Median Income
$76,106
1% higher than US avg
Violent Crime
219/100K
42% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
38.8%
15% higher than US avg
Obesity Rate
33.2%
3% higher than US avg
Unemployment
4.1%
14% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
How Knife River Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population98
Median Age87.8 yrs
Density146/mi²
Male / Female55% / 45%
Largest GroupWhite 100%
Veterans98.0%
Economy
A
Median Income$76,106
Per Capita$35,323
Unemployment4.1%
Poverty0.0%
County GDP$2,402M
Housing
Ownership100.0%
Zillow$378,146
Housing Units133
Rent Burden27.3%
Crime
F
Violent219/100K
Property959/100K
Health
Obesity33.2%
Uninsured6.7%
Smoking13.8%
Depression25.0%
Heart Disease4.8%
Climate
Avg Temp41°F (5°C)
AQI36 (Good)
Rain33.4 in/yr
Sunny Days249/yr
Elevation628 ft (191 m)
Education
A
Bachelor's+38.8%
High School+100.0%
Graduate+26.3%
School Score6.93
Community
2024 VoteR 47% / D 52%
Broadband61.0%
EV Stations7
Libraries3
Is Knife River a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Knife River receives an overall livability score of 3.1 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include low crime rates, a highly educated population, abundant sunshine, a low poverty rate. Knife River offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Knife River is $76,106, roughly in line with the national average of $75,149. Unemployment stands at 4.1%, indicating a healthy job market. Only 0.0% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%.
Safety & Crime
Violent crime in Knife River is below the national average at 219 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 959 per 100,000, 51% below the national average.
Education
Educational attainment is solid, with 38.8% holding a bachelor's degree or higher, near the national average. 100.0% have completed high school. Local schools score 6.9/10 in standardized testing, reflecting strong academic performance.
Climate & Weather
Knife River has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 41°F. Winters average 11°F in January while summers reach 67°F in July. The area gets 249 sunny days per year. Annual precipitation totals 33.4 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 36.
Knife River has a population of 98 with a density of 146 people per square mile, spread across 0.7 square miles. The median age is 87.8 years, 126% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 44.9% female and 55.1% male. The city is predominantly White (100%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 100% of residents. 98.0% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 33.3% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 100.0% have health insurance coverage.
Population
87.8yrs
Median Age
126% above US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Knife 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
Knife River vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Knife River is $76,106, which is 1% above the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $35,323. The average weekly wage is $1,016, 29% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 4.1% (above 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 1,215 business establishments, including 156 restaurants. The cost of living index is 98.6, roughly in line with the national average.
Income: Knife River vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $76,106 |
| 1% above US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $35,323 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,016 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $67,532 |
| Gini Index | 0.421 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 4.1% |
| 14% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 1,215 |
| County GDP | $2,402M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 156 |
| Healthcare | 119 |
| Retail | 151 |
| Manufacturing | 54 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $4,924 |
| 41% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 98.60 (100=avg) |
Zillow estimates the typical home value at $378,146. Fair market rent ranges from $899 for a one-bedroom to $1,125 for a two-bedroom apartment. 100.0% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 133 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1989. The average annual property tax is $4,924 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 27.3% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing.
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 | 100.0% |
| Owner-Occupied | 100.0% |
| Renter-Occupied | 0.0% |
| Housing Units | 133 |
| Median Year Built | 1989 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $4,924 |
| 41% above US avg |
In Knife River, 33.2% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 7.6% have diabetes (below the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 4.8% of residents, below the national average. 24.8% have high blood pressure. 13.8% are current smokers. 22.0% report binge drinking. 20.5% are physically inactive, below the national average. 25.0% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 16.5% experience frequent mental distress. 6.7% of residents lack health insurance (below the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:4,018. The dentist ratio is 1:1,635. 81.0% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 7.9 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Knife River vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 33.2% |
| 3% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 7.6% |
| Heart Disease | 4.8% |
| High Blood Pressure | 24.8% |
| Asthma | 9.9% |
| COPD | 4.6% |
| Cancer | 7.4% |
| Stroke | 2.5% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 13.8% |
| 1% below US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 22.0% |
| Physical Inactivity | 20.5% |
| Depression | 25.0% |
| Mental Distress | 16.5% |
| Physical Distress | 10.5% |
| Short Sleep | 28.9% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 100.0% |
| Uninsured | 6.7% |
| 22% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:4,018 |
| Dentists | 1:1,635 |
| Mental Health | 1:546 |
| Checkup Rate | 70.5% |
| Dental Visits | 65.0% |
| Premature Death | 8,763/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.9/10 |
| Exercise Access | 81.0% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 119 |
Knife River has a violent crime rate of 219 per 100,000 residents, 42% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 959 per 100,000, 51% below the U.S. average. The county recorded 6 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Knife River receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Knife River vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 219.3/100K |
| 42% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 959.4/100K |
| 51% below US avg |
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 |
Knife River has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 41°F (5°C). Winters average 11°F in January while summers reach 67°F in July. The area gets 249 sunny days per year, above the national average. Annual precipitation totals 33.4 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 36. The city sits at an elevation of 628 feet.
Temperature
11°F Jan (-12°C)
67°F Jul (19°C)
| Annual Average | 40.6°F |
| 25% below US avg |
| January Average | 11°F (-12°C) |
| July Average | 67°F (19°C) |
| Sunny Days | 249 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 628 ft (191 m) |
| Area | 0.7 sq mi (1.8 km²) |
| Population Density | 146/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 46.9489°N, 91.7842°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Douglas County County |
| Nearest Airport | Duluth International (DLH)
21 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
33.4"
12% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jul)
3.94"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 36.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 62.4 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 25.6 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 44.4 / 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 |
Very Low |
| Drought |
Very Low |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively High |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
| Coastal Flood |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Tornado History
52 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF3. Total: 2 fatalities, 30 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Aug 6, 1969 |
EF3 |
30 km |
2 |
| Aug 6, 1969 |
EF3 |
91 km |
0 |
| Jul 1, 2011 |
EF2 |
71 km |
0 |
| Sep 3, 1980 |
EF2 |
42 km |
0 |
| Jul 7, 1970 |
EF2 |
98 km |
0 |
| Aug 6, 1969 |
EF2 |
95 km |
0 |
| Aug 6, 1969 |
EF2 |
98 km |
0 |
| Jun 30, 1968 |
EF2 |
78 km |
0 |
| Sep 19, 2024 |
EF1 |
55 km |
0 |
| Jul 11, 2022 |
EF1 |
81 km |
0 |
| Aug 14, 2020 |
EF1 |
100 km |
0 |
| Jul 18, 2020 |
EF1 |
39 km |
0 |
| Jul 18, 2020 |
EF1 |
87 km |
0 |
| Jul 18, 2019 |
EF1 |
73 km |
0 |
| Jun 19, 2016 |
EF1 |
80 km |
0 |
| Jun 27, 1994 |
EF1 |
89 km |
0 |
| Jun 27, 1994 |
EF1 |
83 km |
0 |
| Aug 9, 1992 |
EF1 |
93 km |
0 |
| Aug 13, 1988 |
EF1 |
78 km |
0 |
| Sep 5, 1987 |
EF1 |
48 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950-2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: GREENWOOD (28,255 ac, 2021).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2021 |
GREENWOOD |
28,255 |
73 km |
| 2013 |
GERMANN ROAD FIRE |
6,751 |
70 km |
| 1992 |
UNNAMED |
4,053 |
97 km |
| 2019 |
NW SANDS UNITS I/F/C/A |
3,386 |
53 km |
| 2016 |
UNNAMED |
2,682 |
52 km |
| 2013 |
UNNAMED |
2,240 |
52 km |
| 2014 |
UNNAMED |
2,116 |
56 km |
| 2015 |
UNNAMED |
1,407 |
55 km |
| 2015 |
UNNAMED |
1,361 |
52 km |
| 2021 |
NW SANDS - BLOCK E RX |
1,361 |
55 km |
| 2007 |
PIONEER FIRE |
1,072 |
91 km |
| 2018 |
UNNAMED |
961 |
54 km |
| 1998 |
UNNAMED |
958 |
70 km |
| 2024 |
NW SANDS BLOCK J RX |
911 |
50 km |
| 2024 |
NW SANDS BLOCK B RX |
844 |
54 km |
| 2018 |
NW SANDS BLOCK C |
771 |
56 km |
| 2016 |
SKIBO |
763 |
64 km |
| 2022 |
BRINKS 8C - SOUTH RX |
725 |
58 km |
| 2007 |
WOODBURY |
673 |
92 km |
| 1988 |
UNNAMED |
621 |
59 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
11°F (-12°C) |
1.0 in |
Coldest |
| February |
18°F (-8°C) |
0.7 in |
Driest |
| March |
27°F (-3°C) |
1.6 in |
|
| April |
38°F (3°C) |
2.1 in |
|
| May |
48°F (9°C) |
3.0 in |
|
| June |
57°F (14°C) |
3.9 in |
|
| July |
67°F (19°C) |
3.9 in |
Warmest, Wettest |
| August |
64°F (18°C) |
3.9 in |
|
| September |
57°F (14°C) |
3.9 in |
|
| October |
46°F (8°C) |
2.6 in |
|
| November |
33°F (0°C) |
2.1 in |
|
| December |
20°F (-7°C) |
1.1 in |
|
Knife River has a seasonal temperature swing of 56°F / from 11°F in January to 67°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 29.9 inches, with July being the wettest month (3.9") and February the driest (0.7").
Average costs for common services in Knife 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 | $1,022 |
| Toddler | $909 |
| Preschool | $909 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $758 |
| Toddler | $736 |
| Preschool | $736 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Knife River
What is the population of Knife River?
Knife River has a population of 98 residents and is located in Minnesota. The population density is 146 people per square mile, spread across 0.7 square miles. The median age of residents is 87.8 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 44.9% female and 55.1% male.
Is Knife River expensive to live in?
Knife 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 $76,106, 1% above the national average of $75,149.
Is Knife River safe?
Knife River is safer than the national average, with a violent crime rate of 219 per 100,000 compared to the U.S. rate of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 959 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Knife River receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Knife River?
Knife River has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 41°F (5°C). Winter temperatures average 11°F in January, while summers reach an average of 67°F in July. The area receives 249 sunny days per year. Annual rainfall totals 33.4 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 36.
How is the job market in Knife River?
Knife River has a healthy job market with an unemployment rate of 4.1%, near the national average of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,016. There are 1,215 business establishments in the area, including 156 restaurants and food service locations.
How are the schools in Knife River?
Schools in Knife River score 6.9 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 38.8% of adults in Knife River hold a bachelor's degree or higher, above the national average of 33.7%. 100.0% have completed high school. 26.3% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Knife River?
The obesity rate in Knife River is 33.2% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 13.8% of adults are smokers. 20.5% are physically inactive. 25.0% of residents report depression. 6.7% lack health insurance (below the national rate). 81.0% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:4,018.
What are the demographics of Knife River?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Knife River is 100% White. 100% of residents speak only English at home. 98.0% of the population are military veterans. 33.3% of residents have a disability. 100.0% have health insurance coverage.
All Countries
