Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Fosston, MN
Thinking of moving to Fosston, MN? With a friendly population of 1,434, Fosston offers a small-town feel and affordable living—median home prices are just $147,000 and average rent is $690. Commutes are quick at around 12 minutes, and crime rates are low, with only 110 violent crimes per 100K residents. The area features quality local schools, reliable healthcare, and the charm of Minnesota’s four seasons, making it a welcoming choice for families and retirees alike.
Demographics - Fosston, MN
Demographics - Fosston, MN
Fosston is home to 1,434 residents, with a predominantly White population and a median age of 41.2, reflecting a mature, close-knit community. The city has a balanced gender ratio and a modest percentage of non-English speakers, contributing to its welcoming small-town atmosphere.
Population:
1,434
Density:
1,180 per sq mi
Median Age:
41.2
Gender Ratio:
94 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
5.1%

Ethnic Composition
White:
94.5%
Black:
0.5%
Asian:
0.6%
Others:
4.4%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Fosston, MN?
The cost of living in Fosston is notably affordable, with a median home value of $147,000 and average rent of $690. Residents benefit from lower-than-average costs for groceries, utilities, and transportation, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious families or retirees.
Median House Value:
$147,000
Gross Rent:
$690
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$105
Auto Insurance:
$970
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,080
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$390
State Taxes:
Low:
5.35%
|
High:
9.85%
Cost Of Living Index:
86.4
Grocery:
96.2
Housing:
66.0
Utilities:
94.1
Transportation:
87.0
Health Care:
94.6
Miscellaneous:
88.2
Crime
Is Fosston, MN a safe place to live?
Fosston enjoys a low crime rate, with just 110 violent crimes and 1,350 property crimes per 100,000 residents, offering peace of mind for those seeking a safe community. The chance of experiencing a violent crime is about 1 in 900, making it a secure place to live.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
110
Property Crimes Per 100k:
1,350
Crime Index:
1,460
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 900
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 74
Weather
What is the weather like in Fosston, MN year-round?
Residents experience all four seasons, with cold winters dipping to -2°F and warm summers reaching up to 78°F. The area receives about 23 inches of annual rainfall and enjoys sunshine 54% of the year, perfect for those who appreciate a true northern climate.

Winter
Min:
-2°F
Max:
19°F

Spring
Min:
28°F
Max:
60°F

Summer
Min:
53°F
Max:
78°F

Fall
Min:
32°F
Max:
62°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
23.2 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
54%
Neighbors
Fosston’s neighbors typically have a median household income of $47,900 and a low unemployment rate of 4.5%. Most residents have short commutes and high school graduation rates, reflecting a stable and educated community.
Median Income:
$33,500
Household Income:
$47,900
Family Income:
$58,000
Per Capita Income:
$27,300
Income Male:
$38,000
Income Female:
$28,000
Poverty Rate:
13.2%
Non English Speakers:
5.1%
Rent:
$690
Unemployment Rate:
4.5%
Public Transport Usage:
0.2%
Commute Time:
12.4 minutes

Education
High School or Higher:
91.8%
Bachelors or More:
23.5%
Education
How are the schools in Fosston, MN?
Fosston features quality public schools like Fosston High School and Magelssen Elementary, offering low student-teacher ratios for personalized learning. For higher education, Northland Community & Technical College is conveniently located 38 miles away, expanding post-secondary options.

Public Schools
Name:
Fosston High School
Street:
301 1st St E
Phone:
218-435-1909
Students:
240
Student Teacher Ratio:
11.5
Name:
Magelssen Elementary School
Street:
700 1st St E
Phone:
218-435-6036
Students:
265
Student Teacher Ratio:
13.0

Colleges
Name:
Northland Community & Technical College
City:
Thief River Falls
State:
MN
Distance:
38 miles
Students:
3,200
Healthcare
Fosston offers reliable healthcare with a general hospital, Essentia Health Fosston, and 2.2 physicians per 1,000 residents. With over 92% health insurance coverage, residents have good access to medical services and emergency care.

Major Hospitals
Name:
Essentia Health Fosston
Address:
900 Hilligoss Blvd SE, Fosston, MN 56542
Phone:
(218) 435-1133
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
2.2
Health Insurance Coverage:
92.8%
Health Care Index:
77.0
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Fosston, MN?
The local housing market is stable and affordable, with a median home price of $147,000 and an average rent for a two-bedroom at $700. Owner occupancy is high at 68%, and the area sees modest home appreciation and low foreclosure rates.
Median Home Price:
$147,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$700
Owner Occupied Rate:
68.1%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
6.8%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
4.1%
New Construction Rate:
0.8%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.6%
DMV Information
Residents can manage their driver and vehicle needs through the Minnesota Department of Public Safety, with services available online or at the main office in St. Paul. The DMV provides comprehensive support for licensing, registration, and vehicle services.
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.