Backus, MN
Population 287 · Minnesota
About Backus, MN
Backus is a small community located in Minnesota with a population of 287 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $58,750 per year, which is 22% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 47.9 years is notably older the US median age of 38.9 years, suggesting a more established community with a higher proportion of long-term residents.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Backus features a median home value of $104,700, which is 57% below the national median of $244,900. This makes Backus one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $490, 58% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 167 total housing units, 76% are owner-occupied (83 units) and 24% are renter-occupied (26 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Backus shows an unemployment rate of 1.6%, which is lower than the national rate of 3.7%, indicating a relatively strong job market. The poverty rate stands at 19.2%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Backus have an average one-way commute time of 19.4 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
8.5% of Backus residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. The lower educational attainment rate may reflect the area's industry mix, with more employment in trades, manufacturing, or agricultural sectors. The community's demographic composition includes 0.3% White, 5.6% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 0.0% Asian residents, with 6.6% of the population being foreign-born.
How Backus Ranks in Minnesota
Cost of Living in Backus, MN
Compared to national averages, Backus has a median household income of $58,750 (22% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $104,700, which is 57% below the national median. Monthly rent at $490 is 58% below the US average of $1,163. Within Minnesota, Backus's income is 21% below the state average of $74,221, and home values are 49% below the state median of $204,472.
Why Live in Backus, MN?
Backus offers affordable housing with a median home value of $104,700, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $490/month, and a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 1.6%. Additionally, the city features short commute times averaging just 19.4 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($58,750) that falls below the national average. However, Backus’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Backus has a population of 287 with a median age of 47.9 years. Compare Backus with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Minnesota.
Similar Cities Near Backus
Cities in Minnesota with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hanley Falls | 288 | $57,917 | $76,700 | Compare |
| St. Hilaire | 285 | $73,750 | $163,900 | Compare |
| Storden | 289 | $85,000 | $77,000 | Compare |
| Eitzen | 284 | $53,750 | $117,700 | Compare |
| Middle River | 281 | $57,188 | $103,500 | Compare |
| Fairhaven | 279 | $92,143 | $237,100 | Compare |
| Garfield | 295 | $70,250 | $162,500 | Compare |
| Rutledge | 278 | $62,917 | $111,700 | Compare |
Demographics
Racial & Ethnic Composition
Economy & Education
Housing
Other Cities in Minnesota
Data source: US Census Bureau ACS 5-Year Estimates. Last updated: 2026-04-05.
Compare Backus With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Backus
What is the population of Backus, MN?
The population of Backus, MN is 287 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a small community in Minnesota.
What is the median household income in Backus?
The median household income in Backus, MN is $58,750 per year, which is 22% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Backus?
The median home value in Backus, MN is $104,700, which is 57% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Backus?
The median monthly rent in Backus, MN is $490, which is 58% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Backus?
The unemployment rate in Backus, MN is 1.6%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. This lower-than-average rate suggests a relatively healthy local job market.
Is Backus, MN a good place to live?
Backus offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and a strong job market. With a population of 287 and a median age of 47.9, the city appeals to established professionals and retirees.
How educated is Backus, MN?
8.5% of residents in Backus aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. The educational profile reflects the area's industry mix and employment landscape.
What is the cost of living in Backus?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Backus, MN: median home value is $104,700 (57% below national), median rent is $490/month, and median household income is $58,750. The home-value-to-income ratio is 1.8x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Backus?
The poverty rate in Backus, MN is 19.2%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. Residents and prospective movers should be aware of the economic challenges facing parts of this community.
How diverse is Backus, MN?
Backus's population is 0.3% White, 5.6% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 0.0% Asian, and 7.0% two or more races. 6.6% of residents are foreign-born.