Median Income
$44,083
41% lower than US avg
Home Value
$105,500
63% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
193/100K
49% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
13.8%
59% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$661
43% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
37.7%
17% higher than US avg
Unemployment
1.6%
56% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
15.8%
27% higher than US avg
How Verndale Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population479
Median Age37.2 yrs
Density465/mi²
Male / Female56% / 44%
Largest GroupWhite 94%
Veterans7.0%
Economy
B
Median Income$44,083
Per Capita$43,595
Unemployment1.6%
Poverty15.8%
County GDP$3,285M
Commute32 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$105,500
Rent$661
Ownership83.3%
Zillow$250,100
Housing Units271
Rent Burden21.1%
Crime
F
Violent193/100K
Property1,327/100K
Health
Obesity37.7%
Uninsured8.8%
Smoking16.8%
Depression26.8%
Heart Disease5.7%
Climate
Avg Temp40°F (5°C)
AQI36 (Good)
Rain29.3 in/yr
Sunny Days276/yr
Elevation1,348 ft (411 m)
Education
C
Bachelor's+13.8%
High School+88.8%
Graduate+3.3%
School Score6.36
Community
2024 VoteR 66% / D 32%
Commute32 min
Broadband74.9%
EV Stations2
Libraries5
Is Verndale a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Verndale receives an overall livability score of 2.9 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C+. Key strengths include low unemployment, low crime rates, affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include below-average incomes. Verndale has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Verndale is $44,083, 41% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 1.6%. The poverty rate of 15.8% exceeds the national average of 12.4%, indicating economic hardship for a significant portion of the population. Workers commute an average of 32 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Verndale is $105,500, 63% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $661 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 Verndale is below the national average at 193 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,327 per 100,000, 32% below the national average.
Education
13.8% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 88.8% have completed high school. Local schools score 6.4/10 in standardized testing, reflecting strong academic performance.
Climate & Weather
Verndale has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 40°F. Winters average 8°F in January while summers reach 68°F in July. With 276 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 29.3 inches, including 50.8 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 36.
Verndale has a population of 479 with a density of 465 people per square mile, spread across 1.0 square miles. The median age is 37.2 years, 4% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 43.8% female and 56.2% male. The city is predominantly White (94.4%), with 2.5% Black. English is the primary language spoken at home by 99.1% of residents. 7.0% of the population are veterans. 15.8% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 95.0% have health insurance coverage.
Population
37.2yrs
Median Age
4% below US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
99.1%
26% above US avg
Spanish
0.9%
93% below US avg
The median household income in Verndale is $44,083, which is 41% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $43,595 (above the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,000, 30% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 1.6% (below the 3.6% US average). 15.8% of residents live below the poverty line, higher than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 1,908 business establishments, including 165 restaurants. The cost of living index is 98.6, roughly in line with the national average. Workers commute an average of 32 minutes. 6.8% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $44,083 |
| 41% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $43,595 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,000 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $71,755 |
| Gini Index | 0.434 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 1.6% |
| 56% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 15.8% |
| 27% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 1,908 |
| County GDP | $3,285M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 165 |
| Healthcare | 181 |
| Retail | 250 |
| Manufacturing | 89 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $4,298 |
| 23% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 98.60 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 4.07% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 31.5 min |
| Drive Alone | 69.8% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 6.8% |
The median home value in Verndale is $105,500, 63% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $250,100, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $661 (43% 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. 83.3% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 271 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1970. The average annual property tax is $4,298 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 21.1% 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 | $105,500 |
| 63% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $250,100 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $661 |
| 43% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 21.1% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $809 |
| 1 Bedroom | $899 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,125 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,483 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,698 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 83.3% |
| Owner-Occupied | 83.3% |
| Renter-Occupied | 16.7% |
| Housing Units | 271 |
| Median Year Built | 1970 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $4,298 |
| 23% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 4.07% |
In Verndale, 37.7% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 9.6% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.7% of residents. 28.4% have high blood pressure. 16.8% are current smokers. 20.0% report binge drinking. 26.1% are physically inactive. 26.8% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 18.2% experience frequent mental distress. 8.8% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,876. The dentist ratio is 1:1,441. 50.9% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.7 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Verndale vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 37.7% |
| 17% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 9.6% |
| Heart Disease | 5.7% |
| High Blood Pressure | 28.4% |
| Asthma | 10.7% |
| COPD | 6.0% |
| Cancer | 7.3% |
| Stroke | 3.0% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 16.8% |
| 20% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 20.0% |
| Physical Inactivity | 26.1% |
| Depression | 26.8% |
| Mental Distress | 18.2% |
| Physical Distress | 12.5% |
| Short Sleep | 31.6% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 95.0% |
| Uninsured | 8.8% |
| 2% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,876 |
| Dentists | 1:1,441 |
| Mental Health | 1:619 |
| Checkup Rate | 71.2% |
| Dental Visits | 62.3% |
| Premature Death | 6,919/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.7/10 |
| Exercise Access | 50.9% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 181 |
Verndale has a violent crime rate of 193 per 100,000 residents, 49% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 1,327 per 100,000, 32% below the U.S. average. The county recorded 9 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Verndale receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Verndale vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 193.0/100K |
| 49% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 1,326.9/100K |
| 32% below US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 9 |
| Traffic Accidents | 73 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Verndale has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 40°F (5°C). Winters average 8°F in January while summers reach 68°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 29.3 inches (drier than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 50.8 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 1,348 feet.
Temperature
8°F Jan (-13°C)
68°F Jul (20°C)
| Annual Average | 40.2°F |
| 26% below US avg |
| January Average | 8°F (-13°C) |
| July Average | 68°F (20°C) |
| Sunny Days | 276 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,348 ft (411 m) |
| Area | 1.0 sq mi (2.5 km²) |
| Population Density | 465/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 46.3969°N, 95.0122°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Otter Tail County County |
| Nearest Airport | Brainerd Lakes Regional (BRD)
42 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
29.3"
23% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
4.33"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 36.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 79.4 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 53.5 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 92.6 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Moderate |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Relatively Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hail |
Relatively Moderate |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively High |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Very High |
| Lightning |
Relatively Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
Relatively Low |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively High |
| Landslide |
Relatively Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
2 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 |
127 km |
| Apr 29, 2011 |
Minnesota |
M2.5 |
61 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
317 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 18 fatalities, 222 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jul 8, 2020 |
EF4 |
79 km |
1 |
| Jun 17, 2010 |
EF4 |
13 km |
0 |
| Jun 17, 2010 |
EF4 |
48 km |
1 |
| Aug 6, 1969 |
EF4 |
74 km |
12 |
| Jun 11, 1966 |
EF4 |
56 km |
0 |
| Jun 6, 2008 |
EF3 |
65 km |
0 |
| Jun 13, 2001 |
EF3 |
35 km |
0 |
| Sep 18, 1997 |
EF3 |
82 km |
1 |
| Jul 5, 1991 |
EF3 |
51 km |
0 |
| Aug 26, 1977 |
EF3 |
40 km |
0 |
| Jun 25, 1973 |
EF3 |
75 km |
0 |
| Aug 6, 1969 |
EF3 |
42 km |
0 |
| Jun 18, 1964 |
EF3 |
92 km |
0 |
| May 5, 1964 |
EF3 |
93 km |
0 |
| Jun 12, 2024 |
EF2 |
66 km |
0 |
| Jun 12, 2024 |
EF2 |
80 km |
0 |
| Jun 24, 2022 |
EF2 |
73 km |
0 |
| May 30, 2022 |
EF2 |
80 km |
0 |
| May 30, 2022 |
EF2 |
95 km |
0 |
| May 30, 2022 |
EF2 |
12 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: UNNAMED (9,055 ac, 2007).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2007 |
UNNAMED |
9,055 |
49 km |
| 2009 |
CENTER TANK RANGE |
6,131 |
50 km |
| 1988 |
UNNAMED |
4,475 |
50 km |
| 1988 |
UNNAMED |
3,642 |
82 km |
| 2009 |
HENDRICKSON IMPACT AREA |
2,757 |
50 km |
| 2024 |
DORAN WMA |
2,455 |
97 km |
| 2009 |
EAST TANK RANGE |
1,801 |
51 km |
| 1987 |
UNNAMED |
1,655 |
80 km |
| 1988 |
UNNAMED |
1,589 |
90 km |
| 2012 |
JEEP FIRE |
1,437 |
23 km |
| 2000 |
00 14 |
1,377 |
80 km |
| 1998 |
WEST SKUNK |
1,129 |
79 km |
| 2000 |
UNIT 1 |
1,073 |
78 km |
| 1986 |
UNNAMED |
1,025 |
87 km |
| 1990 |
UNNAMED |
981 |
99 km |
| 1991 |
UNNAMED |
886 |
98 km |
| 2002 |
1000 AC S |
880 |
79 km |
| 1985 |
UNNAMED |
880 |
57 km |
| 1990 |
UNNAMED |
824 |
97 km |
| 1988 |
UNNAMED |
774 |
92 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
8°F (-13°C) |
0.8 in |
Coldest |
| February |
14°F (-10°C) |
0.6 in |
Driest |
| March |
26°F (-3°C) |
1.5 in |
|
| April |
42°F (6°C) |
2.2 in |
|
| May |
56°F (13°C) |
3.0 in |
|
| June |
65°F (18°C) |
4.3 in |
Wettest |
| July |
68°F (20°C) |
3.7 in |
Warmest |
| August |
67°F (20°C) |
3.1 in |
|
| September |
57°F (14°C) |
2.9 in |
|
| October |
45°F (7°C) |
2.4 in |
|
| November |
27°F (-3°C) |
1.2 in |
|
| December |
12°F (-11°C) |
0.8 in |
|
Verndale has a seasonal temperature swing of 60°F / from 8°F in January to 68°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 26.5 inches, with June being the wettest month (4.3") and February the driest (0.6").
Average costs for common services in Verndale. 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 | $621 |
| Toddler | $570 |
| Preschool | $570 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Verndale
What is the population of Verndale?
Verndale has a population of 479 residents and is located in Minnesota. The population density is 465 people per square mile, spread across 1.0 square miles. The median age of residents is 37.2 years. The population is 43.8% female and 56.2% male.
Is Verndale expensive to live in?
Verndale 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 $44,083, 41% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $105,500 (63% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $661 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 Verndale safe?
Verndale is safer than the national average, with a violent crime rate of 193 per 100,000 compared to the U.S. rate of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,327 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Verndale receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Verndale?
Verndale has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 40°F (5°C). Winter temperatures average 8°F in January, while summers reach an average of 68°F in July. The area receives 276 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 29.3 inches, with 50.8 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 36.
How is the job market in Verndale?
The job market in Verndale is very strong, with unemployment at just 1.6% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,000. There are 1,908 business establishments in the area, including 165 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 32 minutes, and 6.8% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Verndale?
The median home value in Verndale is $105,500. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $250,100. For renters, the median monthly rent is $661. Fair market rent is $899 for a 1-bedroom and $1,125 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 83.3%. The average annual property tax is $4,298.
How are the schools in Verndale?
Schools in Verndale score 6.4 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 13.8% of adults in Verndale hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 88.8% have completed high school. 3.3% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Verndale?
The obesity rate in Verndale is 37.7% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 16.8% of adults are smokers. 26.1% are physically inactive. 26.8% of residents report depression. 8.8% lack health insurance. 50.9% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,876.
What is transportation like in Verndale?
The average commute in Verndale is 32 minutes, longer than the national average of 28 minutes. 69.8% of workers drive alone to work, and 6.8% work from home.
What are the demographics of Verndale?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Verndale is 94.4% White, 2.5% Black or African American, 0.8% Hispanic or Latino. 99.1% of residents speak only English at home. 7.0% of the population are military veterans. 15.8% of residents have a disability. 95.0% have health insurance coverage.
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