Cost of Living in Baxter, MN
Population 8,804 · Minnesota · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Under 25,000 residents gives Baxter a small-town character that shows up in every data point below — from the commute patterns to the rental inventory. A typical home runs $298,000. The labor market has been unusually tight, with unemployment around 2.1% — below most comparable cities in the state.
Geographically, Baxter lies roughly 105 miles northwest of the nearest major metro, Minneapolis. Median home values run roughly 14% lower than Minneapolis' $346,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Baxter
The median home value in Baxter is $298,400 — 2% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,123/month, 15% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $71,272/year is 4% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 2.1%, below the national average of 4.8%. Minnesota's top state income tax rate is 9.8% and the combined sales tax is 7.4%. The climate averages highs of 53.3°F and lows of 31.0°F. Overall, Baxter has a cost of living index of 93 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 7% less expensive.
Baxter has limited residential data
Detailed housing and income data is limited for this location. Here are the nearest cities with full cost of living data:
🏠 Housing
HUD Fair Market Rents by Bedroom
💰 Estimated Monthly Budget
Estimates based on median data and national averages. Actual costs vary.
🛒 Food & Groceries
National BLS average prices (2023). Local prices may vary.
🚗 Transportation
Commute Mode
⚡ Utilities
📋 Taxes
💼 Income & Employment
🎓 Education
👥 Demographics
🌤 Climate
NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High °F | 21 | 27 | 40 | 55 | 68 | 77 | 82 | 79 | 71 | 56 | 40 | 26 |
| Low °F | -0 | 4 | 18 | 31 | 43 | 53 | 58 | 55 | 47 | 35 | 22 | 8 |
| Precip" | 0.47 | 0.36 | 0.97 | 1.60 | 3.27 | 4.03 | 4.35 | 3.06 | 2.60 | 2.37 | 0.90 | 0.55 |
💨 Air Quality
EPA AQS 2023 — county-level monitoring data
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Baxter, MN?
Baxter has a cost index of 93 (100 = national average). It is 7% below the national average.
What is average rent in Baxter, MN?
The median gross rent in Baxter is $1,123 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Baxter?
The median home value in Baxter is $298,400 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Baxter?
The median household income in Baxter is $71,272 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Baxter, MN?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Baxter is 7.4%. The Minnesota state income tax top rate is 9.8%.
Is Baxter, MN affordable?
Baxter is near the national average in terms of cost of living, with an index of 93 (100 = US average).
What is the weather like in Baxter?
Baxter has average high temperatures of 53.3°F and average lows of 31.0°F. Annual precipitation is 24.5". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.
Baxter at a Glance
- Population
- 8,804
- Median Income
- $71,272
- Home Value
- $298,400
- Median Rent
- $1,123/mo
- Unemployment
- 2.1%
- Avg High Temp
- 53.3°F
- Sales Tax
- 7.4%
Nearby Cities
Explore county-level cost of living data
Minnesota Rankings
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