Bemidji, MN
Population 15,490 · Minnesota
About Bemidji, MN
Bemidji is a mid-sized city located in Minnesota with a population of 15,490 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $53,850 per year, which is 28% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 29.8 years is notably younger the US median age of 38.9 years, indicating a younger, often more dynamic population base.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Bemidji features a median home value of $189,500, which is 23% below the national median of $244,900. This positions Bemidji in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $1,004, 14% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 7,112 total housing units, 42% are owner-occupied (2,707 units) and 58% are renter-occupied (3,748 units). The higher proportion of renters may reflect a transient population, younger demographics, or high housing costs relative to income.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Bemidji shows an unemployment rate of 5.2%, which is near the national rate of 3.7%. The poverty rate stands at 20.7%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Bemidji have an average one-way commute time of 16.5 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
33.3% of Bemidji 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 1.6% White, 17.3% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 1.5% Asian residents, with 2.3% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Bemidji, MN
Compared to national averages, Bemidji has a median household income of $53,850 (28% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $189,500, which is 23% below the national median. Monthly rent at $1,004 is 14% below the US average of $1,163. Within Minnesota, Bemidji's income is 27% below the state average of $74,221, and home values are 7% below the state median of $204,472.
Why Live in Bemidji, MN?
Bemidji offers affordable housing with a median home value of $189,500, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $1,004/month, and short commute times averaging just 16.5 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($53,850) that falls below the national average. However, Bemidji’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Bemidji has a population of 15,490 with a median age of 29.8 years. Compare Bemidji with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Minnesota.
Similar Cities Near Bemidji
Cities in Minnesota with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hugo | 16,076 | $114,057 | $394,200 | Compare |
| Hibbing | 16,100 | $55,463 | $123,900 | Compare |
| Hutchinson | 14,629 | $71,730 | $210,300 | Compare |
| Monticello | 14,607 | $81,563 | $298,400 | Compare |
| Buffalo | 16,388 | $88,306 | $281,900 | Compare |
| Alexandria | 14,579 | $61,558 | $247,200 | Compare |
| Brainerd | 14,474 | $53,705 | $178,600 | Compare |
| Ham Lake | 16,575 | $116,845 | $430,100 | 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 Bemidji With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Bemidji
What is the population of Bemidji, MN?
The population of Bemidji, MN is 15,490 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a mid-sized city in Minnesota.
What is the median household income in Bemidji?
The median household income in Bemidji, MN is $53,850 per year, which is 28% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Bemidji?
The median home value in Bemidji, MN is $189,500, which is 23% below the national median of $244,900. A significant portion of residents rent their homes.
What is the average rent in Bemidji?
The median monthly rent in Bemidji, MN is $1,004, which is 14% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Bemidji?
The unemployment rate in Bemidji, MN is 5.2%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Bemidji, MN a good place to live?
Bemidji offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 15,490 and a median age of 29.8, the city appeals to young professionals and families.
How educated is Bemidji, MN?
33.3% of residents in Bemidji 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 Bemidji?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Bemidji, MN: median home value is $189,500 (23% below national), median rent is $1,004/month, and median household income is $53,850. The home-value-to-income ratio is 3.5x, a moderate figure by national standards.
What is the poverty rate in Bemidji?
The poverty rate in Bemidji, MN is 20.7%, 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 Bemidji, MN?
Bemidji's population is 1.6% White, 17.3% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 1.5% Asian, and 1.8% two or more races. 2.3% of residents are foreign-born.