Knife River, MN
Population 98 · Minnesota
About Knife River, MN
Knife River is a small community located in Minnesota with a population of 98 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $76,106 per year, which is 1% above the national median of $75,149. The median age of 87.8 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 Knife River features a median home value of $0, which is 100% below the national median of $244,900. This makes Knife River one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $0, 100% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 156 total housing units, 100% are owner-occupied (61 units) and 0% are renter-occupied (0 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Knife River shows an unemployment rate of 100.0%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 11.2%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Knife River have an average one-way commute time of 0 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
38.8% of Knife River 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 0.0% White, 0.0% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 0.0% Asian residents, with 0.0% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Knife River, MN
Compared to national averages, Knife River has a median household income of $76,106 (1% above the national median of $75,149). Home values average $0, which is 100% below the national median. Monthly rent at $0 is 100% below the US average of $1,163. Within Minnesota, Knife River's income is 3% above the state average of $74,221, and home values are 100% below the state median of $204,472.
Why Live in Knife River, MN?
Knife River offers a strong local economy with a median household income of $76,106, well above the national average, and affordable housing with a median home value of $0, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $0/month. Additionally, the city features a well-educated community where 38.8% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher, and a low poverty rate of 11.2%, better than the national average, and short commute times averaging just 0 minutes.
Knife River has a population of 98 with a median age of 87.8 years. Compare Knife River with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Minnesota.
Similar Cities Near Knife River
Cities in Minnesota with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| McKinley | 99 | $56,250 | $125,000 | Compare |
| Millerville | 99 | $68,750 | $184,400 | Compare |
| Spring Hill | 97 | $85,083 | $175,700 | Compare |
| Stanchfield | 99 | $90,625 | $195,000 | Compare |
| Roscoe | 96 | $44,000 | $183,300 | Compare |
| Avoca | 101 | $50,000 | $50,700 | Compare |
| Clitherall | 95 | $52,500 | $78,300 | Compare |
| Iron Junction | 95 | $38,333 | $127,500 | 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.
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Frequently Asked Questions about Knife River
What is the population of Knife River, MN?
The population of Knife River, MN is 98 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 Knife River?
The median household income in Knife River, MN is $76,106 per year, which is 1% above the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Knife River?
The median home value in Knife River, MN is $0, which is 100% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Knife River?
The median monthly rent in Knife River, MN is $0, which is 100% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Knife River?
The unemployment rate in Knife River, MN is 100.0%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Knife River, MN a good place to live?
Knife River offers above-average incomes, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 98 and a median age of 87.8, the city appeals to established professionals and retirees.
How educated is Knife River, MN?
38.8% of residents in Knife River 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 Knife River?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Knife River, MN: median home value is $0 (100% below national), median rent is $0/month, and median household income is $76,106. The home-value-to-income ratio is 0.0x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Knife River?
The poverty rate in Knife River, MN is 11.2%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Knife River, MN?
Knife River's population is 0.0% White, 0.0% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 0.0% Asian, and 0.0% two or more races. 0.0% of residents are foreign-born.