Median Income
$69,371
8% lower than US avg
Home Value
$246,300
13% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
193/100K
49% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
42.3%
26% higher than US avg
Median Rent
$1,017
13% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
34.7%
8% higher than US avg
Unemployment
3.4%
6% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
7.6%
39% lower than US avg
How Moorhead Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population44,706
Median Age31.2 yrs
Density2,007/mi²
Male / Female50% / 50%
Largest GroupWhite 84%
Veterans5.0%
Economy
A
Median Income$69,371
Per Capita$36,532
Unemployment3.4%
Poverty7.6%
County GDP$2,919M
Commute17 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$246,300
Rent$1,017
Ownership58.7%
Zillow$280,207
Housing Units18,612
Rent Burden32.6%
Crime
F
Violent193/100K
Property3,568/100K
Health
Obesity34.7%
Uninsured7.7%
Smoking15.2%
Depression26.2%
Heart Disease5.4%
Climate
Avg Temp42°F (6°C)
AQI36 (Good)
Rain26.1 in/yr
Sunny Days276/yr
Elevation906 ft (276 m)
Education
A
Bachelor's+42.3%
High School+94.9%
Graduate+13.1%
School Score6.18
Community
2024 VoteR 49% / D 49%
Commute17 min
Broadband87.2%
EV Stations3
Libraries3
Is Moorhead a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Moorhead receives an overall livability score of 3.5 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B+. Key strengths include low unemployment, low crime rates, a highly educated population, affordable housing. Moorhead offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Moorhead is $69,371, roughly in line with the national average of $75,149. Unemployment stands at 3.4%, indicating a healthy job market. Only 7.6% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 17 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Moorhead is $246,300, 13% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $1,017 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. A price-to-income ratio of 3.6x indicates a reasonably affordable housing market.
Safety & Crime
Violent crime in Moorhead is below the national average at 193 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 3,568 per 100,000, 82% above the national average.
Education
Educational attainment is solid, with 42.3% holding a bachelor's degree or higher, near the national average. 94.9% have completed high school. Local schools score 6.2/10 in standardized testing, reflecting strong academic performance.
Climate & Weather
Moorhead has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 42°F. Winters average 8°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 26.1 inches, including 52.7 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 36.
Moorhead has a population of 44,706 with a density of 2,007 people per square mile, spread across 19.8 square miles. The median age is 31.2 years, 20% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 50.4% female and 49.6% male. The city is predominantly White (83.7%), with 2.9% Hispanic, 6.5% Black. English is the primary language spoken at home by 89.9% of residents, while 10.1% speak Spanish. 5.0% of the population are veterans. 12.4% of residents have a disability. 96.3% have health insurance coverage.
Population
31.2yrs
Median Age
20% below US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
89.9%
15% above US avg
Spanish
10.1%
25% below US avg
The median household income in Moorhead is $69,371, which is 8% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $36,532. The average weekly wage is $1,033, 28% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 3.4% (below the 3.6% US average). 7.6% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 1,520 business establishments, including 100 restaurants. The cost of living index is 98.6, roughly in line with the national average. Workers commute an average of 17 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 11.8% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $69,371 |
| 8% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $36,532 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,033 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $72,991 |
| Gini Index | 0.443 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 3.4% |
| 6% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 7.6% |
| 39% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 1,520 |
| County GDP | $2,919M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 100 |
| Healthcare | 178 |
| Retail | 148 |
| Manufacturing | 39 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $4,896 |
| 40% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 98.60 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 1.99% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 17.2 min |
| Drive Alone | 74.1% |
| Public Transit | 1.7% |
| Work from Home | 11.8% |
The median home value in Moorhead is $246,300, 13% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $280,207, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $1,017 (13% 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. 58.7% of housing units are owner-occupied. There are 18,612 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1981. The average annual property tax is $4,896 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 32.6% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 3.6x.
Home Values
| Census Median | $246,300 |
| 13% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $280,207 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $1,017 |
| 13% below US avg |
| Zillow Rent (ZORI) | $1,352 |
| Rent Burden | 32.6% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $809 |
| 1 Bedroom | $899 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,125 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,483 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,698 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 58.7% |
| Owner-Occupied | 58.7% |
| Renter-Occupied | 41.3% |
| Housing Units | 18,612 |
| Median Year Built | 1981 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $4,896 |
| 40% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 1.99% |
In Moorhead, 34.7% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 9.5% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.4% of residents. 30.5% have high blood pressure. 15.2% are current smokers. 19.1% report binge drinking. 22.9% are physically inactive. 26.2% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 16.8% experience frequent mental distress. 7.7% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:5,044. The dentist ratio is 1:2,060. 87.4% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.7 out of 10.
Air Quality (Open-Meteo CAMS - 2026-05-21)
PM2.5
9.8
μg/m³
Fine particulate
PM10
10.6
μg/m³
Coarse particulate
NO₂
2.7
μg/m³
Nitrogen dioxide
SO₂
1.7
μg/m³
Sulphur dioxide
CO
127.0
μg/m³
Carbon monoxide
Health Metrics: Moorhead vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 34.7% |
| 8% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 9.5% |
| Heart Disease | 5.4% |
| High Blood Pressure | 30.5% |
| Asthma | 10.6% |
| COPD | 5.4% |
| Cancer | 7.3% |
| Stroke | 2.9% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 15.2% |
| 9% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 19.1% |
| Physical Inactivity | 22.9% |
| Depression | 26.2% |
| Mental Distress | 16.8% |
| Physical Distress | 11.4% |
| Short Sleep | 33.6% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 96.3% |
| Uninsured | 7.7% |
| 10% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:5,044 |
| Dentists | 1:2,060 |
| Mental Health | 1:300 |
| Checkup Rate | 72.8% |
| Dental Visits | 64.7% |
| Premature Death | 7,319/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.7/10 |
| Exercise Access | 87.4% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 178 |
Moorhead has a violent crime rate of 193 per 100,000 residents, 49% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 3,568 per 100,000, 82% above the U.S. average. The county recorded 6 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Moorhead receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Moorhead vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 192.9/100K |
| 49% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 3,568.0/100K |
| 82% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 6 |
| Traffic Accidents | 122 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.1 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Moorhead has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 42°F (6°C). Winters average 8°F in January while summers reach 71°F in July / a wide seasonal temperature swing of 63°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 26.1 inches (drier than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 52.7 inches of snow annually, making winter weather a significant factor for residents. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 36. The city sits at an elevation of 906 feet.
Temperature
8°F Jan (-13°C)
71°F Jul (22°C)
| Annual Average | 42.2°F |
| 22% below US avg |
| January Average | 8°F (-13°C) |
| July Average | 71°F (22°C) |
| Sunny Days | 276 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 906 ft (276 m) |
| Area | 19.8 sq mi (51.3 km²) |
| Population Density | 2,007/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 46.8647°N, 96.7446°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Clay County County |
| Nearest Airport | Hector International (FAR) 5 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
26.1"
31% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
3.54"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 36.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 73.7 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 12.8 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 74.7 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Relatively Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hail |
Relatively Moderate |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Moderate |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively High |
| Lightning |
Relatively Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
Relatively Low |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
3 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 |
137 km |
| Oct 20, 1995 |
8 km SSE of New Effington, South Dakota |
M3.7 |
120 km |
| Apr 29, 2011 |
Minnesota |
M2.5 |
135 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990-2025)
Tornado History
451 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF5. Total: 19 fatalities, 226 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jun 20, 1957 |
EF5 |
46 km |
10 |
| Aug 7, 2010 |
EF4 |
84 km |
0 |
| Jun 17, 2010 |
EF4 |
86 km |
0 |
| Jun 28, 1975 |
EF4 |
1 km |
0 |
| Jul 2, 1955 |
EF4 |
45 km |
2 |
| Aug 27, 2016 |
EF3 |
75 km |
0 |
| Jun 17, 2010 |
EF3 |
96 km |
1 |
| May 10, 1982 |
EF3 |
96 km |
0 |
| Jun 28, 1975 |
EF3 |
13 km |
0 |
| Jul 1, 1973 |
EF3 |
89 km |
0 |
| Jun 16, 1973 |
EF3 |
61 km |
0 |
| Jun 15, 1973 |
EF3 |
38 km |
0 |
| May 5, 1964 |
EF3 |
91 km |
0 |
| Sep 6, 1958 |
EF3 |
96 km |
0 |
| Aug 30, 1956 |
EF3 |
6 km |
0 |
| Jul 2, 1955 |
EF3 |
39 km |
0 |
| Jul 1, 1952 |
EF3 |
90 km |
0 |
| Jun 13, 1950 |
EF3 |
90 km |
0 |
| Jun 24, 2023 |
EF2 |
75 km |
0 |
| Jun 24, 2022 |
EF2 |
80 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950-2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: BIESTERFELD (3,481 ac, 2021).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2021 |
BIESTERFELD |
3,481 |
72 km |
| 2003 |
ROTHSAY |
3,015 |
48 km |
| 2024 |
DORAN WMA |
2,455 |
88 km |
| 2008 |
UNNAMED |
2,092 |
98 km |
| 2010 |
NELSON PRAIRIE MIDDLE WPA |
1,779 |
90 km |
| 2009 |
DOWNING |
1,506 |
67 km |
| 2012 |
SPRING CREEK |
1,413 |
68 km |
| 2000 |
00 14 |
1,377 |
87 km |
| 2003 |
OLERUD |
1,275 |
63 km |
| 2010 |
BEJOU WMA |
1,270 |
86 km |
| 2007 |
UNNAMED |
1,270 |
98 km |
| 2007 |
FLICKERTAIL |
1,239 |
37 km |
| 2011 |
NEAL WMA |
1,213 |
49 km |
| 1996 |
UNNAMED |
1,153 |
22 km |
| 1985 |
ALICE 02 |
1,142 |
59 km |
| 2016 |
UNNAMED |
1,128 |
85 km |
| 2006 |
FULLERS LAKE 06 |
1,109 |
80 km |
| 2019 |
UNNAMED |
1,060 |
85 km |
| 1998 |
UNNAMED |
1,026 |
67 km |
| 2021 |
HARTLEBEN WPA |
1,002 |
88 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
8°F (-13°C) |
0.7 in |
Coldest |
| February |
14°F (-10°C) |
0.5 in |
Driest |
| March |
27°F (-3°C) |
1.0 in |
|
| April |
44°F (6°C) |
1.4 in |
|
| May |
58°F (14°C) |
2.7 in |
|
| June |
67°F (19°C) |
3.5 in |
Wettest |
| July |
71°F (22°C) |
3.0 in |
Warmest |
| August |
69°F (21°C) |
2.6 in |
|
| September |
59°F (15°C) |
2.2 in |
|
| October |
46°F (8°C) |
1.9 in |
|
| November |
28°F (-2°C) |
1.0 in |
|
| December |
13°F (-11°C) |
0.6 in |
|
Moorhead has a seasonal temperature swing of 63°F / from 8°F in January to 71°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 21.1 inches, with June being the wettest month (3.5") and February the driest (0.5").
Average costs for common services in Moorhead. 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 Moorhead
What is the population of Moorhead?
Moorhead has a population of 44,706 residents and is located in Minnesota. The population density is 2,007 people per square mile, spread across 19.8 square miles. The median age of residents is 31.2 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 50.4% female and 49.6% male.
Is Moorhead expensive to live in?
Moorhead 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 $69,371, 8% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $246,300 (13% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $1,017 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 3.6x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Moorhead safe?
Moorhead is safer than the national average, with a violent crime rate of 193 per 100,000 compared to the U.S. rate of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 3,568 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Moorhead receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Moorhead?
Moorhead has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 42°F (6°C). Winter temperatures average 8°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 26.1 inches, with 52.7 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 36.
How is the job market in Moorhead?
Moorhead has a healthy job market with an unemployment rate of 3.4%, near the national average of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,033. There are 1,520 business establishments in the area, including 100 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 17 minutes, and 11.8% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Moorhead?
The median home value in Moorhead is $246,300. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $280,207. For renters, the median monthly rent is $1,017. Fair market rent is $899 for a 1-bedroom and $1,125 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 58.7%. The average annual property tax is $4,896.
How are the schools in Moorhead?
Schools in Moorhead score 6.2 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 42.3% of adults in Moorhead hold a bachelor's degree or higher, above the national average of 33.7%. 94.9% have completed high school. 13.1% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Moorhead?
The obesity rate in Moorhead is 34.7% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 15.2% of adults are smokers. 22.9% are physically inactive. 26.2% of residents report depression. 7.7% lack health insurance. 87.4% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:5,044.
What is transportation like in Moorhead?
The average commute in Moorhead is 17 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 74.1% of workers drive alone to work, 1.7% use public transit, and 11.8% work from home.
What are the demographics of Moorhead?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Moorhead is 83.7% White, 6.5% Black or African American, 2.9% Hispanic or Latino. 89.9% of residents speak only English at home, while 10.1% speak Spanish. 5.0% of the population are military veterans. 12.4% of residents have a disability. 96.3% have health insurance coverage.