Fergus Falls, MN
Population 14,138 · Minnesota
About Fergus Falls, MN
Fergus Falls is a mid-sized city located in Minnesota with a population of 14,138 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $50,865 per year, which is 32% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 42 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 Fergus Falls features a median home value of $173,300, which is 29% below the national median of $244,900. This positions Fergus Falls in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $839, 28% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 6,989 total housing units, 64% are owner-occupied (4,067 units) and 36% are renter-occupied (2,337 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Fergus Falls shows an unemployment rate of 7.4%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 10.7%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Fergus Falls have an average one-way commute time of 12.8 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
27.8% of Fergus Falls 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 0.9% White, 1.0% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 0.3% Asian residents, with 1.5% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Fergus Falls, MN
Compared to national averages, Fergus Falls has a median household income of $50,865 (32% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $173,300, which is 29% below the national median. Monthly rent at $839 is 28% below the US average of $1,163. Within Minnesota, Fergus Falls's income is 31% below the state average of $74,221, and home values are 15% below the state median of $204,472.
Why Live in Fergus Falls, MN?
Fergus Falls offers affordable housing with a median home value of $173,300, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $839/month, and a low poverty rate of 10.7%, better than the national average. Additionally, the city features short commute times averaging just 12.8 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($50,865) that falls below the national average. However, Fergus Falls’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Fergus Falls has a population of 14,138 with a median age of 42 years. Compare Fergus Falls with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Minnesota.
Similar Cities Near Fergus Falls
Cities in Minnesota with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| New Ulm | 14,066 | $63,984 | $192,700 | Compare |
| North Mankato | 14,212 | $77,571 | $252,700 | Compare |
| Robbinsdale | 14,318 | $84,719 | $280,400 | Compare |
| Marshall | 13,880 | $64,636 | $198,900 | Compare |
| Sauk Rapids | 13,851 | $67,004 | $240,200 | Compare |
| Brainerd | 14,474 | $53,705 | $178,600 | Compare |
| Worthington | 13,792 | $61,840 | $184,200 | Compare |
| Alexandria | 14,579 | $61,558 | $247,200 | 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 Fergus Falls With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Fergus Falls
What is the population of Fergus Falls, MN?
The population of Fergus Falls, MN is 14,138 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 Fergus Falls?
The median household income in Fergus Falls, MN is $50,865 per year, which is 32% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Fergus Falls?
The median home value in Fergus Falls, MN is $173,300, which is 29% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Fergus Falls?
The median monthly rent in Fergus Falls, MN is $839, which is 28% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Fergus Falls?
The unemployment rate in Fergus Falls, MN is 7.4%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Fergus Falls, MN a good place to live?
Fergus Falls offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 14,138 and a median age of 42, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Fergus Falls, MN?
27.8% of residents in Fergus Falls 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 Fergus Falls?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Fergus Falls, MN: median home value is $173,300 (29% below national), median rent is $839/month, and median household income is $50,865. The home-value-to-income ratio is 3.4x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Fergus Falls?
The poverty rate in Fergus Falls, MN is 10.7%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Fergus Falls, MN?
Fergus Falls's population is 0.9% White, 1.0% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 0.3% Asian, and 1.2% two or more races. 1.5% of residents are foreign-born.