Median Income
$100,167
33% higher than US avg
Home Value
$475,700
69% higher than US avg
Violent Crime
0/100K
100% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
50.6%
50% higher than US avg
Median Rent
$820
29% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
34.6%
8% higher than US avg
Unemployment
0.3%
92% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
5.6%
55% lower than US avg
How Nisswa Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population1,744
Median Age55.4 yrs
Density162/mi²
Male / Female52% / 48%
Largest GroupWhite 95%
Veterans10.2%
Economy
A+
Median Income$100,167
Per Capita$59,619
Unemployment0.3%
Poverty5.6%
County GDP$4,044M
Commute25 min
Housing
A
Home Value$475,700
Rent$820
Ownership96.5%
Zillow$557,021
Housing Units1,439
Rent Burden13.6%
Crime
C+
Violent0/100K
Property48/100K
Murder0.0/100K
Assault0/100K
Burglary0/100K
Health
Obesity34.6%
Uninsured6.0%
Smoking12.2%
Depression23.7%
Heart Disease4.7%
Climate
Avg Temp42°F (5°C)
AQI36 (Good)
Rain28.8 in/yr
Sunny Days276/yr
Elevation1,233 ft (376 m)
Education
A+
Bachelor's+50.6%
High School+96.8%
Graduate+17.7%
School Score6.62
Community
2024 VoteR 65% / D 34%
Commute25 min
Broadband87.6%
EV Stations1
Libraries3
Is Nisswa a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Nisswa receives an overall livability score of 4.2 out of 5.0, earning a grade of A. Key strengths include above-average household incomes, low unemployment, low crime rates, a highly educated population. Areas to be aware of include high housing costs. Nisswa stands out as an excellent place to live, with strong marks across most quality-of-life indicators.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Nisswa is $100,167, which is significantly higher than the national average / 33% above $75,149. This places Nisswa among higher-income communities. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 0.3%. Only 5.6% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 25 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Nisswa is $475,700, making it a premium housing market at 69% above the U.S. median of $281,900. Renters pay a median of $820 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. A price-to-income ratio of 4.7x indicates a reasonably affordable housing market.
Safety & Crime
Nisswa is a very safe community with a violent crime rate of 0 per 100,000 residents / well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 48 per 100,000, 98% below the national average.
Education
Nisswa is a highly educated community / 50.6% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher, well above the national average of 33.7%. 96.8% have completed high school. Local schools score 6.6/10 in standardized testing, reflecting strong academic performance.
Climate & Weather
Nisswa has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 42°F. Winters average 9°F in January while summers reach 70°F in July. With 276 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 28.8 inches, including 39.2 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 36.
Nisswa has a population of 1,744 with a density of 162 people per square mile, spread across 10.8 square miles. The median age is 55.4 years, 42% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 48.4% female and 51.6% male. The city is predominantly White (95.1%), with 1.4% Black. English is the primary language spoken at home by 93.9% of residents, while 6.1% speak Spanish. 10.2% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 11.0% of residents have a disability. 93.1% have health insurance coverage.
Population
55.4yrs
Median Age
42% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
93.9%
20% above US avg
Spanish
6.1%
54% below US avg
The median household income in Nisswa is $100,167, which is 33% above the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $59,619 (above the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,020, 29% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 0.3% (below the 3.6% US average). 5.6% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 2,376 business establishments, including 219 restaurants. The cost of living index is 98.6, roughly in line with the national average. Workers commute an average of 25 minutes. 12.2% of workers work from home.
Income
| Median HH Income | $100,167 |
| 33% above US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $59,619 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,020 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $74,335 |
| Gini Index | 0.429 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 0.3% |
| 92% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 5.6% |
| 55% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 2,376 |
| County GDP | $4,044M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 219 |
| Healthcare | 256 |
| Retail | 381 |
| Manufacturing | 112 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $4,830 |
| 38% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 98.60 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 1.02% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 25.1 min |
| Drive Alone | 71.7% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 12.2% |
The median home value in Nisswa is $475,700, 69% above the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $557,021, higher than the Census estimate. Homes sell for 93.9% of their list price, suggesting buyers have room to negotiate. Monthly rent averages $820 (29% 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. 96.5% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 1,439 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1987. The average annual property tax is $4,830 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 13.6% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 4.7x.
Home Values
| Census Median | $475,700 |
| 69% above US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $557,021 |
| Median List Price | $534,990 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
| Median List Price | $534,990 |
| $/Sq Ft | $150 |
| Homes Sold | 2 |
| Sale-to-List Ratio | 93.9% |
| Price Drops | 16.7% |
| Inventory | 18 |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $820 |
| 29% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 13.6% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $809 |
| 1 Bedroom | $899 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,125 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,483 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,698 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 96.5% |
| Owner-Occupied | 96.5% |
| Renter-Occupied | 3.5% |
| Housing Units | 1,439 |
| Median Year Built | 1987 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $4,830 |
| 38% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 1.02% |
In Nisswa, 34.6% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 7.5% have diabetes (below the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 4.7% of residents, below the national average. 26.4% have high blood pressure. 12.2% are current smokers. 22.1% report binge drinking. 18.6% are physically inactive, below the national average. 23.7% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 15.0% experience frequent mental distress. 6.0% of residents lack health insurance (below the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:989. The dentist ratio is 1:1,213. 80.6% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.7 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Nisswa vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 34.6% |
| 8% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 7.5% |
| Heart Disease | 4.7% |
| High Blood Pressure | 26.4% |
| Asthma | 10.1% |
| COPD | 4.1% |
| Cancer | 7.6% |
| Stroke | 2.3% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 12.2% |
| 13% below US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 22.1% |
| Physical Inactivity | 18.6% |
| Depression | 23.7% |
| Mental Distress | 15.0% |
| Physical Distress | 9.5% |
| Short Sleep | 27.7% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 93.1% |
| Uninsured | 6.0% |
| 30% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:989 |
| Dentists | 1:1,213 |
| Mental Health | 1:259 |
| Checkup Rate | 72.4% |
| Dental Visits | 73.7% |
| Premature Death | 7,321/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.7/10 |
| Exercise Access | 80.6% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 256 |
Nisswa has a violent crime rate of 0 per 100,000 residents, 100% below the national average of 380. This breaks down to aggravated assault at 0.0 per 100,000, robbery at 0.0, rape at 0.0. The murder rate is 0.0 per 100,000 (below the national rate of 6.3). Property crime stands at 48 per 100,000, 98% below the U.S. average. This includes larceny/theft at 48, burglary at 0, vehicle theft at 0 per 100,000 residents. The county recorded 7 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Nisswa receives a safety grade of C+.
Crime Rates: Nisswa vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg |
| Murder | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg |
| Rape | 0.0/100K |
| Robbery | 0.0/100K |
| Assault | 0.0/100K |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 48.4/100K |
| 98% below US avg |
| Burglary | 0.0/100K |
| Theft | 48.4/100K |
| Vehicle Theft | 0.0/100K |
| Arson | 0.0/100K |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 7 |
| Traffic Accidents | 117 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | C+ |
| Safety Score | 2.6 / 5.0 |
Nisswa has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 42°F (5°C). Winters average 9°F in January while summers reach 70°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 28.8 inches (drier than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 39.2 inches of snow annually, a moderate snowfall amount. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 36. The city sits at an elevation of 1,233 feet.
Temperature
9°F Jan (-13°C)
70°F Jul (21°C)
| Annual Average | 41.5°F |
| 23% below US avg |
| January Average | 9°F (-13°C) |
| July Average | 70°F (21°C) |
| Sunny Days | 276 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,233 ft (376 m) |
| Area | 10.8 sq mi (27.9 km²) |
| Population Density | 162/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 46.5007°N, 94.2978°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Crow Wing County County |
| Nearest Airport | Brainerd Lakes Regional (BRD)
10 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
28.8"
24% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
4.17"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 36.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Air Pollutants (EPA 2023)
| Ozone (O₃) | 0.0429 ppm |
| PM2.5 (Fine Particles) | 7.3 μg/m³ |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 77.5 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 35.5 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 97.4 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Relatively Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hail |
Relatively Moderate |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Moderate |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Low |
| Lightning |
Relatively Moderate |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
Relatively Low |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively High |
| Landslide |
Relatively Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
1 earthquake (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M2.5. Most recent: M2.5 on Apr 29, 2011.
| Apr 29, 2011 |
Minnesota |
M2.5 |
111 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
215 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 18 fatalities, 168 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jun 17, 2010 |
EF4 |
99 km |
1 |
| Jun 17, 2010 |
EF4 |
68 km |
0 |
| Aug 6, 1969 |
EF4 |
32 km |
12 |
| Jun 11, 1966 |
EF4 |
15 km |
0 |
| Jun 6, 2008 |
EF3 |
77 km |
0 |
| Jun 13, 2001 |
EF3 |
87 km |
0 |
| Sep 18, 1997 |
EF3 |
52 km |
1 |
| Jul 5, 1991 |
EF3 |
5 km |
0 |
| Aug 26, 1977 |
EF3 |
23 km |
0 |
| Jun 25, 1973 |
EF3 |
23 km |
0 |
| Aug 6, 1969 |
EF3 |
78 km |
1 |
| Aug 6, 1969 |
EF3 |
41 km |
0 |
| Jun 30, 1968 |
EF3 |
100 km |
0 |
| Jun 12, 2024 |
EF2 |
24 km |
0 |
| Jun 12, 2024 |
EF2 |
21 km |
0 |
| May 30, 2022 |
EF2 |
47 km |
0 |
| May 12, 2022 |
EF2 |
59 km |
0 |
| Jul 8, 2020 |
EF2 |
94 km |
0 |
| Jun 19, 2016 |
EF2 |
30 km |
0 |
| Jul 12, 2015 |
EF2 |
61 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: UNNAMED (9,055 ac, 2007).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2007 |
UNNAMED |
9,055 |
32 km |
| 2009 |
CENTER TANK RANGE |
6,131 |
36 km |
| 1988 |
UNNAMED |
4,475 |
36 km |
| 1988 |
UNNAMED |
3,642 |
41 km |
| 2018 |
BOY RIVER |
3,546 |
76 km |
| 2003 |
UNNAMED |
2,998 |
75 km |
| 2009 |
HENDRICKSON IMPACT AREA |
2,757 |
27 km |
| 2015 |
TAMARACK |
2,745 |
84 km |
| 1987 |
UNNAMED |
2,512 |
77 km |
| 1991 |
UNNAMED |
2,486 |
71 km |
| 1988 |
UNNAMED |
2,243 |
81 km |
| 1987 |
UNNAMED |
1,963 |
65 km |
| 2010 |
BOY RIVER - CORE 2010 |
1,872 |
75 km |
| 2019 |
UNNAMED |
1,835 |
72 km |
| 2009 |
EAST TANK RANGE |
1,801 |
39 km |
| 1987 |
UNNAMED |
1,799 |
72 km |
| 2016 |
UNNAMED |
1,777 |
73 km |
| 1987 |
UNNAMED |
1,760 |
71 km |
| 1987 |
UNNAMED |
1,655 |
63 km |
| 1988 |
UNNAMED |
1,589 |
34 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
9°F (-13°C) |
0.9 in |
Coldest |
| February |
14°F (-10°C) |
0.6 in |
Driest |
| March |
27°F (-3°C) |
1.5 in |
|
| April |
42°F (5°C) |
2.1 in |
|
| May |
55°F (13°C) |
3.1 in |
|
| June |
64°F (18°C) |
4.2 in |
Wettest |
| July |
70°F (21°C) |
4.1 in |
Warmest |
| August |
67°F (19°C) |
3.4 in |
|
| September |
57°F (14°C) |
3.0 in |
|
| October |
45°F (7°C) |
2.6 in |
|
| November |
28°F (-2°C) |
1.4 in |
|
| December |
13°F (-10°C) |
0.8 in |
|
Nisswa has a seasonal temperature swing of 61°F / from 9°F in January to 70°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 27.5 inches, with June being the wettest month (4.2") and February the driest (0.6").
Average costs for common services in Nisswa. 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 | $621 |
| Toddler | $570 |
| Preschool | $570 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Nisswa
What is the population of Nisswa?
Nisswa has a population of 1,744 residents and is located in Minnesota. The population density is 162 people per square mile, spread across 10.8 square miles. The median age of residents is 55.4 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 48.4% female and 51.6% male.
Is Nisswa expensive to live in?
Nisswa 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 $100,167, 33% above the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $475,700 (69% above the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $820 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 4.7x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Nisswa safe?
Nisswa is considered a very safe city with a violent crime rate of 0 per 100,000 residents, well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 48 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Nisswa receives a safety grade of C+ based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Nisswa?
Nisswa has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 42°F (5°C). Winter temperatures average 9°F in January, while summers reach an average of 70°F in July. The area receives 276 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 28.8 inches, with 39.2 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 36.
How is the job market in Nisswa?
The job market in Nisswa is very strong, with unemployment at just 0.3% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,020. There are 2,376 business establishments in the area, including 219 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 25 minutes, and 12.2% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Nisswa?
The median home value in Nisswa is $475,700. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $557,021. For renters, the median monthly rent is $820. Fair market rent is $899 for a 1-bedroom and $1,125 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 96.5%. The average annual property tax is $4,830.
How are the schools in Nisswa?
Schools in Nisswa score 6.6 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 50.6% of adults in Nisswa hold a bachelor's degree or higher, above the national average of 33.7%. 96.8% have completed high school. 17.7% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Nisswa?
The obesity rate in Nisswa is 34.6% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 12.2% of adults are smokers. 18.6% are physically inactive. 23.7% of residents report depression. 6.0% lack health insurance (below the national rate). 80.6% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:989.
What is transportation like in Nisswa?
The average commute in Nisswa is 25 minutes. 71.7% of workers drive alone to work, and 12.2% work from home.
What are the demographics of Nisswa?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Nisswa is 95.1% White, 1.4% Black or African American. 93.9% of residents speak only English at home, while 6.1% speak Spanish. 10.2% of the population are military veterans. 11.0% of residents have a disability. 93.1% have health insurance coverage.
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