What to know when moving to East Grand Forks, MN
TL;DR: East Grand Forks at a Glance
- The Vibe:
- A community with 28% renters and a median household income of $83,633.
- The Major Draw:
- Affordable housing with median gross rent at $876.
- The Reality Check:
- Low public transit use at only 0.5% of commutes.
- Top Tip:
- Prepare for 16.8 inches of annual precipitation, so invest in rain gear.
The 'Vibe' Check: Who Thrives Here?
East Grand Forks is home to a population of approximately 10,791, where the median household income of $83,633 supports a mix of homeowners and renters, with 28% of residents renting their homes. The education level in the area is moderate, with about 28.5% of adults holding a bachelor's degree. The community experiences 60 rainy days each year, which might encourage outdoor enthusiasts to plan accordingly.
Probably not your spot if you prefer vibrant public transit options, as only 0.5% of commutes utilize public transportation.
Your Money: Housing & Cost Snapshot
- Median gross rent is $876, making it a budget-friendly choice compared to many areas.
- Median owner-occupied home value is $247,200.
- 28% of residents are renters, indicating a significant portion of the community is invested in rental housing.
- The poverty rate stands at 9.6%, reflecting economic diversity in the area.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-Year Data Profiles.
Crime & Safety: What the Numbers Say
Minnesota has a relatively low crime rate compared to the national average, with a property crime rate of 1,420.7 per 100,000 residents, which is about 8.2% lower than the national rate of 1,546.9. Violent crime is at 223.2 per 100,000, which is significantly lower than the national rate of 325.3, showing a safe environment overall.
- Violent crime: 223.2 per 100k vs. national 325.3, down 21.4% since 2022.
- Property crime: 1,420.7 per 100k vs. national 1,546.9, down 28.7% since 2022.
- Notable trend: The homicide rate has decreased by 32.1% since 2022.
Source: FBI Crime Data Explorer (state-level summarized data for Minnesota).
Schools & Higher Ed
In the East Grand Forks area, there are three postsecondary institutions, providing access to various educational opportunities. Notable institutions include Northland Community and Technical College located in East Grand Forks, along with options in nearby Grand Forks, ND, such as the University of North Dakota.
- Total postsecondary institutions: 3
- With College Scorecard data: 3
- Nearby options include Northland Community and Technical College and the University of North Dakota.
Source: ArcGIS Postsecondary School Locations, NCES College Scorecard.
Weather & Getting Outside
Polk County experiences a range of weather throughout the year, with annual precipitation totaling 16.8 inches and roughly 60 days of rain. Summer highs average around 80°F, while winter lows can drop to around 1°F. The area also sees about 7 days of snowfall annually.
- Parks & outdoor spots worth checking out:
- Lincoln Drive Park - 4.7 stars (658 reviews)
- Sertoma Park - 4.6 stars (498 reviews)
- Northern Air Action Park - 4.5 stars (481 reviews)
- Grand Forks County Historical Society - 4.7 stars (98 reviews)
Sources: NOAA Climate Data Online, Google Places.