Median Income
$90,383
20% higher than US avg
Home Value
$290,600
3% higher than US avg
Violent Crime
132/100K
65% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
19.4%
42% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$1,178
1% higher than US avg
Obesity Rate
36.7%
14% higher than US avg
Unemployment
3.2%
11% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
4.8%
61% lower than US avg
How North Branch Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population11,182
Median Age38.6 yrs
Density300/mi²
Male / Female52% / 48%
Largest GroupWhite 92%
Veterans7.3%
Economy
A+
Median Income$90,383
Per Capita$44,324
Unemployment3.2%
Poverty4.8%
County GDP$2,242M
Commute31 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$290,600
Rent$1,178
Ownership81.2%
Zillow$347,473
Housing Units4,309
Rent Burden32.0%
Crime
F
Violent132/100K
Property1,635/100K
Murder0.0/100K
Assault113/100K
Burglary273/100K
Health
Obesity36.7%
Uninsured7.7%
Smoking15.9%
Depression25.9%
Heart Disease5.2%
Climate
Avg Temp43°F (6°C)
AQI36 (Good)
Rain32.4 in/yr
Sunny Days270/yr
Elevation871 ft (265 m)
Education
C+
Bachelor's+19.4%
High School+96.2%
Graduate+4.5%
School Score6.50
Community
2024 VoteR 65% / D 34%
Commute31 min
Broadband91.7%
EV Stations4
Libraries5
Is North Branch a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, North Branch receives an overall livability score of 3.3 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include above-average household incomes, low unemployment, low crime rates, abundant sunshine. North Branch offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in North Branch is $90,383, 20% above the national average of $75,149. Residents generally enjoy above-average earning potential. Unemployment stands at 3.2%, indicating a healthy job market. Only 4.8% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 31 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in North Branch is $290,600, roughly aligned with the national median of $281,900. Renters pay a median of $1,178 per month. A price-to-income ratio of 3.2x indicates a reasonably affordable housing market.
Safety & Crime
North Branch is a very safe community with a violent crime rate of 132 per 100,000 residents / well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,635 per 100,000, near the national average.
Education
19.4% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 96.2% have completed high school. Local schools score 6.5/10 in standardized testing, reflecting strong academic performance.
Climate & Weather
North Branch has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 43°F. Winters average 11°F in January while summers reach 70°F in July. With 270 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 32.4 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 36.
North Branch has a population of 11,182 with a density of 300 people per square mile, spread across 37.3 square miles. The median age is 38.6 years, 1% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 48% female and 52% male. The city is predominantly White (91.7%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 96% of residents. 7.3% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 11.1% of residents have a disability. 95.9% have health insurance coverage.
Population
38.6yrs
Median Age
1% below US avg
Race & Ethnicity
North Branch vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
96.0%
22% above US avg
Spanish
4.0%
70% below US avg
Social Characteristics
North Branch vs U.S. Average
The median household income in North Branch is $90,383, which is 20% above the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $44,324 (above the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,112, 22% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 3.2% (below the 3.6% US average). 4.8% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 1,401 business establishments, including 93 restaurants. The cost of living index is 98.6, roughly in line with the national average. Workers commute an average of 31 minutes. 6.6% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income: North Branch vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $90,383 |
| 20% above US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $44,324 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,112 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $84,076 |
| Gini Index | 0.378 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 3.2% |
| 11% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 4.8% |
| 61% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 1,401 |
| County GDP | $2,242M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 93 |
| Healthcare | 155 |
| Retail | 158 |
| Manufacturing | 96 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $5,004 |
| 43% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 98.60 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 1.72% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 31.0 min |
| Drive Alone | 81.5% |
| Public Transit | 0.1% |
| Work from Home | 6.6% |
The median home value in North Branch is $290,600, 3% above the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $347,473, higher than the Census estimate. Homes sell for 100.3% of their list price, indicating a competitive market where bidding wars are common. Monthly rent averages $1,178 (1% above the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $899 for a one-bedroom to $1,125 for a two-bedroom apartment. 81.2% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 4,309 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1995. The average annual property tax is $5,004 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 32.0% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 3.2x.
Home Values
| Census Median | $290,600 |
| 3% above US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $347,473 |
| Median List Price | $344,950 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
| Median List Price | $344,950 |
| $/Sq Ft | $205 |
| Homes Sold | 19 |
| Sale-to-List Ratio | 100.3% |
| Price Drops | 9.8% |
| Inventory | 51 |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $1,178 |
| 1% above US avg |
| Rent Burden | 32.0% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $809 |
| 1 Bedroom | $899 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,125 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,483 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,698 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 81.2% |
| Owner-Occupied | 81.2% |
| Renter-Occupied | 18.8% |
| Housing Units | 4,309 |
| Median Year Built | 1995 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $5,004 |
| 43% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 1.72% |
In North Branch, 36.7% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 8.9% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.2% of residents. 28.6% have high blood pressure. 15.9% are current smokers. 20.5% report binge drinking. 23.1% are physically inactive. 25.9% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 17.1% experience frequent mental distress. 7.7% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,052. The dentist ratio is 1:2,320. 70.4% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 9.3 out of 10.
Air Quality (Open-Meteo CAMS — 2026-05-26)
PM2.5
3.0
μg/m³
Fine particulate
PM10
3.6
μg/m³
Coarse particulate
NO₂
1.9
μg/m³
Nitrogen dioxide
SO₂
0.7
μg/m³
Sulphur dioxide
CO
144.0
μg/m³
Carbon monoxide
Health Metrics: North Branch vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 36.7% |
| 14% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 8.9% |
| Heart Disease | 5.2% |
| High Blood Pressure | 28.6% |
| Asthma | 10.4% |
| COPD | 5.3% |
| Cancer | 7.2% |
| Stroke | 2.8% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 15.9% |
| 14% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 20.5% |
| Physical Inactivity | 23.1% |
| Depression | 25.9% |
| Mental Distress | 17.1% |
| Physical Distress | 11.5% |
| Short Sleep | 31.8% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 95.9% |
| Uninsured | 7.7% |
| 10% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:2,052 |
| Dentists | 1:2,320 |
| Mental Health | 1:568 |
| Checkup Rate | 72.7% |
| Dental Visits | 65.6% |
| Premature Death | 5,872/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 9.3/10 |
| Exercise Access | 70.4% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 155 |
North Branch has a violent crime rate of 132 per 100,000 residents, 65% below the national average of 380. This breaks down to aggravated assault at 112.8 per 100,000, robbery at 9.4, rape at 9.4. The murder rate is 0.0 per 100,000 (below the national rate of 6.3). Property crime stands at 1,635 per 100,000, 17% below the U.S. average. This includes larceny/theft at 1,269, burglary at 273, vehicle theft at 94 per 100,000 residents. The county recorded 6 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, North Branch receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: North Branch vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 131.6/100K |
| 65% below US avg |
| Murder | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg |
| Rape | 9.4/100K |
| Robbery | 9.4/100K |
| Assault | 112.8/100K |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 1,635.2/100K |
| 17% below US avg |
| Burglary | 272.5/100K |
| Theft | 1,268.7/100K |
| Vehicle Theft | 94.0/100K |
| Arson | 0.0/100K |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 6 |
| Traffic Accidents | 726 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.2 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
North Branch has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 43°F (6°C). Winters average 11°F in January while summers reach 70°F in July. The area gets 270 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 32.4 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 36. The city sits at an elevation of 871 feet.
Temperature
11°F Jan (-12°C)
70°F Jul (21°C)
| Annual Average | 42.5°F |
| 21% below US avg |
| January Average | 11°F (-12°C) |
| July Average | 70°F (21°C) |
| Sunny Days | 270 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 871 ft (265 m) |
| Area | 37.3 sq mi (96.7 km²) |
| Population Density | 300/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 45.5109°N, 92.9443°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Chisago County County |
| Nearest Airport | New Richmond Regional (RNH)
32 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
32.4"
15% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
4.41"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 36.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 44.5 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 10.6 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 88.4 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Relatively Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Moderate |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Moderate |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Low |
| Lightning |
Relatively Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
Relatively Low |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Tornado History
367 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF5. Total: 57 fatalities, 842 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jun 4, 1958 |
EF5 |
83 km |
21 |
| Jul 3, 1983 |
EF4 |
44 km |
0 |
| May 6, 1965 |
EF4 |
60 km |
3 |
| May 6, 1965 |
EF4 |
87 km |
0 |
| May 6, 1965 |
EF4 |
68 km |
6 |
| May 21, 1957 |
EF4 |
10 km |
0 |
| May 16, 2017 |
EF3 |
68 km |
1 |
| May 25, 2008 |
EF3 |
38 km |
1 |
| Jun 18, 2001 |
EF3 |
38 km |
2 |
| Jul 1, 1997 |
EF3 |
95 km |
0 |
| Jul 23, 1987 |
EF3 |
58 km |
0 |
| Apr 26, 1984 |
EF3 |
59 km |
1 |
| Jun 14, 1981 |
EF3 |
81 km |
1 |
| Sep 3, 1980 |
EF3 |
99 km |
1 |
| Jul 30, 1977 |
EF3 |
68 km |
0 |
| Jun 30, 1968 |
EF3 |
77 km |
0 |
| May 24, 1958 |
EF3 |
40 km |
0 |
| Jun 23, 1952 |
EF3 |
27 km |
2 |
| Jul 20, 1951 |
EF3 |
78 km |
5 |
| Jul 14, 2010 |
EF2 |
96 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: UNIT 4 (5,887 ac, 2002).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2002 |
UNIT 4 |
5,887 |
65 km |
| 2003 |
UNITS 37 38 39 A |
4,879 |
58 km |
| 1998 |
UNITS 1617 |
4,649 |
59 km |
| 2005 |
RX HFR 05 |
4,253 |
59 km |
| 2009 |
BU9 |
4,112 |
65 km |
| 2007 |
WUI 07 - UNIT 36 |
4,025 |
58 km |
| 2000 |
UNIT 25 |
3,412 |
58 km |
| 2009 |
BU11 |
3,242 |
63 km |
| 1997 |
BIG |
2,987 |
60 km |
| 2009 |
UNNAMED |
2,904 |
31 km |
| 2003 |
UNITS 34 33 W |
2,637 |
59 km |
| 2024 |
UNIT 8E RX |
2,551 |
63 km |
| 1992 |
SHARPTAIL |
2,288 |
60 km |
| 1988 |
UNNAMED |
2,243 |
77 km |
| 2024 |
RX-86_FY23 |
2,187 |
50 km |
| 2010 |
WUI 10 UNIT D |
2,042 |
59 km |
| 1996 |
UNNAMED |
1,906 |
57 km |
| 2000 |
UNNAMED |
1,850 |
30 km |
| 2006 |
UNIT 4 |
1,732 |
64 km |
| 2009 |
UNIT 23 24 26 |
1,644 |
60 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
11°F (-12°C) |
0.9 in |
Coldest |
| February |
17°F (-8°C) |
0.8 in |
Driest |
| March |
29°F (-1°C) |
1.6 in |
|
| April |
45°F (7°C) |
2.3 in |
|
| May |
58°F (14°C) |
3.4 in |
|
| June |
66°F (19°C) |
4.4 in |
Wettest |
| July |
70°F (21°C) |
3.8 in |
Warmest |
| August |
68°F (20°C) |
4.2 in |
|
| September |
59°F (15°C) |
3.4 in |
|
| October |
47°F (8°C) |
2.5 in |
|
| November |
31°F (-1°C) |
1.5 in |
|
| December |
16°F (-9°C) |
1.1 in |
|
North Branch has a seasonal temperature swing of 59°F / from 11°F in January to 70°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 29.9 inches, with June being the wettest month (4.4") and February the driest (0.8").
Average costs for common services in North Branch. 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 | $1,016 |
| Toddler | $920 |
| Preschool | $869 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $765 |
| Toddler | $650 |
| Preschool | $664 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About North Branch
What is the population of North Branch?
North Branch has a population of 11,182 residents and is located in Minnesota. The population density is 300 people per square mile, spread across 37.3 square miles. The median age of residents is 38.6 years. The population is 48% female and 52% male.
Is North Branch expensive to live in?
North Branch 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 $90,383, 20% above the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $290,600 (3% above the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $1,178 per month. The home price-to-income ratio is 3.2x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is North Branch safe?
North Branch is considered a very safe city with a violent crime rate of 132 per 100,000 residents, well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,635 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, North Branch receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in North Branch?
North Branch 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 70°F in July. The area receives 270 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 32.4 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 36.
How is the job market in North Branch?
North Branch has a healthy job market with an unemployment rate of 3.2%, near the national average of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,112. There are 1,401 business establishments in the area, including 93 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 31 minutes, and 6.6% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in North Branch?
The median home value in North Branch is $290,600. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $347,473. For renters, the median monthly rent is $1,178. Fair market rent is $899 for a 1-bedroom and $1,125 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 81.2%. The average annual property tax is $5,004.
How are the schools in North Branch?
Schools in North Branch score 6.5 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 19.4% of adults in North Branch hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 96.2% have completed high school. 4.5% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is North Branch?
The obesity rate in North Branch is 36.7% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 15.9% of adults are smokers. 23.1% are physically inactive. 25.9% of residents report depression. 7.7% lack health insurance. 70.4% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,052.
What is transportation like in North Branch?
The average commute in North Branch is 31 minutes, longer than the national average of 28 minutes. 81.5% of workers drive alone to work, and 6.6% work from home.
What are the demographics of North Branch?
The racial and ethnic makeup of North Branch is 91.7% White, 0.6% Black or African American, 0.9% Hispanic or Latino. 96% of residents speak only English at home, while 4% speak Spanish. 7.3% of the population are military veterans. 11.1% of residents have a disability. 95.9% have health insurance coverage.
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