Median Income
$63,125
16% lower than US avg
Home Value
$129,200
54% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
608/100K
60% higher than US avg
Bachelor's+
20.2%
40% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
37.5%
17% higher than US avg
Unemployment
1.7%
53% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
How Kettle River Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population133
Median Age56.5 yrs
Density341/mi²
Male / Female50% / 50%
Largest GroupWhite 87%
Veterans97.0%
Economy
A
Median Income$63,125
Per Capita$35,511
Unemployment1.7%
Poverty0.0%
County GDP$1,907M
Commute34 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$129,200
Ownership88.5%
Zillow$229,669
Housing Units58
Rent Burden27.9%
Crime
F
Violent608/100K
Property3,220/100K
Health
Obesity37.5%
Uninsured7.8%
Smoking15.8%
Depression28.7%
Heart Disease5.2%
Climate
Avg Temp41°F (5°C)
AQI36 (Good)
Rain31.5 in/yr
Sunny Days249/yr
Elevation1,178 ft (359 m)
Education
C+
Bachelor's+20.2%
High School+87.5%
Graduate+2.3%
School Score6.47
Community
2024 VoteR 50% / D 48%
Commute34 min
Broadband61.0%
EV Stations1
Libraries3
Is Kettle River a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Kettle River receives an overall livability score of 3.2 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. Kettle River offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Kettle River is $63,125, 16% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 1.7%. Only 0.0% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 34 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Kettle River is $129,200, 54% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. At just 2x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
With 608 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 3,220 per 100,000, 64% above the national average.
Education
20.2% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 87.5% have completed high school. Local schools score 6.5/10 in standardized testing, reflecting strong academic performance.
Climate & Weather
Kettle River has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 41°F. Winters average 10°F in January while summers reach 69°F in July. The area gets 249 sunny days per year. Annual precipitation totals 31.5 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 36.
Kettle River has a population of 133 with a density of 341 people per square mile, spread across 0.4 square miles. The median age is 56.5 years, 45% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 50.4% female and 49.6% male. The city is predominantly White (87.2%), with 4.5% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 100% of residents. 97.0% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 19.7% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 94.0% have health insurance coverage.
Population
56.5yrs
Median Age
45% above US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Kettle River vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
100.0%
27% above US avg
Spanish
0.0%
100% below US avg
Social Characteristics
Kettle River vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Kettle River is $63,125, which is 16% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $35,511. The average weekly wage is $1,117, 22% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 1.7% (below the 3.6% US average). 0.0% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 816 business establishments, including 54 restaurants. The cost of living index is 98.6, roughly in line with the national average. Workers commute an average of 34 minutes (longer than the 28-minute US average). 6.5% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income: Kettle River vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $63,125 |
| 16% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $35,511 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,117 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $67,169 |
| Gini Index | 0.407 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 1.7% |
| 53% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 816 |
| County GDP | $1,907M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 54 |
| Healthcare | 102 |
| Retail | 99 |
| Manufacturing | 27 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $4,404 |
| 26% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 98.60 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 3.41% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 33.6 min |
| Drive Alone | 83.9% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 6.5% |
The median home value in Kettle River is $129,200, 54% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $229,669, higher than the Census estimate. Fair market rent ranges from $899 for a one-bedroom to $1,125 for a two-bedroom apartment. 88.5% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 58 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1967. The average annual property tax is $4,404 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 27.9% 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 | $129,200 |
| 54% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $229,669 |
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 | 88.5% |
| Owner-Occupied | 88.5% |
| Renter-Occupied | 11.5% |
| Housing Units | 58 |
| Median Year Built | 1967 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $4,404 |
| 26% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 3.41% |
In Kettle River, 37.5% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 9.3% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.2% of residents. 27.9% have high blood pressure. 15.8% are current smokers. 21.7% report binge drinking. 24.2% are physically inactive. 28.7% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 17.5% experience frequent mental distress. 7.8% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,138. The dentist ratio is 1:1,530. 62.7% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.5 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Kettle River vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 37.5% |
| 17% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 9.3% |
| Heart Disease | 5.2% |
| High Blood Pressure | 27.9% |
| Asthma | 11.0% |
| COPD | 5.4% |
| Cancer | 7.3% |
| Stroke | 2.9% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 15.8% |
| 13% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 21.7% |
| Physical Inactivity | 24.2% |
| Depression | 28.7% |
| Mental Distress | 17.5% |
| Physical Distress | 11.8% |
| Short Sleep | 35.0% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 94.0% |
| Uninsured | 7.8% |
| 9% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,138 |
| Dentists | 1:1,530 |
| Mental Health | 1:444 |
| Checkup Rate | 70.4% |
| Dental Visits | 65.9% |
| Premature Death | 7,923/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.5/10 |
| Exercise Access | 62.7% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 102 |
Kettle River has a violent crime rate of 608 per 100,000 residents, 60% above the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 3,220 per 100,000, 64% above the U.S. average. The county recorded 4 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Kettle River receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Kettle River vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 608.2/100K |
| 60% above US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 3,220.0/100K |
| 64% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 4 |
| Traffic Accidents | 32 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Kettle River has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 41°F (5°C). Winters average 10°F in January while summers reach 69°F in July. The area gets 249 sunny days per year, above the national average. Annual precipitation totals 31.5 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 36. The city sits at an elevation of 1,178 feet.
Temperature
10°F Jan (-12°C)
69°F Jul (20°C)
| Annual Average | 41.4°F |
| 23% below US avg |
| January Average | 10°F (-12°C) |
| July Average | 69°F (20°C) |
| Sunny Days | 249 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,178 ft (359 m) |
| Area | 0.4 sq mi (1.0 km²) |
| Population Density | 341/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 46.4862°N, 92.8776°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Carlton County County |
| Nearest Airport | Duluth International (DLH)
41 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
31.5"
17% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
4.37"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 36.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Air Pollutants (EPA 2023)
| Ozone (O₃) | 0.0395 ppm |
| PM2.5 (Fine Particles) | 5.8 μg/m³ |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 70.1 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 27.5 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 90.8 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Low |
| Lightning |
Relatively Moderate |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
Relatively Low |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively High |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Tornado History
119 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF3. Total: 7 fatalities, 54 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jun 18, 2001 |
EF3 |
81 km |
2 |
| Jun 25, 1973 |
EF3 |
89 km |
0 |
| Aug 6, 1969 |
EF3 |
63 km |
1 |
| Aug 6, 1969 |
EF3 |
84 km |
2 |
| Aug 6, 1969 |
EF3 |
52 km |
0 |
| Jun 30, 1968 |
EF3 |
35 km |
0 |
| Jun 12, 2024 |
EF2 |
86 km |
0 |
| Jun 19, 2016 |
EF2 |
80 km |
0 |
| Jul 1, 2011 |
EF2 |
79 km |
0 |
| Jun 17, 2010 |
EF2 |
84 km |
0 |
| Sep 18, 1997 |
EF2 |
59 km |
0 |
| Oct 26, 1996 |
EF2 |
77 km |
0 |
| Jul 3, 1985 |
EF2 |
76 km |
0 |
| Sep 3, 1980 |
EF2 |
77 km |
0 |
| Sep 8, 1977 |
EF2 |
64 km |
0 |
| Jun 7, 1977 |
EF2 |
93 km |
0 |
| Jul 7, 1970 |
EF2 |
12 km |
0 |
| Jun 30, 1968 |
EF2 |
88 km |
0 |
| May 5, 1965 |
EF2 |
80 km |
0 |
| Jul 8, 1959 |
EF2 |
77 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950-2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: GERMANN ROAD FIRE (6,751 ac, 2013).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2013 |
GERMANN ROAD FIRE |
6,751 |
99 km |
| 1988 |
UNNAMED |
3,642 |
90 km |
| 2003 |
UNNAMED |
2,998 |
35 km |
| 2015 |
TAMARACK |
2,745 |
33 km |
| 1987 |
UNNAMED |
2,512 |
34 km |
| 1991 |
UNNAMED |
2,486 |
57 km |
| 2024 |
RX-86_FY23 |
2,187 |
71 km |
| 1987 |
UNNAMED |
1,963 |
62 km |
| 2000 |
UNNAMED |
1,850 |
80 km |
| 1987 |
UNNAMED |
1,799 |
60 km |
| 1987 |
UNNAMED |
1,760 |
57 km |
| 1988 |
UNNAMED |
1,589 |
76 km |
| 2004 |
SOUTH MAIN ROAD |
1,384 |
36 km |
| 2006 |
WUI RX BURN UNIT 15 |
1,380 |
37 km |
| 1990 |
UNNAMED |
1,371 |
54 km |
| 1987 |
UNNAMED |
1,352 |
27 km |
| 1997 |
UNNAMED |
1,306 |
58 km |
| 2009 |
UNNAMED |
1,249 |
57 km |
| 1988 |
UNNAMED |
1,226 |
56 km |
| 2000 |
S MAIN RO |
1,181 |
35 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
10°F (-12°C) |
0.9 in |
Coldest |
| February |
14°F (-10°C) |
0.6 in |
Driest |
| March |
26°F (-3°C) |
1.5 in |
|
| April |
41°F (5°C) |
2.1 in |
|
| May |
54°F (12°C) |
3.2 in |
|
| June |
62°F (17°C) |
4.4 in |
Wettest |
| July |
69°F (20°C) |
4.1 in |
Warmest |
| August |
65°F (18°C) |
4.0 in |
|
| September |
56°F (14°C) |
3.4 in |
|
| October |
45°F (7°C) |
2.6 in |
|
| November |
28°F (-2°C) |
1.5 in |
|
| December |
13°F (-10°C) |
1.0 in |
|
Kettle River has a seasonal temperature swing of 59°F / from 10°F in January to 69°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 29.2 inches, with June being the wettest month (4.4") and February the driest (0.6").
Average costs for common services in Kettle River. 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 Kettle River
What is the population of Kettle River?
Kettle River has a population of 133 residents and is located in Minnesota. The population density is 341 people per square mile, spread across 0.4 square miles. The median age of residents is 56.5 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 50.4% female and 49.6% male.
Is Kettle River expensive to live in?
Kettle River 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 $63,125, 16% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $129,200 (54% below the U.S. median). The home price-to-income ratio is 2x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Kettle River safe?
Public safety is a concern in Kettle River, with a violent crime rate of 608 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 3,220 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Kettle River receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Kettle River?
Kettle River 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 69°F in July. The area receives 249 sunny days per year. Annual rainfall totals 31.5 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 36.
How is the job market in Kettle River?
The job market in Kettle River is very strong, with unemployment at just 1.7% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,117. There are 816 business establishments in the area, including 54 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 34 minutes, and 6.5% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Kettle River?
The median home value in Kettle River is $129,200. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $229,669. The homeownership rate is 88.5%. The average annual property tax is $4,404.
How are the schools in Kettle River?
Schools in Kettle River score 6.5 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 20.2% of adults in Kettle River hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 87.5% have completed high school. 2.3% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Kettle River?
The obesity rate in Kettle River is 37.5% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 15.8% of adults are smokers. 24.2% are physically inactive. 28.7% of residents report depression. 7.8% lack health insurance. 62.7% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,138.
What is transportation like in Kettle River?
The average commute in Kettle River is 34 minutes, longer than the national average of 28 minutes. 83.9% of workers drive alone to work, and 6.5% work from home.
What are the demographics of Kettle River?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Kettle River is 87.2% White, 4.5% Hispanic or Latino. 100% of residents speak only English at home. 97.0% of the population are military veterans. 19.7% of residents have a disability. 94.0% have health insurance coverage.
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