Fosston city, Minnesota Demographics & Population 2026
As of 2026, Fosston city, Minnesota has a total population of 1,283, the 320th largest city in Minnesota, with a median household income of $50,694, which is 42% lower than the state average. The poverty rate is 24.2%.
Key Takeaways
- Household income is 42% below the state average, indicating significant economic challenges.
- Housing is very affordable with a home-value-to-income ratio of just 2.5x.
- Unemployment rate of 10.5% is notably above the national average.
Fosston city Quick Facts
How Fosston city Compares
Median Household Income
Median Home Value
Economy & Housing
Household Income Distribution
Employment
Housing Overview
People & Demographics
Age Distribution
Race & Ethnicity
Diversity Index
A less diverse community where one racial or ethnic group represents a large majority.
State average: 40 | National average: 60
Education
Educational Attainment (Adults 25+)
Fosston city Rankings in Minnesota
Explore Minnesota Rankings
Other Cities in Polk County
| City | Population | Median Income | Poverty | Home Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| East Grand Forks city | 9,067 | $74,618 | 10.8% | $243,800 |
| Crookston city | 7,388 | $54,003 | 17.0% | $160,700 |
| McIntosh city | 836 | $53,750 | 22.6% | $100,700 |
| Fertile city | 782 | $64,444 | 10.3% | $118,400 |
| Erskine city | 445 | $32,083 | 16.2% | $102,100 |
| Fisher city | 426 | $91,438 | 7.0% | $180,600 |
| Climax city | 184 | $48,750 | 15.2% | $111,300 |
| Winger city | 184 | $47,500 | 5.4% | $78,600 |
| Mentor city | 143 | $42,143 | 7.0% | $56,100 |
| Nielsville city | 68 | $40,313 | 44.1% | $85,000 |
Cities Similar to Fosston city
These cities in the same state have comparable population and economic profiles.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | Bachelor's+ | Poverty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| New York Mills city | 1,319 | $51,696 | $144,900 | 17.6% | 11.4% |
| Keewatin city | 1,229 | $50,872 | $78,900 | 12.6% | 27.6% |
| Wheaton city | 1,334 | $52,260 | $82,200 | 20.3% | 12.5% |
| Menahga city | 1,292 | $56,000 | $145,800 | 25.4% | 19.4% |
| Bagley city | 1,218 | $53,417 | $135,100 | 13.4% | 15.5% |
Population Overview
Fosston city is a small community located in Minnesota, within Polk County. The total population is 1,283. It ranks as the 320th most populous out of 913 cities and towns in Minnesota.
Age Demographics
The median age in Fosston city is 45.7 years. This is 18% higher than the state median of 38.6 years. 18.5% of residents are 75 or older, suggesting a significant retirement-age population with implications for healthcare services and senior housing.
Economy, Income & Housing
The median household income in Fosston city is $50,694. This is 42% lower than the state median of $87,556. Compared to the national median of $78,538, household income here is 35% lower. The poverty rate stands at 24.2%. This is 163% higher than the state poverty rate of 9.2%. With more than one in five residents living below the poverty line, economic hardship is a significant challenge for the community. The unemployment rate is 10.5%. This is 168% higher than the state rate of 3.9%. The median home value is $126,500. Housing costs are 59% lower than the state median of $305,500. With a home-value-to-income ratio of just 2.5x, Fosston city is one of the most affordable housing markets in the area. 56.8% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. This homeownership rate is 22% lower than the state average of 72.4%.
Race & Ethnicity
Fosston city has a predominantly White (non-Hispanic) population, comprising 93.1% of all residents. Hispanic or Latino residents account for 1.6%. The Hispanic or Latino population (1.6%) is well below the state average of 6.2%. The Asian population (0.2%) is well below the state average of 5.0%.
Education
22.1% of residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher. This is 43% lower than the state rate of 38.8%. Nationally, 35.0% of adults hold at least a bachelor's degree. The high school graduation rate (or equivalent) is 82.0%.
Data Sources & Methodology
All demographic data for Fosston city, Minnesota is sourced from the U.S. Census Bureau's American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year Estimates (2019-2023). The ACS collects data from approximately 3.5 million households annually, providing reliable estimates for communities of all sizes. Comparisons are made against Minnesota state averages and national averages calculated from the same dataset. Rankings reflect the city's position among all 913 Census-designated places in Minnesota. For official data, visit data.census.gov.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the population of Fosston city, Minnesota?
Fosston city, Minnesota has a population of 1,283 according to the most recent U.S. Census ACS 5-Year Estimates.
What is the median household income in Fosston city, MN?
The median household income in Fosston city is $50,694, which is 35% lower the national median of $78,538.
What is the poverty rate in Fosston city, MN?
The poverty rate in Fosston city is 24.2%. This means approximately 284 residents live below the federal poverty line.
What is the racial makeup of Fosston city, Minnesota?
Fosston city's population is 93.1% White, 0.0% Black, 1.6% Hispanic/Latino, and 0.2% Asian.
What is the median home value in Fosston city, MN?
The median home value in Fosston city is $126,500. The home-value-to-income ratio is 2.5x.
How educated is Fosston city, Minnesota?
22.1% of adults (25+) in Fosston city hold a bachelor's degree or higher, and 7.2% hold a graduate or professional degree.