Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Pencer, MN
Considering a move to Pencer, MN? This quiet rural community of about 60 residents offers affordable homes with a median price of $185,000 and rents averaging $900. With low crime rates (110 violent crimes per 100k), beautiful northern Minnesota seasons, and a short 23-minute average commute, Pencer is ideal for those seeking peaceful, small-town living. While amenities are limited, residents benefit from nearby schools and access to healthcare in Bemidji or Roseau.
Demographics - Pencer, MN
Demographics - Pencer, MN
Pencer, MN is a close-knit rural community with a population of approximately 60 people and a low density of 5 residents per square mile. The area has a median age of 42 and is predominantly White, with a small percentage of non-English speakers, making it a quiet and stable environment ideal for those seeking a peaceful lifestyle.
Population:
Approx. 60
Density:
5 per sq mi
Median Age:
42.0
Gender Ratio:
102 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
3.6%

Ethnic Composition
White:
95.0%
Black:
0.5%
Asian:
0.3%
Others:
4.2%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Pencer, MN?
Living in Pencer is affordable, with the median home value at $185,000 and average rents around $900. The overall cost of living index is below the national average, especially in housing, making it attractive for budget-conscious residents.
Median House Value:
$185,000
Gross Rent:
$900
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$115
Auto Insurance:
$1,130
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,050
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$410
State Taxes:
Low:
5.35%
|
High:
9.85%
Cost Of Living Index:
91.0
Grocery:
94.0
Housing:
73.5
Utilities:
97.2
Transportation:
90.1
Health Care:
102.5
Miscellaneous:
96.0
Crime
Is Pencer, MN a safe place to live?
Pencer experiences very low crime, with just 110 violent crimes and 1,010 property crimes per 100,000 residents, resulting in less risk and greater peace of mind for families and individuals alike.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
110
Property Crimes Per 100k:
1,010
Crime Index:
1,120
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 900
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 99
Weather
What is the weather like in Pencer, MN year-round?
Residents enjoy distinct seasons, with cold winters dipping to -4°F and warm summers reaching up to 80°F. The area receives about 23 inches of annual rainfall and enjoys sunshine 54% of the year, providing a classic northern Minnesota climate.

Winter
Min:
-4°F
Max:
17°F

Spring
Min:
32°F
Max:
60°F

Summer
Min:
56°F
Max:
80°F

Fall
Min:
35°F
Max:
62°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
23.2 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
54%
Neighbors
Households in Pencer typically earn around $58,250, and most residents have at least a high school diploma. The poverty rate is moderate at 9.1%, and commutes average just over 23 minutes, reflecting a stable, working-class community.
Median Income:
$34,000
Household Income:
$58,250
Family Income:
$65,500
Per Capita Income:
$29,100
Income Male:
$38,000
Income Female:
$31,000
Poverty Rate:
9.1%
Non English Speakers:
3.6%
Rent:
$900
Unemployment Rate:
4.7%
Public Transport Usage:
0.2%
Commute Time:
23.5 minutes

Education
High School or Higher:
91.8%
Bachelors or More:
25.7%
Education
How are the schools in Pencer, MN?
Public schools serving Pencer, such as Badger School and Greenbush-Middle River School, offer low student-teacher ratios and supportive learning environments, while higher education options like Northland Community & Technical College are within driving distance.

Public Schools
Name:
Badger School
Street:
110 Carpenter Ave, Badger, MN 56714
Phone:
218-528-3201
Students:
320
Student Teacher Ratio:
11.5
Name:
Greenbush-Middle River School
Street:
401 Park Ave, Greenbush, MN 56726
Phone:
218-782-2232
Students:
450
Student Teacher Ratio:
12.1

Colleges
Name:
Northland Community & Technical College
City:
Thief River Falls
State:
MN
Distance:
46 miles
Students:
3,500
Healthcare
Healthcare is accessible in nearby towns, with major hospitals such as Sanford Medical Center Bemidji and Altru Clinic Roseau offering a range of services. Most residents have health insurance coverage, and the local healthcare index reflects reliable access to care for a rural area.

Major Hospitals
Name:
Sanford Medical Center Bemidji
Address:
1300 Anne St NW, Bemidji, MN 56601
Phone:
(218) 751-5430
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Name:
Altru Clinic Roseau
Address:
711 Delmore Dr, Roseau, MN 56751
Phone:
(218) 463-1365
Type:
Clinic
Emergency Services:
No
Physicians Per 1000:
1.8
Health Insurance Coverage:
94.2%
Health Care Index:
79.0
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Pencer, MN?
The housing market in Pencer is stable, with an 82% owner-occupancy rate and a median home price of $185,000. Homes have appreciated by about 4% in the last year, and rental options remain affordable with low vacancy and foreclosure rates.
Median Home Price:
$185,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$900
Owner Occupied Rate:
82.4%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
5.6%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
4.2%
New Construction Rate:
0.7%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.4%
DMV Information
Residents can handle all driver and vehicle services through the Minnesota Department of Public Safety in Saint Paul or via their online portal, making licensing and registration straightforward for newcomers.
State:
Minnesota
Department:
Minnesota Department of Public Safety - Driver and Vehicle Services
Address:
445 Minnesota St, Saint Paul, MN 55101
Phone:
651-297-3298
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.