Median Income
$35,847
52% lower than US avg
Home Value
$240,200
15% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
215/100K
43% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
35.7%
6% higher than US avg
Median Rent
$519
55% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
36.2%
13% higher than US avg
Unemployment
3.8%
6% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
22.1%
78% higher than US avg
How Walker Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population858
Median Age58.3 yrs
Density305/mi²
Male / Female40% / 60%
Largest GroupWhite 75%
Veterans7.9%
Economy
C+
Median Income$35,847
Per Capita$31,355
Unemployment3.8%
Poverty22.1%
County GDP$968M
Commute17 min
Housing
C+
Home Value$240,200
Rent$519
Ownership51.1%
Zillow$347,377
Housing Units617
Rent Burden32.2%
Crime
F
Violent215/100K
Property4,516/100K
Murder0.0/100K
Assault215/100K
Burglary430/100K
Health
Obesity36.2%
Uninsured7.8%
Smoking16.6%
Depression25.8%
Heart Disease5.4%
Climate
Avg Temp42°F (5°C)
AQI36 (Good)
Rain28.0 in/yr
Sunny Days276/yr
Elevation1,345 ft (410 m)
Education
B+
Bachelor's+35.7%
High School+91.3%
Graduate+6.5%
School Score5.82
Community
2024 VoteR 65% / D 33%
Commute17 min
Broadband82.4%
EV Stations1
Libraries1
Is Walker a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Walker receives an overall livability score of 2.6 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C+. Key strengths include low crime rates, affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include an elevated poverty rate, below-average incomes. Walker has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Walker is $35,847, 52% below the national average of $75,149. Unemployment stands at 3.8%, indicating a healthy job market. The poverty rate of 22.1% exceeds the national average of 12.4%, indicating economic hardship for a significant portion of the population. Workers commute an average of 17 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Walker is $240,200, 15% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $519 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. The price-to-income ratio of 6.7x means housing costs are stretched relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Violent crime in Walker is below the national average at 215 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 4,516 per 100,000, 130% above the national average.
Education
Educational attainment is solid, with 35.7% holding a bachelor's degree or higher, near the national average. 91.3% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.8/10.
Climate & Weather
Walker has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 42°F. Winters average 10°F in January while summers reach 69°F in July. With 276 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 28.0 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 36.
Walker has a population of 858 with a density of 305 people per square mile, spread across 2.5 square miles. The median age is 58.3 years, 50% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 60.3% female and 39.7% male. The city is predominantly White (75.4%), with 21.9% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 97.7% of residents. 7.9% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 28.1% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 92.2% have health insurance coverage.
Population
58.3yrs
Median Age
50% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
97.7%
24% above US avg
Spanish
2.3%
83% below US avg
The median household income in Walker is $35,847, which is 52% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $31,355 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $894, 38% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 3.8% (above the 3.6% US average). 22.1% of residents live below the poverty line, higher than the national rate of 12.4%. 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 17 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 0.8% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $35,847 |
| 52% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $31,355 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $894 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $68,529 |
| Gini Index | 0.449 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 3.8% |
| 6% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 22.1% |
| 78% 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 | 1.73% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 17.1 min |
| Drive Alone | 58.1% |
| Public Transit | 1.5% |
| Work from Home | 0.8% |
The median home value in Walker is $240,200, 15% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $347,377, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $519 (55% 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. 51.1% of housing units are owner-occupied (below the 65.4% national rate). There are 617 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1978. The average annual property tax is $4,149 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 32.2% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 6.7x, above the traditionally affordable threshold of 3-4x.
Home Values
| Census Median | $240,200 |
| 15% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $347,377 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $519 |
| 55% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 32.2% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $809 |
| 1 Bedroom | $899 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,125 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,483 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,698 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 51.1% |
| Owner-Occupied | 51.1% |
| Renter-Occupied | 48.9% |
| Housing Units | 617 |
| Median Year Built | 1978 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $4,149 |
| 19% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 1.73% |
In Walker, 36.2% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 9.5% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.4% of residents. 28.9% have high blood pressure. 16.6% are current smokers. 20.6% report binge drinking. 24.8% are physically inactive. 25.8% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 17.8% experience frequent mental distress. 7.8% 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: Walker vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 36.2% |
| 13% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 9.5% |
| Heart Disease | 5.4% |
| High Blood Pressure | 28.9% |
| Asthma | 10.7% |
| COPD | 5.8% |
| Cancer | 7.5% |
| Stroke | 2.9% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 16.6% |
| 19% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 20.6% |
| Physical Inactivity | 24.8% |
| Depression | 25.8% |
| Mental Distress | 17.8% |
| Physical Distress | 12.3% |
| Short Sleep | 36.0% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 92.2% |
| Uninsured | 7.8% |
| 9% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,670 |
| Dentists | 1:3,660 |
| Mental Health | 1:632 |
| Checkup Rate | 72.4% |
| Dental Visits | 64.5% |
| Premature Death | 6,268/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.4/10 |
| Exercise Access | 56.6% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 56 |
Walker has a violent crime rate of 215 per 100,000 residents, 43% below the national average of 380. This breaks down to aggravated assault at 215.1 per 100,000, robbery at 0.0, rape at 0.0. The murder rate is 0.0 per 100,000 (below the national rate of 6.3). Property crime stands at 4,516 per 100,000, 130% above the U.S. average. This includes larceny/theft at 3,763, burglary at 430, vehicle theft at 323 per 100,000 residents. The county recorded 1 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Walker receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Walker vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 215.1/100K |
| 43% below US avg |
| Murder | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg |
| Rape | 0.0/100K |
| Robbery | 0.0/100K |
| Assault | 215.1/100K |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 4,516.1/100K |
| 130% above US avg |
| Burglary | 430.1/100K |
| Theft | 3,763.4/100K |
| Vehicle Theft | 322.6/100K |
| Arson | 0.0/100K |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 1 |
| Traffic Accidents | 147 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Walker has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 42°F (5°C). Winters average 10°F in January while summers reach 69°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 28.0 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 1,345 feet.
Temperature
10°F Jan (-12°C)
69°F Jul (21°C)
| Annual Average | 41.6°F |
| 23% below US avg |
| January Average | 10°F (-12°C) |
| July Average | 69°F (21°C) |
| Sunny Days | 276 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,345 ft (410 m) |
| Area | 2.5 sq mi (6.4 km²) |
| Population Density | 305/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 47.0908°N, 94.5869°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Hubbard County County |
| Nearest Airport | Bemidji Regional (BJI)
33 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
28.0"
26% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jul)
4.06"
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)
Earthquake History
1 earthquake (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M2.5. Most recent: M2.5 on Apr 29, 2011.
| Apr 29, 2011 |
Minnesota |
M2.5 |
142 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990-2025)
Tornado History
176 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 14 fatalities, 120 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jun 17, 2010 |
EF4 |
88 km |
0 |
| Aug 6, 1969 |
EF4 |
44 km |
12 |
| Jun 11, 1966 |
EF4 |
54 km |
0 |
| Jun 6, 2008 |
EF3 |
35 km |
0 |
| Jul 5, 1991 |
EF3 |
71 km |
0 |
| Aug 26, 1977 |
EF3 |
83 km |
0 |
| Jun 25, 1973 |
EF3 |
88 km |
0 |
| Aug 6, 1969 |
EF3 |
43 km |
0 |
| Aug 6, 1969 |
EF3 |
89 km |
1 |
| Jun 12, 2024 |
EF2 |
76 km |
0 |
| Jun 12, 2024 |
EF2 |
51 km |
0 |
| Jun 24, 2022 |
EF2 |
88 km |
0 |
| May 30, 2022 |
EF2 |
84 km |
0 |
| May 12, 2022 |
EF2 |
89 km |
0 |
| Jun 19, 2016 |
EF2 |
88 km |
0 |
| Jul 12, 2015 |
EF2 |
87 km |
0 |
| Jul 11, 2008 |
EF2 |
97 km |
0 |
| Jun 6, 2008 |
EF2 |
53 km |
0 |
| Jun 20, 2005 |
EF2 |
89 km |
0 |
| Jun 13, 2001 |
EF2 |
88 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 |
97 km |
| 2018 |
BOY RIVER |
3,546 |
31 km |
| 1991 |
UNNAMED |
3,181 |
95 km |
| 2009 |
HENDRICKSON IMPACT AREA |
2,757 |
93 km |
| 1991 |
UNNAMED |
2,486 |
91 km |
| 1987 |
UNNAMED |
1,963 |
85 km |
| 1988 |
UNNAMED |
1,909 |
96 km |
| 2010 |
BOY RIVER - CORE 2010 |
1,872 |
33 km |
| 2019 |
UNNAMED |
1,835 |
37 km |
| 1987 |
UNNAMED |
1,799 |
89 km |
| 2016 |
UNNAMED |
1,777 |
32 km |
| 2006 |
UNNAMED |
1,775 |
92 km |
| 1987 |
UNNAMED |
1,760 |
90 km |
| 2002 |
UNNAMED |
1,637 |
93 km |
| 2004 |
BLACKDUCK RIVER |
1,620 |
94 km |
| 1988 |
UNNAMED |
1,589 |
80 km |
| 2012 |
JEEP FIRE |
1,437 |
61 km |
| 2000 |
00 14 |
1,377 |
79 km |
| 1987 |
UNNAMED |
1,341 |
53 km |
| 1997 |
UNNAMED |
1,306 |
90 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
10°F (-12°C) |
0.8 in |
Coldest |
| February |
13°F (-11°C) |
0.6 in |
Driest |
| March |
25°F (-4°C) |
1.3 in |
|
| April |
40°F (5°C) |
2.0 in |
|
| May |
54°F (12°C) |
2.9 in |
|
| June |
63°F (17°C) |
4.0 in |
|
| July |
69°F (21°C) |
4.1 in |
Warmest, Wettest |
| August |
66°F (19°C) |
3.5 in |
|
| September |
56°F (13°C) |
2.9 in |
|
| October |
44°F (7°C) |
2.7 in |
|
| November |
27°F (-3°C) |
1.3 in |
|
| December |
11°F (-11°C) |
0.8 in |
|
Walker has a seasonal temperature swing of 59°F / from 10°F in January to 69°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 26.9 inches, with July being the wettest month (4.1") and February the driest (0.6").
Average costs for common services in Walker. 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 Walker
What is the population of Walker?
Walker has a population of 858 residents and is located in Minnesota. The population density is 305 people per square mile, spread across 2.5 square miles. The median age of residents is 58.3 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 60.3% female and 39.7% male.
Is Walker expensive to live in?
Walker 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 $35,847, 52% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $240,200 (15% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $519 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 6.7x, which means housing is a stretch relative to local earnings.
Is Walker safe?
Walker is safer than the national average, with a violent crime rate of 215 per 100,000 compared to the U.S. rate of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 4,516 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Walker receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Walker?
Walker has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 42°F (5°C). Winter temperatures average 10°F in January, while summers reach an average of 69°F in July. The area receives 276 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 28.0 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 36.
How is the job market in Walker?
Walker has a healthy job market with an unemployment rate of 3.8%, near the national average of 3.6%. 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 17 minutes, and 0.8% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Walker?
The median home value in Walker is $240,200. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $347,377. For renters, the median monthly rent is $519. Fair market rent is $899 for a 1-bedroom and $1,125 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 51.1%. The average annual property tax is $4,149.
How are the schools in Walker?
Schools in Walker score 5.8 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 35.7% of adults in Walker hold a bachelor's degree or higher, above the national average of 33.7%. 91.3% have completed high school. 6.5% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Walker?
The obesity rate in Walker is 36.2% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 16.6% of adults are smokers. 24.8% are physically inactive. 25.8% of residents report depression. 7.8% 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 Walker?
The average commute in Walker is 17 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 58.1% of workers drive alone to work, 1.5% use public transit, and 0.8% work from home.
What are the demographics of Walker?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Walker is 75.4% White, 21.9% Hispanic or Latino. 97.7% of residents speak only English at home. 7.9% of the population are military veterans. 28.1% of residents have a disability. 92.2% have health insurance coverage.
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