Median Income
$57,188
24% lower than US avg
Home Value
$103,500
63% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
9.6%
72% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$313
73% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
38.7%
21% higher than US avg
Unemployment
1.3%
64% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
7.4%
40% lower than US avg
How Middle River Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population281
Median Age41.4 yrs
Density562/mi²
Male / Female57% / 43%
Largest GroupWhite 99%
Veterans9.5%
Economy
A
Median Income$57,188
Per Capita$35,087
Unemployment1.3%
Poverty7.4%
County GDP$439M
Commute26 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$103,500
Rent$313
Ownership80.5%
Zillow$188,494
Housing Units151
Rent Burden18.2%
Health
Obesity38.7%
Uninsured7.5%
Smoking16.0%
Depression26.0%
Heart Disease5.1%
Climate
Avg Temp38°F (3°C)
Rain24.3 in/yr
Elevation1,142 ft (348 m)
Education
D
Bachelor's+9.6%
High School+92.9%
Graduate+2.1%
School Score6.16
Community
2024 VoteR 75% / D 23%
Commute26 min
Broadband85.0%
EV Stations2
Libraries1
Is Middle River a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Middle River receives an overall livability score of 3.6 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B+. Key strengths include low unemployment, affordable housing, a low poverty rate. Areas to be aware of include below-average incomes, high obesity rates. Middle River offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Middle River is $57,188, 24% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 1.3%. Only 7.4% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 26 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Middle River is $103,500, 63% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $313 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 1.8x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Education
9.6% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 92.9% have completed high school. Local schools score 6.2/10 in standardized testing, reflecting strong academic performance.
Climate & Weather
Middle River has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 38°F. Winters average 5°F in January while summers reach 65°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 24.3 inches, including 43.6 inches of snow.
Middle River has a population of 281 with a density of 562 people per square mile, spread across 0.5 square miles. The median age is 41.4 years, 6% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 43.1% female and 56.9% male. The city is predominantly White (98.9%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 99.6% of residents. 9.5% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 24.6% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 92.5% have health insurance coverage.
Population
281
Total Population
2023 Census
41.4yrs
Median Age
6% above US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Middle River vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
99.6%
27% above US avg
Spanish
0.4%
97% below US avg
Social Characteristics
Middle River vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Middle River is $57,188, which is 24% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $35,087. The average weekly wage is $1,089, 24% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 1.3% (below the 3.6% US average). 7.4% 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 26 minutes. 2.7% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income: Middle River vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $57,188 |
| 24% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $35,087 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,089 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $78,876 |
| Gini Index | 0.384 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 1.3% |
| 64% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 7.4% |
| 40% 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 | 3.20% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 26.0 min |
| Drive Alone | 83.0% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 2.7% |
The median home value in Middle River is $103,500, 63% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $188,494, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $313 (73% 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. 80.5% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 151 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1963. The average annual property tax is $3,310. 18.2% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.8x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $103,500 |
| 63% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $188,494 |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $313 |
| 73% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 18.2% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $809 |
| 1 Bedroom | $899 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,125 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,483 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,698 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 80.5% |
| Owner-Occupied | 80.5% |
| Renter-Occupied | 19.5% |
| Housing Units | 151 |
| Median Year Built | 1963 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $3,310 |
| 5% below US avg |
| Effective Rate | 3.20% |
In Middle River, 38.7% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 8.8% have diabetes (below the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 5.1% of residents. 28.5% have high blood pressure. 16.0% are current smokers. 22.1% report binge drinking. 23.0% are physically inactive. 26.0% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 17.6% experience frequent mental distress. 7.5% 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: Middle River vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 38.7% |
| 21% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 8.8% |
| Heart Disease | 5.1% |
| High Blood Pressure | 28.5% |
| Asthma | 10.5% |
| COPD | 5.4% |
| Cancer | 7.3% |
| Stroke | 2.8% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 16.0% |
| 14% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 22.1% |
| Physical Inactivity | 23.0% |
| Depression | 26.0% |
| Mental Distress | 17.6% |
| Physical Distress | 11.7% |
| Short Sleep | 32.9% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 92.5% |
| Uninsured | 7.5% |
| 13% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:8,988 |
| Dentists | 1:4,430 |
| Checkup Rate | 71.4% |
| Dental Visits | 63.1% |
| Premature Death | 5,947/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.8/10 |
| Exercise Access | 33.6% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 18 |
Middle River has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 38°F (3°C). Winters average 5°F in January while summers reach 65°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 24.3 inches (drier than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 43.6 inches of snow annually, making winter weather a significant factor for residents. The city sits at an elevation of 1,142 feet.
Temperature
5°F Jan (-15°C)
65°F Jul (19°C)
| Annual Average | 37.7°F |
| 30% below US avg |
| January Average | 5°F (-15°C) |
| July Average | 65°F (19°C) |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,142 ft (348 m) |
| Area | 0.5 sq mi (1.2 km²) |
| Population Density | 562/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 48.4349°N, 96.1617°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Marshall County County |
| Nearest Airport | Thief River Falls Regional (TVF)
26 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
24.3"
36% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
3.88"
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
260 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF3. Total: 1 fatality, 29 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jun 17, 2010 |
EF3 |
88 km |
1 |
| Aug 5, 2006 |
EF3 |
80 km |
0 |
| May 19, 2004 |
EF3 |
86 km |
0 |
| Aug 11, 1958 |
EF3 |
97 km |
0 |
| Jun 29, 2018 |
EF2 |
99 km |
0 |
| Sep 19, 2014 |
EF2 |
79 km |
0 |
| Jul 21, 2014 |
EF2 |
97 km |
0 |
| Aug 26, 2007 |
EF2 |
99 km |
0 |
| Jul 2, 2005 |
EF2 |
84 km |
0 |
| Jul 2, 2005 |
EF2 |
84 km |
0 |
| Jul 2, 2005 |
EF2 |
86 km |
0 |
| Jul 2, 2005 |
EF2 |
83 km |
0 |
| Jun 23, 2005 |
EF2 |
88 km |
0 |
| Jun 23, 2005 |
EF2 |
78 km |
0 |
| Jun 23, 2005 |
EF2 |
79 km |
0 |
| May 21, 2005 |
EF2 |
71 km |
0 |
| Jul 14, 1999 |
EF2 |
76 km |
0 |
| Jun 27, 1997 |
EF2 |
42 km |
0 |
| Aug 25, 1983 |
EF2 |
49 km |
0 |
| Jul 13, 1983 |
EF2 |
83 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 |
64 km |
| 2003 |
REINER 36 |
67,641 |
69 km |
| 1989 |
UNNAMED |
66,422 |
67 km |
| 1990 |
UNNAMED |
43,533 |
59 km |
| 1991 |
UNNAMED |
37,840 |
78 km |
| 1990 |
UNNAMED |
32,693 |
75 km |
| 2011 |
JUNEBERRY 3 |
29,455 |
54 km |
| 1987 |
SANDY LAKE |
26,617 |
74 km |
| 1990 |
UNNAMED |
26,345 |
25 km |
| 1991 |
UNNAMED |
22,647 |
63 km |
| 1988 |
UNNAMED |
22,262 |
52 km |
| 2007 |
UNNAMED |
21,954 |
51 km |
| 1988 |
UNNAMED |
17,778 |
54 km |
| 2003 |
CARIBOU |
16,184 |
69 km |
| 1998 |
RL3 |
14,882 |
68 km |
| 1988 |
UNNAMED |
14,432 |
60 km |
| 2018 |
2018 HIGHWAY 1 RXB |
13,170 |
67 km |
| 2021 |
OXCART |
12,538 |
79 km |
| 1988 |
UNNAMED |
11,927 |
68 km |
| 2003 |
UNNAMED |
11,544 |
67 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
5°F (-15°C) |
0.7 in |
Coldest |
| February |
9°F (-13°C) |
0.6 in |
Driest |
| March |
24°F (-5°C) |
1.2 in |
|
| April |
39°F (4°C) |
1.4 in |
|
| May |
52°F (11°C) |
2.7 in |
|
| June |
62°F (16°C) |
3.9 in |
Wettest |
| July |
65°F (19°C) |
3.8 in |
Warmest |
| August |
63°F (17°C) |
3.1 in |
|
| September |
55°F (13°C) |
2.8 in |
|
| October |
41°F (5°C) |
2.2 in |
|
| November |
26°F (-4°C) |
1.0 in |
|
| December |
12°F (-11°C) |
0.9 in |
|
Middle River has a seasonal temperature swing of 61°F / from 5°F in January to 65°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 24.3 inches, with June being the wettest month (3.9") and February the driest (0.6").
Average costs for common services in Middle 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 | $948 |
| Toddler | $893 |
| Preschool | $821 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $534 |
| Toddler | $541 |
| Preschool | $541 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Middle River
What is the population of Middle River?
Middle River has a population of 281 residents and is located in Minnesota. The population density is 562 people per square mile, spread across 0.5 square miles. The median age of residents is 41.4 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 43.1% female and 56.9% male.
Is Middle River expensive to live in?
Middle 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 $57,188, 24% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $103,500 (63% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $313 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.8x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
What is the weather like in Middle River?
Middle River has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 38°F (3°C). Winter temperatures average 5°F in January, while summers reach an average of 65°F in July. Annual rainfall totals 24.3 inches, with 43.6 inches of snow.
How is the job market in Middle River?
The job market in Middle River is very strong, with unemployment at just 1.3% / 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 26 minutes, and 2.7% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Middle River?
The median home value in Middle River is $103,500. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $188,494. For renters, the median monthly rent is $313. Fair market rent is $899 for a 1-bedroom and $1,125 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 80.5%. The average annual property tax is $3,310.
How are the schools in Middle River?
Schools in Middle River score 6.2 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 9.6% of adults in Middle River hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 92.9% have completed high school. 2.1% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Middle River?
The obesity rate in Middle River is 38.7% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 16.0% of adults are smokers. 23.0% are physically inactive. 26.0% of residents report depression. 7.5% 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 Middle River?
The average commute in Middle River is 26 minutes. 83% of workers drive alone to work, and 2.7% work from home.
What are the demographics of Middle River?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Middle River is 98.9% White, 0.7% Hispanic or Latino. 99.6% of residents speak only English at home. 9.5% of the population are military veterans. 24.6% of residents have a disability. 92.5% have health insurance coverage.