Thief River Falls, MN
Population 8,841 · Minnesota
About Thief River Falls, MN
Thief River Falls is a small town located in Minnesota with a population of 8,841 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $65,244 per year, which is 13% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 38.9 years is close to the US median age of 38.9 years.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Thief River Falls features a median home value of $169,300, which is 31% below the national median of $244,900. This positions Thief River Falls in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $884, 24% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 4,582 total housing units, 63% are owner-occupied (2,620 units) and 37% are renter-occupied (1,566 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Thief River Falls shows an unemployment rate of 2.2%, which is lower than the national rate of 3.7%, indicating a relatively strong job market. The poverty rate stands at 11.3%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Thief River Falls have an average one-way commute time of 11.6 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
19.3% of Thief River Falls 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 4.8% White, 2.6% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 1.7% Asian residents, with 3.5% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Thief River Falls, MN
Compared to national averages, Thief River Falls has a median household income of $65,244 (13% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $169,300, which is 31% below the national median. Monthly rent at $884 is 24% below the US average of $1,163. Within Minnesota, Thief River Falls's income is 12% below the state average of $74,221, and home values are 17% below the state median of $204,472.
Why Live in Thief River Falls, MN?
Thief River Falls offers affordable housing with a median home value of $169,300, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $884/month, and a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 2.2%. Additionally, the city features a low poverty rate of 11.3%, better than the national average, and short commute times averaging just 11.6 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($65,244) that falls below the national average. However, Thief River Falls’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Thief River Falls has a population of 8,841 with a median age of 38.9 years. Compare Thief River Falls with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Minnesota.
Similar Cities Near Thief River Falls
Cities in Minnesota with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Baxter | 8,804 | $71,272 | $298,400 | 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 Thief River Falls With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Thief River Falls
What is the population of Thief River Falls, MN?
The population of Thief River Falls, MN is 8,841 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 Thief River Falls?
The median household income in Thief River Falls, MN is $65,244 per year, which is 13% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Thief River Falls?
The median home value in Thief River Falls, MN is $169,300, which is 31% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Thief River Falls?
The median monthly rent in Thief River Falls, MN is $884, which is 24% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Thief River Falls?
The unemployment rate in Thief River Falls, MN is 2.2%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. This lower-than-average rate suggests a relatively healthy local job market.
Is Thief River Falls, MN a good place to live?
Thief River Falls offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and a strong job market. With a population of 8,841 and a median age of 38.9, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Thief River Falls, MN?
19.3% of residents in Thief River 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 Thief River Falls?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Thief River Falls, MN: median home value is $169,300 (31% below national), median rent is $884/month, and median household income is $65,244. The home-value-to-income ratio is 2.6x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Thief River Falls?
The poverty rate in Thief River Falls, MN is 11.3%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Thief River Falls, MN?
Thief River Falls's population is 4.8% White, 2.6% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 1.7% Asian, and 1.8% two or more races. 3.5% of residents are foreign-born.