Median Income
$96,042
28% higher than US avg
Home Value
$225,700
20% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
181/100K
52% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
16.0%
53% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$954
18% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
36.1%
12% higher than US avg
Unemployment
2.7%
25% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
2.7%
78% lower than US avg
How Shafer Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population1,151
Median Age35.5 yrs
Density906/mi²
Male / Female52% / 48%
Largest GroupWhite 85%
Veterans3.5%
Economy
A+
Median Income$96,042
Per Capita$37,870
Unemployment2.7%
Poverty2.7%
County GDP$2,242M
Commute39 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$225,700
Rent$954
Ownership81.9%
Zillow$342,155
Housing Units402
Rent Burden31.3%
Crime
F
Violent181/100K
Property1,189/100K
Health
Obesity36.1%
Uninsured7.2%
Smoking14.7%
Depression26.0%
Heart Disease5.0%
Climate
Avg Temp44°F (7°C)
AQI36 (Good)
Rain30.5 in/yr
Sunny Days270/yr
Elevation946 ft (288 m)
Education
C
Bachelor's+16.0%
High School+95.8%
Graduate+5.4%
School Score6.50
Community
2024 VoteR 65% / D 34%
Commute39 min
Broadband88.3%
EV Stations1
Libraries5
Is Shafer a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Shafer receives an overall livability score of 3.3 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include above-average household incomes, low unemployment, low crime rates, affordable housing. Areas to be aware of include long commute times. Shafer offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Shafer is $96,042, 28% above the national average of $75,149. Residents generally enjoy above-average earning potential. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 2.7%. Only 2.7% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 39 minutes, longer than the typical American commute of 28 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Shafer is $225,700, 20% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $954 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 2.4x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Violent crime in Shafer is below the national average at 181 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,189 per 100,000, 39% below the national average.
Education
16.0% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 95.8% have completed high school. Local schools score 6.5/10 in standardized testing, reflecting strong academic performance.
Climate & Weather
Shafer has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 44°F. Winters average 13°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 30.5 inches, including 42.6 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 36.
Shafer has a population of 1,151 with a density of 906 people per square mile, spread across 1.3 square miles. The median age is 35.5 years, 9% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 47.7% female and 52.3% male. The city is predominantly White (84.9%), with 4.4% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 95.8% of residents. 3.5% of the population are veterans, below the national rate of 6.0%. 8.9% of residents have a disability (below the 13.0% national average). 95.9% have health insurance coverage.
Population
35.5yrs
Median Age
9% below US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
95.8%
22% above US avg
Spanish
4.2%
69% below US avg
The median household income in Shafer is $96,042, which is 28% above the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $37,870. The average weekly wage is $1,112, 22% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 2.7% (below the 3.6% US average). 2.7% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 1,401 business establishments, including 93 restaurants. The cost of living index is 98.6, roughly in line with the national average. Workers commute an average of 39 minutes (longer than the 28-minute US average). 7.5% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $96,042 |
| 28% above US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $37,870 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,112 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $84,076 |
| Gini Index | 0.378 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 2.7% |
| 25% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 2.7% |
| 78% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 1,401 |
| County GDP | $2,242M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 93 |
| Healthcare | 155 |
| Retail | 158 |
| Manufacturing | 96 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $5,004 |
| 43% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 98.60 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 2.22% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 38.6 min |
| Drive Alone | 78.9% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 7.5% |
The median home value in Shafer is $225,700, 20% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $342,155, higher than the Census estimate. Homes sell for 100.5% of their list price, indicating a competitive market where bidding wars are common. Monthly rent averages $954 (18% 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. 81.9% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 402 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 2002. The average annual property tax is $5,004 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 31.3% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.4x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $225,700 |
| 20% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $342,155 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
| $/Sq Ft | $114 |
| Homes Sold | 2 |
| Sale-to-List Ratio | 100.5% |
| Price Drops | 0.0% |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $954 |
| 18% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 31.3% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $809 |
| 1 Bedroom | $899 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,125 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,483 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,698 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 81.9% |
| Owner-Occupied | 81.9% |
| Renter-Occupied | 18.1% |
| Housing Units | 402 |
| Median Year Built | 2002 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $5,004 |
| 43% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 2.22% |
In Shafer, 36.1% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 8.4% have diabetes (below the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 5.0% of residents. 27.8% have high blood pressure. 14.7% are current smokers. 21.0% report binge drinking. 21.5% are physically inactive. 26.0% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 16.8% experience frequent mental distress. 7.2% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,052. The dentist ratio is 1:2,320. 70.4% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 9.3 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Shafer vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 36.1% |
| 12% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 8.4% |
| Heart Disease | 5.0% |
| High Blood Pressure | 27.8% |
| Asthma | 10.4% |
| COPD | 4.9% |
| Cancer | 7.3% |
| Stroke | 2.6% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 14.7% |
| 5% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 21.0% |
| Physical Inactivity | 21.5% |
| Depression | 26.0% |
| Mental Distress | 16.8% |
| Physical Distress | 11.0% |
| Short Sleep | 31.9% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 95.9% |
| Uninsured | 7.2% |
| 16% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:2,052 |
| Dentists | 1:2,320 |
| Mental Health | 1:568 |
| Checkup Rate | 72.9% |
| Dental Visits | 66.3% |
| Premature Death | 5,872/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 9.3/10 |
| Exercise Access | 70.4% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 155 |
Shafer has a violent crime rate of 181 per 100,000 residents, 52% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 1,189 per 100,000, 39% below the U.S. average. The county recorded 6 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Shafer receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Shafer vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 181.0/100K |
| 52% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 1,189.1/100K |
| 39% below US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 6 |
| Traffic Accidents | 173 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Shafer has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 44°F (7°C). Winters average 13°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 30.5 inches. The area receives 42.6 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 946 feet.
Temperature
13°F Jan (-11°C)
71°F Jul (22°C)
| Annual Average | 44.2°F |
| 18% below US avg |
| January Average | 13°F (-11°C) |
| July Average | 71°F (22°C) |
| Sunny Days | 270 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 946 ft (288 m) |
| Area | 1.3 sq mi (3.3 km²) |
| Population Density | 906/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 45.3900°N, 92.7583°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Chisago County County |
| Nearest Airport | New Richmond Regional (RNH)
20 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
30.5"
20% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
4.49"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 36.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 44.5 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 10.6 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 88.4 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Relatively Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Moderate |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Moderate |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Low |
| Lightning |
Relatively Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
Relatively Low |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Tornado History
366 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF5. Total: 54 fatalities, 821 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jun 4, 1958 |
EF5 |
64 km |
21 |
| Jul 3, 1983 |
EF4 |
48 km |
0 |
| May 6, 1965 |
EF4 |
67 km |
6 |
| May 6, 1965 |
EF4 |
57 km |
3 |
| May 6, 1965 |
EF4 |
85 km |
0 |
| May 21, 1957 |
EF4 |
23 km |
0 |
| May 16, 2017 |
EF3 |
49 km |
1 |
| May 25, 2008 |
EF3 |
33 km |
1 |
| Jun 18, 2001 |
EF3 |
44 km |
2 |
| Jul 27, 1987 |
EF3 |
91 km |
0 |
| Jul 23, 1987 |
EF3 |
63 km |
0 |
| Apr 26, 1984 |
EF3 |
55 km |
1 |
| Jun 14, 1981 |
EF3 |
75 km |
1 |
| Jul 30, 1977 |
EF3 |
49 km |
0 |
| Jun 30, 1968 |
EF3 |
93 km |
0 |
| May 24, 1958 |
EF3 |
31 km |
0 |
| Jun 23, 1952 |
EF3 |
11 km |
2 |
| Sep 12, 1951 |
EF3 |
100 km |
0 |
| Jul 20, 1951 |
EF3 |
77 km |
5 |
| Jul 14, 2010 |
EF2 |
77 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 |
81 km |
| 2003 |
UNITS 37 38 39 A |
4,879 |
73 km |
| 1998 |
UNITS 1617 |
4,649 |
75 km |
| 2005 |
RX HFR 05 |
4,253 |
75 km |
| 2009 |
BU9 |
4,112 |
81 km |
| 2007 |
WUI 07 - UNIT 36 |
4,025 |
72 km |
| 2000 |
UNIT 25 |
3,412 |
73 km |
| 2009 |
BU11 |
3,242 |
78 km |
| 1997 |
BIG |
2,987 |
75 km |
| 2009 |
UNNAMED |
2,904 |
31 km |
| 2003 |
UNITS 34 33 W |
2,637 |
74 km |
| 2024 |
UNIT 8E RX |
2,551 |
79 km |
| 1992 |
SHARPTAIL |
2,288 |
74 km |
| 1988 |
UNNAMED |
2,243 |
96 km |
| 2024 |
RX-86_FY23 |
2,187 |
56 km |
| 2010 |
WUI 10 UNIT D |
2,042 |
74 km |
| 1996 |
UNNAMED |
1,906 |
72 km |
| 2000 |
UNNAMED |
1,850 |
43 km |
| 2006 |
UNIT 4 |
1,732 |
80 km |
| 2009 |
UNIT 23 24 26 |
1,644 |
75 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
13°F (-11°C) |
0.9 in |
Coldest |
| February |
18°F (-8°C) |
0.8 in |
Driest |
| March |
30°F (-1°C) |
1.7 in |
|
| April |
45°F (7°C) |
2.5 in |
|
| May |
58°F (14°C) |
3.5 in |
|
| June |
66°F (19°C) |
4.5 in |
Wettest |
| July |
71°F (22°C) |
3.7 in |
Warmest |
| August |
68°F (20°C) |
4.4 in |
|
| September |
59°F (15°C) |
3.6 in |
|
| October |
47°F (8°C) |
2.5 in |
|
| November |
31°F (-0°C) |
1.5 in |
|
| December |
17°F (-9°C) |
1.1 in |
|
Shafer has a seasonal temperature swing of 58°F / from 13°F in January to 71°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 30.5 inches, with June being the wettest month (4.5") and February the driest (0.8").
Average costs for common services in Shafer. 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 | $1,016 |
| Toddler | $920 |
| Preschool | $869 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $765 |
| Toddler | $650 |
| Preschool | $664 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Shafer
What is the population of Shafer?
Shafer has a population of 1,151 residents and is located in Minnesota. The population density is 906 people per square mile, spread across 1.3 square miles. The median age of residents is 35.5 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 47.7% female and 52.3% male.
Is Shafer expensive to live in?
Shafer 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 $96,042, 28% above the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $225,700 (20% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $954 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.4x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Shafer safe?
Shafer is safer than the national average, with a violent crime rate of 181 per 100,000 compared to the U.S. rate of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,189 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Shafer receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Shafer?
Shafer has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 44°F (7°C). Winter temperatures average 13°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 30.5 inches, with 42.6 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 36.
How is the job market in Shafer?
The job market in Shafer is very strong, with unemployment at just 2.7% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,112. There are 1,401 business establishments in the area, including 93 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 39 minutes, and 7.5% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Shafer?
The median home value in Shafer is $225,700. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $342,155. For renters, the median monthly rent is $954. Fair market rent is $899 for a 1-bedroom and $1,125 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 81.9%. The average annual property tax is $5,004.
How are the schools in Shafer?
Schools in Shafer score 6.5 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 16.0% of adults in Shafer hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 95.8% have completed high school. 5.4% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Shafer?
The obesity rate in Shafer is 36.1% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 14.7% of adults are smokers. 21.5% are physically inactive. 26.0% of residents report depression. 7.2% lack health insurance (below the national rate). 70.4% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,052.
What is transportation like in Shafer?
The average commute in Shafer is 39 minutes, longer than the national average of 28 minutes. 78.9% of workers drive alone to work, and 7.5% work from home.
What are the demographics of Shafer?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Shafer is 84.9% White, 4.4% Hispanic or Latino. 95.8% of residents speak only English at home, while 4.2% speak Spanish. 3.5% of the population are military veterans. 8.9% of residents have a disability. 95.9% have health insurance coverage.
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