 0.4%. Only 2.7% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 25 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Karlstad is $120,300, 57% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $650 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
Karlstad 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
Educational attainment is solid, with 36.7% holding a bachelor's degree or higher, near the national average. 98.7% have completed high school. Local schools score 6.2/10 in standardized testing, reflecting strong academic performance.
Climate & Weather
Karlstad has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 39°F. Winters average 5°F in January while summers reach 68°F in July. With 269 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 22.3 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 36.
Karlstad has a population of 622 with a density of 415 people per square mile, spread across 1.5 square miles. The median age is 49.7 years, 28% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 53.4% female and 46.6% male. The city is predominantly White (97.7%), with 1.1% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 99.8% of residents. 5.9% of the population are veterans. 12.4% of residents have a disability. 94.2% have health insurance coverage.
Population
49.7yrs
Median Age
28% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
99.8%
27% above US avg
Spanish
0.2%
99% below US avg
The median household income in Karlstad is $61,324, which is 18% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $32,006 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,089, 24% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 0.4% (below the 3.6% US average). 2.7% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 348 business establishments, including 22 restaurants. The cost of living index is 98.6, roughly in line with the national average. Workers commute an average of 25 minutes. 4.6% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $61,324 |
| 18% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $32,006 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,089 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $78,876 |
| Gini Index | 0.384 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 0.4% |
| 89% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 2.7% |
| 78% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 348 |
| County GDP | $439M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 22 |
| Healthcare | 18 |
| Retail | 29 |
| Manufacturing | 15 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $3,310 |
| 5% below US avg |
| Cost of Living | 98.60 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 2.75% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 25.2 min |
| Drive Alone | 65.6% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 4.6% |
The median home value in Karlstad is $120,300, 57% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $167,638, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $650 (44% 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. 69.6% of housing units are owner-occupied. There are 370 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1966. The average annual property tax is $3,310. 20.0% 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 | $120,300 |
| 57% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $167,638 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $650 |
| 44% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 20.0% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $809 |
| 1 Bedroom | $899 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,125 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,483 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,698 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 69.6% |
| Owner-Occupied | 69.6% |
| Renter-Occupied | 30.4% |
| Housing Units | 370 |
| Median Year Built | 1966 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $3,310 |
| 5% below US avg |
| Effective Rate | 2.75% |
In Karlstad, 35.0% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 9.0% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.3% of residents. 28.5% have high blood pressure. 16.2% are current smokers. 20.4% report binge drinking. 24.1% are physically inactive. 26.5% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 17.7% experience frequent mental distress. 7.6% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:8,988. The dentist ratio is 1:4,430. 33.6% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 7.8 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Karlstad vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 35.0% |
| 9% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 9.0% |
| Heart Disease | 5.3% |
| High Blood Pressure | 28.5% |
| Asthma | 10.6% |
| COPD | 5.5% |
| Cancer | 7.4% |
| Stroke | 2.8% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 16.2% |
| 16% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 20.4% |
| Physical Inactivity | 24.1% |
| Depression | 26.5% |
| Mental Distress | 17.7% |
| Physical Distress | 11.8% |
| Short Sleep | 33.1% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 94.2% |
| Uninsured | 7.6% |
| 12% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:8,988 |
| Dentists | 1:4,430 |
| Checkup Rate | 72.2% |
| Dental Visits | 64.4% |
| Premature Death | 5,947/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.8/10 |
| Exercise Access | 33.6% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 18 |
Karlstad 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.
Crime Rates: Karlstad 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
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
Karlstad has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 39°F (4°C). Winters average 5°F in January while summers reach 68°F in July / a wide seasonal temperature swing of 63°F. The area gets 269 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 22.3 inches (drier than the 38-inch national average). Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 36. The city sits at an elevation of 1,047 feet.
Temperature
5°F Jan (-15°C)
68°F Jul (20°C)
| Annual Average | 39.1°F |
| 28% below US avg |
| January Average | 5°F (-15°C) |
| July Average | 68°F (20°C) |
| Sunny Days | 269 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,047 ft (319 m) |
| Area | 1.5 sq mi (3.9 km²) |
| Population Density | 415/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 48.5780°N, 96.5161°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Marshall County County |
| Nearest Airport | Thief River Falls Regional (TVF)
39 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
22.3"
41% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
3.46"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 36.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 23.6 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 24.0 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 93.2 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Relatively Low |
| Flood |
Very Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Moderate |
| Lightning |
Very Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
Relatively Moderate |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Tornado History
277 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 27 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jun 6, 1999 |
EF4 |
93 km |
0 |
| Aug 5, 2006 |
EF3 |
94 km |
0 |
| May 19, 2004 |
EF3 |
56 km |
0 |
| Aug 11, 1958 |
EF3 |
91 km |
0 |
| Sep 19, 2014 |
EF2 |
49 km |
0 |
| Jun 17, 2010 |
EF2 |
95 km |
0 |
| Jul 2, 2005 |
EF2 |
53 km |
0 |
| Jul 2, 2005 |
EF2 |
54 km |
0 |
| Jul 2, 2005 |
EF2 |
56 km |
0 |
| Jul 2, 2005 |
EF2 |
53 km |
0 |
| Jun 23, 2005 |
EF2 |
83 km |
0 |
| Jun 23, 2005 |
EF2 |
88 km |
0 |
| Jun 23, 2005 |
EF2 |
50 km |
0 |
| May 21, 2005 |
EF2 |
79 km |
0 |
| May 19, 2004 |
EF2 |
97 km |
0 |
| Jul 14, 1999 |
EF2 |
62 km |
0 |
| Jun 27, 1997 |
EF2 |
43 km |
0 |
| Aug 25, 1983 |
EF2 |
68 km |
0 |
| Jul 13, 1983 |
EF2 |
99 km |
0 |
| Jul 11, 1980 |
EF2 |
73 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950-2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: UNNAMED (131,401 ac, 1987).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 1987 |
UNNAMED |
131,401 |
95 km |
| 2003 |
REINER 36 |
67,641 |
100 km |
| 1989 |
UNNAMED |
66,422 |
97 km |
| 1990 |
UNNAMED |
43,533 |
90 km |
| 2011 |
JUNEBERRY 3 |
29,455 |
40 km |
| 1990 |
UNNAMED |
26,345 |
55 km |
| 1991 |
UNNAMED |
22,647 |
53 km |
| 1988 |
UNNAMED |
22,262 |
41 km |
| 2007 |
UNNAMED |
21,954 |
40 km |
| 1988 |
UNNAMED |
17,778 |
30 km |
| 2003 |
CARIBOU |
16,184 |
47 km |
| 1998 |
RL3 |
14,882 |
98 km |
| 1988 |
UNNAMED |
14,432 |
51 km |
| 2018 |
2018 HIGHWAY 1 RXB |
13,170 |
98 km |
| 2021 |
OXCART |
12,538 |
96 km |
| 1988 |
UNNAMED |
11,927 |
45 km |
| 2003 |
UNNAMED |
11,544 |
44 km |
| 1987 |
UNNAMED |
10,819 |
55 km |
| 2018 |
NORTH COUNTY ROAD 7 |
9,471 |
39 km |
| 1987 |
UNNAMED |
9,281 |
83 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
5°F (-15°C) |
0.7 in |
Coldest |
| February |
8°F (-13°C) |
0.5 in |
Driest |
| March |
22°F (-6°C) |
0.8 in |
|
| April |
40°F (4°C) |
1.3 in |
|
| May |
54°F (12°C) |
2.2 in |
|
| June |
63°F (17°C) |
3.5 in |
Wettest |
| July |
68°F (20°C) |
2.9 in |
Warmest |
| August |
66°F (19°C) |
2.3 in |
|
| September |
56°F (13°C) |
2.3 in |
|
| October |
43°F (6°C) |
1.3 in |
|
| November |
25°F (-4°C) |
0.8 in |
|
| December |
9°F (-13°C) |
0.6 in |
|
Karlstad has a seasonal temperature swing of 64°F / from 5°F in January to 68°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 19.0 inches, with June being the wettest month (3.5") and February the driest (0.5").
Average costs for common services in Karlstad. 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 | $948 |
| Toddler | $893 |
| Preschool | $821 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $534 |
| Toddler | $541 |
| Preschool | $541 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Karlstad
What is the population of Karlstad?
Karlstad has a population of 622 residents and is located in Minnesota. The population density is 415 people per square mile, spread across 1.5 square miles. The median age of residents is 49.7 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 53.4% female and 46.6% male.
Is Karlstad expensive to live in?
Karlstad 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 $61,324, 18% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $120,300 (57% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $650 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 Karlstad safe?
Karlstad 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 Karlstad?
Karlstad has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 39°F (4°C). Winter temperatures average 5°F in January, while summers reach an average of 68°F in July. The area receives 269 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 22.3 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 36.
How is the job market in Karlstad?
The job market in Karlstad is very strong, with unemployment at just 0.4% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,089. There are 348 business establishments in the area, including 22 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 25 minutes, and 4.6% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Karlstad?
The median home value in Karlstad is $120,300. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $167,638. For renters, the median monthly rent is $650. Fair market rent is $899 for a 1-bedroom and $1,125 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 69.6%. The average annual property tax is $3,310.
How are the schools in Karlstad?
Schools in Karlstad score 6.2 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 36.7% of adults in Karlstad hold a bachelor's degree or higher, above the national average of 33.7%. 98.7% have completed high school. 1.0% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Karlstad?
The obesity rate in Karlstad is 35.0% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 16.2% of adults are smokers. 24.1% are physically inactive. 26.5% of residents report depression. 7.6% lack health insurance. 33.6% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:8,988.
What is transportation like in Karlstad?
The average commute in Karlstad is 25 minutes. 65.6% of workers drive alone to work, and 4.6% work from home.
What are the demographics of Karlstad?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Karlstad is 97.7% White, 0.6% Black or African American, 1.1% Hispanic or Latino. 99.8% of residents speak only English at home. 5.9% of the population are military veterans. 12.4% of residents have a disability. 94.2% have health insurance coverage.
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