Median Income
$73,750
2% lower than US avg
Home Value
$155,600
45% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
274/100K
28% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
13.5%
60% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$803
31% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
39.1%
22% higher than US avg
Unemployment
3.7%
3% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
10.7%
14% lower than US avg
How Kerkhoven Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population826
Median Age38.2 yrs
Density983/mi²
Male / Female44% / 56%
Largest GroupWhite 86%
Veterans5.1%
Economy
B+
Median Income$73,750
Per Capita$31,756
Unemployment3.7%
Poverty10.7%
County GDP$3,138M
Commute24 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$155,600
Rent$803
Ownership68.3%
Zillow$196,663
Housing Units347
Rent Burden51.0%
Crime
F
Violent274/100K
Property2,803/100K
Health
Obesity39.1%
Uninsured11.3%
Smoking17.4%
Depression26.9%
Heart Disease5.7%
Climate
Avg Temp43°F (6°C)
AQI36 (Good)
Rain29.5 in/yr
Sunny Days276/yr
Elevation1,116 ft (340 m)
Education
C
Bachelor's+13.5%
High School+91.5%
Graduate+1.1%
School Score5.68
Community
2024 VoteR 65% / D 34%
Commute24 min
Broadband82.8%
EV Stations1
Libraries6
Is Kerkhoven a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Kerkhoven receives an overall livability score of 3.0 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include low crime rates, affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include high obesity rates. Kerkhoven offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Kerkhoven is $73,750, roughly in line with the national average of $75,149. Unemployment stands at 3.7%, indicating a healthy job market. 10.7% of residents live in poverty, near the national average of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 24 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Kerkhoven is $155,600, 45% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $803 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 2.1x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Violent crime in Kerkhoven is below the national average at 274 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 2,803 per 100,000, 43% above the national average.
Education
13.5% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 91.5% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.7/10.
Climate & Weather
Kerkhoven has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 43°F. Winters average 11°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 29.5 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 36.
Kerkhoven has a population of 826 with a density of 983 people per square mile, spread across 0.8 square miles. The median age is 38.2 years, 2% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 55.9% female and 44.1% male. The city is predominantly White (85.6%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 86.8% of residents, while 13.2% speak Spanish. 5.1% of the population are veterans. 12.7% of residents have a disability. 84.7% have health insurance coverage.
Population
38.2yrs
Median Age
2% below US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Kerkhoven vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
86.8%
11% above US avg
Spanish
13.2%
1% below US avg
Social Characteristics
Kerkhoven vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Kerkhoven is $73,750, which is 2% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $31,756 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,000, 30% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 3.7% (above the 3.6% US average). 10.7% of residents live below the poverty line. The area has 1,484 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 24 minutes. 11.3% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income: Kerkhoven vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $73,750 |
| 2% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $31,756 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,000 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $75,149 |
| Gini Index | 0.418 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 3.7% |
| 3% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 10.7% |
| 14% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 1,484 |
| County GDP | $3,138M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 94 |
| Healthcare | 223 |
| Retail | 168 |
| Manufacturing | 65 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $4,927 |
| 41% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 98.60 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 3.17% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 24.4 min |
| Drive Alone | 72.7% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 11.3% |
The median home value in Kerkhoven is $155,600, 45% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $196,663, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $803 (31% 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. 68.3% of housing units are owner-occupied. There are 347 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1974. The average annual property tax is $4,927 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 51.0% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing, indicating a significant affordability challenge for renters. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.1x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $155,600 |
| 45% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $196,663 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $803 |
| 31% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 51.0% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $809 |
| 1 Bedroom | $899 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,125 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,483 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,698 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 68.3% |
| Owner-Occupied | 68.3% |
| Renter-Occupied | 31.7% |
| Housing Units | 347 |
| Median Year Built | 1974 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $4,927 |
| 41% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 3.17% |
In Kerkhoven, 39.1% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 10.2% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.7% of residents. 30.0% have high blood pressure. 17.4% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 19.6% report binge drinking. 27.0% are physically inactive. 26.9% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 17.6% experience frequent mental distress. 11.3% of residents lack health insurance (above the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,183. The dentist ratio is 1:1,253. 59.5% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 7.9 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Kerkhoven vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 39.1% |
| 22% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 10.2% |
| Heart Disease | 5.7% |
| High Blood Pressure | 30.0% |
| Asthma | 10.3% |
| COPD | 5.9% |
| Cancer | 7.1% |
| Stroke | 3.0% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 17.4% |
| 24% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 19.6% |
| Physical Inactivity | 27.0% |
| Depression | 26.9% |
| Mental Distress | 17.6% |
| Physical Distress | 12.6% |
| Short Sleep | 33.0% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 84.7% |
| Uninsured | 11.3% |
| 31% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,183 |
| Dentists | 1:1,253 |
| Mental Health | 1:183 |
| Checkup Rate | 71.9% |
| Dental Visits | 59.3% |
| Premature Death | 6,132/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.9/10 |
| Exercise Access | 59.5% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 223 |
Kerkhoven has a violent crime rate of 274 per 100,000 residents, 28% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 2,803 per 100,000, 43% above the U.S. average. The county recorded 7 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Kerkhoven receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Kerkhoven vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 274.2/100K |
| 28% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 2,802.6/100K |
| 43% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 7 |
| Traffic Accidents | 36 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Kerkhoven has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 43°F (6°C). Winters average 11°F in January while summers reach 71°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 29.5 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 1,116 feet.
Temperature
11°F Jan (-12°C)
71°F Jul (22°C)
| Annual Average | 42.9°F |
| 21% below US avg |
| January Average | 11°F (-12°C) |
| July Average | 71°F (22°C) |
| Sunny Days | 276 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,116 ft (340 m) |
| Area | 0.8 sq mi (2.1 km²) |
| Population Density | 983/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 45.1914°N, 95.3183°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Kandiyohi County County |
| Nearest Airport | Southwest Minnesota Regional Marshall/Ryan Field (MML)
57 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
29.5"
22% below US avg
Wettest Month (Aug)
3.46"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 36.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 51.4 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 34.0 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 93.4 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Moderate |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively High |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Moderate |
| Lightning |
Relatively Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Moderate |
| Drought |
Relatively Low |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
4 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 |
93 km |
| Oct 20, 1995 |
8 km SSE of New Effington, South Dakota |
M3.7 |
138 km |
| Feb 9, 1994 |
6 km NNE of Blomkest, Minnesota |
M3.1 |
33 km |
| Apr 29, 2011 |
Minnesota |
M2.5 |
90 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
427 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 6 fatalities, 172 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jun 17, 2010 |
EF4 |
100 km |
1 |
| Jul 25, 2000 |
EF4 |
43 km |
1 |
| Jun 19, 1951 |
EF4 |
82 km |
1 |
| Jul 11, 2008 |
EF3 |
19 km |
0 |
| May 17, 1996 |
EF3 |
99 km |
0 |
| Jun 16, 1992 |
EF3 |
88 km |
0 |
| Jun 16, 1992 |
EF3 |
94 km |
0 |
| Jun 16, 1992 |
EF3 |
62 km |
0 |
| Jun 16, 1992 |
EF3 |
59 km |
0 |
| Sep 3, 1980 |
EF3 |
94 km |
1 |
| Jun 18, 1964 |
EF3 |
50 km |
0 |
| May 5, 1964 |
EF3 |
60 km |
0 |
| May 30, 2022 |
EF2 |
60 km |
0 |
| May 30, 2022 |
EF2 |
93 km |
0 |
| Aug 14, 2020 |
EF2 |
100 km |
0 |
| Jul 11, 2016 |
EF2 |
72 km |
0 |
| Jul 11, 2016 |
EF2 |
61 km |
0 |
| Jul 14, 2009 |
EF2 |
23 km |
0 |
| Jun 24, 2003 |
EF2 |
81 km |
0 |
| Jun 11, 2001 |
EF2 |
28 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: LOUISBURGRADE (6,487 ac, 2004).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2004 |
LOUISBURGRADE |
6,487 |
72 km |
| 2003 |
CHIPPEWA PRAIRIE |
2,067 |
55 km |
| 2004 |
FISH FIRE |
1,799 |
78 km |
| 2005 |
GRAND MEWS |
1,245 |
81 km |
| 1998 |
LEE |
1,137 |
83 km |
| 1995 |
UNNAMED |
1,115 |
83 km |
| 2003 |
ANDERSON |
1,082 |
78 km |
| 1998 |
ANDREASEN |
1,001 |
78 km |
| 1990 |
ANDERSON |
988 |
81 km |
| 2007 |
ANDERSON |
797 |
78 km |
| 2006 |
ANDERSON |
764 |
81 km |
| 1986 |
ANDERSON |
746 |
78 km |
| 2000 |
FISH |
720 |
79 km |
| 2010 |
WALDEN |
717 |
49 km |
| 2007 |
LEE |
689 |
83 km |
| 2000 |
SVOR |
661 |
23 km |
| 2000 |
ASHLEY N |
588 |
58 km |
| 2003 |
LEE |
560 |
84 km |
| 1994 |
ARTICHOKE |
556 |
64 km |
| 2002 |
ARTICHOKE |
548 |
64 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
11°F (-12°C) |
0.8 in |
Coldest |
| February |
17°F (-8°C) |
0.7 in |
Driest |
| March |
30°F (-1°C) |
1.1 in |
|
| April |
45°F (7°C) |
1.6 in |
|
| May |
59°F (15°C) |
1.9 in |
|
| June |
68°F (20°C) |
3.0 in |
|
| July |
71°F (22°C) |
3.4 in |
Warmest |
| August |
69°F (21°C) |
3.5 in |
Wettest |
| September |
60°F (15°C) |
2.6 in |
|
| October |
47°F (9°C) |
1.8 in |
|
| November |
30°F (-1°C) |
1.1 in |
|
| December |
16°F (-9°C) |
0.9 in |
|
Kerkhoven has a seasonal temperature swing of 60°F / from 11°F in January to 71°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 22.3 inches, with August being the wettest month (3.5") and February the driest (0.7").
Average costs for common services in Kerkhoven. 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 | $621 |
| Toddler | $570 |
| Preschool | $570 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Kerkhoven
What is the population of Kerkhoven?
Kerkhoven has a population of 826 residents and is located in Minnesota. The population density is 983 people per square mile, spread across 0.8 square miles. The median age of residents is 38.2 years. The population is 55.9% female and 44.1% male.
Is Kerkhoven expensive to live in?
Kerkhoven 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 $73,750, 2% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $155,600 (45% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $803 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.1x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Kerkhoven safe?
Kerkhoven is safer than the national average, with a violent crime rate of 274 per 100,000 compared to the U.S. rate of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 2,803 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Kerkhoven receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Kerkhoven?
Kerkhoven has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 43°F (6°C). Winter temperatures average 11°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 29.5 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 36.
How is the job market in Kerkhoven?
Kerkhoven has a healthy job market with an unemployment rate of 3.7%, near the national average of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,000. There are 1,484 business establishments in the area, including 94 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 24 minutes, and 11.3% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Kerkhoven?
The median home value in Kerkhoven is $155,600. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $196,663. For renters, the median monthly rent is $803. Fair market rent is $899 for a 1-bedroom and $1,125 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 68.3%. The average annual property tax is $4,927.
How are the schools in Kerkhoven?
Schools in Kerkhoven score 5.7 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 13.5% of adults in Kerkhoven hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 91.5% have completed high school. 1.1% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Kerkhoven?
The obesity rate in Kerkhoven is 39.1% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 17.4% of adults are smokers. 27.0% are physically inactive. 26.9% of residents report depression. 11.3% lack health insurance (above the national rate). 59.5% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,183.
What is transportation like in Kerkhoven?
The average commute in Kerkhoven is 24 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 72.7% of workers drive alone to work, and 11.3% work from home.
What are the demographics of Kerkhoven?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Kerkhoven is 85.6% White. 86.8% of residents speak only English at home, while 13.2% speak Spanish. 5.1% of the population are military veterans. 12.7% of residents have a disability. 84.7% have health insurance coverage.
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