Violent Crime
0/100K
100% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$475
59% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
50.3%
57% higher than US avg
Unemployment
16.5%
358% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
13.4%
8% higher than US avg
How Ponemah Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population740
Median Age18.1 yrs
Density68/mi²
Male / Female65% / 35%
Largest GroupWhite 0%
Veterans9.4%
Economy
Per Capita$13,447
Unemployment16.5%
Poverty13.4%
County GDP$242M
Housing
Rent$475
Ownership54.7%
Zillow$260,456
Housing Units157
Rent Burden12.7%
Crime
C+
Violent0/100K
Property1,637/100K
Health
Obesity50.3%
Uninsured14.3%
Smoking36.3%
Depression27.4%
Heart Disease10.0%
Climate
Avg Temp39°F (4°C)
AQI36 (Good)
Rain22.8 in/yr
Sunny Days269/yr
Elevation1,284 ft (391 m)
Education
A
Bachelor's+0.0%
High School+78.8%
Graduate+0.0%
School Score5.34
Community
2024 VoteR 73% / D 26%
Broadband68.0%
EV Stations1
Libraries1
Is Ponemah a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Ponemah receives an overall livability score of 3.3 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include low crime rates, abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include above-average unemployment, a high uninsured rate, high obesity rates. Ponemah offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
At 16.5%, unemployment is notably high. 13.4% of residents live in poverty, near the national average of 12.4%.
Cost of Living & Housing
Renters pay a median of $475 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability.
Safety & Crime
Ponemah 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 1,637 per 100,000, near the national average.
Education
0.0% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 78.8% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.3/10.
Climate & Weather
Ponemah has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 39°F. Winters average 7°F in January while summers reach 68°F in July. With 269 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 22.8 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 36.
Ponemah has a population of 740 with a density of 68 people per square mile, spread across 11.0 square miles. The median age is 18.1 years, 53% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 34.6% female and 65.4% male. The city is predominantly Hispanic (100%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 70.5% of residents, while 29.5% speak Spanish. 9.4% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 16.4% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 89.5% have health insurance coverage.
Population
18.1yrs
Median Age
53% below US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
70.5%
10% below US avg
Spanish
29.5%
120% above US avg
Per capita income is $13,447 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,043, 27% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 16.5% (above the 3.6% US average). 13.4% of residents live below the poverty line. The area has 185 business establishments, including 40 restaurants. The cost of living index is 98.6, roughly in line with the national average. 0.0% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| |
| Per Capita Income | $13,447 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,043 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $63,277 |
| Gini Index | 0.423 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 16.5% |
| 358% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 13.4% |
| 8% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 185 |
| County GDP | $242M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 40 |
| Healthcare | 10 |
| Retail | 19 |
| Manufacturing | 4 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $2,380 |
| 32% below US avg |
| Cost of Living | 98.60 (100=avg) |
Commute & Transportation
| Drive Alone | 88.3% |
| Public Transit | 11.7% |
| Work from Home | 0.0% |
Zillow estimates the typical home value at $260,456. Monthly rent averages $475 (59% 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. 54.7% of housing units are owner-occupied (below the 65.4% national rate). There are 157 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1981. The average annual property tax is $2,380 (lower than the $3,500 national average). 12.7% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing.
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $475 |
| 59% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 12.7% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $809 |
| 1 Bedroom | $899 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,125 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,483 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,698 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 54.7% |
| Owner-Occupied | 54.7% |
| Renter-Occupied | 45.3% |
| Housing Units | 157 |
| Median Year Built | 1981 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $2,380 |
| 32% below US avg |
In Ponemah, 50.3% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 19.8% have diabetes (above the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 10.0% of residents, above the national average. 39.1% have high blood pressure. 36.3% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 16.0% report binge drinking. 40.0% are physically inactive, above the national average. 27.4% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 23.9% experience frequent mental distress. 14.3% of residents lack health insurance (above the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:3,823. The dentist ratio is 1:3,871. 66.6% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.3 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Ponemah vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 50.3% |
| 57% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 19.8% |
| Heart Disease | 10.0% |
| High Blood Pressure | 39.1% |
| Asthma | 14.5% |
| COPD | 10.5% |
| Cancer | 5.7% |
| Stroke | 6.1% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 36.3% |
| 159% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 16.0% |
| Physical Inactivity | 40.0% |
| Depression | 27.4% |
| Mental Distress | 23.9% |
| Physical Distress | 20.6% |
| Short Sleep | 42.0% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 89.5% |
| Uninsured | 14.3% |
| 66% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:3,823 |
| Dentists | 1:3,871 |
| Mental Health | 1:3,778 |
| Checkup Rate | 71.1% |
| Dental Visits | 39.6% |
| Premature Death | 5,826/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.3/10 |
| Exercise Access | 66.6% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 10 |
Ponemah has a violent crime rate of 0 per 100,000 residents, 100% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 1,637 per 100,000, 16% below the U.S. average. Overall, Ponemah receives a safety grade of C+.
Crime Rates: Ponemah vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 1,637.3/100K |
| 16% below US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | C+ |
| Safety Score | 2.5 / 5.0 |
Ponemah has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 39°F (4°C). Winters average 7°F in January while summers reach 68°F in July / a wide seasonal temperature swing of 61°F. The area gets 269 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 22.8 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 1,284 feet.
Temperature
7°F Jan (-14°C)
68°F Jul (20°C)
| Annual Average | 39.3°F |
| 27% below US avg |
| January Average | 7°F (-14°C) |
| July Average | 68°F (20°C) |
| Sunny Days | 269 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,284 ft (391 m) |
| Area | 11.0 sq mi (28.4 km²) |
| Population Density | 68/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 48.0348°N, 94.8983°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Lake of the Woods County County |
| Nearest Airport | Bemidji Regional (BJI) 36 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
22.8"
40% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
3.74"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 36.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 3.5 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 10.6 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 98.9 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Very Low |
| Hail |
Very Low |
| Strong Wind |
Very Low |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Low |
| Lightning |
Very Low |
| Ice Storm |
Very Low |
| Drought |
Relatively Low |
| Cold Wave |
Very Low |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Tornado History
140 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF2. Total: 8 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jun 29, 2018 |
EF2 |
100 km |
0 |
| Aug 25, 1983 |
EF2 |
99 km |
0 |
| Jul 13, 1983 |
EF2 |
98 km |
0 |
| Aug 5, 1981 |
EF2 |
46 km |
0 |
| Sep 1, 1973 |
EF2 |
69 km |
0 |
| Jun 25, 1963 |
EF2 |
79 km |
0 |
| Aug 25, 1960 |
EF2 |
54 km |
0 |
| Jun 20, 2022 |
EF1 |
65 km |
0 |
| Jul 26, 2021 |
EF1 |
20 km |
0 |
| Jul 26, 2021 |
EF1 |
16 km |
0 |
| Aug 13, 2020 |
EF1 |
85 km |
0 |
| Aug 9, 2020 |
EF1 |
47 km |
0 |
| Jun 8, 2020 |
EF1 |
67 km |
0 |
| Jul 17, 2019 |
EF1 |
57 km |
0 |
| Aug 26, 2018 |
EF1 |
77 km |
0 |
| Aug 26, 2018 |
EF1 |
30 km |
0 |
| Jul 11, 2018 |
EF1 |
12 km |
0 |
| Jul 11, 2018 |
EF1 |
4 km |
0 |
| Jul 4, 2018 |
EF1 |
61 km |
0 |
| Jun 29, 2018 |
EF1 |
93 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950-2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: UNNAMED (131,401 ac, 1987).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 1987 |
UNNAMED |
131,401 |
42 km |
| 2003 |
REINER 36 |
67,641 |
41 km |
| 1989 |
UNNAMED |
66,422 |
42 km |
| 1990 |
UNNAMED |
43,533 |
45 km |
| 1991 |
UNNAMED |
37,840 |
42 km |
| 1990 |
UNNAMED |
32,693 |
42 km |
| 1987 |
SANDY LAKE |
26,617 |
45 km |
| 1990 |
UNNAMED |
26,345 |
79 km |
| 1998 |
RL3 |
14,882 |
38 km |
| 2018 |
2018 HIGHWAY 1 RXB |
13,170 |
38 km |
| 1987 |
UNNAMED |
10,819 |
84 km |
| 1987 |
UNNAMED |
9,281 |
53 km |
| 1994 |
UNNAMED |
8,690 |
44 km |
| 1990 |
UNNAMED |
8,025 |
40 km |
| 2016 |
2016 HIGHWAY 1 RXB |
7,744 |
44 km |
| 2021 |
RL 005 UNIT 8 AND 9 |
6,352 |
35 km |
| 2003 |
HICKORY ONE |
6,152 |
52 km |
| 2007 |
HWYONEBURN |
6,124 |
41 km |
| 2002 |
RED LAKE 468 |
6,076 |
42 km |
| 1990 |
UNNAMED |
5,817 |
97 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
7°F (-14°C) |
0.6 in |
Coldest |
| February |
10°F (-12°C) |
0.4 in |
Driest |
| March |
23°F (-5°C) |
0.8 in |
|
| April |
38°F (3°C) |
1.5 in |
|
| May |
52°F (11°C) |
2.6 in |
|
| June |
62°F (17°C) |
3.7 in |
Wettest |
| July |
68°F (20°C) |
3.5 in |
Warmest |
| August |
66°F (19°C) |
3.4 in |
|
| September |
55°F (13°C) |
2.9 in |
|
| October |
43°F (6°C) |
2.0 in |
|
| November |
26°F (-3°C) |
0.8 in |
|
| December |
11°F (-12°C) |
0.6 in |
|
Ponemah has a seasonal temperature swing of 62°F / from 7°F in January to 68°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 22.9 inches, with June being the wettest month (3.7") and February the driest (0.4").
Average costs for common services in Ponemah. 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 | $1,104 |
| Toddler | $986 |
| Preschool | $925 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $815 |
| Toddler | $707 |
| Preschool | $707 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Ponemah
What is the population of Ponemah?
Ponemah has a population of 740 residents and is located in Minnesota. The population density is 68 people per square mile, spread across 11.0 square miles. The median age of residents is 18.1 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 34.6% female and 65.4% male.
Is Ponemah expensive to live in?
Ponemah has a cost of living roughly in line with the national average, with an index of 98.6 (baseline: 100). Renters pay a median of $475 per month, below the national average of $1,163.
Is Ponemah safe?
Ponemah 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 1,637 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Ponemah receives a safety grade of C+ based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Ponemah?
Ponemah has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 39°F (4°C). Winter temperatures average 7°F in January, while summers reach an average of 68°F in July. The area receives 269 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 22.8 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 36.
How is the job market in Ponemah?
The job market in Ponemah faces challenges, with unemployment at 16.5% / significantly above the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,043. There are 185 business establishments in the area, including 40 restaurants and food service locations.
How much does housing cost in Ponemah?
For renters, the median monthly rent is $475. Fair market rent is $899 for a 1-bedroom and $1,125 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 54.7%. The average annual property tax is $2,380.
How are the schools in Ponemah?
Schools in Ponemah score 5.3 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 0.0% of adults in Ponemah hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 78.8% have completed high school. 0.0% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Ponemah?
The obesity rate in Ponemah is 50.3% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 36.3% of adults are smokers. 40.0% are physically inactive. 27.4% of residents report depression. 14.3% lack health insurance (above the national rate). 66.6% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:3,823.
What are the demographics of Ponemah?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Ponemah is 100% Hispanic or Latino. 70.5% of residents speak only English at home, while 29.5% speak Spanish. 9.4% of the population are military veterans. 16.4% of residents have a disability. 89.5% have health insurance coverage.