Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Bena, MN
Considering a move to Bena, MN? This small community of 143 offers affordable living, with median home prices around $90,000 and average rents at $725. Residents enjoy short 16-minute commutes and easy access to nature, though incomes are modest and the poverty rate is higher than average. Bena features a close-knit atmosphere, low cost of living, and a climate with true four-season variety, making it ideal for those seeking rural tranquility and outdoor adventure.
Demographics - Bena, MN
Bena, MN is a small, close-knit community of 143 residents, with a median age of 36 and a population density of 230 people per square mile. The city is predominantly Native American, making up over 75% of the population, and features a nearly even gender balance. A modest percentage of non-English speakers adds to the town’s cultural diversity.
Population:
143
Density:
230 per sq mi
Median Age:
36.0
Gender Ratio:
91 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
7.5%

Ethnic Composition
White:
24.5%
Black:
0.0%
Asian:
0.0%
Others:
75.5% (primarily Native American)
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Bena, MN?
Bena offers a notably affordable cost of living, with median home values at $90,000 and average rents of $725 per month. The area’s cost of living index is well below the national average, making everyday expenses such as groceries and housing budget-friendly. Utilities and healthcare remain reasonably priced, helping residents maintain a comfortable lifestyle.
Median House Value:
$90,000
Gross Rent:
$725
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$130
Auto Insurance:
$1,220
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$960
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$310
State Taxes:
Low:
5.35%
|
High:
9.85%
Cost Of Living Index:
84.7
Grocery:
96.2
Housing:
56.1
Utilities:
101.4
Transportation:
88.9
Health Care:
98.7
Miscellaneous:
90.5
Crime
Is Bena, MN a safe place to live?
Bena experiences a relatively low rate of violent crime, with a chance of 1 in 316, though property crime is more common with odds of 1 in 82. The overall crime index is moderate, which means residents benefit from a generally safe, small-town environment but should still take basic precautions. Local law enforcement supports community safety initiatives.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
316
Property Crimes Per 100k:
1,220
Crime Index:
1,536
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 316
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 82
Weather
What is the weather like in Bena, MN year-round?
Bena enjoys four distinct seasons, featuring cold winters with lows around 1°F and warm summers reaching up to 79°F. The area receives about 27 inches of rainfall annually and sees sunshine nearly half the year. These weather patterns provide ample opportunities for seasonal outdoor activities and enjoying Minnesota’s natural beauty.

Winter
Min:
1°F
Max:
19°F

Spring
Min:
32°F
Max:
59°F

Summer
Min:
53°F
Max:
79°F

Fall
Min:
32°F
Max:
59°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
27.4 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
49%
Neighbors
Households in Bena have a median income of $35,000 and a per capita income of $15,300, with a relatively high poverty rate of 36.5%. Most residents commute about 16 minutes to work, and public transportation is not commonly used. The community values education, with over 77% of adults holding at least a high school diploma.
Median Income:
$17,500
Household Income:
$35,000
Family Income:
$43,200
Per Capita Income:
$15,300
Income Male:
$28,000
Income Female:
$22,000
Poverty Rate:
36.5%
Non English Speakers:
7.5%
Rent:
$725
Unemployment Rate:
7.8%
Public Transport Usage:
0.0%
Commute Time:
16.1 minutes

Education
High School or Higher:
77.6%
Bachelors or More:
8.7%
Education
How are the schools in Bena, MN?
Bena is served by the Bug-O-Nay-Ge-Shig School, which offers small class sizes with a student-teacher ratio of 9.8, supporting individualized attention. Higher education options include Leech Lake Tribal College 16 miles away and Bemidji State University within a 34-mile drive. These institutions provide opportunities for local students to pursue further education without relocating.

Public Schools
Name:
Bug-O-Nay-Ge-Shig School
Street:
15353 Silver Eagle Dr NW
Phone:
218-665-3000
Students:
220
Student Teacher Ratio:
9.8

Colleges
Name:
Leech Lake Tribal College
City:
Cass Lake
State:
MN
Distance:
16 miles
Students:
250
Name:
Bemidji State University
City:
Bemidji
State:
MN
Distance:
34 miles
Students:
4,800
Healthcare
Residents of Bena have access to nearby medical facilities like Cass Lake Indian Health Service Hospital and Sanford Bemidji Medical Center, both offering emergency services. Health insurance coverage is high at 89.3%, and there are about 1.5 physicians per 1,000 people. The healthcare index suggests services are accessible and generally affordable.

Major Hospitals
Name:
Cass Lake Indian Health Service Hospital
Address:
425 7th St NW, Cass Lake, MN 56633
Phone:
(218) 335-3200
Type:
General & Outpatient
Emergency Services:
Yes
Name:
Sanford Bemidji Medical Center
Address:
1300 Anne St NW, Bemidji, MN 56601
Phone:
(218) 751-5430
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
1.5
Health Insurance Coverage:
89.3%
Health Care Index:
73.2
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Bena, MN?
The Bena housing market is highly affordable, with a median home price of $90,000 and average rent for a two-bedroom at $725. About half of the homes are owner-occupied, and there’s a moderate rental vacancy rate, giving newcomers options for both buying and renting. Home values have experienced modest appreciation, reflecting stable demand.
Median Home Price:
$90,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$725
Owner Occupied Rate:
50.4%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
8.7%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
3.2%
New Construction Rate:
0.2%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.6%
DMV Information
Driver and vehicle services for Bena residents are managed by the Minnesota Department of Public Safety, based in St. Paul. Residents can access licensing, registration, and other DMV services online or by contacting the state office. The DMV ensures convenient assistance for all transportation needs.
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.