Cost of Living in Crookston, MN

Population 7,388 · Minnesota · Data vintage 2023

57
Cost Index
(100 = US avg)
Page updated: · Data vintage: 2023 ACS 5-Year
Sources: Census ACS·BLS·NOAA·EPA·Zillow · Methodology

Under 25,000 residents gives Crookston a small-town character that shows up in every data point below — from the commute patterns to the rental inventory. A typical home runs $161,000.

Located 65 miles north of Fargo, Crookston is far enough out that local conditions diverge meaningfully from the big-metro baseline. Median home values run roughly 40% lower than Fargo's $270,000.

Cost Overview

Housing 53
Rent 63

Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.

About the Cost of Living in Crookston

The median home value in Crookston is $160,700 — 47% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $827/month, 37% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $54,003/year is 28% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 3.4%, 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%. Overall, Crookston has a cost of living index of 57 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 43% less expensive.

🏠 Housing

Median Home Value
$160,700
47% below avg
Zillow Home Value
$178,748
Zillow ZHVI
Median Rent
$827/mo
37% below avg
Price-to-Rent Ratio
16.2x
Favors buying
Property Tax Rate
1.1%
Effective rate

HUD Fair Market Rents by Bedroom

Studio
$702
1 BR
$784
2 BR
$937
3 BR
$1,307
4 BR
$1,537
Owner-occupied 59.0%
Renter-occupied 41.0%

💰 Estimated Monthly Budget

Rent median rent
$827
Groceries national estimate
$400
Utilities local estimate
$88
Transportation local gas prices
$126
Estimated Total $1,441/mo

Estimates based on median data and national averages. Actual costs vary.

🛒 Food & Groceries

National BLS average prices (2023). Local prices may vary.

🥚
Eggs (dozen)
$0.548
🍞
White Bread (lb)
$1.912
🥩
Ground Beef (lb)
$5.61

🚗 Transportation

Avg Commute
19.8 min
27% below avg
Gas Price
$3.145/gal
0% below avg
Work From Home
4.9%

Commute Mode

Drove alone
76.5%
Carpooled
10.0%
Public transit
1.7%
Walked
6.9%
Work from home
4.9%

Utilities

Electricity
$0.176/kWh
0% below avg

📋 Taxes

State Income Tax 9.8%
Total Sales Tax 7.4%
State rate 6.9%
Avg local rate 0.6%
Property Tax 1.1%

💼 Income & Employment

Median Household Income
$54,003
28% below avg
Per Capita Income
$34,209
Unemployment Rate
3.4%
30% below avg
Poverty Rate
17.0%
Labor Force Participation
64.6%

🎓 Education

Bachelor's degree+ 20.8%
Graduate degree 11.4%

👥 Demographics

Median Age 41.5
Male median age 40.7
Female median age 42.4

🏫 Schools

NCES CCD 2019 — public school district data

77%
4-Year Graduation Rate
15.5:1
Student-teacher ratio
6
Public schools
1,225
Total enrollment

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of living in Crookston, MN?

Crookston has a cost index of 57 (100 = national average). It is 43% below the national average.

What is average rent in Crookston, MN?

The median gross rent in Crookston is $827 per month based on 2023 Census data.

What is the average home price in Crookston?

The median home value in Crookston is $160,700 according to Zillow and Census data.

What is the median income in Crookston?

The median household income in Crookston is $54,003 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).

What is the sales tax in Crookston, MN?

The combined state and local sales tax rate in Crookston is 7.4%. The Minnesota state income tax top rate is 9.8%.

Is Crookston, MN affordable?

Yes, Crookston is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 57 — about 43% below the US national average of 100.