Baxter, MN
Population 8,804 · Minnesota
About Baxter, MN
Baxter is a small town located in Minnesota with a population of 8,804 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $71,272 per year, which is 5% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 42.9 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 Baxter features a median home value of $298,400, which is 22% above the national median of $244,900. This positions Baxter in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $1,123, 3% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 3,921 total housing units, 62% are owner-occupied (2,339 units) and 38% are renter-occupied (1,433 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Baxter shows an unemployment rate of 2.1%, which is lower than the national rate of 3.7%, indicating a relatively strong job market. The poverty rate stands at 10.8%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Baxter have an average one-way commute time of 20.4 minutes.
Education & Demographics
37.7% of Baxter residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This is in line with national trends in educational attainment. The community's demographic composition includes 2.2% White, 1.1% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 1.4% Asian residents, with 1.7% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Baxter, MN
Compared to national averages, Baxter has a median household income of $71,272 (5% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $298,400, which is 22% above the national median. Monthly rent at $1,123 is 3% below the US average of $1,163. Within Minnesota, Baxter's income is 4% below the state average of $74,221, and home values are 46% above the state median of $204,472.
Why Live in Baxter, MN?
Baxter offers rent that’s lower than the national average at $1,123/month, and a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 2.1%, and a well-educated community where 37.7% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. Additionally, the city features a low poverty rate of 10.8%, better than the national average, and short commute times averaging just 20.4 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($71,272) that falls below the national average. However, Baxter’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Baxter has a population of 8,804 with a median age of 42.9 years. Compare Baxter with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Minnesota.
Similar Cities Near Baxter
Cities in Minnesota with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Thief River Falls | 8,841 | $65,244 | $169,300 | Compare |
| Oak Grove | 9,031 | $114,679 | $394,100 | Compare |
| East Grand Forks | 9,067 | $74,618 | $243,800 | Compare |
| Little Falls | 9,094 | $46,284 | $198,100 | Compare |
| Minnetrista | 8,509 | $156,346 | $624,600 | Compare |
| Mound | 9,176 | $91,370 | $348,600 | Compare |
| Waseca | 9,209 | $61,546 | $185,600 | Compare |
| Dayton | 8,381 | $137,383 | $510,600 | 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 Baxter With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Baxter
What is the population of Baxter, MN?
The population of Baxter, MN is 8,804 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a small town in Minnesota.
What is the median household income in Baxter?
The median household income in Baxter, MN is $71,272 per year, which is 5% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Baxter?
The median home value in Baxter, MN is $298,400, which is 22% above the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Baxter?
The median monthly rent in Baxter, MN is $1,123, which is 3% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Baxter?
The unemployment rate in Baxter, MN is 2.1%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. This lower-than-average rate suggests a relatively healthy local job market.
Is Baxter, MN a good place to live?
Baxter offers a moderate cost of living, a competitive housing market, and a strong job market. With a population of 8,804 and a median age of 42.9, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Baxter, MN?
37.7% of residents in Baxter aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This above-average educational attainment often reflects a knowledge-based local economy.
What is the cost of living in Baxter?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Baxter, MN: median home value is $298,400 (22% above national), median rent is $1,123/month, and median household income is $71,272. The home-value-to-income ratio is 4.2x, a moderate figure by national standards.
What is the poverty rate in Baxter?
The poverty rate in Baxter, MN is 10.8%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Baxter, MN?
Baxter's population is 2.2% White, 1.1% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 1.4% Asian, and 0.1% two or more races. 1.7% of residents are foreign-born.