Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Balsam, MN
Balsam, MN, is a small, peaceful community of about 1,100 residents, offering affordable living with a median home price around $270,000 and average rents near $925. With a low crime rate (80 violent crimes per 100k), short average commutes, and beautiful Northwoods surroundings, it’s ideal for those seeking quiet rural living. Residents enjoy four distinct seasons, good local schools, and easy access to healthcare in nearby Grand Rapids. If you’re looking for a safe and affordable community with great outdoor opportunities, Balsam is worth a closer look.
Demographics - Balsam, MN
Demographics - Balsam, MN
Balsam is a close-knit rural community of about 1,100 residents, with a median age of 49.3 and a slightly higher number of males than females. The population is predominantly White, and a small percentage of residents speak languages other than English at home, creating a stable and friendly environment for newcomers.
Population:
1,100
Density:
22 per sq mi
Median Age:
49.3
Gender Ratio:
105 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
2.7%
Ethnic Composition
White:
98.1%
Black:
0.2%
Asian:
0.2%
Others:
1.5%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Balsam, MN?
Balsam offers an affordable lifestyle, with a median home value around $270,000 and average monthly rent of $925. The overall cost of living index is slightly below the U.S. average, making it an attractive option for those seeking value in housing, groceries, and transportation.
Median House Value:
$270,000
Gross Rent:
$925
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$115
Auto Insurance:
$1,340
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,225
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$425
State Taxes:
Low:
5.35%
|
High:
9.85%
Cost Of Living Index:
97.1
Grocery:
95.0
Housing:
82.0
Utilities:
101.2
Transportation:
92.3
Health Care:
102.7
Miscellaneous:
94.5
Crime
Is Balsam, MN a safe place to live?
Balsam enjoys a low crime rate, with just 80 violent crimes and 710 property crimes per 100,000 residents. This means residents have a low chance of encountering crime, contributing to the town's reputation as a safe and peaceful place to live.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
80
Property Crimes Per 100k:
710
Crime Index:
790
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 1,250
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 155
Weather
What is the weather like in Balsam, MN year-round?
Residents experience four distinct seasons, with cold winters averaging lows of -2°F and warm summers peaking at 78°F. The area receives around 27 inches of rainfall annually and enjoys sunshine about 54% of the year, perfect for those who appreciate seasonal variety.
Winter
Min:
-2°F
Max:
18°F
Spring
Min:
29°F
Max:
57°F
Summer
Min:
52°F
Max:
78°F
Fall
Min:
32°F
Max:
57°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
27.1 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
54%
Neighbors
Balsam's households benefit from a median income of $63,200 and a low poverty rate, with most residents commuting about 22 minutes to work. The community values education, with over 93% of adults holding at least a high school diploma, fostering a supportive and stable neighborhood environment.
Median Income:
$38,000
Household Income:
$63,200
Family Income:
$75,800
Per Capita Income:
$30,500
Income Male:
$40,000
Income Female:
$32,000
Poverty Rate:
7.8%
Non English Speakers:
2.7%
Rent:
$925
Unemployment Rate:
3.7%
Public Transport Usage:
0.2%
Commute Time:
22.4 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
93.5%
Bachelors or More:
27.1%
Education
How are the schools in Balsam, MN?
Families in Balsam have access to quality education, with local public schools like Grand Rapids Senior High and Murphy Elementary nearby. Private and higher education options, such as St. Joseph's Catholic School and Itasca Community College, provide comprehensive learning opportunities for students of all ages.
Public Schools
Name:
Grand Rapids Senior High School
Street:
800 Conifer Dr
Phone:
218-327-5760
Students:
1,150
Student Teacher Ratio:
19.9
Name:
Murphy Elementary School
Street:
822 NE 5th Ave
Phone:
218-327-5918
Students:
530
Student Teacher Ratio:
15.5
Private Schools
Name:
St. Joseph's Catholic School
Street:
1005 2nd Ave SW
Phone:
218-326-6232
Students:
145
Colleges
Name:
Itasca Community College
City:
Grand Rapids
State:
MN
Distance:
14 miles
Students:
1,100
Healthcare
Healthcare needs are well served by nearby facilities like Grand Itasca Clinic & Hospital, and nearly 94% of residents have health insurance coverage. With 1.7 physicians per 1,000 people, residents have reliable access to medical care in the area.
Major Hospitals
Name:
Grand Itasca Clinic & Hospital
Address:
1601 Golf Course Rd, Grand Rapids, MN 55744
Phone:
(218) 326-3401
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
1.7
Health Insurance Coverage:
93.8%
Health Care Index:
76.2
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Balsam, MN?
Balsam's housing market is stable and accessible, featuring a median home price of $270,000 and a high owner-occupancy rate of 87.5%. Home values have appreciated by 4.6% in the past year, and rental options remain available with a moderate vacancy rate.
Median Home Price:
$270,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$925
Owner Occupied Rate:
87.5%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
7.1%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
4.6%
New Construction Rate:
0.6%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.3%
DMV Information
Residents handle vehicle and licensing needs through the Minnesota Department of Public Safety – Driver and Vehicle Services, located in St. Paul. The department offers comprehensive services and is easily accessible online or by phone for information and appointments.
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.