Median Income
$35,885
52% lower than US avg
Home Value
$85,600
70% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
1,238/100K
226% higher than US avg
Bachelor's+
18.5%
45% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$780
33% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
53.6%
67% higher than US avg
Unemployment
8.5%
136% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
20.5%
65% higher than US avg
How Moorhead Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population1,370
Median Age33.5 yrs
Density1,054/mi²
Male / Female36% / 65%
Largest GroupWhite 12%
Veterans0.9%
Economy
C
Median Income$35,885
Per Capita$17,396
Unemployment8.5%
Poverty20.5%
County GDP$863M
Commute22 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$85,600
Rent$780
Ownership65.0%
Zillow$89,829
Housing Units667
Rent Burden33.1%
Crime
F
Violent1,238/100K
Property7,214/100K
Health
Obesity53.6%
Uninsured16.2%
Smoking24.4%
Depression19.1%
Heart Disease8.4%
Climate
Avg Temp64°F (18°C)
AQI43 (Good)
Rain55.8 in/yr
Sunny Days304/yr
Elevation116 ft (35 m)
Education
C
Bachelor's+18.5%
High School+75.3%
Graduate+6.5%
School Score3.16
Community
2024 VoteR 32% / D 67%
Commute22 min
Broadband66.5%
EV Stations2
Libraries5
Is Moorhead a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Moorhead receives an overall livability score of 2.6 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C+. Key strengths include affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include elevated crime rates, above-average unemployment, an elevated poverty rate. Moorhead has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Moorhead is $35,885, 52% below the national average of $75,149. At 8.5%, unemployment is notably high. The poverty rate of 20.5% exceeds the national average of 12.4%, indicating economic hardship for a significant portion of the population. Workers commute an average of 22 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Moorhead is $85,600, 70% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $780 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 2.4x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
With 1,238 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 7,214 per 100,000, 268% above the national average.
Education
18.5% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 75.3% have completed high school. School test scores average 3.2/10, below typical benchmarks.
Climate & Weather
Moorhead enjoys a moderate climate with an average annual temperature of 64°F. Winters average 44°F in January while summers reach 82°F in July. With 304 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 55.8 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43.
Moorhead has a population of 1,370 with a density of 1,054 people per square mile, spread across 1.3 square miles. The median age is 33.5 years, 14% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 64.5% female and 35.5% male. The city is predominantly Black (87.7%), with 11.5% White. English is the primary language spoken at home by 99.4% of residents. 0.9% of the population are veterans, below the national rate of 6.0%. 14.8% of residents have a disability. 87.1% have health insurance coverage.
Population
33.5yrs
Median Age
14% below US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
99.4%
27% above US avg
Spanish
0.6%
96% below US avg
The median household income in Moorhead is $35,885, which is 52% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $17,396 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $789, 45% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 8.5% (above the 3.6% US average). 20.5% of residents live below the poverty line, higher than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 535 business establishments, including 37 restaurants. The cost of living index is 87, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 22 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 8.8% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $35,885 |
| 52% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $17,396 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $789 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $43,965 |
| Gini Index | 0.489 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 8.5% |
| 136% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 20.5% |
| 65% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 535 |
| County GDP | $863M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 37 |
| Healthcare | 55 |
| Retail | 83 |
| Manufacturing | 17 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $2,577 |
| 26% below US avg |
| Cost of Living | 87.00 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 3.01% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 22.2 min |
| Drive Alone | 69.6% |
| Public Transit | 1.9% |
| Work from Home | 8.8% |
The median home value in Moorhead is $85,600, 70% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $89,829. Monthly rent averages $780 (33% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $782 for a one-bedroom to $924 for a two-bedroom apartment. 65.0% of housing units are owner-occupied. There are 667 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1977. The average annual property tax is $2,577 (lower than the $3,500 national average). 33.1% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.4x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $85,600 |
| 70% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $89,829 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $780 |
| 33% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 33.1% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $751 |
| 1 Bedroom | $782 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $924 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,177 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,295 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 65.0% |
| Owner-Occupied | 65.0% |
| Renter-Occupied | 35.0% |
| Housing Units | 667 |
| Median Year Built | 1977 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $2,577 |
| 26% below US avg |
| Effective Rate | 3.01% |
In Moorhead, 53.6% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 22.0% have diabetes (above the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 8.4% of residents, above the national average. 53.3% have high blood pressure. 24.4% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 10.4% report binge drinking. 46.5% are physically inactive, above the national average. 19.1% report depression. 21.4% experience frequent mental distress. 16.2% of residents lack health insurance (above the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,822. The dentist ratio is 1:2,481. 38.7% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 4.6 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Moorhead vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 53.6% |
| 67% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 22.0% |
| Heart Disease | 8.4% |
| High Blood Pressure | 53.3% |
| Asthma | 12.3% |
| COPD | 11.4% |
| Cancer | 4.8% |
| Stroke | 6.7% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 24.4% |
| 74% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 10.4% |
| Physical Inactivity | 46.5% |
| Depression | 19.1% |
| Mental Distress | 21.4% |
| Physical Distress | 18.6% |
| Short Sleep | 45.0% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 87.1% |
| Uninsured | 16.2% |
| 88% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:2,822 |
| Dentists | 1:2,481 |
| Mental Health | 1:2,719 |
| Checkup Rate | 83.9% |
| Dental Visits | 4.9% |
| Premature Death | 18,895/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 4.6/10 |
| Exercise Access | 38.7% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 55 |
Moorhead has a violent crime rate of 1,238 per 100,000 residents, 226% above the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 7,214 per 100,000, 268% above the U.S. average. The county recorded 11 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 | 1,238.3/100K |
| 226% above US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 7,213.8/100K |
| 268% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 11 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Moorhead enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 64°F (18°C). Winters average 44°F in January while summers reach 82°F in July. The area gets 304 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 55.8 inches (wetter than the 38-inch national average). Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43. The city sits at an elevation of 116 feet.
Temperature
44°F Jan (7°C)
82°F Jul (28°C)
| Annual Average | 64.2°F |
| 19% above US avg |
| January Average | 44°F (7°C) |
| July Average | 82°F (28°C) |
| Sunny Days | 304 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 116 ft (35 m) |
| Area | 1.3 sq mi (3.4 km²) |
| Population Density | 1,054/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 33.4494°N, 90.5063°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Sunflower County County |
| Nearest Airport | Jackson-Medgar Wiley Evers International (JAN)
83 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
55.8"
47% above US avg
Wettest Month (Mar)
6.06"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 43.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 69.6 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 93.9 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 32.2 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hurricane |
Relatively Low |
| Earthquake |
Relatively Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Moderate |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Moderate |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Very Low |
| Lightning |
Relatively Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Moderate |
| Drought |
Relatively Moderate |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively High |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
11 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.7. Most recent: M2.8 on Aug 9, 2019.
| Jan 8, 2019 |
8 km WNW of Hollandale, Mississippi |
M3.7 |
49 km |
| May 3, 2015 |
7 km SSW of Canton, Mississippi |
M3.2 |
107 km |
| Jun 29, 2015 |
6 km SSW of Canton, Mississippi |
M3.2 |
107 km |
| Aug 11, 1996 |
9 km WSW of Shaw, Mississippi |
M3.1 |
37 km |
| Oct 26, 2002 |
3 km SE of Alligator, Mississippi |
M3.1 |
71 km |
| May 3, 2015 |
8 km WSW of Canton, Mississippi |
M3.0 |
103 km |
| Aug 11, 2002 |
8 km ESE of Darling, Mississippi |
M2.8 |
103 km |
| Aug 9, 2019 |
Mississippi |
M2.8 |
112 km |
| Feb 25, 1999 |
10 km NE of Oakland, Mississippi |
M2.8 |
97 km |
| Feb 11, 1991 |
10 km SSW of Clarksdale, Mississippi |
M2.7 |
74 km |
| Aug 17, 2015 |
9 km N of Madison, Mississippi |
M2.6 |
107 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Hurricane History
3 hurricanes (Cat 1+) within 500 km since 1980.
Strongest: Category 1. Most recent: Laura (2020, Cat 1).
| Year |
Name |
Category |
Closest |
| 2020 |
Laura |
Category 2 |
291 km |
| 2020 |
Zeta |
Category 1 |
273 km |
| 2005 |
Katrina |
Category 1 |
201 km |
Source: NOAA IBTrACS (Cat 1+, 1980–2026)
Tornado History
526 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 110 fatalities, 1,468 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Mar 24, 2023 |
EF4 |
82 km |
17 |
| Nov 24, 2001 |
EF4 |
55 km |
0 |
| Mar 9, 1992 |
EF4 |
56 km |
0 |
| Jan 19, 1988 |
EF4 |
92 km |
0 |
| Apr 17, 1978 |
EF4 |
46 km |
0 |
| Feb 21, 1971 |
EF4 |
96 km |
58 |
| Mar 11, 1963 |
EF4 |
85 km |
2 |
| Mar 24, 2023 |
EF3 |
46 km |
3 |
| Dec 23, 2015 |
EF3 |
64 km |
2 |
| Apr 27, 2011 |
EF3 |
57 km |
0 |
| Jan 1, 2011 |
EF3 |
79 km |
0 |
| Nov 29, 2010 |
EF3 |
95 km |
0 |
| Jan 10, 2008 |
EF3 |
98 km |
0 |
| Jan 10, 2008 |
EF3 |
77 km |
0 |
| Nov 24, 2001 |
EF3 |
27 km |
0 |
| Feb 24, 2001 |
EF3 |
33 km |
0 |
| Feb 24, 2001 |
EF3 |
89 km |
0 |
| Dec 9, 1999 |
EF3 |
92 km |
0 |
| May 2, 1997 |
EF3 |
40 km |
0 |
| Dec 21, 1990 |
EF3 |
93 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
18 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: UNNAMED (2,376 ac, 2016).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2016 |
UNNAMED |
2,376 |
89 km |
| 2024 |
HOLLY SPRINGS IU 130-1 RX |
1,839 |
88 km |
| 2021 |
HOLLY SPRINGS - BB 123 124 |
1,761 |
90 km |
| 2018 |
UNNAMED |
1,760 |
90 km |
| 2010 |
COMP 139 |
1,671 |
83 km |
| 2024 |
HOLLY SPRINGS IU 127-1 128-1 RX |
1,353 |
89 km |
| 2010 |
COMP 134 |
1,257 |
85 km |
| 2021 |
HOLLY SPRINGS BB 127/128 |
1,231 |
89 km |
| 2024 |
HOLLY SPRINGS CPT 123124 RX |
1,216 |
89 km |
| 2022 |
HOLLY SPRINGS BB 130/136 |
1,129 |
88 km |
| 2010 |
COMP 135 |
1,063 |
86 km |
| 2015 |
UNNAMED |
981 |
90 km |
| 2013 |
C-132 |
889 |
86 km |
| 2022 |
HOLLY SPRINGS BB 133 |
866 |
83 km |
| 1993 |
UNNAMED |
651 |
91 km |
| 2022 |
ATTALA - CR 3122 - VAIDEN MS |
631 |
87 km |
| 2015 |
UNNAMED |
579 |
89 km |
| 1998 |
UNNAMED |
577 |
56 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
44°F (7°C) |
5.1 in |
Coldest |
| February |
47°F (8°C) |
4.7 in |
|
| March |
55°F (13°C) |
6.1 in |
Wettest |
| April |
64°F (18°C) |
5.5 in |
|
| May |
72°F (22°C) |
5.3 in |
|
| June |
79°F (26°C) |
4.2 in |
|
| July |
82°F (28°C) |
4.7 in |
Warmest |
| August |
81°F (27°C) |
2.8 in |
Driest |
| September |
76°F (24°C) |
3.2 in |
|
| October |
65°F (18°C) |
3.5 in |
|
| November |
54°F (12°C) |
5.2 in |
|
| December |
46°F (8°C) |
5.9 in |
|
Moorhead has a seasonal temperature swing of 38°F / from 44°F in January to 82°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 56.2 inches, with March being the wettest month (6.1") and August the driest (2.8").
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) |
$218 ($131–$348) |
| Specialist Visit |
$305 ($174–$479) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$174 ($87–$305) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$1,914 ($696–$4,350) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$113 ($65–$174) |
| Dental Filling |
$218 ($131–$348) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$39 ($22–$65) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$65 ($44–$104) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$261 ($131–$435) |
| Tire Rotation |
$35 ($17–$65) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$522 ($348–$870) |
| Battery Replacement |
$174 ($87–$305) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$87 ($52–$131) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$78 ($44–$122) |
| HVAC Repair |
$348 ($131–$696) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,090 ($3,480–$10,440) |
| Roof Repair |
$870 ($348–$1,740) |
| Roof Replacement |
$7,830 ($4,785–$13,050) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,305 ($435–$3,045) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$13,050 ($4,350–$26,100) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,350 ($1,740–$8,700) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,305 ($696–$2,610) |
| Will Preparation |
$435 ($174–$870) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,175 ($870–$4,350) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$22 ($13–$39) |
| Women's Haircut |
$48 ($26–$87) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$131 ($65–$218) |
| Manicure |
$22 ($13–$39) |
| Pedicure |
$35 ($22–$57) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$70 ($44–$113) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$3.57 ($2.61–$4.79) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.05 ($2.18–$4.35) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.31 ($2.18–$4.79) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$3.92 ($2.61–$5.66) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$4.79 ($3.48–$6.53) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.87 ($0.52–$1.57) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$122 ($70–$218) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$61 ($26–$131) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$61 ($35–$104) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$61 ($35–$87) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$57 ($26–$87) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$74 ($44–$131) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$174 ($65–$435) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,740 ($1,044–$3,045) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$61 ($26–$113) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$13 ($6.96–$22) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$87 ($26–$218) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$26 ($13–$65) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,044 ($522–$2,175) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$870 ($435–$1,740) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$348 ($174–$609) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$44 ($22–$87) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$870 ($348–$2,175) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$10,875 ($4,350–$26,100) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$52 ($26–$87) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$87 ($44–$174) |
| Dog Grooming |
$52 ($26–$87) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$35 ($17–$65) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$261 ($131–$435) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$174 ($87–$348) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $508 |
| Toddler | $463 |
| Preschool | $463 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Moorhead
What is the population of Moorhead?
Moorhead has a population of 1,370 residents and is located in Mississippi. The population density is 1,054 people per square mile, spread across 1.3 square miles. The median age of residents is 33.5 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 64.5% female and 35.5% male.
Is Moorhead expensive to live in?
Moorhead is more affordable than the national average, with a cost of living index of 87 / below the baseline of 100. The median household income is $35,885, 52% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $85,600 (70% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $780 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.4x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Moorhead safe?
Public safety is a concern in Moorhead, with a violent crime rate of 1,238 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 7,214 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 enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 64°F (18°C). Winter temperatures average 44°F in January, while summers reach an average of 82°F in July. The area receives 304 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 55.8 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 43.
How is the job market in Moorhead?
The job market in Moorhead faces challenges, with unemployment at 8.5% / significantly above the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $789. There are 535 business establishments in the area, including 37 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 22 minutes, and 8.8% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Moorhead?
The median home value in Moorhead is $85,600. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $89,829. For renters, the median monthly rent is $780. Fair market rent is $782 for a 1-bedroom and $924 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 65.0%. The average annual property tax is $2,577.
How are the schools in Moorhead?
Schools in Moorhead have an average test score of 3.2 out of 10, below typical national benchmarks. Families may want to research individual school ratings. 18.5% of adults in Moorhead hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 75.3% have completed high school. 6.5% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Moorhead?
The obesity rate in Moorhead is 53.6% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 24.4% of adults are smokers. 46.5% are physically inactive. 19.1% of residents report depression. 16.2% lack health insurance (above the national rate). 38.7% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,822.
What is transportation like in Moorhead?
The average commute in Moorhead is 22 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 69.6% of workers drive alone to work, 1.9% use public transit, and 8.8% work from home.
What are the demographics of Moorhead?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Moorhead is 11.5% White, 87.7% Black or African American. 99.4% of residents speak only English at home. 0.9% of the population are military veterans. 14.8% of residents have a disability. 87.1% have health insurance coverage.
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