Bemidji 74 Excellent
Bemidji Livability #197 ranked city in Minnesota#4,324 ranked city in the USARanks better than 85% of areas

Pros and Cons of Living in Bemidji

PROS
  • Amenities

    An abundance of amenities, including restaurants, coffee shops, grocery stores and fitness facilities, are conveniently situated within walking distance of the area.

  • Cost Of Living

    The overall cost of living in this area is much lower than average. This includes everyday goods and services, as well as housing, utilities and health care.

  • 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.

  • Health & Safety

    A high score in the health and safety category is a result of good air quality and the accessibility to health facilities such as hospitals, clinics, doctors, pharmacies and fire stations.

  • Ratings

    Local residents have positive things to say about the proximity of restaurants, grocery stores, parks, public transit, friendliness of neighbors, sense of community and overall safety of the area.

CONS
  • 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.

  • Crime

    This area is reporting high crime rates per 100,000 people and could signify that it is a dangerous place to live. Crime rates include both violent and property crimes.

  • Employment

    A low score in the employment category could indicate that this area struggles with high unemployment rates and low household income and income per capita levels.

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What's it like Living in Bemidji?

Bemidji is a moderately-sized city located in the state of Minnesota. The city has a population of 15,277 residents. At 79%, the majority of the Bemidji population is White; this is followed by 9% American Indian and Alaskan and 2% Black. Bemidji could be a great place for young adults and students as the average age of 28 years old is below the nation’s average. Bemidji is very likely to be a great place to live for singles as only 34%, of the population (over fifteen) are classified as married. Not a fan of sitting in traffic during your commute to work? Bemidji offers shorter work commutes, with an average one-way commute time taking only 16 minutes, far lower than the national average of 26 minutes.

Are you trying to ascertain if living in Bemidji is the right fit for your lifestyle? To ensure a positive experience before moving 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 Bemidji and in surrounding cities are easier to find when you are able to make informed decisions. Using data from cost of living, commute, health & safety, education, employment, you will see a detailed breakdown of the most important information as well as comparisons to the Minnesota and national averages.

Bemidji, MN receives 73 out of 100 for its livability score; this results in a ranking of #174 in Minnesota and #4,077 in the USA. Based on the rankings for each individual category, Bemidji has received high marks for amenities (A+), cost of living (A+), education (B-) and housing (B-). The bad news for Bemidji, there are some categories for which it does not score well, this includes: crime (F) and employment (F).

If you're living in Bemidji, you can expect to enjoy a multitude of local amenities, mostly thanks to the strategic placement of essential services such as grocery stores, restaurants, coffee shops, parks and various shops. If you're contemplating a move to this locale with the intent of establishing it as your permanent residence, you'll be pleased to find an extensive array of amenities and recreational opportunities within easy reach, either on foot or via a brief commute. This wealth of accessible amenities not only enhances the livability of the area but also ensures that you can enjoy a rich and fulfilling lifestyle, making Bemidji an attractive destination for those seeking a vibrant and well-served community to call home.

For home buyers, real estate will be the largest purchase they will ever make and it will also be their most valuable asset. For renters, the monthly rent paid on their Bemidji apartments will most likely be their largest expense. Based on tangible metrics like home and rental affordability and appreciation rates, housing in this area has received a score that is well above the average of every other US city. A thriving real estate market can also generate strong local economic activity and job creation.

Certain items on your wish list like shopping, restaurants, nightlife, parks and proximity to public transportation are all important things to look for. Having said that, perhaps the most important metric to consider when contemplating a move to Bemidji is real estate affordability. The median home price for Bemidji homes is $141,300, which is 26.2% lower than the Minnesota average. If we take a closer look at the affordability of homes in Bemidji, we’ll see that the home price to income ratio is 3.9, which is 30% higher than the Minnesota average.

Best Places to Live in and Around Bemidji

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Compare Bemidji, MN Livability

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      Bemidji transportation information

      Statistic Bemidji Minnesota National
      Average one way commute16min23min26min
      Workers who drive to work70.3%78.0%76.4%
      Workers who carpool11.7%8.7%9.3%
      Workers who take public transit1.3%3.5%5.1%
      Workers who bicycle0.5%0.8%0.6%
      Workers who walk8.1%2.8%2.8%
      Working from home7.7%5.3%4.6%
      Source: The Bemidji, MN data and statistics displayed above are derived from the United States Census Bureau American Community Survey (ACS).