Median Income
$39,858
47% lower than US avg
Home Value
$133,300
53% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
108/100K
72% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
15.7%
53% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$793
32% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
37.5%
17% higher than US avg
Unemployment
1.6%
56% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
17.2%
39% higher than US avg
How Pine River Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population928
Median Age39.1 yrs
Density773/mi²
Male / Female55% / 45%
Largest GroupWhite 88%
Veterans13.2%
Economy
B
Median Income$39,858
Per Capita$23,579
Unemployment1.6%
Poverty17.2%
County GDP$1,363M
Commute20 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$133,300
Rent$793
Ownership41.1%
Zillow$252,319
Housing Units449
Rent Burden28.5%
Crime
F
Violent108/100K
Property6,054/100K
Murder0.0/100K
Assault0/100K
Burglary541/100K
Health
Obesity37.5%
Uninsured8.8%
Smoking19.1%
Depression26.8%
Heart Disease5.9%
Climate
Avg Temp42°F (5°C)
AQI36 (Good)
Sunny Days253/yr
Elevation1,285 ft (392 m)
Education
C
Bachelor's+15.7%
High School+93.3%
Graduate+2.6%
School Score5.03
Community
2024 VoteR 66% / D 33%
Commute20 min
Broadband74.8%
EV Stations2
Libraries5
Is Pine River a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Pine River receives an overall livability score of 2.8 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C+. Key strengths include low unemployment, low crime rates, affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include an elevated poverty rate, below-average incomes. Pine River has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Pine River is $39,858, 47% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 1.6%. The poverty rate of 17.2% exceeds the national average of 12.4%, indicating economic hardship for a significant portion of the population. Workers commute an average of 20 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Pine River is $133,300, 53% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $793 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. A price-to-income ratio of 3.3x indicates a reasonably affordable housing market.
Safety & Crime
Pine River is a very safe community with a violent crime rate of 108 per 100,000 residents / well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 6,054 per 100,000, 209% above the national average.
Education
15.7% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 93.3% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5/10.
Climate & Weather
Pine River has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 42°F. Winters average 10°F in January while summers reach 69°F in July. With 253 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 36.
Pine River has a population of 928 with a density of 773 people per square mile, spread across 1.2 square miles. The median age is 39.1 years, 1% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 44.9% female and 55.1% male. The city is predominantly White (87.5%), with 5.9% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 97.1% of residents. 13.2% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 22.5% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 87.6% have health insurance coverage.
Population
39.1yrs
Median Age
1% above US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Pine River vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
97.1%
24% above US avg
Spanish
2.9%
78% below US avg
Social Characteristics
Pine River vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Pine River is $39,858, which is 47% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $23,579 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $844, 41% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 1.6% (below the 3.6% US average). 17.2% of residents live below the poverty line, higher than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 965 business establishments, including 135 restaurants. The cost of living index is 98.6, roughly in line with the national average. Workers commute an average of 20 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 5.5% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income: Pine River vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $39,858 |
| 47% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $23,579 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $844 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $76,495 |
| Gini Index | 0.433 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 1.6% |
| 56% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 17.2% |
| 39% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 965 |
| County GDP | $1,363M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 135 |
| Healthcare | 84 |
| Retail | 133 |
| Manufacturing | 36 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $4,634 |
| 32% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 98.60 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 3.48% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 19.8 min |
| Drive Alone | 59.2% |
| Public Transit | 1.7% |
| Work from Home | 5.5% |
The median home value in Pine River is $133,300, 53% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $252,319, higher than the Census estimate. Homes sell for 94.4% of their list price, suggesting buyers have room to negotiate. Monthly rent averages $793 (32% 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. 41.1% of housing units are owner-occupied (below the 65.4% national rate). There are 449 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1974. The average annual property tax is $4,634 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 28.5% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 3.3x.
Home Values
| Census Median | $133,300 |
| 53% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $252,319 |
| Median List Price | $134,000 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
| Median List Price | $134,000 |
| $/Sq Ft | $180 |
| Homes Sold | 3 |
| Sale-to-List Ratio | 94.4% |
| Price Drops | 0.0% |
| Inventory | 7 |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $793 |
| 32% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 28.5% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $809 |
| 1 Bedroom | $899 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,125 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,483 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,698 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 41.1% |
| Owner-Occupied | 41.1% |
| Renter-Occupied | 58.9% |
| Housing Units | 449 |
| Median Year Built | 1974 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $4,634 |
| 32% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 3.48% |
In Pine River, 37.5% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 10.2% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.9% of residents. 30.2% have high blood pressure. 19.1% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 20.3% report binge drinking. 27.5% are physically inactive. 26.8% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 19.0% experience frequent mental distress. 8.8% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:3,404. The dentist ratio is 1:1,489. 50.9% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.4 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Pine River vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 37.5% |
| 17% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 10.2% |
| Heart Disease | 5.9% |
| High Blood Pressure | 30.2% |
| Asthma | 10.9% |
| COPD | 6.7% |
| Cancer | 7.3% |
| Stroke | 3.2% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 19.1% |
| 36% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 20.3% |
| Physical Inactivity | 27.5% |
| Depression | 26.8% |
| Mental Distress | 19.0% |
| Physical Distress | 13.4% |
| Short Sleep | 38.4% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 87.6% |
| Uninsured | 8.8% |
| 2% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:3,404 |
| Dentists | 1:1,489 |
| Mental Health | 1:1,123 |
| Checkup Rate | 71.8% |
| Dental Visits | 60.0% |
| Premature Death | 12,951/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.4/10 |
| Exercise Access | 50.9% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 84 |
Pine River has a violent crime rate of 108 per 100,000 residents, 72% below the national average of 380. This breaks down to aggravated assault at 0.0 per 100,000, robbery at 0.0, rape at 108.1. The murder rate is 0.0 per 100,000 (below the national rate of 6.3). Property crime stands at 6,054 per 100,000, 209% above the U.S. average. This includes larceny/theft at 5,514, burglary at 541, vehicle theft at 0 per 100,000 residents. The county recorded 7 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Pine River receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Pine River vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 108.1/100K |
| 72% below US avg |
| Murder | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg |
| Rape | 108.1/100K |
| Robbery | 0.0/100K |
| Assault | 0.0/100K |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 6,054.1/100K |
| 209% above US avg |
| Burglary | 540.5/100K |
| Theft | 5,513.5/100K |
| Vehicle Theft | 0.0/100K |
| Arson | 0.0/100K |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 7 |
| Traffic Accidents | 87 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Pine River has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 42°F (5°C). Winters average 10°F in January while summers reach 69°F in July. The area gets 253 sunny days per year, above the national average. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 36. The city sits at an elevation of 1,285 feet.
Temperature
10°F Jan (-12°C)
69°F Jul (21°C)
| Annual Average | 41.8°F |
| 23% below US avg |
| January Average | 10°F (-12°C) |
| July Average | 69°F (21°C) |
| Sunny Days | 253 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,285 ft (392 m) |
| Area | 1.2 sq mi (3.1 km²) |
| Population Density | 773/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 46.7233°N, 94.3966°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Cass County County |
| Nearest Airport | Brainerd Lakes Regional (BRD)
25 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Wettest Month (Jun)
4.17"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 36.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Air Pollutants (EPA 2023)
| PM2.5 (Fine Particles) | 7.8 μg/m³ |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 53.5 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 73.1 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 79.0 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Low |
| Hail |
Very Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Moderate |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Moderate |
| Lightning |
Relatively Low |
| Ice Storm |
Very Low |
| Drought |
Relatively Low |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| 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 |
120 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990-2025)
Tornado History
199 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 15 fatalities, 127 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jun 17, 2010 |
EF4 |
69 km |
0 |
| Aug 6, 1969 |
EF4 |
15 km |
12 |
| Jun 11, 1966 |
EF4 |
11 km |
0 |
| Jun 6, 2008 |
EF3 |
55 km |
0 |
| Jun 13, 2001 |
EF3 |
94 km |
0 |
| Sep 18, 1997 |
EF3 |
77 km |
1 |
| Jul 5, 1991 |
EF3 |
28 km |
0 |
| Aug 26, 1977 |
EF3 |
42 km |
0 |
| Jun 25, 1973 |
EF3 |
46 km |
0 |
| Aug 6, 1969 |
EF3 |
25 km |
0 |
| Aug 6, 1969 |
EF3 |
75 km |
1 |
| Jun 12, 2024 |
EF2 |
11 km |
0 |
| Jun 12, 2024 |
EF2 |
37 km |
0 |
| Jun 24, 2022 |
EF2 |
100 km |
0 |
| May 30, 2022 |
EF2 |
54 km |
0 |
| May 12, 2022 |
EF2 |
64 km |
0 |
| Jul 8, 2020 |
EF2 |
97 km |
0 |
| Jun 19, 2016 |
EF2 |
48 km |
0 |
| Jul 12, 2015 |
EF2 |
64 km |
0 |
| Jun 6, 2008 |
EF2 |
52 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 |
55 km |
| 2009 |
CENTER TANK RANGE |
6,131 |
59 km |
| 1988 |
UNNAMED |
4,475 |
59 km |
| 1988 |
UNNAMED |
3,642 |
66 km |
| 2018 |
BOY RIVER |
3,546 |
53 km |
| 2003 |
UNNAMED |
2,998 |
84 km |
| 2009 |
HENDRICKSON IMPACT AREA |
2,757 |
51 km |
| 2015 |
TAMARACK |
2,745 |
89 km |
| 1987 |
UNNAMED |
2,512 |
85 km |
| 1991 |
UNNAMED |
2,486 |
71 km |
| 1987 |
UNNAMED |
1,963 |
65 km |
| 2010 |
BOY RIVER - CORE 2010 |
1,872 |
52 km |
| 2019 |
UNNAMED |
1,835 |
51 km |
| 2009 |
EAST TANK RANGE |
1,801 |
63 km |
| 1987 |
UNNAMED |
1,799 |
71 km |
| 2016 |
UNNAMED |
1,777 |
51 km |
| 1987 |
UNNAMED |
1,760 |
71 km |
| 1987 |
UNNAMED |
1,655 |
88 km |
| 1988 |
UNNAMED |
1,589 |
44 km |
| 2012 |
JEEP FIRE |
1,437 |
40 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
10°F (-12°C) |
0.8 in |
Coldest |
| February |
14°F (-10°C) |
0.6 in |
Driest |
| March |
26°F (-3°C) |
1.5 in |
|
| April |
42°F (5°C) |
2.0 in |
|
| May |
55°F (13°C) |
3.1 in |
|
| June |
64°F (18°C) |
4.2 in |
Wettest |
| July |
69°F (21°C) |
4.1 in |
Warmest |
| August |
66°F (19°C) |
3.5 in |
|
| September |
56°F (14°C) |
2.9 in |
|
| October |
44°F (7°C) |
2.7 in |
|
| November |
27°F (-3°C) |
1.4 in |
|
| December |
12°F (-11°C) |
0.8 in |
|
Pine River has a seasonal temperature swing of 60°F / from 10°F in January to 69°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 27.4 inches, with June being the wettest month (4.2") and February the driest (0.6").
Average costs for common services in Pine River. 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 | $621 |
| Toddler | $570 |
| Preschool | $570 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Pine River
What is the population of Pine River?
Pine River has a population of 928 residents and is located in Minnesota. The population density is 773 people per square mile, spread across 1.2 square miles. The median age of residents is 39.1 years. The population is 44.9% female and 55.1% male.
Is Pine River expensive to live in?
Pine River 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 $39,858, 47% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $133,300 (53% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $793 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 3.3x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Pine River safe?
Pine River is considered a very safe city with a violent crime rate of 108 per 100,000 residents, well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 6,054 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Pine River receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Pine River?
Pine River has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 42°F (5°C). Winter temperatures average 10°F in January, while summers reach an average of 69°F in July. The area receives 253 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 36.
How is the job market in Pine River?
The job market in Pine River is very strong, with unemployment at just 1.6% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $844. There are 965 business establishments in the area, including 135 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 20 minutes, and 5.5% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Pine River?
The median home value in Pine River is $133,300. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $252,319. For renters, the median monthly rent is $793. Fair market rent is $899 for a 1-bedroom and $1,125 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 41.1%. The average annual property tax is $4,634.
How are the schools in Pine River?
Schools in Pine River score 5 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 15.7% of adults in Pine River hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 93.3% have completed high school. 2.6% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Pine River?
The obesity rate in Pine River is 37.5% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 19.1% of adults are smokers. 27.5% are physically inactive. 26.8% of residents report depression. 8.8% lack health insurance. 50.9% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:3,404.
What is transportation like in Pine River?
The average commute in Pine River is 20 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 59.2% of workers drive alone to work, 1.7% use public transit, and 5.5% work from home.
What are the demographics of Pine River?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Pine River is 87.5% White, 0.8% Black or African American, 5.9% Hispanic or Latino. 97.1% of residents speak only English at home. 13.2% of the population are military veterans. 22.5% of residents have a disability. 87.6% have health insurance coverage.
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