Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Bowlus, MN
Thinking of moving to Bowlus, MN? This welcoming small town of 264 residents features affordable living, with median home prices around $158,000 and average rents at $820. Residents enjoy a low crime rate, short 21-minute commutes, and a strong sense of community. Local schools serve the area, with larger healthcare and shopping options in nearby towns. With four distinct seasons and plenty of sunny days, Bowlus offers a peaceful, budget-friendly lifestyle in central Minnesota.
Demographics - Bowlus, MN
Demographics - Bowlus, MN
Bowlus is a small, close-knit community of 264 people, predominantly White, with a median age of 35.8 years. The population density is moderate at 410 residents per square mile, offering a quiet environment with a balanced gender ratio. Few residents speak a language other than English, reflecting a largely homogenous population.
Population:
264
Density:
410 per sq mi
Median Age:
35.8
Gender Ratio:
105 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
2.1%

Ethnic Composition
White:
97.4%
Black:
0.4%
Asian:
0.4%
Others:
1.8%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Bowlus, MN?
Living in Bowlus is affordable, with a median home value of $158,000 and average rent at $820, making homeownership and renting accessible options. The overall cost of living index of 91 signals that expenses are below the national average, especially for housing. Utilities, groceries, and transportation are also reasonably priced, supporting a budget-friendly lifestyle.
Median House Value:
$158,000
Gross Rent:
$820
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$120
Auto Insurance:
$1,180
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,160
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$485
State Taxes:
Low:
5.35%
|
High:
9.85%
Cost Of Living Index:
91.0
Grocery:
94.4
Housing:
71.2
Utilities:
98.7
Transportation:
93.5
Health Care:
102.1
Miscellaneous:
95.8
Crime
Is Bowlus, MN a safe place to live?
Bowlus enjoys a low crime rate, with only 86 violent crimes and 840 property crimes per 100,000 residents, which translates to a 1 in 1,160 chance of experiencing violent crime. These figures indicate a safe environment for families and individuals. Residents benefit from peace of mind in this quiet, rural town.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
86
Property Crimes Per 100k:
840
Crime Index:
926
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 1,160
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 119
Weather
What is the weather like in Bowlus, MN year-round?
Bowlus experiences all four seasons, with cold winters averaging lows around 3°F and warm summers reaching highs near 81°F. The area receives about 28 inches of annual rainfall and enjoys sunshine 52% of the year. Residents can expect distinct seasonal changes, perfect for those who appreciate a classic Midwestern climate.

Winter
Min:
3°F
Max:
22°F

Spring
Min:
31°F
Max:
60°F

Summer
Min:
56°F
Max:
81°F

Fall
Min:
33°F
Max:
59°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
28.3 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
52%
Neighbors
Local households have a median income of $63,800, with a relatively low poverty rate of 9.8%. Most residents are well-educated, with over 92% holding at least a high school diploma. The average commute is just over 21 minutes, and unemployment remains low, making Bowlus a stable and community-oriented place to live.
Median Income:
$34,000
Household Income:
$63,800
Family Income:
$75,200
Per Capita Income:
$28,200
Income Male:
$41,000
Income Female:
$31,200
Poverty Rate:
9.8%
Non English Speakers:
2.1%
Rent:
$820
Unemployment Rate:
3.7%
Public Transport Usage:
0.2%
Commute Time:
21.3 minutes

Education
High School or Higher:
92.9%
Bachelors or More:
18.7%
Education
How are the schools in Bowlus, MN?
Bowlus students attend Royalton Elementary and Royalton High School in nearby Royalton, both offering small class sizes and a supportive learning environment. Higher education opportunities are available 28 miles away at Central Lakes College in Brainerd, serving over 5,400 students. The area’s schools are committed to providing quality education in a community-focused setting.

Public Schools
Name:
Royalton Elementary
Street:
119 N Driftwood St, Royalton, MN 56373
Phone:
320-584-4100
Students:
410
Student Teacher Ratio:
14.2
Name:
Royalton High School
Street:
120 S Hawthorn St, Royalton, MN 56373
Phone:
320-584-4200
Students:
340
Student Teacher Ratio:
15.1

Colleges
Name:
Central Lakes College
City:
Brainerd
State:
MN
Distance:
28 miles
Students:
5,400
Healthcare
Residents have access to St. Gabriel’s Hospital in nearby Little Falls, offering general and emergency services. The town has a strong health insurance coverage rate at 93.5%, and there are 1.4 physicians per 1,000 residents. Overall, healthcare services are reliable and within convenient reach.

Major Hospitals
Name:
St. Gabriel’s Hospital
Address:
815 2nd St SE, Little Falls, MN 56345
Phone:
(320) 632-5441
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
1.4
Health Insurance Coverage:
93.5%
Health Care Index:
67.2
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Bowlus, MN?
Bowlus offers a predominantly owner-occupied housing market, with 83.9% of homes lived in by their owners and a median home price of $158,000. The rental vacancy rate is moderate at 7.5%, and home values have appreciated by 4.1% over the past year. This market makes Bowlus an attractive option for both buyers and renters seeking affordability.
Median Home Price:
$158,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$820
Owner Occupied Rate:
83.9%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
7.5%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
4.1%
New Construction Rate:
0.4%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.2%
DMV Information
Residents are served by the Minnesota Department of Public Safety – Driver and Vehicle Services, located in St. Paul. All driver and vehicle needs can be handled through their main office, accessible online or via phone for convenience. The DMV provides comprehensive resources for licensing, registration, and more.
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.