Median Income
$62,813
16% lower than US avg
Home Value
$53,800
81% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
252/100K
34% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
39.3%
22% higher than US avg
Unemployment
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
How Trail Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population55
Median Age39.1 yrs
Density55/mi²
Male / Female64% / 36%
Largest GroupWhite 98%
Veterans38.0%
Economy
A
Median Income$62,813
Per Capita$23,433
Unemployment0.0%
Poverty0.0%
County GDP$393M
Commute27 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$53,800
Ownership90.5%
Zillow$258,309
Housing Units28
Rent Burden27.6%
Crime
F
Violent252/100K
Property3,455/100K
Health
Obesity39.3%
Smoking16.9%
Depression26.5%
Heart Disease5.4%
Climate
Avg Temp39°F (4°C)
AQI36 (Good)
Rain26.6 in/yr
Sunny Days276/yr
Elevation1,207 ft (368 m)
Education
A
Bachelor's+0.0%
High School+80.0%
Graduate+0.0%
School Score5.10
Community
2024 VoteR 74% / D 24%
Commute27 min
Broadband21.0%
EV Stations1
Libraries1
Is Trail a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Trail receives an overall livability score of 3.6 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B+. Key strengths include low unemployment, low crime rates, affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include high obesity rates. Trail offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Trail is $62,813, 16% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 0.0%. Only 0.0% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 27 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Trail is $53,800, 81% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. At just 0.9x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Violent crime in Trail is below the national average at 252 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 3,455 per 100,000, 76% above the national average.
Education
0.0% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 80.0% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.1/10.
Climate & Weather
Trail has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 39°F. Winters average 5°F in January while summers reach 67°F in July. With 276 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 26.6 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 36.
Trail has a population of 55 with a density of 55 people per square mile, spread across 1.0 square miles. The median age is 39.1 years, 1% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 36.4% female and 63.6% male. The city is predominantly White (98.2%), with 1.8% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 100% of residents. 38.0% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 12.8% of residents have a disability. 76.6% have health insurance coverage.
Population
39.1yrs
Median Age
1% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
100.0%
27% above US avg
Spanish
0.0%
100% below US avg
The median household income in Trail is $62,813, which is 16% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $23,433 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,116, 22% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 0.0% (below the 3.6% US average). 0.0% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 231 business establishments, including 20 restaurants. The cost of living index is 98.6, roughly in line with the national average. Workers commute an average of 27 minutes. 0.0% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $62,813 |
| 16% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $23,433 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,116 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $60,554 |
| Gini Index | 0.445 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 231 |
| County GDP | $393M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 20 |
| Healthcare | 17 |
| Retail | 37 |
| Manufacturing | 11 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $2,300 |
| 34% below US avg |
| Cost of Living | 98.60 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 4.28% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 27.2 min |
| Drive Alone | 43.8% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 0.0% |
The median home value in Trail is $53,800, 81% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $258,309, higher than the Census estimate. Fair market rent ranges from $899 for a one-bedroom to $1,125 for a two-bedroom apartment. 90.5% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 28 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1950. The average annual property tax is $2,300 (lower than the $3,500 national average). 27.6% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 0.9x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $53,800 |
| 81% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $258,309 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $809 |
| 1 Bedroom | $899 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,125 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,483 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,698 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 90.5% |
| Owner-Occupied | 90.5% |
| Renter-Occupied | 9.5% |
| Housing Units | 28 |
| Median Year Built | 1950 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $2,300 |
| 34% below US avg |
| Effective Rate | 4.28% |
In Trail, 39.3% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 9.3% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.4% of residents. 28.9% have high blood pressure. 16.9% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 20.4% report binge drinking. 25.0% are physically inactive. 26.5% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 17.9% experience frequent mental distress. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,859. The dentist ratio is 1:2,883. 59.4% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 7.1 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Trail vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 39.3% |
| 22% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 9.3% |
| Heart Disease | 5.4% |
| High Blood Pressure | 28.9% |
| Asthma | 10.6% |
| COPD | 5.6% |
| Cancer | 7.4% |
| Stroke | 2.9% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 16.9% |
| 21% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 20.4% |
| Physical Inactivity | 25.0% |
| Depression | 26.5% |
| Mental Distress | 17.9% |
| Physical Distress | 12.2% |
| Short Sleep | 33.1% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 76.6% |
| |
| Primary Care | 1:2,859 |
| Dentists | 1:2,883 |
| Mental Health | 1:4,322 |
| Checkup Rate | 72.3% |
| Dental Visits | 62.5% |
| Premature Death | 9,847/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.1/10 |
| Exercise Access | 59.4% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 17 |
Trail has a violent crime rate of 252 per 100,000 residents, 34% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 3,455 per 100,000, 76% above the U.S. average. The county recorded 1 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Trail receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Trail vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 251.7/100K |
| 34% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 3,455.4/100K |
| 76% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 1 |
| Traffic Accidents | 5 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Trail has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 39°F (4°C). Winters average 5°F in January while summers reach 67°F in July / a wide seasonal temperature swing of 62°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 26.6 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 1,207 feet.
Temperature
5°F Jan (-15°C)
67°F Jul (19°C)
| Annual Average | 38.8°F |
| 28% below US avg |
| January Average | 5°F (-15°C) |
| July Average | 67°F (19°C) |
| Sunny Days | 276 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,207 ft (368 m) |
| Area | 1.0 sq mi (2.6 km²) |
| Population Density | 55/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 47.7833°N, 95.6980°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Clearwater County County |
| Nearest Airport | Thief River Falls Regional (TVF) 30 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
26.6"
30% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
3.86"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 36.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 4.2 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 30.1 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 49.2 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Relatively 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 |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Tornado History
254 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF3. Total: 7 fatalities, 58 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jun 17, 2010 |
EF3 |
39 km |
1 |
| Jun 24, 2023 |
EF2 |
62 km |
0 |
| Jun 8, 2019 |
EF2 |
50 km |
0 |
| Jun 29, 2018 |
EF2 |
35 km |
0 |
| Jul 11, 2017 |
EF2 |
87 km |
0 |
| Aug 28, 2016 |
EF2 |
62 km |
0 |
| Jul 21, 2014 |
EF2 |
87 km |
0 |
| Jul 22, 2013 |
EF2 |
56 km |
0 |
| Jul 11, 2008 |
EF2 |
55 km |
0 |
| Aug 26, 2007 |
EF2 |
95 km |
0 |
| Jun 23, 2005 |
EF2 |
91 km |
0 |
| Jun 23, 2005 |
EF2 |
77 km |
0 |
| May 21, 2005 |
EF2 |
70 km |
0 |
| Jun 5, 1996 |
EF2 |
99 km |
0 |
| Aug 25, 1983 |
EF2 |
46 km |
0 |
| Aug 5, 1981 |
EF2 |
35 km |
0 |
| Jul 11, 1980 |
EF2 |
53 km |
0 |
| Jul 5, 1978 |
EF2 |
70 km |
4 |
| Jun 26, 1978 |
EF2 |
44 km |
0 |
| Jul 13, 1977 |
EF2 |
91 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 |
39 km |
| 2003 |
REINER 36 |
67,641 |
34 km |
| 1989 |
UNNAMED |
66,422 |
36 km |
| 1990 |
UNNAMED |
43,533 |
47 km |
| 1991 |
UNNAMED |
37,840 |
25 km |
| 1990 |
UNNAMED |
32,693 |
27 km |
| 1987 |
SANDY LAKE |
26,617 |
24 km |
| 1990 |
UNNAMED |
26,345 |
61 km |
| 1998 |
RL3 |
14,882 |
42 km |
| 2018 |
2018 HIGHWAY 1 RXB |
13,170 |
43 km |
| 2021 |
OXCART |
12,538 |
43 km |
| 1987 |
UNNAMED |
10,819 |
55 km |
| 1987 |
UNNAMED |
9,281 |
62 km |
| 1994 |
UNNAMED |
8,690 |
26 km |
| 1990 |
UNNAMED |
8,025 |
45 km |
| 2016 |
2016 HIGHWAY 1 RXB |
7,744 |
43 km |
| 2021 |
RL 005 UNIT 8 AND 9 |
6,352 |
32 km |
| 2003 |
HICKORY ONE |
6,152 |
22 km |
| 2007 |
HWYONEBURN |
6,124 |
44 km |
| 2002 |
RED LAKE 468 |
6,076 |
24 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
5°F (-15°C) |
0.6 in |
Coldest |
| February |
11°F (-12°C) |
0.5 in |
Driest |
| March |
24°F (-5°C) |
0.9 in |
|
| April |
41°F (5°C) |
1.5 in |
|
| May |
55°F (13°C) |
2.7 in |
|
| June |
64°F (18°C) |
3.9 in |
Wettest |
| July |
67°F (19°C) |
3.6 in |
Warmest |
| August |
66°F (19°C) |
3.4 in |
|
| September |
56°F (13°C) |
2.8 in |
|
| October |
44°F (6°C) |
2.0 in |
|
| November |
25°F (-4°C) |
0.8 in |
|
| December |
10°F (-12°C) |
0.6 in |
|
Trail has a seasonal temperature swing of 61°F / from 5°F in January to 67°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 23.4 inches, with June being the wettest month (3.9") and February the driest (0.5").
Average costs for common services in Trail. 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 Trail
What is the population of Trail?
Trail has a population of 55 residents and is located in Minnesota. The population density is 55 people per square mile, spread across 1.0 square miles. The median age of residents is 39.1 years. The population is 36.4% female and 63.6% male.
Is Trail expensive to live in?
Trail 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 $62,813, 16% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $53,800 (81% below the U.S. median). The home price-to-income ratio is 0.9x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Trail safe?
Trail is safer than the national average, with a violent crime rate of 252 per 100,000 compared to the U.S. rate of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 3,455 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Trail receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Trail?
Trail has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 39°F (4°C). Winter temperatures average 5°F in January, while summers reach an average of 67°F in July. The area receives 276 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 26.6 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 36.
How is the job market in Trail?
The job market in Trail is very strong, with unemployment at just 0.0% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,116. There are 231 business establishments in the area, including 20 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 27 minutes, and 0.0% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Trail?
The median home value in Trail is $53,800. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $258,309. The homeownership rate is 90.5%. The average annual property tax is $2,300.
How are the schools in Trail?
Schools in Trail score 5.1 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 0.0% of adults in Trail hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 80.0% have completed high school. 0.0% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Trail?
The obesity rate in Trail is 39.3% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 16.9% of adults are smokers. 25.0% are physically inactive. 26.5% of residents report depression. 59.4% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,859.
What is transportation like in Trail?
The average commute in Trail is 27 minutes. 43.8% of workers drive alone to work, and 0.0% work from home.
What are the demographics of Trail?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Trail is 98.2% White, 1.8% Hispanic or Latino. 100% of residents speak only English at home. 38.0% of the population are military veterans. 12.8% of residents have a disability. 76.6% have health insurance coverage.