Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Baxter, MN
Considering a move to Baxter, MN? With a friendly population of 8,690, Baxter offers affordable living, with median home prices around $320,000 and average rents at $1,240. Enjoy quick commutes averaging 17 minutes, low violent crime rates (121 per 100K), and access to quality schools and nearby healthcare. Outdoor lovers will appreciate Baxter's beautiful seasons, 55% sunny days, and abundant green spaces, making it an inviting community for families and professionals alike.
Demographics - Baxter, MN
Demographics - Baxter, MN
Baxter is home to about 8,700 residents, offering a balanced gender ratio and a median age near 40, which creates a family-friendly, settled community. The city is predominantly White, with a small but present mix of other groups, and a low percentage of non-English speakers, making it a welcoming environment for newcomers.
Population:
8,690
Density:
480 per sq mi
Median Age:
39.8
Gender Ratio:
98 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
4.8%

Ethnic Composition
White:
95.2%
Black:
0.6%
Asian:
0.9%
Others:
3.3%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Baxter, MN?
Living in Baxter is affordable compared to national averages, with a median home value of $320,000 and average rent around $1,240 per month. Overall costs, including groceries and utilities, are close to the national average, making the city attractive for both homeowners and renters.
Median House Value:
$320,000
Gross Rent:
$1,240
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$120
Auto Insurance:
$1,260
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,700
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$570
State Taxes:
Low:
5.35%
|
High:
9.85%
Cost Of Living Index:
97.0
Grocery:
98.7
Housing:
95.2
Utilities:
104.3
Transportation:
91.8
Health Care:
102.1
Miscellaneous:
99.4
Crime
Is Baxter, MN a safe place to live?
Baxter enjoys a low violent crime rate of 121 incidents per 100,000 people, making it a relatively safe place to live. Property crime is more common, with a 1 in 46 chance, but the overall crime index remains well below national urban averages.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
121
Property Crimes Per 100k:
2,150
Crime Index:
2,271
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 826
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 46
Weather
What is the weather like in Baxter, MN year-round?
Residents in Baxter experience all four seasons, with cold winters averaging lows around 1°F and warm summers reaching up to 81°F. The city has about 55% sunny days and receives roughly 27.5 inches of rainfall annually, ideal for those who enjoy a variety of outdoor activities throughout the year.

Winter
Min:
1°F
Max:
22°F

Spring
Min:
34°F
Max:
62°F

Summer
Min:
54°F
Max:
81°F

Fall
Min:
34°F
Max:
61°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
27.5 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
55%
Neighbors
Baxter's neighborhoods feature a median household income of $71,400 and a low poverty rate of 7.1%, reflecting a stable and prosperous community. Most adults have completed high school, and the average commute is just over 17 minutes, indicating local convenience and educational attainment.
Median Income:
$38,000
Household Income:
$71,400
Family Income:
$84,000
Per Capita Income:
$37,800
Income Male:
$48,500
Income Female:
$41,200
Poverty Rate:
7.1%
Non English Speakers:
4.8%
Rent:
$1,240
Unemployment Rate:
3.7%
Public Transport Usage:
0.4%
Commute Time:
17.1 minutes

Education
High School or Higher:
96.7%
Bachelors or More:
33.2%
Education
How are the schools in Baxter, MN?
Baxter offers quality educational options, including public schools like Baxter Elementary and Forestview Middle, both known for their supportive student-teacher ratios. Nearby, Central Lakes College provides higher education opportunities, ensuring families have access to strong academic resources.

Public Schools
Name:
Baxter Elementary School
Street:
5546 Fairview Rd, Baxter, MN 56425
Phone:
218-454-6400
Students:
575
Student Teacher Ratio:
15:1
Name:
Forestview Middle School
Street:
12149 Knollwood Dr, Baxter, MN 56425
Phone:
218-454-6000
Students:
1,960
Student Teacher Ratio:
17:1

Private Schools
Name:
St. Francis Catholic School
Street:
817 Juniper St, Brainerd, MN 56401
Phone:
218-828-9229
Students:
190

Colleges
Name:
Central Lakes College
City:
Brainerd
State:
MN
Distance:
3 miles
Students:
4,700
Healthcare
Residents have convenient access to healthcare, including Essentia Health-St. Joseph's Medical Center, and benefit from high health insurance coverage at nearly 96%. With about 2.1 physicians per 1,000 people, medical services are readily available for families and individuals.

Major Hospitals
Name:
Essentia Health-St. Joseph's Medical Center
Address:
523 N 3rd St, Brainerd, MN 56401
Phone:
(218) 829-2861
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
2.1
Health Insurance Coverage:
95.8%
Health Care Index:
78.2
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Baxter, MN?
Baxter's housing market is dominated by owner-occupied homes, with a median home price of $320,000 and a healthy appreciation rate of 3.6% over the past year. Rental options are available with moderate vacancy, and foreclosure rates are notably low, offering stability for homebuyers and renters alike.
Median Home Price:
$320,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$1,240
Owner Occupied Rate:
77.4%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
5.1%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
3.6%
New Construction Rate:
1.2%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.4%
DMV Information
Driver and vehicle services for Baxter residents are managed by the Minnesota Department of Public Safety, with full online resources and a main office in St. Paul. The department provides all essential licensing and registration services for new and existing residents.
State:
Minnesota
Department:
Minnesota Department of Public Safety – Driver and Vehicle Services
Address:
445 Minnesota Street, Suite 190, 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.