Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Turtle River, MN
Considering a move to Turtle River, MN? This tiny, rural town of just 81 residents offers affordable living with a median home price around $218,000 and average rents near $850. Enjoy peaceful, low-crime surroundings, brisk northern Minnesota seasons, and an easy 28-minute average commute. While amenities are limited locally, quality schools and major healthcare are available nearby in Bemidji. If you’re seeking quiet, nature, and affordability, Turtle River could be your perfect fit.
Demographics - Turtle River, MN
Demographics - Turtle River, MN
Turtle River is a close-knit rural community with just 81 residents, a median age of 49.5, and a population density of 54 people per square mile. The town is predominantly White, with a small percentage of other ethnic backgrounds, and most residents are English speakers. Its balanced gender ratio and mature population offer a peaceful, small-town environment.
Population:
81
Density:
54 per sq mi
Median Age:
49.5
Gender Ratio:
120 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
1.5%

Ethnic Composition
White:
93.0%
Black:
0.0%
Asian:
0.0%
Others:
7.0%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Turtle River, MN?
Living in Turtle River is relatively affordable, with a median home value of $218,000 and an average rent of $850. The overall cost of living index is below the national average, especially for housing and transportation, making it budget-friendly for families and retirees. Utilities and groceries are reasonably priced, and state income taxes range from 5.35% to 9.85%.
Median House Value:
$218,000
Gross Rent:
$850
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$120
Auto Insurance:
$980
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,120
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$390
State Taxes:
Low:
5.35%
|
High:
9.85%
Cost Of Living Index:
91.6
Grocery:
97.5
Housing:
81.0
Utilities:
98.2
Transportation:
89.4
Health Care:
101.0
Miscellaneous:
93.2
Crime
Is Turtle River, MN a safe place to live?
Turtle River offers a secure, low-crime atmosphere, with violent crime rates at 140 per 100,000 and property crimes at 1,090 per 100,000 people. Residents enjoy a low chance of encountering crime, contributing to the town's appeal for those seeking peace of mind. The tight-knit community further supports a safe and welcoming environment.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
140
Property Crimes Per 100k:
1,090
Crime Index:
1,230
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 714
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 92
Weather
What is the weather like in Turtle River, MN year-round?
Turtle River experiences classic northern Minnesota seasons, with cold winters dropping to 1°F and mild summers averaging up to 78°F. The area receives about 27.5 inches of rainfall annually and enjoys sunshine roughly 53% of the year. Residents can expect crisp falls, refreshing springs, and plenty of opportunities for year-round outdoor activities.

Winter
Min:
1°F
Max:
20°F

Spring
Min:
30°F
Max:
60°F

Summer
Min:
54°F
Max:
78°F

Fall
Min:
32°F
Max:
57°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
27.5 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
53%
Neighbors
Neighboring households typically earn a median income of $62,000, with a low poverty rate of 8.5% and high educational attainment—over 94% have completed high school. Most residents commute about 28 minutes to work, and public transportation is not common in the area. The community is family-oriented and friendly, with a strong sense of local connection.
Median Income:
$30,500
Household Income:
$62,000
Family Income:
$75,100
Per Capita Income:
$34,500
Income Male:
$37,000
Income Female:
$32,000
Poverty Rate:
8.5%
Non English Speakers:
1.5%
Rent:
$850
Unemployment Rate:
4.2%
Public Transport Usage:
0.0%
Commute Time:
28.2 minutes

Education
High School or Higher:
94.2%
Bachelors or More:
24.6%
Education
How are the schools in Turtle River, MN?
Families in Turtle River benefit from access to quality education, with local public and private schools in nearby Bemidji and a student-teacher ratio of 15:1 at the elementary level. Higher education opportunities are close by, including Bemidji State University just 11 miles away. The community values education, supported by strong graduation rates.

Public Schools
Name:
Northern Elementary School
Street:
8711 Irvine Ave NW, Bemidji, MN 56601
Phone:
218-333-3260
Students:
410
Student Teacher Ratio:
15:1

Private Schools
Name:
St. Philip's School
Street:
702 Beltrami Ave NW, Bemidji, MN 56601
Phone:
218-444-4938
Students:
220

Colleges
Name:
Bemidji State University
City:
Bemidji
State:
MN
Distance:
11 miles
Students:
4,800
Healthcare
Access to healthcare is reliable, with 92.4% of residents insured and the nearby Sanford Bemidji Medical Center offering comprehensive medical services and emergency care. The area has a healthy physician-to-resident ratio of 1.7 per 1,000 people. Turtle River residents benefit from quality medical facilities just a short drive away.

Major Hospitals
Name:
Sanford Bemidji Medical Center
Address:
1300 Anne St NW, Bemidji, MN 56601
Phone:
(218) 751-5430
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
1.7
Health Insurance Coverage:
92.4%
Health Care Index:
69.8
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Turtle River, MN?
The housing market in Turtle River is stable and affordable, with a median home price of $218,000 and an 84.1% owner-occupancy rate. Rental options are available, with average two-bedroom rents at $850 and a low foreclosure rate of just 0.3%. Home values have appreciated by 6.3% over the past year, indicating a steady market.
Median Home Price:
$218,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$850
Owner Occupied Rate:
84.1%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
8.0%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
6.3%
New Construction Rate:
0.6%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.3%
DMV Information
Residents of Turtle River are served by the Minnesota Department of Public Safety - Driver and Vehicle Services, headquartered in St. Paul. All licensing, vehicle registration, and driving services are efficiently managed through the state's online portal and regional offices. This ensures easy access to essential DMV services for local drivers.
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.