Cost of Living in Thief River Falls, MN
Population 8,841 · Minnesota · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Thief River Falls offers a notably favorable income-to-housing ratio for its region. The typical home — $169,000 — costs less than 2.6 times median household income of $65,244, a threshold many coastal markets passed a decade ago. An unemployment rate of 2.2% points to a labor market well on the tight side of the national distribution.
Thief River Falls lies roughly 90 miles northeast of the nearest major metro, Fargo — close enough that regional housing and labor patterns are shaped largely by the larger market. Median home values run roughly 37% lower than Fargo's $270,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Thief River Falls
The median home value in Thief River Falls is $169,300 — 44% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $884/month, 33% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $65,244/year is 13% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 2.2%, 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, Thief River Falls has a cost of living index of 60 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 40% less expensive.
Thief River Falls 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
🏫 Schools
NCES CCD 2019 — public school district data
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Thief River Falls, MN?
Thief River Falls has a cost index of 60 (100 = national average). It is 40% below the national average.
What is average rent in Thief River Falls, MN?
The median gross rent in Thief River Falls is $884 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Thief River Falls?
The median home value in Thief River Falls is $169,300 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Thief River Falls?
The median household income in Thief River Falls is $65,244 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Thief River Falls, MN?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Thief River Falls is 7.4%. The Minnesota state income tax top rate is 9.8%.
Is Thief River Falls, MN affordable?
Yes, Thief River Falls is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 60 — about 40% below the US national average of 100.
Thief River Falls at a Glance
- Population
- 8,841
- Median Income
- $65,244
- Home Value
- $169,300
- Median Rent
- $884/mo
- Unemployment
- 2.2%
- Sales Tax
- 7.4%
Nearby Cities
Explore county-level cost of living data
Minnesota Rankings
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