Median Income
$83,125
11% higher than US avg
Home Value
$135,000
52% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
321/100K
16% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
25.8%
23% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$905
22% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
35.5%
11% higher than US avg
Unemployment
0.8%
78% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
2.0%
84% lower than US avg
How Rothsay Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population504
Median Age40.2 yrs
Density586/mi²
Male / Female53% / 47%
Largest GroupWhite 95%
Veterans7.5%
Economy
A+
Median Income$83,125
Per Capita$48,362
Unemployment0.8%
Poverty2.0%
County GDP$386M
Commute24 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$135,000
Rent$905
Ownership87.3%
Zillow$239,684
Housing Units225
Rent Burden24.7%
Crime
F
Violent321/100K
Property3,543/100K
Health
Obesity35.5%
Uninsured7.8%
Smoking15.4%
Depression25.7%
Heart Disease5.1%
Climate
Avg Temp42°F (5°C)
AQI36 (Good)
Rain24.8 in/yr
Sunny Days276/yr
Elevation1,187 ft (362 m)
Education
B
Bachelor's+25.8%
High School+97.1%
Graduate+4.8%
School Score5.77
Community
2024 VoteR 69% / D 29%
Commute24 min
Broadband88.8%
EV Stations4
Libraries1
Is Rothsay a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Rothsay receives an overall livability score of 3.4 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include above-average household incomes, low unemployment, affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Rothsay offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Rothsay is $83,125, 11% above the national average of $75,149. Residents generally enjoy above-average earning potential. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 0.8%. Only 2.0% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 24 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Rothsay is $135,000, 52% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $905 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 1.6x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Violent crime in Rothsay is below the national average at 321 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 3,543 per 100,000, 81% above the national average.
Education
25.8% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 97.1% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.8/10.
Climate & Weather
Rothsay 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 24.8 inches, including 49.6 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 36.
Rothsay has a population of 504 with a density of 586 people per square mile, spread across 0.9 square miles. The median age is 40.2 years, 3% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 47.4% female and 52.6% male. The city is predominantly White (95%), with 1.4% Black. English is the primary language spoken at home by 95.2% of residents. 7.5% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 11.8% of residents have a disability. 94.1% have health insurance coverage.
Population
40.2yrs
Median Age
3% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
95.2%
21% above US avg
Spanish
4.8%
64% below US avg
The median household income in Rothsay is $83,125, which is 11% above the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $48,362 (above the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,077, 25% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 0.8% (below the 3.6% US average). 2.0% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 208 business establishments, including 7 restaurants. The cost of living index is 98.6, roughly in line with the national average. Workers commute an average of 24 minutes. 4.9% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $83,125 |
| 11% above US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $48,362 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,077 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $71,164 |
| Gini Index | 0.450 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 0.8% |
| 78% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 2.0% |
| 84% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 208 |
| County GDP | $386M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 7 |
| Healthcare | 20 |
| Retail | 20 |
| Manufacturing | 4 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $3,733 |
| 7% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 98.60 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 2.77% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 23.8 min |
| Drive Alone | 83.8% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 4.9% |
The median home value in Rothsay is $135,000, 52% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $239,684, higher than the Census estimate. Homes sell for 100.6% of their list price, indicating a competitive market where bidding wars are common. Monthly rent averages $905 (22% 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. 87.3% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 225 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1976. The average annual property tax is $3,733. 24.7% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.6x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $135,000 |
| 52% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $239,684 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
| $/Sq Ft | $104 |
| Homes Sold | 1 |
| Sale-to-List Ratio | 100.6% |
| Price Drops | 50.0% |
| Inventory | 2 |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $905 |
| 22% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 24.7% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $809 |
| 1 Bedroom | $899 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,125 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,483 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,698 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 87.3% |
| Owner-Occupied | 87.3% |
| Renter-Occupied | 12.7% |
| Housing Units | 225 |
| Median Year Built | 1976 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $3,733 |
| 7% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 2.77% |
In Rothsay, 35.5% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 8.5% have diabetes (below the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 5.1% of residents. 26.6% have high blood pressure. 15.4% are current smokers. 21.4% report binge drinking. 22.6% are physically inactive. 25.7% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 17.0% experience frequent mental distress. 7.8% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:3,198. The dentist ratio is 1:3,175. 56.8% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.5 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Rothsay vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 35.5% |
| 11% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 8.5% |
| Heart Disease | 5.1% |
| High Blood Pressure | 26.6% |
| Asthma | 10.3% |
| COPD | 5.2% |
| Cancer | 7.4% |
| Stroke | 2.7% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 15.4% |
| 10% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 21.4% |
| Physical Inactivity | 22.6% |
| Depression | 25.7% |
| Mental Distress | 17.0% |
| Physical Distress | 11.5% |
| Short Sleep | 31.2% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 94.1% |
| Uninsured | 7.8% |
| 9% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:3,198 |
| Dentists | 1:3,175 |
| Mental Health | 1:371 |
| Checkup Rate | 71.3% |
| Dental Visits | 64.1% |
| Premature Death | 9,030/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.5/10 |
| Exercise Access | 56.8% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 20 |
Rothsay has a violent crime rate of 321 per 100,000 residents, 16% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 3,543 per 100,000, 81% above the U.S. average. The county recorded 1 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Rothsay receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Rothsay vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 320.7/100K |
| 16% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 3,542.7/100K |
| 81% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 1 |
| Traffic Accidents | 24 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.3 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Rothsay 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 24.8 inches (drier than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 49.6 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 1,187 feet.
Temperature
9°F Jan (-13°C)
70°F Jul (21°C)
| Annual Average | 41.7°F |
| 23% below US avg |
| January Average | 9°F (-13°C) |
| July Average | 70°F (21°C) |
| Sunny Days | 276 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,187 ft (362 m) |
| Area | 0.9 sq mi (2.2 km²) |
| Population Density | 586/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 46.4731°N, 96.2842°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Wilkin County County |
| Nearest Airport | Hector International (FAR)
40 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
24.8"
35% 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 | 5.3 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 10.6 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 71.9 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Very Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Moderate |
| Lightning |
Very Low |
| Ice Storm |
Very Low |
| Drought |
No Rating |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
3 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M4.1. Most recent: M2.5 on Apr 29, 2011.
| Jun 5, 1993 |
11 km N of Johnson, Minnesota |
M4.1 |
89 km |
| Oct 20, 1995 |
8 km SSE of New Effington, South Dakota |
M3.7 |
88 km |
| Apr 29, 2011 |
Minnesota |
M2.5 |
79 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
439 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF5. Total: 19 fatalities, 276 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jun 20, 1957 |
EF5 |
94 km |
10 |
| Jul 8, 2020 |
EF4 |
50 km |
1 |
| Aug 7, 2010 |
EF4 |
48 km |
0 |
| Jun 17, 2010 |
EF4 |
78 km |
1 |
| Jun 17, 2010 |
EF4 |
85 km |
0 |
| Jun 28, 1975 |
EF4 |
56 km |
0 |
| Jul 2, 1955 |
EF4 |
55 km |
2 |
| Jun 13, 2001 |
EF3 |
81 km |
0 |
| May 10, 1982 |
EF3 |
52 km |
0 |
| Jun 28, 1975 |
EF3 |
50 km |
0 |
| Jul 1, 1973 |
EF3 |
79 km |
0 |
| Jun 15, 1973 |
EF3 |
86 km |
0 |
| May 5, 1964 |
EF3 |
53 km |
0 |
| Aug 30, 1956 |
EF3 |
62 km |
0 |
| Jul 2, 1955 |
EF3 |
32 km |
0 |
| Jul 1, 1952 |
EF3 |
68 km |
0 |
| Jun 24, 2023 |
EF2 |
90 km |
0 |
| Jun 24, 2022 |
EF2 |
63 km |
0 |
| May 30, 2022 |
EF2 |
58 km |
0 |
| May 30, 2022 |
EF2 |
70 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: BIESTERFELD (3,481 ac, 2021).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2021 |
BIESTERFELD |
3,481 |
86 km |
| 2003 |
ROTHSAY |
3,015 |
9 km |
| 2024 |
DORAN WMA |
2,455 |
35 km |
| 2003 |
DANIELSON |
1,682 |
93 km |
| 2009 |
DOWNING |
1,506 |
80 km |
| 2012 |
SPRING CREEK |
1,413 |
78 km |
| 2000 |
00 14 |
1,377 |
76 km |
| 2003 |
OLERUD |
1,275 |
78 km |
| 2007 |
FLICKERTAIL |
1,239 |
66 km |
| 2011 |
NEAL WMA |
1,213 |
80 km |
| 1996 |
UNNAMED |
1,153 |
44 km |
| 1985 |
ALICE 02 |
1,142 |
99 km |
| 2016 |
UNNAMED |
1,128 |
65 km |
| 2019 |
UNNAMED |
1,060 |
65 km |
| 1998 |
UNNAMED |
1,026 |
77 km |
| 2021 |
HARTLEBEN WPA |
1,002 |
68 km |
| 1999 |
HELLIKSEN |
993 |
70 km |
| 1992 |
MEADOWS |
922 |
18 km |
| 2002 |
1000 AC S |
880 |
75 km |
| 2005 |
HILLICKSON 05 |
818 |
70 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
9°F (-13°C) |
0.7 in |
Coldest |
| February |
14°F (-10°C) |
0.5 in |
Driest |
| March |
27°F (-3°C) |
1.0 in |
|
| April |
43°F (6°C) |
2.0 in |
|
| May |
57°F (14°C) |
2.7 in |
|
| June |
66°F (19°C) |
3.7 in |
Wettest |
| July |
70°F (21°C) |
3.4 in |
Warmest |
| August |
68°F (20°C) |
3.0 in |
|
| September |
58°F (15°C) |
2.5 in |
|
| October |
46°F (8°C) |
1.8 in |
|
| November |
28°F (-2°C) |
0.8 in |
|
| December |
13°F (-10°C) |
0.6 in |
|
Rothsay has a seasonal temperature swing of 61°F / from 9°F in January to 70°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 22.6 inches, with June being the wettest month (3.7") and February the driest (0.5").
Average costs for common services in Rothsay. 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 | $556 |
| Toddler | $563 |
| Preschool | $563 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Rothsay
What is the population of Rothsay?
Rothsay has a population of 504 residents and is located in Minnesota. The population density is 586 people per square mile, spread across 0.9 square miles. The median age of residents is 40.2 years. The population is 47.4% female and 52.6% male.
Is Rothsay expensive to live in?
Rothsay 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 $83,125, 11% above the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $135,000 (52% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $905 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.6x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Rothsay safe?
Rothsay is safer than the national average, with a violent crime rate of 321 per 100,000 compared to the U.S. rate of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 3,543 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Rothsay receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Rothsay?
Rothsay 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 24.8 inches, with 49.6 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 36.
How is the job market in Rothsay?
The job market in Rothsay is very strong, with unemployment at just 0.8% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,077. There are 208 business establishments in the area, including 7 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 24 minutes, and 4.9% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Rothsay?
The median home value in Rothsay is $135,000. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $239,684. For renters, the median monthly rent is $905. Fair market rent is $899 for a 1-bedroom and $1,125 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 87.3%. The average annual property tax is $3,733.
How are the schools in Rothsay?
Schools in Rothsay score 5.8 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 25.8% of adults in Rothsay hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 97.1% have completed high school. 4.8% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Rothsay?
The obesity rate in Rothsay is 35.5% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 15.4% of adults are smokers. 22.6% are physically inactive. 25.7% of residents report depression. 7.8% lack health insurance. 56.8% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:3,198.
What is transportation like in Rothsay?
The average commute in Rothsay is 24 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 83.8% of workers drive alone to work, and 4.9% work from home.
What are the demographics of Rothsay?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Rothsay is 95% White, 1.4% Black or African American. 95.2% of residents speak only English at home, while 4.8% speak Spanish. 7.5% of the population are military veterans. 11.8% of residents have a disability. 94.1% have health insurance coverage.
All Countries
