Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Backus, MN
Considering a move to Backus, MN? This small town of 246 residents offers affordable living, with median home prices around $165,000 and average rents near $825. Enjoy a quiet community, low crime, and short commute times (about 25 minutes on average). While the area has a higher median age and limited public transport, you'll find welcoming neighborhoods, access to outdoor recreation, and solid primary schools. The climate features cold winters and mild, sunny summers—perfect for those seeking a peaceful, rural lifestyle.
Demographics - Backus, MN
Demographics - Backus, MN
Backus is a small, close-knit community of 246 people, with a predominantly White population and a median age of 47.5. The area has a balanced gender ratio and a low percentage of non-English speakers, making it a welcoming environment for those seeking a quiet, rural lifestyle.
Population:
246
Density:
190 per sq mi
Median Age:
47.5
Gender Ratio:
104 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
2.0%
Ethnic Composition
White:
96.0%
Black:
0.0%
Asian:
0.5%
Others:
3.5%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Backus, MN?
The cost of living in Backus is notably affordable, with a median home value of $165,000 and average rent around $825. Residents benefit from lower housing costs and a cost of living index well below the national average, making it an attractive choice for budget-conscious movers.
Median House Value:
$165,000
Gross Rent:
$825
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$105
Auto Insurance:
$1,180
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,025
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$410
State Taxes:
Low:
5.35%
|
High:
9.85%
Cost Of Living Index:
85.2
Grocery:
93.0
Housing:
70.5
Utilities:
98.1
Transportation:
92.4
Health Care:
103.0
Miscellaneous:
90.0
Crime
Is Backus, MN a safe place to live?
Backus experiences low crime rates, with violent crime occurring at a rate of 188 incidents per 100,000 people and a property crime rate of 1,420 per 100,000. This provides residents with a reassuring sense of safety in their day-to-day lives.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
188
Property Crimes Per 100k:
1,420
Crime Index:
1,608
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 532
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 70
Weather
What is the weather like in Backus, MN year-round?
The city has distinctly cold winters, with temperatures often dropping below zero, while summers remain mild and pleasant with highs around 79°F. With about 51% sunny days and moderate rainfall, Backus offers a classic northern Minnesota climate ideal for those who enjoy all four seasons.
Winter
Min:
-4°F
Max:
19°F
Spring
Min:
28°F
Max:
57°F
Summer
Min:
54°F
Max:
79°F
Fall
Min:
32°F
Max:
60°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
27.2 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
51%
Neighbors
Neighbors in Backus enjoy a median household income of $39,800 and a friendly, community-oriented atmosphere. While the local poverty rate is higher than average at 17.5%, most residents have a high school education or higher and average commute times are under 25 minutes.
Median Income:
$28,700
Household Income:
$39,800
Family Income:
$53,600
Per Capita Income:
$20,500
Income Male:
$31,200
Income Female:
$27,100
Poverty Rate:
17.5%
Non English Speakers:
2.0%
Rent:
$825
Unemployment Rate:
4.9%
Public Transport Usage:
0.2%
Commute Time:
24.6 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
88.1%
Bachelors or More:
14.8%
Education
How are the schools in Backus, MN?
Backus is served by local public elementary and high schools offering favorable student-teacher ratios and a supportive learning environment. For higher education, Central Lakes College is located just 29 miles away, providing additional opportunities for students and adult learners.
Public Schools
Name:
Pine River-Backus Elementary School
Street:
401 Murray Ave, Pine River, MN 56474
Phone:
218-587-4447
Students:
320
Student Teacher Ratio:
13.5
Name:
Pine River-Backus High School
Street:
810 First St N, Pine River, MN 56474
Phone:
218-587-4447
Students:
260
Student Teacher Ratio:
14.2
Colleges
Name:
Central Lakes College
City:
Brainerd
State:
MN
Distance:
29 miles
Students:
6,000
Healthcare
Residents have access to primary care at a local clinic and emergency services at a nearby hospital, complemented by a strong health insurance coverage rate of 91%. The area maintains a reasonable physician-to-population ratio, ensuring essential healthcare needs are met.
Major Hospitals
Name:
Essentia Health St. Joseph's - Pine River Clinic
Address:
415 Barclay Ave, Pine River, MN 56474
Phone:
(218) 587-4416
Type:
Clinic/Primary Care
Emergency Services:
No
Name:
CHI St. Joseph's Health
Address:
600 Pleasant Ave S, Park Rapids, MN 56470
Phone:
(218) 732-3311
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
1.6
Health Insurance Coverage:
91.0%
Health Care Index:
68.2
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Backus, MN?
Backus features an affordable housing market with a median home price of $165,000 and high owner-occupancy at 78.4%. Modest appreciation rates and low foreclosure rates make it a stable choice for homebuyers and investors alike.
Median Home Price:
$165,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$825
Owner Occupied Rate:
78.4%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
6.5%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
4.4%
New Construction Rate:
0.8%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.3%
DMV Information
Driver and vehicle services are managed by the Minnesota Department of Public Safety, with resources available online and at the main office in St. Paul. Residents can conveniently access licensing, registration, and other DMV services through the state portal.
State:
Minnesota
Department:
Minnesota Department of Public Safety – Driver and Vehicle Services
Address:
445 Minnesota St, St Paul, MN 55101
Phone:
651-297-2126
Website:
Disclaimer: The information provided on this page is based on publicly available sources including AccuWeather, U.S. Census Bureau, local government data, and third-party partners such as Neustar. While we strive to ensure accuracy, all data is provided “as is” and should be independently verified before making any decisions. Movers.com makes no guarantees regarding the completeness or reliability of the information.