Cost of Living in North Branch, MN

Population 11,182 · Minnesota · Data vintage 2023

93
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 North Branch a small-town character that shows up in every data point below — from the commute patterns to the rental inventory. A typical home runs $291,000.

Geographically, North Branch is about 40 miles north of St. Paul, the nearest large metro. Housing prices track closely with St. Paul's $280,000 median.

Cost Overview

Housing 95
Rent 90

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

About the Cost of Living in North Branch

The median home value in North Branch is $290,600 — 5% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,178/month, 10% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $90,383/year is 21% higher than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 4.7%, 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, North Branch has a cost of living index of 93 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 7% less expensive.

🏠 Housing

Median Home Value
$290,600
5% below avg
Zillow Home Value
$347,472
Zillow ZHVI
Median Rent
$1,178/mo
10% below avg
Price-to-Rent Ratio
20.6x
Favors renting
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 81.2%
Renter-occupied 18.8%

💰 Estimated Monthly Budget

Rent median rent
$1,178
Groceries national estimate
$400
Utilities local estimate
$88
Transportation local gas prices
$126
Estimated Total $1,792/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
33.0 min
22% above avg
Gas Price
$3.145/gal
0% below avg
Work From Home
6.6%

Commute Mode

Drove alone
81.5%
Carpooled
8.6%
Public transit
0.1%
Walked
0.7%
Bicycle
0.5%
Work from home
6.6%

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
$90,383
21% above avg
Per Capita Income
$44,324
Unemployment Rate
4.7%
2% below avg
Poverty Rate
6.8%
Labor Force Participation
67.5%

🎓 Education

Bachelor's degree+ 14.0%
Graduate degree 5.4%

👥 Demographics

Median Age 38.6
Male median age 37.6
Female median age 39.1

🏫 Schools

NCES CCD 2019 — public school district data

83%
4-Year Graduation Rate
20.2:1
Student-teacher ratio
6
Public schools
2,673
Total enrollment

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of living in North Branch, MN?

North Branch has a cost index of 93 (100 = national average). It is 7% below the national average.

What is average rent in North Branch, MN?

The median gross rent in North Branch is $1,178 per month based on 2023 Census data.

What is the average home price in North Branch?

The median home value in North Branch is $290,600 according to Zillow and Census data.

What is the median income in North Branch?

The median household income in North Branch is $90,383 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).

What is the sales tax in North Branch, MN?

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

Is North Branch, MN affordable?

North Branch is near the national average in terms of cost of living, with an index of 93 (100 = US average).

North Branch at a Glance

Population
11,182
Median Income
$90,383
Home Value
$290,600
Median Rent
$1,178/mo
Unemployment
4.7%
Sales Tax
7.4%
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🗺️ County data for Minnesota

Explore county-level cost of living data

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