Median Income
$62,143
17% lower than US avg
Home Value
$101,700
64% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
253/100K
33% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
15.2%
55% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$700
40% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
37.1%
16% higher than US avg
Unemployment
3.7%
3% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
4.1%
67% lower than US avg
How Russell Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population323
Median Age51.4 yrs
Density351/mi²
Male / Female58% / 42%
Largest GroupWhite 85%
Veterans6.4%
Economy
A
Median Income$62,143
Per Capita$34,225
Unemployment3.7%
Poverty4.1%
County GDP$2,100M
Commute25 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$101,700
Rent$700
Ownership89.1%
Zillow$198,694
Housing Units174
Rent Burden22.0%
Crime
F
Violent253/100K
Property2,449/100K
Health
Obesity37.1%
Uninsured7.1%
Smoking14.9%
Depression24.4%
Heart Disease5.0%
Climate
Avg Temp45°F (7°C)
AQI36 (Good)
Rain28.9 in/yr
Sunny Days276/yr
Elevation1,497 ft (456 m)
Education
C
Bachelor's+15.2%
High School+94.7%
Graduate+5.9%
School Score6.19
Community
2024 VoteR 65% / D 33%
Commute25 min
Broadband81.4%
EV Stations1
Libraries5
Is Russell a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Russell receives an overall livability score of 3.1 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include low crime rates, affordable housing, abundant sunshine, a low poverty rate. Russell offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Russell is $62,143, 17% below the national average of $75,149. Unemployment stands at 3.7%, indicating a healthy job market. Only 4.1% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 25 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Russell is $101,700, 64% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $700 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 Russell is below the national average at 253 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 2,449 per 100,000, 25% above the national average.
Education
15.2% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 94.7% have completed high school. Local schools score 6.2/10 in standardized testing, reflecting strong academic performance.
Climate & Weather
Russell has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 45°F. Winters average 14°F in January while summers reach 73°F in July. With 276 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 28.9 inches, including 43.5 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 36.
Russell has a population of 323 with a density of 351 people per square mile, spread across 0.9 square miles. The median age is 51.4 years, 32% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 42.4% female and 57.6% male. The city is predominantly White (85.4%), with 5.6% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 95.9% of residents. 6.4% of the population are veterans. 24.0% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 95.7% have health insurance coverage.
Population
51.4yrs
Median Age
32% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
95.9%
22% above US avg
Spanish
4.1%
69% below US avg
The median household income in Russell is $62,143, which is 17% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $34,225 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,017, 29% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 3.7% (above the 3.6% US average). 4.1% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 859 business establishments, including 65 restaurants. The cost of living index is 98.6, roughly in line with the national average. Workers commute an average of 25 minutes. 5.4% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $62,143 |
| 17% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $34,225 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,017 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $74,952 |
| Gini Index | 0.452 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 3.7% |
| 3% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 4.1% |
| 67% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 859 |
| County GDP | $2,100M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 65 |
| Healthcare | 130 |
| Retail | 119 |
| Manufacturing | 28 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $3,674 |
| 5% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 98.60 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 3.61% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 24.9 min |
| Drive Alone | 78.9% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 5.4% |
The median home value in Russell is $101,700, 64% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $198,694, higher than the Census estimate. Homes sell for 94.6% of their list price, suggesting buyers have room to negotiate. Monthly rent averages $700 (40% 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. 89.1% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 174 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1950. The average annual property tax is $3,674. 22.0% 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 | $101,700 |
| 64% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $198,694 |
| Median List Price | $100,000 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
| Median List Price | $100,000 |
| $/Sq Ft | $210 |
| Homes Sold | 1 |
| Sale-to-List Ratio | 94.6% |
| Price Drops | 0.0% |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $700 |
| 40% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 22.0% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $809 |
| 1 Bedroom | $899 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,125 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,483 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,698 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 89.1% |
| Owner-Occupied | 89.1% |
| Renter-Occupied | 10.9% |
| Housing Units | 174 |
| Median Year Built | 1950 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $3,674 |
| 5% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 3.61% |
In Russell, 37.1% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 8.6% have diabetes (below the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 5.0% of residents. 27.2% have high blood pressure. 14.9% are current smokers. 21.4% report binge drinking. 22.1% are physically inactive. 24.4% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 16.7% experience frequent mental distress. 7.1% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,201. The dentist ratio is 1:1,804. 81.6% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 7.7 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Russell vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 37.1% |
| 16% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 8.6% |
| Heart Disease | 5.0% |
| High Blood Pressure | 27.2% |
| Asthma | 10.1% |
| COPD | 5.0% |
| Cancer | 7.3% |
| Stroke | 2.6% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 14.9% |
| 6% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 21.4% |
| Physical Inactivity | 22.1% |
| Depression | 24.4% |
| Mental Distress | 16.7% |
| Physical Distress | 11.0% |
| Short Sleep | 29.7% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 95.7% |
| Uninsured | 7.1% |
| 17% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,201 |
| Dentists | 1:1,804 |
| Mental Health | 1:410 |
| Checkup Rate | 72.4% |
| Dental Visits | 68.0% |
| Premature Death | 6,490/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.7/10 |
| Exercise Access | 81.6% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 130 |
Russell has a violent crime rate of 253 per 100,000 residents, 33% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 2,449 per 100,000, 25% above the U.S. average. The county recorded 3 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Russell receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Russell vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 253.1/100K |
| 33% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 2,449.2/100K |
| 25% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 3 |
| Traffic Accidents | 48 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Russell has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 45°F (7°C). Winters average 14°F in January while summers reach 73°F in July. 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 28.9 inches (drier than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 43.5 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 1,497 feet.
Temperature
14°F Jan (-10°C)
73°F Jul (23°C)
| Annual Average | 45.1°F |
| 16% below US avg |
| January Average | 14°F (-10°C) |
| July Average | 73°F (23°C) |
| Sunny Days | 276 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,497 ft (456 m) |
| Area | 0.9 sq mi (2.4 km²) |
| Population Density | 351/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 44.3204°N, 95.9440°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Lyon County County |
| Nearest Airport | Southwest Minnesota Regional Marshall/Ryan Field (MML)
11 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
28.9"
24% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
3.74"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 36.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Air Pollutants (EPA 2023)
| Ozone (O₃) | 0.0468 ppm |
| PM2.5 (Fine Particles) | 8.7 μg/m³ |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 43.5 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 10.6 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 77.7 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively High |
| Lightning |
Very Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
Relatively Moderate |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
1 earthquake (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.1. Most recent: M3.1 on Feb 9, 1994.
| Feb 9, 1994 |
6 km NNE of Blomkest, Minnesota |
M3.1 |
106 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990-2025)
Tornado History
416 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF5. Total: 14 fatalities, 318 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jun 16, 1992 |
EF5 |
58 km |
1 |
| Jun 13, 1968 |
EF5 |
23 km |
9 |
| Jun 25, 2010 |
EF4 |
98 km |
0 |
| Jul 25, 2000 |
EF4 |
68 km |
1 |
| Mar 29, 1998 |
EF4 |
53 km |
1 |
| Jun 16, 1992 |
EF4 |
41 km |
0 |
| Jul 7, 1955 |
EF4 |
27 km |
1 |
| May 30, 2022 |
EF3 |
88 km |
0 |
| Aug 7, 1994 |
EF3 |
95 km |
0 |
| Jun 7, 1993 |
EF3 |
96 km |
0 |
| Jun 7, 1993 |
EF3 |
89 km |
0 |
| Jun 16, 1992 |
EF3 |
98 km |
0 |
| Jun 16, 1992 |
EF3 |
52 km |
0 |
| Jun 16, 1992 |
EF3 |
31 km |
0 |
| Jun 16, 1992 |
EF3 |
52 km |
0 |
| Jun 16, 1992 |
EF3 |
46 km |
0 |
| Jun 16, 1992 |
EF3 |
26 km |
0 |
| Apr 20, 1985 |
EF3 |
48 km |
0 |
| Jun 15, 1970 |
EF3 |
82 km |
0 |
| May 30, 2022 |
EF2 |
81 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950-2024)
Wildfire History
1 wildfire (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: CHIPPEWA PRAIRIE (2,067 ac, 2003).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2003 |
CHIPPEWA PRAIRIE |
2,067 |
92 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
14°F (-10°C) |
0.6 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
18°F (-8°C) |
0.6 in |
|
| March |
30°F (-1°C) |
1.7 in |
|
| April |
44°F (7°C) |
2.4 in |
|
| May |
58°F (14°C) |
3.1 in |
|
| June |
67°F (20°C) |
3.7 in |
Wettest |
| July |
73°F (23°C) |
3.6 in |
Warmest |
| August |
69°F (21°C) |
2.7 in |
|
| September |
60°F (15°C) |
2.8 in |
|
| October |
47°F (9°C) |
2.0 in |
|
| November |
31°F (-1°C) |
1.3 in |
|
| December |
17°F (-8°C) |
0.8 in |
|
Russell has a seasonal temperature swing of 59°F / from 14°F in January to 73°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 25.4 inches, with June being the wettest month (3.7") and January the driest (0.6").
Average costs for common services in Russell. 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 | $948 |
| Toddler | $893 |
| Preschool | $821 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $534 |
| Toddler | $541 |
| Preschool | $541 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Russell
What is the population of Russell?
Russell has a population of 323 residents and is located in Minnesota. The population density is 351 people per square mile, spread across 0.9 square miles. The median age of residents is 51.4 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 42.4% female and 57.6% male.
Is Russell expensive to live in?
Russell 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 $62,143, 17% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $101,700 (64% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $700 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 Russell safe?
Russell is safer than the national average, with a violent crime rate of 253 per 100,000 compared to the U.S. rate of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 2,449 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Russell receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Russell?
Russell 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 73°F in July. The area receives 276 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 28.9 inches, with 43.5 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 36.
How is the job market in Russell?
Russell has a healthy job market with an unemployment rate of 3.7%, near the national average of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,017. There are 859 business establishments in the area, including 65 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 25 minutes, and 5.4% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Russell?
The median home value in Russell is $101,700. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $198,694. For renters, the median monthly rent is $700. Fair market rent is $899 for a 1-bedroom and $1,125 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 89.1%. The average annual property tax is $3,674.
How are the schools in Russell?
Schools in Russell score 6.2 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 15.2% of adults in Russell hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 94.7% have completed high school. 5.9% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Russell?
The obesity rate in Russell is 37.1% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 14.9% of adults are smokers. 22.1% are physically inactive. 24.4% of residents report depression. 7.1% lack health insurance (below the national rate). 81.6% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,201.
What is transportation like in Russell?
The average commute in Russell is 25 minutes. 78.9% of workers drive alone to work, and 5.4% work from home.
What are the demographics of Russell?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Russell is 85.4% White, 5.6% Hispanic or Latino. 95.9% of residents speak only English at home, while 4.1% speak Spanish. 6.4% of the population are military veterans. 24.0% of residents have a disability. 95.7% have health insurance coverage.
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