Fosston, MN
Population 1,283 · Minnesota
About Fosston, MN
Fosston is a small town located in Minnesota with a population of 1,283 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $50,694 per year, which is 33% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 45.7 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 Fosston features a median home value of $126,500, which is 48% below the national median of $244,900. This makes Fosston one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $846, 27% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 613 total housing units, 57% are owner-occupied (318 units) and 43% are renter-occupied (242 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Fosston shows an unemployment rate of 10.5%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 24.2%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Fosston have an average one-way commute time of 14.3 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
22.1% of Fosston 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 1.1% White, 2.8% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 0.0% Asian residents, with 0.3% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Fosston, MN
Compared to national averages, Fosston has a median household income of $50,694 (33% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $126,500, which is 48% below the national median. Monthly rent at $846 is 27% below the US average of $1,163. Within Minnesota, Fosston's income is 32% below the state average of $74,221, and home values are 38% below the state median of $204,472.
Why Live in Fosston, MN?
Fosston offers affordable housing with a median home value of $126,500, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $846/month, and short commute times averaging just 14.3 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($50,694) that falls below the national average. However, Fosston’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Fosston has a population of 1,283 with a median age of 45.7 years. Compare Fosston with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Minnesota.
Similar Cities Near Fosston
Cities in Minnesota with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Glyndon | 1,286 | $93,571 | $257,400 | Compare |
| Adrian | 1,288 | $74,100 | $172,000 | Compare |
| Winthrop | 1,275 | $67,375 | $157,400 | Compare |
| Menahga | 1,292 | $56,000 | $145,800 | Compare |
| Red Lake Falls | 1,267 | $63,929 | $132,300 | Compare |
| Goodhue | 1,261 | $86,731 | $230,300 | Compare |
| Starbuck | 1,307 | $60,217 | $168,100 | Compare |
| Preston | 1,315 | $60,438 | $169,600 | 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 Fosston With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Fosston
What is the population of Fosston, MN?
The population of Fosston, MN is 1,283 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 Fosston?
The median household income in Fosston, MN is $50,694 per year, which is 33% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Fosston?
The median home value in Fosston, MN is $126,500, which is 48% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Fosston?
The median monthly rent in Fosston, MN is $846, which is 27% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Fosston?
The unemployment rate in Fosston, MN is 10.5%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Fosston, MN a good place to live?
Fosston offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 1,283 and a median age of 45.7, the city appeals to established professionals and retirees.
How educated is Fosston, MN?
22.1% of residents in Fosston 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 Fosston?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Fosston, MN: median home value is $126,500 (48% below national), median rent is $846/month, and median household income is $50,694. The home-value-to-income ratio is 2.5x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Fosston?
The poverty rate in Fosston, MN is 24.2%, 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 Fosston, MN?
Fosston's population is 1.1% White, 2.8% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 0.0% Asian, and 0.0% two or more races. 0.3% of residents are foreign-born.