Median Income
$134,491
79% higher than US avg
Home Value
$440,200
56% higher than US avg
Violent Crime
218/100K
43% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
40.3%
20% higher than US avg
Obesity Rate
34.9%
9% higher than US avg
Unemployment
1.9%
47% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
3.4%
73% lower than US avg
How Nowthen Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population4,539
Median Age40.5 yrs
Density135/mi²
Male / Female53% / 48%
Largest GroupWhite 98%
Veterans5.1%
Economy
A+
Median Income$134,491
Per Capita$47,475
Unemployment1.9%
Poverty3.4%
County GDP$20,603M
Commute26 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$440,200
Ownership97.5%
Zillow$380,165
Housing Units1,458
Rent Burden19.5%
Crime
F
Violent218/100K
Property1,769/100K
Health
Obesity34.9%
Uninsured6.8%
Smoking13.1%
Depression26.4%
Heart Disease5.0%
Climate
Avg Temp45°F (7°C)
AQI36 (Good)
Rain34.4 in/yr
Sunny Days270/yr
Elevation929 ft (283 m)
Education
A
Bachelor's+40.3%
High School+94.9%
Graduate+18.7%
School Score6.43
Community
2024 VoteR 51% / D 47%
Commute26 min
Broadband90.8%
EV Stations4
Libraries9
Is Nowthen a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Nowthen receives an overall livability score of 3.8 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B+. 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. Nowthen offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Nowthen is $134,491, which is significantly higher than the national average / 79% above $75,149. This places Nowthen among higher-income communities. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 1.9%. Only 3.4% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 26 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Nowthen is $440,200, making it a premium housing market at 56% above the U.S. median of $281,900. A price-to-income ratio of 3.3x indicates a reasonably affordable housing market.
Safety & Crime
Violent crime in Nowthen is below the national average at 218 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,769 per 100,000, near the national average.
Education
Educational attainment is solid, with 40.3% holding a bachelor's degree or higher, near the national average. 94.9% have completed high school. Local schools score 6.4/10 in standardized testing, reflecting strong academic performance.
Climate & Weather
Nowthen has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 45°F. Winters average 14°F in January while summers reach 71°F in July. With 270 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 34.4 inches, including 63.9 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 36.
Nowthen has a population of 4,539 with a density of 135 people per square mile, spread across 33.7 square miles. The median age is 40.5 years, 4% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 47.5% female and 52.5% male. The city is predominantly White (97.5%), with 1.2% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 99.7% of residents. 5.1% of the population are veterans. 5.8% of residents have a disability (below the 13.0% national average). 95.4% have health insurance coverage.
Population
40.5yrs
Median Age
4% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
99.7%
27% above US avg
Spanish
0.3%
98% below US avg
The median household income in Nowthen is $134,491, which is 79% above the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $47,475 (above the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,255, 12% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 1.9% (below the 3.6% US average). 3.4% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 8,852 business establishments, including 547 restaurants. The cost of living index is 98.6, roughly in line with the national average. Workers commute an average of 26 minutes. 16.3% of workers work from home.
Income
| Median HH Income | $134,491 |
| 79% above US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $47,475 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,255 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $82,669 |
| Gini Index | 0.388 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 1.9% |
| 47% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 3.4% |
| 73% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 8,852 |
| County GDP | $20,603M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 547 |
| Healthcare | 939 |
| Retail | 932 |
| Manufacturing | 541 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $4,301 |
| 23% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 98.60 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 0.98% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 25.6 min |
| Drive Alone | 66.2% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 16.3% |
The median home value in Nowthen is $440,200, 56% above the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $380,165, lower than the Census estimate. Homes sell for 106.8% of their list price, indicating a competitive market where bidding wars are common. Fair market rent ranges from $899 for a one-bedroom to $1,125 for a two-bedroom apartment. 97.5% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 1,458 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1994. The average annual property tax is $4,301 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 19.5% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 3.3x.
Home Values
| Census Median | $440,200 |
| 56% above US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $380,165 |
| Median List Price | $444,875 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
| Median List Price | $444,875 |
| $/Sq Ft | $142 |
| Homes Sold | 1 |
| Sale-to-List Ratio | 106.8% |
| Price Drops | 100.0% |
| Inventory | 3 |
Rental Costs
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $809 |
| 1 Bedroom | $899 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,125 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,483 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,698 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 97.5% |
| Owner-Occupied | 97.5% |
| Renter-Occupied | 2.5% |
| Housing Units | 1,458 |
| Median Year Built | 1994 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $4,301 |
| 23% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 0.98% |
In Nowthen, 34.9% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 8.5% have diabetes (below the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 5.0% of residents. 27.3% have high blood pressure. 13.1% are current smokers. 20.4% report binge drinking. 21.8% are physically inactive. 26.4% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 16.2% experience frequent mental distress. 6.8% of residents lack health insurance (below the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,121. The dentist ratio is 1:1,524. 94.6% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 9.3 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Nowthen vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 34.9% |
| 9% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 8.5% |
| Heart Disease | 5.0% |
| High Blood Pressure | 27.3% |
| Asthma | 9.8% |
| COPD | 4.5% |
| Cancer | 7.3% |
| Stroke | 2.5% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 13.1% |
| 6% below US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 20.4% |
| Physical Inactivity | 21.8% |
| Depression | 26.4% |
| Mental Distress | 16.2% |
| Physical Distress | 10.4% |
| Short Sleep | 29.1% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 95.4% |
| Uninsured | 6.8% |
| 21% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:2,121 |
| Dentists | 1:1,524 |
| Mental Health | 1:433 |
| Checkup Rate | 70.7% |
| Dental Visits | 70.7% |
| Premature Death | 6,214/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 9.3/10 |
| Exercise Access | 94.6% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 939 |
Nowthen has a violent crime rate of 218 per 100,000 residents, 43% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 1,769 per 100,000, 10% below the U.S. average. The county recorded 23 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Nowthen receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Nowthen vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 217.7/100K |
| 43% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 1,769.0/100K |
| 10% below US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 23 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Nowthen has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 45°F (7°C). Winters average 14°F in January while summers reach 71°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 34.4 inches. The area receives 63.9 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 929 feet.
Temperature
14°F Jan (-10°C)
71°F Jul (22°C)
| Annual Average | 44.7°F |
| 17% below US avg |
| January Average | 14°F (-10°C) |
| July Average | 71°F (22°C) |
| Sunny Days | 270 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 929 ft (283 m) |
| Area | 33.7 sq mi (87.2 km²) |
| Population Density | 135/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 45.3431°N, 93.4496°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Anoka County County |
| Nearest Airport | St Cloud Regional (STC)
33 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
34.4"
10% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
4.41"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 36.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Air Pollutants (EPA 2023)
| Ozone (O₃) | 0.0430 ppm |
| NO₂ (Nitrogen Dioxide) | 9.5 ppb |
| SO₂ (Sulfur Dioxide) | 0.24 ppb |
| CO (Carbon Monoxide) | 0.16 ppm |
| PM2.5 (Fine Particles) | 8.8 μg/m³ |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Moderate |
| Risk Score | 88.0 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 10.6 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 97.1 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Moderate |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Relatively Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hail |
Relatively High |
| Strong Wind |
Very High |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Moderate |
| Lightning |
Relatively High |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Moderate |
| Drought |
Very Low |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
2 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.1. Most recent: M2.8 on Apr 25, 2017.
| Feb 9, 1994 |
6 km NNE of Blomkest, Minnesota |
M3.1 |
127 km |
| Apr 25, 2017 |
Near Mankato, Minnesota |
M2.8 |
136 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
446 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 40 fatalities, 1,135 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jul 3, 1983 |
EF4 |
17 km |
0 |
| May 6, 1965 |
EF4 |
55 km |
0 |
| May 6, 1965 |
EF4 |
37 km |
3 |
| May 6, 1965 |
EF4 |
67 km |
3 |
| May 6, 1965 |
EF4 |
41 km |
6 |
| May 21, 1957 |
EF4 |
52 km |
0 |
| Jun 19, 1951 |
EF4 |
89 km |
1 |
| May 25, 2008 |
EF3 |
36 km |
1 |
| Jun 18, 2001 |
EF3 |
79 km |
2 |
| Sep 18, 1997 |
EF3 |
93 km |
1 |
| Jul 1, 1997 |
EF3 |
51 km |
0 |
| Jun 16, 1992 |
EF3 |
71 km |
0 |
| Jul 23, 1987 |
EF3 |
22 km |
0 |
| Apr 26, 1984 |
EF3 |
40 km |
1 |
| Jun 14, 1981 |
EF3 |
60 km |
1 |
| Sep 3, 1980 |
EF3 |
64 km |
1 |
| Jul 30, 1977 |
EF3 |
98 km |
0 |
| Jun 30, 1968 |
EF3 |
100 km |
0 |
| May 6, 1965 |
EF3 |
93 km |
0 |
| May 24, 1958 |
EF3 |
45 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 |
31 km |
| 2003 |
UNITS 37 38 39 A |
4,879 |
23 km |
| 1998 |
UNITS 1617 |
4,649 |
28 km |
| 2005 |
RX HFR 05 |
4,253 |
27 km |
| 2009 |
BU9 |
4,112 |
32 km |
| 2007 |
WUI 07 - UNIT 36 |
4,025 |
22 km |
| 2000 |
UNIT 25 |
3,412 |
23 km |
| 2009 |
BU11 |
3,242 |
28 km |
| 1997 |
BIG |
2,987 |
25 km |
| 2009 |
UNNAMED |
2,904 |
28 km |
| 2003 |
UNITS 34 33 W |
2,637 |
24 km |
| 2024 |
UNIT 8E RX |
2,551 |
29 km |
| 1992 |
SHARPTAIL |
2,288 |
24 km |
| 1988 |
UNNAMED |
2,243 |
63 km |
| 2024 |
RX-86_FY23 |
2,187 |
90 km |
| 2010 |
WUI 10 UNIT D |
2,042 |
23 km |
| 1996 |
UNNAMED |
1,906 |
22 km |
| 2000 |
UNNAMED |
1,850 |
67 km |
| 2006 |
UNIT 4 |
1,732 |
32 km |
| 1987 |
UNNAMED |
1,655 |
89 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
14°F (-10°C) |
0.9 in |
Coldest |
| February |
18°F (-8°C) |
0.8 in |
Driest |
| March |
30°F (-1°C) |
1.6 in |
|
| April |
45°F (7°C) |
2.4 in |
|
| May |
58°F (14°C) |
3.3 in |
|
| June |
66°F (19°C) |
4.4 in |
Wettest |
| July |
71°F (22°C) |
3.8 in |
Warmest |
| August |
68°F (20°C) |
4.1 in |
|
| September |
59°F (15°C) |
3.4 in |
|
| October |
47°F (8°C) |
2.3 in |
|
| November |
30°F (-1°C) |
1.5 in |
|
| December |
16°F (-9°C) |
1.0 in |
|
Nowthen has a seasonal temperature swing of 57°F / from 14°F in January to 71°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 29.4 inches, with June being the wettest month (4.4") and February the driest (0.8").
Average costs for common services in Nowthen. 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 | $1,689 |
| Toddler | $1,505 |
| Preschool | $1,338 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $714 |
| Toddler | $613 |
| Preschool | $628 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Nowthen
What is the population of Nowthen?
Nowthen has a population of 4,539 residents and is located in Minnesota. The population density is 135 people per square mile, spread across 33.7 square miles. The median age of residents is 40.5 years. The population is 47.5% female and 52.5% male.
Is Nowthen expensive to live in?
Nowthen 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 $134,491, 79% above the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $440,200 (56% above the U.S. median). The home price-to-income ratio is 3.3x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Nowthen safe?
Nowthen is safer than the national average, with a violent crime rate of 218 per 100,000 compared to the U.S. rate of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,769 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Nowthen receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Nowthen?
Nowthen has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 45°F (7°C). Winter temperatures average 14°F in January, while summers reach an average of 71°F in July. The area receives 270 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 34.4 inches, with 63.9 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 36.
How is the job market in Nowthen?
The job market in Nowthen is very strong, with unemployment at just 1.9% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,255. There are 8,852 business establishments in the area, including 547 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 26 minutes, and 16.3% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Nowthen?
The median home value in Nowthen is $440,200. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $380,165. The homeownership rate is 97.5%. The average annual property tax is $4,301.
How are the schools in Nowthen?
Schools in Nowthen score 6.4 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 40.3% of adults in Nowthen hold a bachelor's degree or higher, above the national average of 33.7%. 94.9% have completed high school. 18.7% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Nowthen?
The obesity rate in Nowthen is 34.9% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 13.1% of adults are smokers. 21.8% are physically inactive. 26.4% of residents report depression. 6.8% lack health insurance (below the national rate). 94.6% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,121.
What is transportation like in Nowthen?
The average commute in Nowthen is 26 minutes. 66.2% of workers drive alone to work, and 16.3% work from home.
What are the demographics of Nowthen?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Nowthen is 97.5% White, 1.2% Hispanic or Latino. 99.7% of residents speak only English at home. 5.1% of the population are military veterans. 5.8% of residents have a disability. 95.4% have health insurance coverage.
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