Cost Of Living
Taking into account the cost of goods and services like housing, groceries, transportation and utilities, the overall cost of living in this area is well below average.
Crime
Crime per 100,000 people is significantly lower than the national average, making it a safe place to live. These crime statistics include both violent and property crimes.
Employment
Higher than average median household income, income per capita and lower unemployment rates are seen in this area. The result is a high score in the employment category.
Housing
High scores in the housing category are a distinguishing feature of this area, possibly driven by a favorable home affordability ratio, higher home values and appreciation rates.
Ratings
Based on recent surveys and polls, locals gave high marks in the walkability to local amenities, safety, public transit, friendliness of neighbors and overall sense of community in the area.
Amenities
The majority of amenities are not ideally located within walking distance. To access these amenities, residents may be required to rely on a vehicle or public transit.
Commute
A low commute score could be due to longer-than-average work commutes and the limited availability of public transportation in this area.
Health & Safety
The low score in this category could be due to challenges related to air quality and the limited accessibility of health-related facilities like hospitals, nursing homes, doctors and pharmacies.
North Branch is a moderately-sized city located in the state of Minnesota. The city has a population of 10,855 inhabitants. At 95%, the majority of the North Branch population is White; this is followed by 2% Asian and 0% Black. An important consideration when living in North Branch is the longer-than-average commute times. If you seek a short work commute, this area may not be the best choice for you. The one-way commute time here typically takes 32 minutes, far surpassing the national average of 26 minutes.
Are you trying to figure out if living in North Branch 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. Finding the best places to live in North Branch and nearby areas is a much easier task when you can rely on information and data from the livability score, which includes cost of living, education, employment and other important metrics.
North Branch has a livability score of 69 out of 100 and is ranked #314 in Minnesota and #7,570 in the USA. If we dig a little deeper into each category within the livability score, we see that North Branch has higher than average grades for the following: crime (A), cost of living (B), education (B-) and employment (A+). There is at least one category that does not have great scores in North Branch. The following was graded with a less than perfect score: amenities (F).
Ensuring a sense of security is paramount for the majority of residents in any area. Low crime rates exert a positive influence on various aspects, including home prices, rates of home appreciation and the cultivation of positive community dynamics and social cohesion. In the case of North Branch, it boasts a notably low violent crime rate of 107 crimes per 100,000 residents, which significantly outperforms the national average.
Unemployment rates can vary significantly among cities, impacting job prospects, wage levels and the overall economic health of an area. In North Branch, the unemployment rate stands at 2.4%, suggesting increased job opportunities and a heightened demand for workers. This scenario can lead to higher wages, as the demand for employees outpaces job availability. Importantly, a low unemployment rate often signifies a robust and flourishing local economy.
A robust real estate market serves as a crucial economic indicator, reflecting the local area's strength, stability and the confidence of its residents. North Branch excels in the housing sector, scoring high marks based on factors such as median home and rental prices, appreciation rates and home affordability. These calculations suggest that the apartment rental and real estate market in the region is exceptionally healthy, highlighting the area's economic vitality and attractiveness to potential homebuyers and renters.
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 North Branch is real estate affordability. Median real estate prices in North Branch come in at $371,771, which is 9.6% higher than the Minnesota average. The home price to income ratio compares the median home prices to the median household income. In North Branch, the home price to income ratio is 2.9, which is 21.6% 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 | North Branch | Minnesota | National |
| Average one way commute | 32min | 23min | 26min |
| Workers who drive to work | 81.6% | 78.0% | 76.4% |
| Workers who carpool | 10.1% | 8.7% | 9.3% |
| Workers who take public transit | 0.9% | 3.5% | 5.1% |
| Workers who bicycle | 0.4% | 0.8% | 0.6% |
| Workers who walk | 1.4% | 2.8% | 2.8% |
| Working from home | 5.0% | 5.3% | 4.6% |
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