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.

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Who regulates Moorhead interstate movers?

Moorhead moving companies are required to be registered with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) if they perform interstate moves. No matter if it is a moving company or a broker, they should have a valid DOT number. You can look up a mover here.

Agency: United States Department of Transportation
Address: 1200 New Jersey Ave, SE, Washington DC 20590
Phone: (855) 368-4200
Website: www.fmcsa.dot.gov

To see if a specific movers complies with regulations, simply select a company from the list.

Moving within vs moving out of Minnesota

Let's see how many people move within Minnesota versus those who moved from North StMN State to another state.

Moved Within MN
41%
Moved out of MN
59%

According to statistical data, 41% of the people living in Minnesota have moved within the boundaries of the state, while 59% of them have resolved to move to another state.

Despite the fact that Minnesota, also known as The Land of 10,000 Lakes, has one of the highest standards of living in the country, the majority of Minnesotans have opted for a cross-country move rather than a local one.

Who regulates Minnesota local movers

All moving companies in Minnesota must have a permit from the Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT) in order to operate within the state. To be granted the authority, movers must show proof of registration with the Secretary of State, file their tariff and Certificate of Compliance with the department, and maintain proper levels of insurance. To check if your mover is insured and has a valid permit, contact MnDOT’s Office of Freight and Commercial Vehicle Operations at (651) 215-6330.

Agency: Minnesota Department of Transportation, Office of Freight and Commercial Vehicle Operations
Address: 395 John Ireland Blvd, St. Paul, MN 55155-1899
Phone: (800) 657-3774
Website: www.dot.state.mn.us

Office of Freight and Commercial Vehicle Operations’s Complaint Form (report damage)

What do people move within Minnesota?

Ever wondered which are the most popular move sizes when people move locally in MN?

Studio (7%)
1 Bedroom (23%)
2 Bedroom (27%)
3 Bedroom (16%)
4 Bedroom (9%)

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How much does it cost to hire movers

As it turns out, the cost to hire professional movers will effectively solve the ever-present dilemma of whether you should hire a mover or do it yourself. The cost depends on a number of important factors, including the type of the move itself (local move or a long distance). See the breakdown.

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