Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Thief River Falls, MN
Thinking of moving to Thief River Falls, MN? This friendly city of about 8,700 residents offers affordable living with median home prices around $165,000 and average rents of $850. Commutes are quick—averaging just under 14 minutes—and crime rates are moderate, with violent crime at 208 per 100K. Enjoy the charm of a close-knit community, solid public schools, and four true seasons with snowy winters and pleasant summers. Explore the details below to see if Thief River Falls is your next home sweet home!
Demographics - Thief River Falls, MN
Demographics - Thief River Falls, MN
Thief River Falls is a small city of approximately 8,700 people, with a median age of 37.2 and a population density of 1,300 per square mile. The community is predominantly White at over 93%, with a balanced gender ratio and a modest percentage of non-English speakers, making it a close-knit and accessible place for newcomers.
Population:
8,700
Density:
1,300 per sq mi
Median Age:
37.2
Gender Ratio:
98 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
4.0%

Ethnic Composition
White:
93.5%
Black:
0.6%
Asian:
0.8%
Others:
5.1%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Thief River Falls, MN?
Living in Thief River Falls is affordable, with a cost of living index well below the national average and median home values around $165,000. Residents benefit from reasonable rents, moderate utility expenses, and manageable state tax rates, making it a budget-friendly option for families and individuals.
Median House Value:
$165,000
Gross Rent:
$850
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$110
Auto Insurance:
$1,350
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,180
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$430
State Taxes:
Low:
5.35%
|
High:
9.85%
Cost Of Living Index:
84.5
Grocery:
95.2
Housing:
72.8
Utilities:
95.6
Transportation:
88.7
Health Care:
101.2
Miscellaneous:
90.3
Crime
Is Thief River Falls, MN a safe place to live?
The city experiences moderate crime levels, with a violent crime rate of 208 per 100,000 residents and a property crime rate of 2,040 per 100,000. While the chance of property crime is about 1 in 49, Thief River Falls remains generally safe, especially compared to larger urban areas.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
208
Property Crimes Per 100k:
2,040
Crime Index:
2,248
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 480
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 49
Weather
What is the weather like in Thief River Falls, MN year-round?
Thief River Falls enjoys four distinct seasons, featuring cold, snowy winters with average lows near -2°F and warm summers peaking around 79°F. The area receives about 22 inches of rainfall annually and enjoys sunshine over half the year, creating a classic northern climate.

Winter
Min:
-2°F
Max:
17°F

Spring
Min:
32°F
Max:
58°F

Summer
Min:
54°F
Max:
79°F

Fall
Min:
32°F
Max:
58°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
22.3 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
51%
Neighbors
Local households have a median income of about $57,360, and the poverty rate stands at 12.9%. Most residents commute in under 14 minutes, and the community values education, with over 92% having at least a high school diploma.
Median Income:
$36,900
Household Income:
$57,360
Family Income:
$71,200
Per Capita Income:
$30,800
Income Male:
$41,700
Income Female:
$34,900
Poverty Rate:
12.9%
Non English Speakers:
4.0%
Rent:
$850
Unemployment Rate:
4.2%
Public Transport Usage:
0.2%
Commute Time:
13.6 minutes

Education
High School or Higher:
92.5%
Bachelors or More:
20.4%
Education
How are the schools in Thief River Falls, MN?
The city provides quality educational options, including Lincoln High School and Franklin Middle School, both with supportive student-to-teacher ratios. Northland Community & Technical College offers local higher education opportunities, while St. Bernard’s Catholic School adds a private school choice for families.

Public Schools
Name:
Lincoln High School
Street:
101 Knight Ave S
Phone:
218-681-7432
Students:
625
Student Teacher Ratio:
15.8
Name:
Franklin Middle School
Street:
300 Spruce Ave S
Phone:
218-681-8815
Students:
520
Student Teacher Ratio:
14.9

Private Schools
Name:
St. Bernard’s Catholic School
Street:
117 Knight Ave N
Phone:
218-681-1539
Students:
150

Colleges
Name:
Northland Community & Technical College
City:
Thief River Falls
State:
MN
Distance:
0 miles
Students:
3,500
Healthcare
Healthcare in Thief River Falls is anchored by the Sanford Thief River Falls Medical Center, providing comprehensive general and emergency services. The city has a solid physician presence with 1.7 doctors per 1,000 residents and a high rate of health insurance coverage at 93%.

Major Hospitals
Name:
Sanford Thief River Falls Medical Center
Address:
3001 Sanford Pkwy, Thief River Falls, MN 56701
Phone:
(218) 683-4000
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
1.7
Health Insurance Coverage:
93.0%
Health Care Index:
68.2
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Thief River Falls, MN?
Thief River Falls offers attainable housing, with median home prices at $165,000 and average two-bedroom rents of $850. The majority of homes are owner-occupied, and the market has seen steady appreciation, making it appealing for both buyers and renters.
Median Home Price:
$165,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$850
Owner Occupied Rate:
64.8%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
5.8%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
4.1%
New Construction Rate:
0.7%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.2%
DMV Information
Residents can access vehicle and licensing services at the local Minnesota Driver and Vehicle Services office on Highway 1. The DMV offers standard services and information, ensuring convenience for new and current drivers in the area.
State:
Minnesota
Department:
Minnesota Driver and Vehicle Services
Address:
2050 Highway 1, Thief River Falls, MN 56701
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.