Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Knife River, MN
Considering a move to Knife River, MN? This small North Shore community of about 350 offers affordable living with home prices around $290,000 and low average rents. Residents enjoy a low crime rate, brisk Lake Superior climate with 55% sunny days, and quick 25-minute commutes to Duluth. The area boasts strong public schools, high rates of homeownership, and easy access to healthcare and the outdoors—perfect for those seeking a quiet, scenic lifestyle.
Demographics - Knife River, MN
Demographics - Knife River, MN
Knife River is a close-knit community of about 350 residents, with a predominantly White population and a median age of 52, suggesting a mature and settled population. The area features a balanced gender ratio and a small but present diversity, with just under 3% of residents speaking a language other than English at home.
Population:
350
Density:
150 per sq mi
Median Age:
52.0
Gender Ratio:
101 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
2.8%
Ethnic Composition
White:
95.5%
Black:
0.5%
Asian:
0.8%
Others:
3.2%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Knife River, MN?
Knife River offers an affordable cost of living, with median home values around $290,000 and average rents at $950, making it attractive for both homeowners and renters. Utility costs and overall living expenses remain reasonable, and the local cost of living index is below the national average.
Median House Value:
$290,000
Gross Rent:
$950
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$110
Auto Insurance:
$1,320
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,300
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$490
State Taxes:
Low:
5.35%
|
High:
9.85%
Cost Of Living Index:
93.2
Grocery:
97.1
Housing:
82.5
Utilities:
104.3
Transportation:
102.6
Health Care:
100.9
Miscellaneous:
96.0
Crime
Is Knife River, MN a safe place to live?
Residents enjoy a safe environment in Knife River, where violent crime is rare—only about 80 incidents per 100,000 people—and the chance of being affected by property crime is low. The community provides peace of mind for families and individuals seeking a secure place to live.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
80
Property Crimes Per 100k:
490
Crime Index:
570
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 1,250
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 204
Weather
What is the weather like in Knife River, MN year-round?
Knife River experiences classic Minnesota seasons, with cold winters averaging lows of 2°F and mild summers reaching up to 76°F. The area receives about 28.5 inches of rainfall annually and enjoys sunshine 55% of the year, creating a blend of crisp, clear days and picturesque snowy winters.
Winter
Min:
2°F
Max:
24°F
Spring
Min:
30°F
Max:
55°F
Summer
Min:
50°F
Max:
76°F
Fall
Min:
33°F
Max:
58°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
28.5 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
55%
Neighbors
Local households in Knife River typically earn around $60,000, with a poverty rate of just over 7% and unemployment at 4.1%. Most residents commute about 25 minutes to work, and the community boasts strong educational attainment, with over 93% holding at least a high school diploma.
Median Income:
$38,000
Household Income:
$60,000
Family Income:
$71,000
Per Capita Income:
$34,500
Income Male:
$42,000
Income Female:
$36,000
Poverty Rate:
7.1%
Non English Speakers:
3.0%
Rent:
$950
Unemployment Rate:
4.1%
Public Transport Usage:
0.5%
Commute Time:
24.8 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
93.8%
Bachelors or More:
31.6%
Education
How are the schools in Knife River, MN?
Knife River families benefit from strong local schools, with public options like Two Harbors High School and Minnehaha Elementary offering low student-teacher ratios. For higher education, residents are within 20 miles of Lake Superior College and the University of Minnesota Duluth, making advanced learning accessible.
Public Schools
Name:
Two Harbors High School
Street:
1640 Hwy 2, Two Harbors, MN 55616
Phone:
218-834-8201
Students:
430
Student Teacher Ratio:
13.7
Name:
Minnehaha Elementary School
Street:
701 7th Ave, Two Harbors, MN 55616
Phone:
218-834-8221
Students:
410
Student Teacher Ratio:
14.2
Private Schools
Name:
Marshall School
Street:
1215 Rice Lake Rd, Duluth, MN 55811
Phone:
218-727-7266
Students:
400
Colleges
Name:
Lake Superior College
City:
Duluth
State:
MN
Distance:
19 miles
Students:
4,200
Name:
University of Minnesota Duluth
City:
Duluth
State:
MN
Distance:
20 miles
Students:
10,600
Healthcare
Knife River residents have convenient access to major hospitals in nearby Duluth, including St. Luke's and Essentia Health, both offering emergency services. The area maintains a high health insurance coverage rate of nearly 94% and a solid availability of physicians, supporting overall community well-being.
Major Hospitals
Name:
St. Luke's Hospital
Address:
915 E 1st St, Duluth, MN 55805
Phone:
(218) 249-5555
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Name:
Essentia Health-Duluth
Address:
502 E 2nd St, Duluth, MN 55805
Phone:
(218) 786-8364
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
2.1
Health Insurance Coverage:
93.9%
Health Care Index:
77.2
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Knife River, MN?
The housing market in Knife River is stable, with a median home price of $290,000 and owner-occupancy at 83%. Home values have appreciated by about 4% over the past year, and rental options remain accessible with average two-bedroom rents at $950.
Median Home Price:
$290,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$950
Owner Occupied Rate:
83.0%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
7.2%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
4.1%
New Construction Rate:
1.1%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.3%
DMV Information
Residents handle licensing and vehicle registration through the Minnesota Department of Public Safety, located in St. Paul, with comprehensive services and information available online. The department provides clear guidance for new arrivals settling in Knife River.
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.