Median Income
$70,500
6% lower than US avg
Home Value
$95,000
66% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
64/100K
83% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
8.7%
74% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$863
26% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
39.5%
23% higher than US avg
Unemployment
2.6%
28% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
8.2%
34% lower than US avg
How Murdock Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population306
Median Age33.0 yrs
Density494/mi²
Male / Female56% / 44%
Largest GroupWhite 87%
Veterans4.4%
Economy
A
Median Income$70,500
Per Capita$31,616
Unemployment2.6%
Poverty8.2%
County GDP$800M
Commute19 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$95,000
Rent$863
Ownership80.0%
Zillow$196,663
Housing Units113
Rent Burden22.9%
Crime
F
Violent64/100K
Property864/100K
Health
Obesity39.5%
Uninsured12.1%
Smoking17.3%
Depression25.6%
Heart Disease6.0%
Climate
Avg Temp43°F (6°C)
AQI36 (Good)
Rain29.5 in/yr
Sunny Days276/yr
Elevation1,085 ft (331 m)
Education
D
Bachelor's+8.7%
High School+93.9%
Graduate+0.6%
School Score5.90
Community
2024 VoteR 66% / D 32%
Commute19 min
Broadband89.2%
EV Stations1
Libraries3
Is Murdock a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Murdock receives an overall livability score of 3.0 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 a high uninsured rate, high obesity rates. Murdock offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Murdock is $70,500, roughly in line with the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 2.6%. 8.2% of residents live in poverty, near the national average of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 19 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Murdock is $95,000, 66% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $863 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 1.3x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Murdock is a very safe community with a violent crime rate of 64 per 100,000 residents / well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 864 per 100,000, 56% below the national average.
Education
8.7% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 93.9% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.9/10.
Climate & Weather
Murdock has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 43°F. Winters average 11°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 29.5 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 36.
Murdock has a population of 306 with a density of 494 people per square mile, spread across 0.6 square miles. The median age is 33.0 years, 15% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 44.4% female and 55.6% male. The city is predominantly White (86.6%), with 4.2% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 84.4% of residents, while 15.6% speak Spanish. 4.4% of the population are veterans, below the national rate of 6.0%. 13.7% of residents have a disability. 95.4% have health insurance coverage.
Population
33.0yrs
Median Age
15% below US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
84.4%
8% above US avg
Spanish
15.6%
16% above US avg
The median household income in Murdock is $70,500, which is 6% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $31,616 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,075, 25% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 2.6% (below the 3.6% US average). 8.2% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 366 business establishments, including 25 restaurants. The cost of living index is 98.6, roughly in line with the national average. Workers commute an average of 19 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 0.7% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $70,500 |
| 6% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $31,616 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,075 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $69,799 |
| Gini Index | 0.459 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 2.6% |
| 28% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 8.2% |
| 34% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 366 |
| County GDP | $800M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 25 |
| Healthcare | 22 |
| Retail | 42 |
| Manufacturing | 20 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $2,890 |
| 17% below US avg |
| Cost of Living | 98.60 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 3.04% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 18.5 min |
| Drive Alone | 91.3% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 0.7% |
The median home value in Murdock is $95,000, 66% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $196,663, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $863 (26% 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. 80.0% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 113 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1945. The average annual property tax is $2,890 (lower than the $3,500 national average). 22.9% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.3x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $95,000 |
| 66% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $196,663 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $863 |
| 26% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 22.9% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $809 |
| 1 Bedroom | $899 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,125 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,483 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,698 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 80.0% |
| Owner-Occupied | 80.0% |
| Renter-Occupied | 20.0% |
| Housing Units | 113 |
| Median Year Built | 1945 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $2,890 |
| 17% below US avg |
| Effective Rate | 3.04% |
In Murdock, 39.5% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 10.6% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 6.0% of residents. 30.8% have high blood pressure. 17.3% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 20.0% report binge drinking. 27.0% are physically inactive. 25.6% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 17.1% experience frequent mental distress. 12.1% of residents lack health insurance (above the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,437. The dentist ratio is 1:2,439. 58.4% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.3 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Murdock vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 39.5% |
| 23% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 10.6% |
| Heart Disease | 6.0% |
| High Blood Pressure | 30.8% |
| Asthma | 9.9% |
| COPD | 5.8% |
| Cancer | 6.9% |
| Stroke | 3.1% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 17.3% |
| 24% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 20.0% |
| Physical Inactivity | 27.0% |
| Depression | 25.6% |
| Mental Distress | 17.1% |
| Physical Distress | 12.5% |
| Short Sleep | 32.3% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 95.4% |
| Uninsured | 12.1% |
| 41% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:2,437 |
| Dentists | 1:2,439 |
| Mental Health | 1:884 |
| Checkup Rate | 71.4% |
| Dental Visits | 61.3% |
| Premature Death | 7,978/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.3/10 |
| Exercise Access | 58.4% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 22 |
Murdock has a violent crime rate of 64 per 100,000 residents, 83% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 864 per 100,000, 56% below the U.S. average. The county recorded 1 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Murdock receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Murdock vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 64.0/100K |
| 83% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 864.3/100K |
| 56% below US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 1 |
| Traffic Accidents | 41 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Murdock has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 43°F (6°C). Winters average 11°F in January while summers reach 71°F in July. 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 29.5 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 1,085 feet.
Temperature
11°F Jan (-12°C)
71°F Jul (22°C)
| Annual Average | 42.9°F |
| 21% below US avg |
| January Average | 11°F (-12°C) |
| July Average | 71°F (22°C) |
| Sunny Days | 276 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,085 ft (331 m) |
| Area | 0.6 sq mi (1.6 km²) |
| Population Density | 494/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 45.2234°N, 95.3946°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Swift County County |
| Nearest Airport | Southwest Minnesota Regional Marshall/Ryan Field (MML)
57 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
29.5"
22% below US avg
Wettest Month (Aug)
3.35"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 36.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 25.1 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 49.7 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 94.7 / 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 Moderate |
| Lightning |
Very 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
4 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 |
86 km |
| Oct 20, 1995 |
8 km SSE of New Effington, South Dakota |
M3.7 |
131 km |
| Feb 9, 1994 |
6 km NNE of Blomkest, Minnesota |
M3.1 |
40 km |
| Apr 29, 2011 |
Minnesota |
M2.5 |
86 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990-2025)
Tornado History
438 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 8 fatalities, 186 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jun 17, 2010 |
EF4 |
96 km |
1 |
| Jul 25, 2000 |
EF4 |
42 km |
1 |
| Jun 19, 1951 |
EF4 |
89 km |
1 |
| Jul 11, 2008 |
EF3 |
26 km |
0 |
| May 17, 1996 |
EF3 |
93 km |
0 |
| Jun 16, 1992 |
EF3 |
97 km |
0 |
| Jun 16, 1992 |
EF3 |
59 km |
0 |
| Jun 16, 1992 |
EF3 |
94 km |
0 |
| Jun 16, 1992 |
EF3 |
61 km |
0 |
| Sep 3, 1980 |
EF3 |
98 km |
1 |
| Jun 18, 1964 |
EF3 |
46 km |
0 |
| May 5, 1964 |
EF3 |
62 km |
0 |
| May 30, 2022 |
EF2 |
100 km |
0 |
| May 30, 2022 |
EF2 |
56 km |
0 |
| May 30, 2022 |
EF2 |
87 km |
0 |
| May 12, 2022 |
EF2 |
98 km |
0 |
| Aug 14, 2020 |
EF2 |
93 km |
0 |
| Jul 11, 2016 |
EF2 |
68 km |
0 |
| Jul 11, 2016 |
EF2 |
77 km |
0 |
| Jul 14, 2009 |
EF2 |
17 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950-2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: LOUISBURGRADE (6,487 ac, 2004).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2004 |
LOUISBURGRADE |
6,487 |
66 km |
| 2003 |
CHIPPEWA PRAIRIE |
2,067 |
49 km |
| 2004 |
FISH FIRE |
1,799 |
72 km |
| 2005 |
GRAND MEWS |
1,245 |
75 km |
| 1998 |
LEE |
1,137 |
77 km |
| 1995 |
UNNAMED |
1,115 |
76 km |
| 2003 |
ANDERSON |
1,082 |
72 km |
| 1998 |
ANDREASEN |
1,001 |
72 km |
| 1990 |
ANDERSON |
988 |
75 km |
| 2007 |
ANDERSON |
797 |
72 km |
| 2006 |
ANDERSON |
764 |
75 km |
| 1986 |
ANDERSON |
746 |
72 km |
| 2000 |
FISH |
720 |
73 km |
| 2010 |
WALDEN |
717 |
43 km |
| 2007 |
LEE |
689 |
77 km |
| 2000 |
SVOR |
661 |
18 km |
| 2000 |
ASHLEY N |
588 |
57 km |
| 2003 |
LEE |
560 |
78 km |
| 1994 |
ARTICHOKE |
556 |
58 km |
| 2002 |
ARTICHOKE |
548 |
58 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
11°F (-12°C) |
0.8 in |
Coldest |
| February |
18°F (-8°C) |
0.6 in |
Driest |
| March |
30°F (-1°C) |
0.9 in |
|
| April |
45°F (7°C) |
1.0 in |
|
| May |
59°F (15°C) |
1.0 in |
|
| June |
68°F (20°C) |
1.8 in |
|
| July |
71°F (22°C) |
3.3 in |
Warmest |
| August |
69°F (21°C) |
3.4 in |
Wettest |
| September |
60°F (15°C) |
2.2 in |
|
| October |
47°F (9°C) |
1.3 in |
|
| November |
30°F (-1°C) |
0.9 in |
|
| December |
16°F (-9°C) |
1.0 in |
|
Murdock has a seasonal temperature swing of 60°F / from 11°F in January to 71°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 18.2 inches, with August being the wettest month (3.4") and February the driest (0.6").
Average costs for common services in Murdock. 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 | $758 |
| Toddler | $697 |
| Preschool | $637 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $556 |
| Toddler | $563 |
| Preschool | $563 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Murdock
What is the population of Murdock?
Murdock has a population of 306 residents and is located in Minnesota. The population density is 494 people per square mile, spread across 0.6 square miles. The median age of residents is 33.0 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 44.4% female and 55.6% male.
Is Murdock expensive to live in?
Murdock 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 $70,500, 6% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $95,000 (66% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $863 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.3x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Murdock safe?
Murdock is considered a very safe city with a violent crime rate of 64 per 100,000 residents, well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 864 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Murdock receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Murdock?
Murdock has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 43°F (6°C). Winter temperatures average 11°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 29.5 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 36.
How is the job market in Murdock?
The job market in Murdock is very strong, with unemployment at just 2.6% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,075. There are 366 business establishments in the area, including 25 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 19 minutes, and 0.7% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Murdock?
The median home value in Murdock is $95,000. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $196,663. For renters, the median monthly rent is $863. Fair market rent is $899 for a 1-bedroom and $1,125 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 80.0%. The average annual property tax is $2,890.
How are the schools in Murdock?
Schools in Murdock score 5.9 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 8.7% of adults in Murdock hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 93.9% have completed high school. 0.6% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Murdock?
The obesity rate in Murdock is 39.5% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 17.3% of adults are smokers. 27.0% are physically inactive. 25.6% of residents report depression. 12.1% lack health insurance (above the national rate). 58.4% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,437.
What is transportation like in Murdock?
The average commute in Murdock is 19 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 91.3% of workers drive alone to work, and 0.7% work from home.
What are the demographics of Murdock?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Murdock is 86.6% White, 4.2% Hispanic or Latino. 84.4% of residents speak only English at home, while 15.6% speak Spanish. 4.4% of the population are military veterans. 13.7% of residents have a disability. 95.4% have health insurance coverage.
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