Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Moorhead, MN
Considering a move to Moorhead, MN? With a friendly population of 44,505, Moorhead offers affordable living—median home prices around $265,000 and average rents at $980. Commute times are short (about 18 minutes), and crime rates are below national averages. Residents enjoy strong local schools, convenient access to major hospitals, and a climate with true seasonal variety. If you’re seeking a welcoming city with a small-town vibe, solid education options, and a reasonable cost of living, Moorhead could be your perfect fit.
Demographics - Moorhead, MN
Demographics - Moorhead, MN
Moorhead is home to 44,505 residents, featuring a youthful median age of 29.6 and a population density of about 2,100 people per square mile. The city has a predominantly White population, but also embraces diversity with nearly 9% non-English speakers. This vibrant community offers a balanced gender ratio and a welcoming atmosphere for newcomers.
Population:
44,505
Density:
2,100 per sq mi
Median Age:
29.6
Gender Ratio:
98 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
8.9%
Ethnic Composition
White:
86.8%
Black:
4.6%
Asian:
2.2%
Others:
6.4%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Moorhead, MN?
Living in Moorhead is affordable, with a median home value of $265,000 and average rents near $980 per month. The overall cost of living index is below the national average at 93.4, and housing costs are especially reasonable. Residents also benefit from modest utility and transportation expenses, making it a budget-friendly place to call home.
Median House Value:
$265,000
Gross Rent:
$980
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$110
Auto Insurance:
$1,210
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,450
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$475
State Taxes:
Low:
5.35%
|
High:
9.85%
Cost Of Living Index:
93.4
Grocery:
97.0
Housing:
84.5
Utilities:
95.3
Transportation:
90.7
Health Care:
98.1
Miscellaneous:
91.6
Crime
Is Moorhead, MN a safe place to live?
Moorhead enjoys lower-than-average crime rates, with a violent crime rate of 193 per 100,000 residents and a property crime rate of 1,850 per 100,000. The chance of experiencing a violent crime is about 1 in 518, offering peace of mind for families and individuals. This safe environment makes Moorhead attractive for those seeking a secure community.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
193
Property Crimes Per 100k:
1,850
Crime Index:
2,043
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 518
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 54
Weather
What is the weather like in Moorhead, MN year-round?
Residents of Moorhead experience all four seasons, with cold winters that can drop to 0°F and warm summers reaching up to 82°F. The city receives about 23 inches of rainfall annually and enjoys sunshine nearly 60% of the year. This climate offers plenty of variety and opportunities for both winter and summer activities.
Winter
Min:
0°F
Max:
22°F
Spring
Min:
35°F
Max:
65°F
Summer
Min:
57°F
Max:
82°F
Fall
Min:
38°F
Max:
65°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
22.8 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
58%
Neighbors
Moorhead's neighborhoods offer a median household income of $65,230 and a family income of $85,100, with a relatively low unemployment rate of 3.2%. Most residents have at least a high school diploma, and commute times average just under 18 minutes. The community is known for its educational attainment and friendly, close-knit feel.
Median Income:
$43,800
Household Income:
$65,230
Family Income:
$85,100
Per Capita Income:
$28,300
Income Male:
$41,200
Income Female:
$33,900
Poverty Rate:
13.5%
Non English Speakers:
8.9%
Rent:
$980
Unemployment Rate:
3.2%
Public Transport Usage:
1.3%
Commute Time:
17.5 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
94.1%
Bachelors or More:
34.9%
Education
How are the schools in Moorhead, MN?
Moorhead offers strong educational options, including well-rated public schools like Moorhead High School and Horizon Middle School, as well as private institutions such as Park Christian School. The city is also home to higher education campuses, with Minnesota State University Moorhead and Concordia College serving thousands of students. This makes Moorhead an excellent choice for families and students seeking quality education.
Public Schools
Name:
Moorhead High School
Street:
2300 4th Ave S
Phone:
218-284-2300
Students:
1,800
Student Teacher Ratio:
18.2
Name:
Horizon Middle School
Street:
3601 12th Ave S
Phone:
218-284-8300
Students:
1,500
Student Teacher Ratio:
17.4
Private Schools
Name:
Park Christian School
Street:
300 17th St N
Phone:
218-236-0500
Students:
570
Colleges
Name:
Minnesota State University Moorhead
City:
Moorhead
State:
MN
Distance:
0 miles
Students:
5,500
Name:
Concordia College
City:
Moorhead
State:
MN
Distance:
0 miles
Students:
1,900
Healthcare
Moorhead residents have access to major healthcare facilities nearby, including Sanford Medical Center Fargo and Essentia Health-Fargo, both offering emergency services. Healthcare coverage is high, with over 93% of residents insured and 2.1 physicians per 1,000 people. This ensures quality medical care is readily available for individuals and families.
Major Hospitals
Name:
Sanford Medical Center Fargo
Address:
5225 23rd Ave S, Fargo, ND 58104
Phone:
(701) 234-2000
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Name:
Essentia Health-Fargo
Address:
3000 32nd Ave S, Fargo, ND 58103
Phone:
(701) 364-8000
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
2.1
Health Insurance Coverage:
93.5%
Health Care Index:
75.6
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Moorhead, MN?
The Moorhead housing market remains accessible with a median home price of $265,000 and average two-bedroom rent at $980. Over 60% of homes are owner-occupied, and the city sees a healthy home appreciation rate of 4.7% per year. Rental vacancies are moderate, making it possible to find both rental and purchase opportunities.
Median Home Price:
$265,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$980
Owner Occupied Rate:
61.9%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
6.5%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
4.7%
New Construction Rate:
1.3%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.3%
DMV Information
Minnesota’s Driver and Vehicle Services office serves Moorhead residents, providing driver licensing and registration at their headquarters in St. Paul and online. The department ensures all vehicle and licensing needs are handled efficiently. For local assistance, residents can visit the DVS website or contact their office directly.
State:
Minnesota
Department:
Minnesota Driver and Vehicle Services
Address:
445 Minnesota Street, 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.