Median Income
$61,875
18% lower than US avg
Home Value
$200,000
29% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
0/100K
100% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
8.1%
76% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$538
54% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
40.4%
26% higher than US avg
Unemployment
5.0%
39% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
14.3%
15% higher than US avg
How Squaw Lake Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population133
Median Age42.1 yrs
Density164/mi²
Male / Female55% / 45%
Largest GroupWhite 32%
Veterans100.0%
Economy
B
Median Income$61,875
Per Capita$19,900
Unemployment5.0%
Poverty14.3%
County GDP$968M
Commute42 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$200,000
Rent$538
Ownership55.3%
Zillow$183,207
Housing Units47
Rent Burden11.5%
Crime
C+
Violent0/100K
Property1,637/100K
Health
Obesity40.4%
Uninsured9.7%
Smoking22.6%
Depression26.0%
Heart Disease6.5%
Climate
Avg Temp38°F (3°C)
AQI36 (Good)
Rain26.9 in/yr
Sunny Days276/yr
Elevation1,323 ft (403 m)
Education
D
Bachelor's+8.1%
High School+80.2%
Graduate+2.8%
School Score5.82
Community
2024 VoteR 65% / D 33%
Commute42 min
Broadband47.0%
EV Stations1
Libraries1
Is Squaw Lake a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Squaw Lake 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. Areas to be aware of include long commute times, high obesity rates. Squaw Lake offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Squaw Lake is $61,875, 18% below the national average of $75,149. The unemployment rate of 5.0% is somewhat elevated compared to the national rate of 3.6%. 14.3% of residents live in poverty, near the national average of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 42 minutes, longer than the typical American commute of 28 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Squaw Lake is $200,000, 29% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $538 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. A price-to-income ratio of 3.2x indicates a reasonably affordable housing market.
Safety & Crime
Squaw Lake 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
8.1% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 80.2% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.8/10.
Climate & Weather
Squaw Lake has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 38°F. Winters average 6°F in January while summers reach 66°F in July. With 276 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 26.9 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 36.
Squaw Lake has a population of 133 with a density of 164 people per square mile, spread across 0.8 square miles. The median age is 42.1 years, 8% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 45.1% female and 54.9% male. The city is predominantly Hispanic (64.7%), with 32.3% White. English is the primary language spoken at home by 97.8% of residents. 100.0% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 10.4% of residents have a disability. 88.5% have health insurance coverage.
Population
42.1yrs
Median Age
8% above US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Squaw Lake vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
97.8%
25% above US avg
Spanish
2.2%
84% below US avg
Social Characteristics
Squaw Lake vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Squaw Lake is $61,875, which is 18% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $19,900 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $894, 38% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 5.0% (above the 3.6% US average). 14.3% of residents live below the poverty line. The area has 684 business establishments, including 82 restaurants. The cost of living index is 98.6, roughly in line with the national average. Workers commute an average of 42 minutes (longer than the 28-minute US average). 25.0% of workers work from home (above the 15.2% national rate).
Income: Squaw Lake vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $61,875 |
| 18% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $19,900 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $894 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $68,529 |
| Gini Index | 0.449 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 5.0% |
| 39% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 14.3% |
| 15% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 684 |
| County GDP | $968M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 82 |
| Healthcare | 56 |
| Retail | 109 |
| Manufacturing | 29 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $4,149 |
| 19% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 98.60 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 2.07% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 42.1 min |
| Drive Alone | 43.2% |
| Public Transit | 13.6% |
| Work from Home | 25.0% |
The median home value in Squaw Lake is $200,000, 29% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $183,207. Monthly rent averages $538 (54% 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. 55.3% of housing units are owner-occupied (below the 65.4% national rate). There are 47 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1970. The average annual property tax is $4,149 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 11.5% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 3.2x.
Home Values
| Census Median | $200,000 |
| 29% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $183,207 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $538 |
| 54% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 11.5% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $809 |
| 1 Bedroom | $899 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,125 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,483 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,698 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 55.3% |
| Owner-Occupied | 55.3% |
| Renter-Occupied | 44.7% |
| Housing Units | 47 |
| Median Year Built | 1970 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $4,149 |
| 19% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 2.07% |
In Squaw Lake, 40.4% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 13.6% have diabetes (above the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 6.5% of residents. 32.9% have high blood pressure. 22.6% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 19.2% report binge drinking. 28.6% are physically inactive. 26.0% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 19.4% experience frequent mental distress. 9.7% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,670. The dentist ratio is 1:3,660. 56.6% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.4 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Squaw Lake vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 40.4% |
| 26% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 13.6% |
| Heart Disease | 6.5% |
| High Blood Pressure | 32.9% |
| Asthma | 11.9% |
| COPD | 7.1% |
| Cancer | 6.7% |
| Stroke | 3.8% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 22.6% |
| 61% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 19.2% |
| Physical Inactivity | 28.6% |
| Depression | 26.0% |
| Mental Distress | 19.4% |
| Physical Distress | 15.2% |
| Short Sleep | 33.5% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 88.5% |
| Uninsured | 9.7% |
| 13% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,670 |
| Dentists | 1:3,660 |
| Mental Health | 1:632 |
| Checkup Rate | 71.6% |
| Dental Visits | 53.5% |
| Premature Death | 6,268/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.4/10 |
| Exercise Access | 56.6% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 56 |
Squaw Lake 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. The county recorded 1 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Squaw Lake receives a safety grade of C+.
Crime Rates: Squaw Lake 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
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 1 |
| Traffic Accidents | 15 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | C+ |
| Safety Score | 2.5 / 5.0 |
Squaw Lake has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 38°F (3°C). Winters average 6°F in January while summers reach 66°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 26.9 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 1,323 feet.
Temperature
6°F Jan (-14°C)
66°F Jul (19°C)
| Annual Average | 38.2°F |
| 29% below US avg |
| January Average | 6°F (-14°C) |
| July Average | 66°F (19°C) |
| Sunny Days | 276 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,323 ft (403 m) |
| Area | 0.8 sq mi (2.1 km²) |
| Population Density | 164/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 47.6207°N, 94.1374°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Hubbard County County |
| Nearest Airport | Bemidji Regional (BJI) 38 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
26.9"
29% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jul)
4.13"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 36.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 35.2 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 38.9 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 51.4 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Relatively Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Moderate |
| Lightning |
Relatively Low |
| Ice Storm |
Very Low |
| Drought |
Relatively Moderate |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Relatively Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Tornado History
111 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 15 fatalities, 89 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Aug 6, 1969 |
EF4 |
94 km |
12 |
| Jun 6, 2008 |
EF3 |
98 km |
0 |
| Aug 6, 1969 |
EF3 |
98 km |
0 |
| Aug 6, 1969 |
EF3 |
96 km |
1 |
| Jul 5, 1991 |
EF2 |
58 km |
0 |
| Aug 5, 1981 |
EF2 |
84 km |
0 |
| Sep 8, 1977 |
EF2 |
99 km |
0 |
| Jun 7, 1977 |
EF2 |
75 km |
0 |
| Sep 1, 1973 |
EF2 |
53 km |
0 |
| Aug 25, 1960 |
EF2 |
97 km |
0 |
| Sep 6, 1959 |
EF2 |
83 km |
0 |
| Jun 20, 2022 |
EF1 |
76 km |
0 |
| May 30, 2022 |
EF1 |
42 km |
0 |
| Jul 26, 2021 |
EF1 |
62 km |
0 |
| Jul 26, 2021 |
EF1 |
72 km |
0 |
| Aug 7, 2020 |
EF1 |
92 km |
0 |
| Aug 26, 2018 |
EF1 |
62 km |
0 |
| Jul 11, 2018 |
EF1 |
72 km |
0 |
| Jul 11, 2018 |
EF1 |
62 km |
0 |
| Jul 4, 2018 |
EF1 |
58 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950-2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: RL 005 UNIT 8 AND 9 (6,352 ac, 2021).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2021 |
RL 005 UNIT 8 AND 9 |
6,352 |
97 km |
| 2018 |
RL 029 UNIT 4 |
5,076 |
97 km |
| 2018 |
BOY RIVER |
3,546 |
49 km |
| 1991 |
UNNAMED |
3,181 |
57 km |
| 1988 |
UNNAMED |
1,986 |
67 km |
| 1988 |
UNNAMED |
1,909 |
82 km |
| 2010 |
BOY RIVER - CORE 2010 |
1,872 |
51 km |
| 2019 |
UNNAMED |
1,835 |
55 km |
| 2016 |
UNNAMED |
1,777 |
52 km |
| 2006 |
UNNAMED |
1,775 |
56 km |
| 2000 |
RL206 |
1,774 |
100 km |
| 2002 |
UNNAMED |
1,637 |
56 km |
| 2004 |
BLACKDUCK RIVER |
1,620 |
56 km |
| 1987 |
UNNAMED |
1,341 |
86 km |
| 2013 |
UNNAMED |
958 |
40 km |
| 1990 |
UNNAMED |
950 |
40 km |
| 1998 |
RL336 |
833 |
99 km |
| 2010 |
UNNAMED |
582 |
99 km |
| 1992 |
UNNAMED |
527 |
100 km |
| 2003 |
BIG BOG |
503 |
81 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
6°F (-14°C) |
0.8 in |
Coldest |
| February |
12°F (-11°C) |
0.6 in |
Driest |
| March |
24°F (-4°C) |
1.2 in |
|
| April |
39°F (4°C) |
1.8 in |
|
| May |
53°F (12°C) |
2.8 in |
|
| June |
62°F (17°C) |
4.0 in |
|
| July |
66°F (19°C) |
4.1 in |
Warmest, Wettest |
| August |
65°F (18°C) |
3.6 in |
|
| September |
55°F (13°C) |
3.0 in |
|
| October |
43°F (6°C) |
2.5 in |
|
| November |
27°F (-3°C) |
1.3 in |
|
| December |
11°F (-12°C) |
0.9 in |
|
Squaw Lake has a seasonal temperature swing of 60°F / from 6°F in January to 66°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 26.6 inches, with July being the wettest month (4.1") and February the driest (0.6").
Average costs for common services in Squaw Lake. 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 | $1,070 |
| Toddler | $945 |
| Preschool | $891 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $621 |
| Toddler | $570 |
| Preschool | $570 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Squaw Lake
What is the population of Squaw Lake?
Squaw Lake has a population of 133 residents and is located in Minnesota. The population density is 164 people per square mile, spread across 0.8 square miles. The median age of residents is 42.1 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 45.1% female and 54.9% male.
Is Squaw Lake expensive to live in?
Squaw Lake 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 $61,875, 18% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $200,000 (29% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $538 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 3.2x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Squaw Lake safe?
Squaw Lake 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, Squaw Lake receives a safety grade of C+ based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Squaw Lake?
Squaw Lake has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 38°F (3°C). Winter temperatures average 6°F in January, while summers reach an average of 66°F in July. The area receives 276 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 26.9 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 36.
How is the job market in Squaw Lake?
The unemployment rate in Squaw Lake is 5.0%, somewhat above the national average of 3.6%. Job seekers may face moderate competition. The average weekly wage is $894. There are 684 business establishments in the area, including 82 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 42 minutes, and 25.0% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Squaw Lake?
The median home value in Squaw Lake is $200,000. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $183,207. For renters, the median monthly rent is $538. Fair market rent is $899 for a 1-bedroom and $1,125 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 55.3%. The average annual property tax is $4,149.
How are the schools in Squaw Lake?
Schools in Squaw Lake score 5.8 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 8.1% of adults in Squaw Lake hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 80.2% have completed high school. 2.8% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Squaw Lake?
The obesity rate in Squaw Lake is 40.4% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 22.6% of adults are smokers. 28.6% are physically inactive. 26.0% of residents report depression. 9.7% lack health insurance. 56.6% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,670.
What is transportation like in Squaw Lake?
The average commute in Squaw Lake is 42 minutes, longer than the national average of 28 minutes. 43.2% of workers drive alone to work, 13.6% use public transit, and 25.0% work from home.
What are the demographics of Squaw Lake?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Squaw Lake is 32.3% White, 64.7% Hispanic or Latino. 97.8% of residents speak only English at home. 100.0% of the population are military veterans. 10.4% of residents have a disability. 88.5% have health insurance coverage.