What to know when moving to Moorhead, MN
TL;DR: Moorhead at a Glance
- The Vibe:
- A community where 42.2% of residents hold a bachelor's degree and 40.3% are renters.
- The Major Draw:
- Median household income is $71,114, providing a solid economic base.
- The Reality Check:
- 17.2% poverty rate indicates some economic challenges.
- Commute:
- Only 1.7% use public transit, making it a car-dependent area.
- Top Tip:
- Budget for $1,019/month rent.
The 'Vibe' Check: Who Thrives Here?
Moorhead has a population of 44,156, with a significant emphasis on education, as shown by the 42.2% of residents with at least a bachelor's degree. This is a city where the majority of households earn a decent income, but the 17.2% poverty rate suggests that not everyone is thriving. The housing market features a mix of renters and owners, with 40.3% of residents renting their homes.
Probably not your spot if: you prefer easily accessible public transportation, as only 1.7% of residents commute via public transit.
Your Money: Housing & Cost Snapshot
- Median gross rent is $1,019, which is manageable for many budgets.
- Median home value is $248,900, reflecting the local real estate market.
- 42.2% of residents have a bachelor's degree, contributing to the community's educational character.
- 17.2% of the population lives below the poverty line.
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 national averages, with property crime at 1,420.7 per 100,000 residents, which is 8.2% lower than the national rate. Violent crime stands at 223.2 per 100,000, which is 31.4% lower than the national average.
- Violent crime: 223.2 per 100k vs. national 325.3 per 100k, with a 21.4% decrease since 2022.
- Property crime: 1,420.7 per 100k vs. national 1,546.9 per 100k, with a 28.7% decrease since 2022.
- Notable trend: Homicide rate has decreased by 32.1% since 2022, now at 2.2 per 100k.
Source: FBI Crime Data Explorer (state-level summarized data for Minnesota).
Schools & Higher Ed
Moorhead provides access to several educational institutions, both locally and regionally, catering to a variety of educational needs.
- Total postsecondary institutions: 8
- Nearby options include Concordia College at Moorhead and Minnesota State University Moorhead.
- 5 institutions are located in nearby Cass County, with 3 in Clay County.
Source: ArcGIS Postsecondary School Locations, NCES, College Scorecard.
Weather & Getting Outside
Clay County experiences an average annual temperature high of 68°F and a low of 45°F. Rainfall totals about 18.6 inches per year, with around 64 rainy days. Snowfall is minimal, averaging just 1.2 inches annually.
- Parks & outdoor spots worth checking out:
- Lindenwood Park - 4.6 stars (1,864 reviews)
- Gooseberry Mound Park - 4.7 stars (601 reviews)
- Fargo Air Museum - 4.6 stars (776 reviews)
- Oak Grove Park - 4.5 stars (515 reviews)
Sources: NOAA Climate Data Online, Google Places.