Median Income
$51,667
31% lower than US avg
Home Value
$75,000
73% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
12.2%
64% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$670
42% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
44.9%
40% higher than US avg
Unemployment
16.8%
367% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
7.7%
38% lower than US avg
How Waubun Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population393
Median Age31.4 yrs
Density771/mi²
Male / Female50% / 50%
Largest GroupWhite 32%
Veterans6.6%
Economy
C+
Median Income$51,667
Per Capita$25,469
Unemployment16.8%
Poverty7.7%
County GDP$249M
Commute14 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$75,000
Rent$670
Ownership71.3%
Zillow$283,680
Housing Units165
Rent Burden26.3%
Health
Obesity44.9%
Uninsured11.5%
Smoking26.6%
Depression28.4%
Heart Disease7.7%
Climate
Avg Temp40°F (4°C)
Rain26.4 in/yr
Elevation1,239 ft (378 m)
Education
D
Bachelor's+12.2%
High School+89.9%
Graduate+4.3%
School Score4.38
Community
2024 VoteR 54% / D 45%
Commute14 min
Broadband82.7%
EV Stations1
Libraries1
Is Waubun a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Waubun receives an overall livability score of 3.2 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include affordable housing, a low poverty rate. Areas to be aware of include above-average unemployment, below-average incomes, high obesity rates. Waubun offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Waubun is $51,667, 31% below the national average of $75,149. At 16.8%, unemployment is notably high. Only 7.7% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 14 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Waubun is $75,000, 73% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $670 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 1.5x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Education
12.2% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 89.9% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 4.4/10.
Climate & Weather
Waubun has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 40°F. Winters average 6°F in January while summers reach 68°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 26.4 inches, including 47.6 inches of snow.
Waubun has a population of 393 with a density of 771 people per square mile, spread across 0.5 square miles. The median age is 31.4 years, 19% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 50.4% female and 49.6% male. The city is predominantly White (32.1%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 94.9% of residents. 6.6% of the population are veterans. 19.3% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 88.5% have health insurance coverage.
Population
393
Total Population
2023 Census
31.4yrs
Median Age
19% below US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
94.9%
21% above US avg
Spanish
3.8%
72% below US avg
The median household income in Waubun is $51,667, which is 31% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $25,469 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,103, 23% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 16.8% (above the 3.6% US average). 7.7% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 122 business establishments, including 13 restaurants. The cost of living index is 98.6, roughly in line with the national average. Workers commute an average of 14 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 9.4% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $51,667 |
| 31% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $25,469 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,103 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $53,804 |
| Gini Index | 0.443 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 16.8% |
| 367% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 7.7% |
| 38% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 122 |
| County GDP | $249M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 13 |
| Healthcare | 10 |
| Retail | 19 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $2,733 |
| 22% below US avg |
| Cost of Living | 98.60 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 3.64% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 14.0 min |
| Drive Alone | 71.7% |
| Public Transit | 1.3% |
| Work from Home | 9.4% |
The median home value in Waubun is $75,000, 73% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $283,680, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $670 (42% 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. 71.3% of housing units are owner-occupied. There are 165 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1970. The average annual property tax is $2,733 (lower than the $3,500 national average). 26.3% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.5x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $75,000 |
| 73% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $283,680 |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $670 |
| 42% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 26.3% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $809 |
| 1 Bedroom | $899 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,125 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,483 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,698 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 71.3% |
| Owner-Occupied | 71.3% |
| Renter-Occupied | 28.7% |
| Housing Units | 165 |
| Median Year Built | 1970 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $2,733 |
| 22% below US avg |
| Effective Rate | 3.64% |
In Waubun, 44.9% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 14.7% have diabetes (above the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 7.7% of residents, above the national average. 33.5% have high blood pressure. 26.6% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 17.6% report binge drinking. 33.7% are physically inactive, above the national average. 28.4% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 22.2% experience frequent mental distress. 11.5% of residents lack health insurance (above the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:5,414. 48.0% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 6.3 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Waubun vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 44.9% |
| 40% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 14.7% |
| Heart Disease | 7.7% |
| High Blood Pressure | 33.5% |
| Asthma | 13.5% |
| COPD | 8.7% |
| Cancer | 6.7% |
| Stroke | 4.5% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 26.6% |
| 90% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 17.6% |
| Physical Inactivity | 33.7% |
| Depression | 28.4% |
| Mental Distress | 22.2% |
| Physical Distress | 17.5% |
| Short Sleep | 36.2% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 88.5% |
| Uninsured | 11.5% |
| 34% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:5,414 |
| Checkup Rate | 72.2% |
| Dental Visits | 52.7% |
| Premature Death | 19,800/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 6.3/10 |
| Exercise Access | 48.0% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 10 |
Waubun has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 40°F (4°C). Winters average 6°F in January while summers reach 68°F in July / a wide seasonal temperature swing of 62°F. Annual precipitation totals 26.4 inches (drier than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 47.6 inches of snow annually, making winter weather a significant factor for residents. The city sits at an elevation of 1,239 feet.
Temperature
6°F Jan (-14°C)
68°F Jul (20°C)
| Annual Average | 39.9°F |
| 26% below US avg |
| January Average | 6°F (-14°C) |
| July Average | 68°F (20°C) |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,239 ft (378 m) |
| Area | 0.5 sq mi (1.3 km²) |
| Population Density | 771/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 47.1839°N, 95.9401°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Mahnomen County County |
| Nearest Airport | Hector International (FAR)
45 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
26.4"
31% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
4.72"
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 7.1 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 97.4 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 45.8 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Very Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Low |
| Lightning |
Very Low |
| Ice Storm |
Very Low |
| Drought |
Relatively Moderate |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Very 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 |
137 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990-2025)
Tornado History
375 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 7 fatalities, 84 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jun 28, 1975 |
EF4 |
69 km |
0 |
| Aug 27, 2016 |
EF3 |
94 km |
0 |
| Jun 17, 2010 |
EF3 |
54 km |
1 |
| Jun 6, 2008 |
EF3 |
73 km |
0 |
| Jun 28, 1975 |
EF3 |
60 km |
0 |
| Jun 16, 1973 |
EF3 |
88 km |
0 |
| Aug 30, 1956 |
EF3 |
72 km |
0 |
| Jul 2, 1955 |
EF3 |
94 km |
0 |
| Jun 24, 2023 |
EF2 |
7 km |
0 |
| Jun 24, 2022 |
EF2 |
41 km |
0 |
| Jun 8, 2019 |
EF2 |
41 km |
0 |
| Jun 29, 2018 |
EF2 |
41 km |
0 |
| Jul 11, 2017 |
EF2 |
81 km |
0 |
| Jul 11, 2017 |
EF2 |
43 km |
0 |
| Aug 28, 2016 |
EF2 |
50 km |
0 |
| Sep 4, 2014 |
EF2 |
80 km |
0 |
| Jul 21, 2014 |
EF2 |
90 km |
0 |
| Jul 22, 2013 |
EF2 |
13 km |
0 |
| Jul 4, 2011 |
EF2 |
95 km |
0 |
| May 30, 2011 |
EF2 |
84 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950-2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: UNNAMED (37,840 ac, 1991).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 1991 |
UNNAMED |
37,840 |
91 km |
| 1990 |
UNNAMED |
32,693 |
94 km |
| 1987 |
SANDY LAKE |
26,617 |
91 km |
| 2021 |
OXCART |
12,538 |
66 km |
| 1994 |
UNNAMED |
8,690 |
93 km |
| 2021 |
RL 005 UNIT 8 AND 9 |
6,352 |
96 km |
| 2003 |
HICKORY ONE |
6,152 |
91 km |
| 2002 |
RED LAKE 468 |
6,076 |
87 km |
| 2021 |
RL 203 GOODS |
5,555 |
90 km |
| 2000 |
RL205 |
5,239 |
98 km |
| 2018 |
RL 029 UNIT 4 |
5,076 |
96 km |
| 2004 |
UNNAMED |
3,970 |
94 km |
| 2005 |
RED LAKE 045 |
3,374 |
99 km |
| 2003 |
ROTHSAY |
3,015 |
80 km |
| 2008 |
UNNAMED |
2,420 |
66 km |
| 2024 |
4 SQUARE MILE RX |
2,320 |
64 km |
| 2008 |
UNNAMED |
2,092 |
61 km |
| 1988 |
UNNAMED |
1,909 |
95 km |
| 2013 |
RIVER ROAD |
1,803 |
98 km |
| 2010 |
NELSON PRAIRIE MIDDLE WPA |
1,779 |
32 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
6°F (-14°C) |
0.8 in |
Coldest |
| February |
11°F (-11°C) |
0.7 in |
Driest |
| March |
25°F (-4°C) |
1.1 in |
|
| April |
41°F (5°C) |
1.7 in |
|
| May |
55°F (13°C) |
3.2 in |
|
| June |
64°F (18°C) |
4.7 in |
Wettest |
| July |
68°F (20°C) |
3.8 in |
Warmest |
| August |
67°F (19°C) |
3.4 in |
|
| September |
58°F (14°C) |
2.8 in |
|
| October |
44°F (7°C) |
2.3 in |
|
| November |
27°F (-3°C) |
1.0 in |
|
| December |
14°F (-10°C) |
1.1 in |
|
Waubun has a seasonal temperature swing of 62°F / from 6°F in January to 68°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 26.4 inches, with June being the wettest month (4.7") and February the driest (0.7").
Average costs for common services in Waubun. 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 | $770 |
| Toddler | $705 |
| Preschool | $657 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $621 |
| Toddler | $570 |
| Preschool | $570 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Waubun
What is the population of Waubun?
Waubun has a population of 393 residents and is located in Minnesota. The population density is 771 people per square mile, spread across 0.5 square miles. The median age of residents is 31.4 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 50.4% female and 49.6% male.
Is Waubun expensive to live in?
Waubun 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 $51,667, 31% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $75,000 (73% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $670 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.5x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
What is the weather like in Waubun?
Waubun has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 40°F (4°C). Winter temperatures average 6°F in January, while summers reach an average of 68°F in July. Annual rainfall totals 26.4 inches, with 47.6 inches of snow.
How is the job market in Waubun?
The job market in Waubun faces challenges, with unemployment at 16.8% / significantly above the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,103. There are 122 business establishments in the area, including 13 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 14 minutes, and 9.4% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Waubun?
The median home value in Waubun is $75,000. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $283,680. For renters, the median monthly rent is $670. Fair market rent is $899 for a 1-bedroom and $1,125 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 71.3%. The average annual property tax is $2,733.
How are the schools in Waubun?
Schools in Waubun have an average test score of 4.4 out of 10, below typical national benchmarks. Families may want to research individual school ratings. 12.2% of adults in Waubun hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 89.9% have completed high school. 4.3% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Waubun?
The obesity rate in Waubun is 44.9% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 26.6% of adults are smokers. 33.7% are physically inactive. 28.4% of residents report depression. 11.5% lack health insurance (above the national rate). 48.0% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:5,414.
What is transportation like in Waubun?
The average commute in Waubun is 14 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 71.7% of workers drive alone to work, 1.3% use public transit, and 9.4% work from home.
What are the demographics of Waubun?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Waubun is 32.1% White. 94.9% of residents speak only English at home, while 3.8% speak Spanish. 6.6% of the population are military veterans. 19.3% of residents have a disability. 88.5% have health insurance coverage.