Crime
With a lower than average crime rate per 100,000 people, this area could be considered a very safe place to live. Crime rates are based on both violent and property crimes.
Employment
The combination of higher than average median home income, income per capita and low unemployment rates results in a score that is well above average in the employment category.
Housing
This area has received high scores in the housing category. This could be due to a positive home affordability ratio, high appreciation rates or elevated home values.
Schools
High test scores, elevated graduation rates as well as the conveniently located elementary and high schools in this area have all contributed to the high score in the schools category.
Amenities
A majority of amenities are not ideally situated within a reasonable walking distance, which may lead residents to rely on a vehicle or public transportation.
Commute
Public transportation is not readily available in this area and the average commute time to work could also be longer than the national average.
Located in the state of Minnesota, Baxter is a smaller city with a population of 8,518 residents. If we take a look at the last Census, the vast majority of the population falls within one racial group (96% White). Given that fact, Baxter could be considered less diverse than other cities. If you're not a fan of traffic congestion and long commute times to work, Baxter is the place to be. Commutes to work here are shorter, with an average one-way commute time taking only 19 minutes, significantly lower than the national average of 26 minutes.
Are you trying to ascertain if living in Baxter is the right fit for your lifestyle? To ensure a great experience before relocating to any new city in Minnesota, you will probably want to make sure that you check all of the most important boxes. Several key factors deserve attention. For one, safety is paramount, ensuring that your new area is low in crime is key. Proximity to workplaces or schools minimizes commute times and fosters convenience. Access to essential amenities like parks, grocery stores, food, fitness, shops and healthcare facilities enhances daily life. Efficient public transportation options provide mobility and connectivity. The sense of community creates a welcoming and supportive environment. Lastly, the overall atmosphere, encompassing the vibe, aesthetics, and lifestyle offerings, contributes to a fulfilling living experience. Considering these elements helps identify the ideal neighborhood for your needs and preferences. The best areas in Baxter and in surrounding cities are easier to find when you are able to make informed decisions. Using data from crime, cost of living, education, employment, you will see a detailed breakdown of the most important information as well as comparisons to the Minnesota and national averages.
The livability score in Baxter is 69 out of 100 and the city is ranked in the 74th percentile of all cities across America. If we check out each of the categories on their own, we see that Baxter ranks well for crime (A-), education (A+), employment (A) and housing (A+). Baxter does not do well for the following: amenities (F). It might be wise to take a closer look at each category to find out why.
Crime rates play a pivotal role in the decision-making process for anyone considering a move, as they directly influence the overall sense of safety, security and quality of life in a given location. Baxter shines in this regard, earning exemplary ratings for its exceptionally low violent crime rates, standing at 173 crimes per 100,000 residents. These rates are notably below the national average, underscoring the community's commitment to safety and contributing to an enhanced quality of life.
The Baxter unemployment rate of 1.1% has continued to decrease over the years and is now well below the national average. The result could lead to reduced poverty and inequality in the area, higher wages and increased economic growth. This is a positive sign in the overall health of the local economy.
Standardized school test scores offer a valuable benchmark for assessing the quality of educational programs, instructional methods, and curriculum effectiveness. Recognizing that Baxter schools excel in test scores is a crucial consideration when determining the suitability of this area for residence. The local schools boast an impressive average test score of 72%, significantly higher than the national average. This stellar academic performance not only attests to the excellence of the educational system but also underscores the area's commitment to providing a high-quality education, making Baxter an appealing choice for those prioritizing their children's educational prospects.
Finding affordable real estate and housing in Baxter can be tricky. Having said that, this area might be the place to get the best of both worlds. Based on factors like home/rental affordability and appreciation rates, this area has received an above average score in the housing category. A healthy real estate market can lead to wealth appreciation for property owners, as rising property values can contribute to homeowners' equity, financial stability and the ability to build long-term wealth.
Assuming that Baxter meets all of your requirements like low crime rates, good schools and great local amenities, the next most important item to examine is the affordability of real estate in Baxter. Everything else becomes a lot less important if it turns out that home prices in Baxter are simply unattainable. Median real estate prices in Baxter come in at $382,225, which is 12.7% higher than the Minnesota average. The home price to income ratio compares the median home prices to the median household income. In Baxter, the home price to income ratio is 3.6, which is 2.7% lower than the Minnesota average.
Why stop at city-to-city? With Local Insights, you can compare neighborhoods, zip codes, or even exact addresses. Access 300+ hyperlocal data points—from schools and crime to housing and amenities—to see which area is the better fit.
| Statistic | Baxter | Minnesota | National |
| Average one way commute | 19min | 23min | 26min |
| Workers who drive to work | 82.9% | 78.0% | 76.4% |
| Workers who carpool | 9.9% | 8.7% | 9.3% |
| Workers who take public transit | 0.1% | 3.5% | 5.1% |
| Workers who bicycle | 0.0% | 0.8% | 0.6% |
| Workers who walk | 0.0% | 2.8% | 2.8% |
| Working from home | 6.2% | 5.3% | 4.6% |
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