Cost of Living in Fergus Falls, MN
Population 14,138 · Minnesota · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Under 25,000 residents gives Fergus Falls a small-town character that shows up in every data point below — from the commute patterns to the rental inventory. A typical home runs $173,000. At 7.4%, the local unemployment rate runs well above the US figure, pointing to structural rather than cyclical labor-market issues.
Located 55 miles southeast of Fargo, Fergus Falls is far enough out that local conditions diverge meaningfully from the big-metro baseline. Median home values run roughly 36% lower than Fargo's $270,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Fergus Falls
The median home value in Fergus Falls is $173,300 — 43% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $839/month, 36% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $50,865/year is 32% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 7.4%, above 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, Fergus Falls has a cost of living index of 60 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 40% less expensive.
🏠 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
🏫 Schools
NCES CCD 2019 — public school district data
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Fergus Falls, MN?
Fergus Falls has a cost index of 60 (100 = national average). It is 40% below the national average.
What is average rent in Fergus Falls, MN?
The median gross rent in Fergus Falls is $839 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Fergus Falls?
The median home value in Fergus Falls is $173,300 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Fergus Falls?
The median household income in Fergus Falls is $50,865 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Fergus Falls, MN?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Fergus Falls is 7.4%. The Minnesota state income tax top rate is 9.8%.
Is Fergus Falls, MN affordable?
Yes, Fergus Falls is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 60 — about 40% below the US national average of 100.
Fergus Falls at a Glance
- Population
- 14,138
- Median Income
- $50,865
- Home Value
- $173,300
- Median Rent
- $839/mo
- Unemployment
- 7.4%
- Sales Tax
- 7.4%
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Minnesota Rankings
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