Median Income
$57,539
23% lower than US avg
Home Value
$183,900
35% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
181/100K
52% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
20.2%
40% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$917
21% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
38.1%
19% higher than US avg
Unemployment
1.2%
67% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
5.7%
54% lower than US avg
How Litchfield Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population6,599
Median Age44.5 yrs
Density1,463/mi²
Male / Female52% / 48%
Largest GroupWhite 94%
Veterans7.7%
Economy
A
Median Income$57,539
Per Capita$35,558
Unemployment1.2%
Poverty5.7%
County GDP$1,586M
Commute18 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$183,900
Rent$917
Ownership68.6%
Zillow$247,499
Housing Units3,066
Rent Burden26.7%
Crime
F
Violent181/100K
Property1,930/100K
Murder0.0/100K
Assault151/100K
Burglary181/100K
Health
Obesity38.1%
Uninsured9.2%
Smoking16.5%
Depression25.7%
Heart Disease5.4%
Climate
Avg Temp42°F (6°C)
AQI36 (Good)
Rain29.8 in/yr
Sunny Days276/yr
Elevation1,125 ft (343 m)
Education
C+
Bachelor's+20.2%
High School+94.3%
Graduate+5.4%
School Score6.49
Community
2024 VoteR 71% / D 28%
Commute18 min
Broadband87.2%
EV Stations3
Libraries4
Is Litchfield a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Litchfield receives an overall livability score of 3.2 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include low unemployment, low crime rates, affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include below-average incomes. Litchfield offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Litchfield is $57,539, 23% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 1.2%. Only 5.7% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 18 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Litchfield is $183,900, 35% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $917 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. A price-to-income ratio of 3.2x indicates a reasonably affordable housing market.
Safety & Crime
Violent crime in Litchfield is below the national average at 181 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,930 per 100,000, near the national average.
Education
20.2% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 94.3% have completed high school. Local schools score 6.5/10 in standardized testing, reflecting strong academic performance.
Climate & Weather
Litchfield has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 42°F. Winters average 10°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 29.8 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 36.
Litchfield has a population of 6,599 with a density of 1,463 people per square mile, spread across 5.4 square miles. The median age is 44.5 years, 14% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 48.4% female and 51.6% male. The city is predominantly White (93.7%), with 1.8% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 95.2% of residents. 7.7% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 16.5% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 93.9% have health insurance coverage.
Population
44.5yrs
Median Age
14% above US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Litchfield vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
95.2%
21% above US avg
Spanish
4.8%
64% below US avg
Social Characteristics
Litchfield vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Litchfield is $57,539, which is 23% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $35,558. The average weekly wage is $1,036, 28% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 1.2% (below the 3.6% US average). 5.7% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 708 business establishments, including 34 restaurants. The cost of living index is 98.6, roughly in line with the national average. Workers commute an average of 18 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 3.4% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income: Litchfield vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $57,539 |
| 23% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $35,558 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,036 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $75,478 |
| Gini Index | 0.422 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 1.2% |
| 67% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 5.7% |
| 54% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 708 |
| County GDP | $1,586M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 34 |
| Healthcare | 60 |
| Retail | 68 |
| Manufacturing | 52 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $3,973 |
| 14% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 98.60 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 2.16% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 17.9 min |
| Drive Alone | 87.5% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 3.4% |
The median home value in Litchfield is $183,900, 35% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $247,499, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $917 (21% 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. 68.6% of housing units are owner-occupied. There are 3,066 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1970. The average annual property tax is $3,973. 26.7% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 3.2x.
Home Values
| Census Median | $183,900 |
| 35% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $247,499 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $917 |
| 21% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 26.7% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $809 |
| 1 Bedroom | $899 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,125 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,483 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,698 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 68.6% |
| Owner-Occupied | 68.6% |
| Renter-Occupied | 31.4% |
| Housing Units | 3,066 |
| Median Year Built | 1970 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $3,973 |
| 14% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 2.16% |
In Litchfield, 38.1% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 9.8% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.4% of residents. 28.4% have high blood pressure. 16.5% are current smokers. 21.0% report binge drinking. 25.4% are physically inactive. 25.7% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 17.5% experience frequent mental distress. 9.2% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,948. The dentist ratio is 1:2,350. 40.3% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.7 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Litchfield vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 38.1% |
| 19% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 9.8% |
| Heart Disease | 5.4% |
| High Blood Pressure | 28.4% |
| Asthma | 10.3% |
| COPD | 5.6% |
| Cancer | 7.3% |
| Stroke | 2.9% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 16.5% |
| 18% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 21.0% |
| Physical Inactivity | 25.4% |
| Depression | 25.7% |
| Mental Distress | 17.5% |
| Physical Distress | 11.8% |
| Short Sleep | 31.3% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 93.9% |
| Uninsured | 9.2% |
| 7% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,948 |
| Dentists | 1:2,350 |
| Mental Health | 1:1,175 |
| Checkup Rate | 72.4% |
| Dental Visits | 63.5% |
| Premature Death | 5,812/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.7/10 |
| Exercise Access | 40.3% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 60 |
Litchfield has a violent crime rate of 181 per 100,000 residents, 52% below the national average of 380. This breaks down to aggravated assault at 150.8 per 100,000, robbery at 0.0, rape at 30.2. The murder rate is 0.0 per 100,000 (below the national rate of 6.3). Property crime stands at 1,930 per 100,000, 2% below the U.S. average. This includes larceny/theft at 1,583, burglary at 181, vehicle theft at 166 per 100,000 residents. The county recorded 2 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Litchfield receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Litchfield vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 180.9/100K |
| 52% below US avg |
| Murder | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg |
| Rape | 30.2/100K |
| Robbery | 0.0/100K |
| Assault | 150.8/100K |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 1,930.0/100K |
| 2% below US avg |
| Burglary | 180.9/100K |
| Theft | 1,583.2/100K |
| Vehicle Theft | 165.9/100K |
| Arson | 0.0/100K |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 2 |
| Traffic Accidents | 187 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Litchfield has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 42°F (6°C). Winters average 10°F in January while summers reach 71°F in July / a wide seasonal temperature swing of 61°F. 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 29.8 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 1,125 feet.
Temperature
10°F Jan (-12°C)
71°F Jul (22°C)
| Annual Average | 42.2°F |
| 22% below US avg |
| January Average | 10°F (-12°C) |
| July Average | 71°F (22°C) |
| Sunny Days | 276 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,125 ft (343 m) |
| Area | 5.4 sq mi (14.0 km²) |
| Population Density | 1,463/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 45.1220°N, 94.5259°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Meeker County County |
| Nearest Airport | St Cloud Regional (STC) 37 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
29.8"
22% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
4.65"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 36.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 27.0 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 12.2 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 94.2 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Moderate |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Moderate |
| Lightning |
Relatively Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
Relatively Low |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
3 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.1. Most recent: M2.8 on Apr 25, 2017.
| Feb 9, 1994 |
6 km NNE of Blomkest, Minnesota |
M3.1 |
40 km |
| Apr 25, 2017 |
Near Mankato, Minnesota |
M2.8 |
112 km |
| Apr 29, 2011 |
Minnesota |
M2.5 |
124 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
479 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 28 fatalities, 971 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jul 25, 2000 |
EF4 |
93 km |
1 |
| Jul 3, 1983 |
EF4 |
95 km |
0 |
| May 6, 1965 |
EF4 |
98 km |
3 |
| May 6, 1965 |
EF4 |
91 km |
6 |
| May 6, 1965 |
EF4 |
84 km |
0 |
| May 6, 1965 |
EF4 |
72 km |
3 |
| Jun 19, 1951 |
EF4 |
30 km |
1 |
| Jul 11, 2008 |
EF3 |
49 km |
0 |
| Aug 24, 2006 |
EF3 |
97 km |
1 |
| Mar 29, 1998 |
EF3 |
98 km |
1 |
| Mar 29, 1998 |
EF3 |
99 km |
0 |
| Jul 1, 1997 |
EF3 |
40 km |
0 |
| Jun 16, 1992 |
EF3 |
26 km |
0 |
| Jul 23, 1987 |
EF3 |
82 km |
0 |
| Sep 3, 1980 |
EF3 |
51 km |
1 |
| May 6, 1965 |
EF3 |
57 km |
0 |
| Jun 18, 1964 |
EF3 |
93 km |
0 |
| May 5, 1964 |
EF3 |
55 km |
0 |
| Jul 20, 1951 |
EF3 |
83 km |
5 |
| May 30, 2022 |
EF2 |
96 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: UNIT 4 (5,887 ac, 2002).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2002 |
UNIT 4 |
5,887 |
72 km |
| 2003 |
UNITS 37 38 39 A |
4,879 |
77 km |
| 1998 |
UNITS 1617 |
4,649 |
78 km |
| 2005 |
RX HFR 05 |
4,253 |
77 km |
| 2009 |
BU9 |
4,112 |
73 km |
| 2007 |
WUI 07 - UNIT 36 |
4,025 |
76 km |
| 2000 |
UNIT 25 |
3,412 |
76 km |
| 2009 |
BU11 |
3,242 |
73 km |
| 1997 |
BIG |
2,987 |
75 km |
| 2003 |
UNITS 34 33 W |
2,637 |
75 km |
| 2024 |
UNIT 8E RX |
2,551 |
74 km |
| 1992 |
SHARPTAIL |
2,288 |
74 km |
| 1988 |
UNNAMED |
2,243 |
99 km |
| 2010 |
WUI 10 UNIT D |
2,042 |
74 km |
| 1996 |
UNNAMED |
1,906 |
77 km |
| 2006 |
UNIT 4 |
1,732 |
74 km |
| 1987 |
UNNAMED |
1,655 |
94 km |
| 2009 |
UNIT 23 24 26 |
1,644 |
75 km |
| 1995 |
ANTLER |
1,603 |
75 km |
| 2004 |
WUI UNIT 16 |
1,592 |
78 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
10°F (-12°C) |
0.8 in |
Coldest |
| February |
18°F (-8°C) |
0.7 in |
Driest |
| March |
30°F (-1°C) |
1.6 in |
|
| April |
45°F (7°C) |
2.5 in |
|
| May |
59°F (15°C) |
3.3 in |
|
| June |
68°F (20°C) |
4.7 in |
Wettest |
| July |
71°F (22°C) |
3.6 in |
Warmest |
| August |
69°F (21°C) |
3.5 in |
|
| September |
60°F (16°C) |
3.0 in |
|
| October |
48°F (9°C) |
2.2 in |
|
| November |
31°F (-1°C) |
1.3 in |
|
| December |
16°F (-9°C) |
0.8 in |
|
Litchfield has a seasonal temperature swing of 61°F / from 10°F in January to 71°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 27.9 inches, with June being the wettest month (4.7") and February the driest (0.7").
Average costs for common services in Litchfield. 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 | $534 |
| Toddler | $541 |
| Preschool | $541 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Litchfield
What is the population of Litchfield?
Litchfield has a population of 6,599 residents and is located in Minnesota. The population density is 1,463 people per square mile, spread across 5.4 square miles. The median age of residents is 44.5 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 48.4% female and 51.6% male.
Is Litchfield expensive to live in?
Litchfield 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 $57,539, 23% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $183,900 (35% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $917 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 3.2x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Litchfield safe?
Litchfield is safer than the national average, with a violent crime rate of 181 per 100,000 compared to the U.S. rate of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,930 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Litchfield receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Litchfield?
Litchfield has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 42°F (6°C). Winter temperatures average 10°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 29.8 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 36.
How is the job market in Litchfield?
The job market in Litchfield is very strong, with unemployment at just 1.2% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,036. There are 708 business establishments in the area, including 34 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 18 minutes, and 3.4% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Litchfield?
The median home value in Litchfield is $183,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $247,499. For renters, the median monthly rent is $917. Fair market rent is $899 for a 1-bedroom and $1,125 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 68.6%. The average annual property tax is $3,973.
How are the schools in Litchfield?
Schools in Litchfield score 6.5 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 20.2% of adults in Litchfield hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 94.3% have completed high school. 5.4% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Litchfield?
The obesity rate in Litchfield is 38.1% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 16.5% of adults are smokers. 25.4% are physically inactive. 25.7% of residents report depression. 9.2% lack health insurance. 40.3% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,948.
What is transportation like in Litchfield?
The average commute in Litchfield is 18 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 87.5% of workers drive alone to work, and 3.4% work from home.
What are the demographics of Litchfield?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Litchfield is 93.7% White, 1.8% Hispanic or Latino. 95.2% of residents speak only English at home, while 4.8% speak Spanish. 7.7% of the population are military veterans. 16.5% of residents have a disability. 93.9% have health insurance coverage.