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Is Blaine a Good Place to Live? Blaine, Minnesota: cost of living, crime, schools and rankings
Blaine ranks #227 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #113 of 524 smaller cities and #11 of 20 in Minnesota. Against similar-size cities it stands out for low violent crime (65 per 100,000, #21 of 444) and fast population growth (+1.7%, #55 of 468), with no measure in the bottom quarter.
Blaine by the numbers
The measures people check first, each with Blaine's rank among the tracked cities and the US figure (or the similar-size median where there is no national figure).
What is the cost of living in Blaine?
Blaine's cost of living index is 104.8, 5% above the US level of 100 and #935 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $1,705/mo against $1,633/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $381,495, 9% above the typical Minnesota home ($350,752).
| Measure | Blaine | MinnesotaMN | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost of living indexBEA Regional Price Parities, metro area · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size 102.4 · US 100 | 104.8#935 of 1,308 | 98.6 | 102.4 | 100 |
| Typical home valueZillow Home Value Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $431,438 · US $368,697 | $381,495#583 of 1,187 | $350,752 | $431,438 | $368,697 |
| Typical asking rentZillow Observed Rent Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,884/mo · US $1,948/mo | $2,078/mo#748 of 1,115 | — | $1,884/mo | $1,948/mo |
| Median home value (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $401,950 | $352,400#659 of 1,309 | — | $401,950 | — |
| Median rent (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,633/mo | $1,705/mo#880 of 1,309 | — | $1,633/mo | — |
| Home value to incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.5x | 3.3x#301 of 1,309 | — | 4.5x | — |
| Rent as a share of incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 22.2% | 19.2%#352 of 1,309 | — | 22.2% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). Minnesota is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. Zillow figures track homes and rentals on the market now; Census figures are survey medians of all homes and leases, so the two differ.
Blaine housing market · August
Typical home value is a monthly index of homes in the middle third of the market; the Census figures above are survey medians and will differ. Source in the data sources list below. Blaine is in the Minneapolis-St. Paul-Bloomington, MN-WI metro.
Minnesota housing market →Is Blaine safe?
Blaine recorded 65 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 80% below the US rate of 328 and 71% below Minnesota's 224. That ranks #57 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #21 of 444 smaller cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Blaine Police Department. Property crime runs 1,122 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
| Measure | Blaine | MinnesotaMN | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 264 · US 328 | 65#57 of 1,085 | 224 | 264 | 328 |
| Property crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 1,550 · US 1,548 | 1,122#274 of 1,085 | 1,412 | 1,550 | 1,548 |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). Minnesota is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. City rates come from each police agency's report to the FBI and are not strictly comparable across agencies.
What do people earn in Blaine?
The median household in Blaine earns $106,801, 28% above the US figure of $83,163 and 23% above Minnesota ($87,117). Unemployment is 3.7% (US 4.3%). 7.2% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 1.7% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
| Measure | Blaine | MinnesotaMN | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size $83,646 · US $83,163 | $106,801#269 of 1,312 | $87,117 | $83,646 | $83,163 |
| Unemployment rateBLS LAUS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.2% · US 4.3% | 3.7%#342 of 1,058 | 3.9% | 4.2% | 4.3% |
| Poverty rateCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 10.8% | 7.2%#254 of 1,312 | — | 10.8% | — |
| Population growth, one yearCensus population estimates · rank 1 = fastestSimilar-size +0.2% · US +0.5% | +1.7%#129 of 1,132 | +0.6% | +0.2% | +0.5% |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). Minnesota is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure.
Who lives in Blaine?
The median resident of Blaine is 37.5 years old, against 37.7 in similar-size cities. 36.9% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #551 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 85.3% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
| Measure | Blaine | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median ageCensus ACSSimilar-size 37.7 | 37.5 | 37.7 | — |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 35.1% | 36.9%#551 of 1,312 | 35.1% | — |
| Homes lived in by their ownerCensus ACSSimilar-size 61.7% | 85.3% | 61.7% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure.
How are Blaine's schools and health?
Blaine's 10 public schools graduate 85.1% of students in four years (Minnesota 83.6%), with 16.7 students per teacher and $14,398 spent per pupil. 35.8% of adults are obese and 10.3% have diabetes, against similar-size city medians of 31.9% and 11%.
| Measure | Blaine | MinnesotaMN | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| High school graduation rateDepartment of Education EDFacts · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 89% | 85.1%#701 of 1,063 | 83.6% | 89% | — |
| Students per teacherNCES Common Core of Data · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 16.4 | 16.7#705 of 1,188 | — | 16.4 | — |
| Spending per pupilNCES school finance survey · rank 1 = mostSimilar-size $15,354 | $14,398#657 of 1,188 | — | $15,354 | — |
| Adult obesityCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 31.9% | 35.8%#840 of 1,311 | — | 31.9% | — |
| Adult diabetesCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11% | 10.3%#460 of 1,311 | — | 11% | — |
| Adults with frequent mental distressCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 16.7% | 15.7%#363 of 1,311 | — | 16.7% | — |
| Adults without health insuranceCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 10.1% | 7.5%#317 of 1,311 | — | 10.1% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). Minnesota is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. 10,291 students are enrolled in Blaine's public schools.
What are the commute and weather like in Blaine?
The average commute in Blaine is 24.5 minutes (Minnesota 22.7); 0.6% of workers take transit and 20.6% work from home. On the EPA's walkability index Blaine scores 9.4 of 20 (below average walkable), #763 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). Summers average 68.5°F and winters 16.2°F, with 28.8 inches of precipitation a year.
| Measure | Blaine | MinnesotaMN | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average commuteCensus ACS · rank 1 = shortestSimilar-size 25.1 min | 24.5 min#734 of 1,312 | 22.7 min | 25.1 min | — |
| Commutes of an hour or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 6.5% | 3.8%#342 of 1,312 | 4.9% | 6.5% | — |
| Drive alone to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 70.8% | 69% | 70.7% | 70.8% | — |
| Take transit to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.1% | 0.6% | 1.8% | 1.1% | — |
| Walk to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.4% | 0.5% | 2.6% | 1.4% | — |
| Bike to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.2% | 0% | 0.6% | 0.2% | — |
| Work from homeCensus ACSSimilar-size 13.7% | 20.6% | 14.7% | 13.7% | — |
| Walkability index (1 to 20)EPA National Walkability Index · rank 1 = most walkableSimilar-size 11.1 | 9.4#763 of 1,312 | — | 11.1 | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). Minnesota is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. The walkability index is the EPA's, averaged over the city's neighborhoods by population.
| Month | Average high (°F) | Average low (°F) | Precipitation (inches) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 22.4 | 2.4 | 0.6 |
| Feb | 28 | 6.7 | 0.8 |
| Mar | 40.7 | 18.7 | 1.4 |
| Apr | 55.6 | 32 | 2.9 |
| May | 68.3 | 44.6 | 3.6 |
| Jun | 77.5 | 54.8 | 3.8 |
| Jul | 82.2 | 59.6 | 4.5 |
| Aug | 79.5 | 57.3 | 3.6 |
| Sep | 71.7 | 48.4 | 2.5 |
| Oct | 57.7 | 36 | 2.7 |
| Nov | 41 | 22.7 | 1.4 |
| Dec | 26.8 | 10.8 | 1 |
Top: average low to average high, °F. Bottom: precipitation, inches. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Andover 1n.
| Measure | Blaine | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average temperatureNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 58.1°F | 43.6°F | 58.1°F | — |
| Summer average (Jun–Aug)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 74.2°F | 68.5°F | 74.2°F | — |
| Winter average (Dec–Feb)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 40.8°F | 16.2°F | 40.8°F | — |
| Precipitation a yearNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 38.3 in | 28.8 in | 38.3 in | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Andover 1n.
What are the air quality and natural hazard risks in Blaine?
Anoka County's air had a median air quality index of 38, and 74% of measured days were rated good; 9 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from ozone. Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Anoka County's biggest natural hazard losses in strong wind, hail, and inland flooding, with expected yearly losses of 0.16% of building value, higher than 55% of US counties.
| Measure | Blaine | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median air quality index (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = cleanestSimilar-size 44 | 38#228 of 1,138 | 44 | — |
| Unhealthy air days a year (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 3 | 9#840 of 1,138 | 3 | — |
| Yearly hazard losses, share of building value (county)FEMA National Risk Index · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 0.15% | 0.16%#741 of 1,312 | 0.15% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. County figures for Anoka County: the EPA measures air at monitors and FEMA estimates hazard losses by county, not by city.
Natural hazard losses, Anoka County
| Hazard | Yearly loss | Higher than |
|---|---|---|
| Strong wind | 0.0096% | 91% of counties |
| Hail | 0.0081% | 81% of counties |
| Inland flooding | 0.12% | 79% of counties |
| Wildfire | 0.001% | 58% of counties |
| Tornado | 0.0054% | 39% of counties |
FEMA National Risk Index: expected yearly building losses from each hazard as a share of the county's building value, compared with every US county exposed to that hazard. Loss rates, unlike FEMA's risk ratings, do not rise just because a county has more property.
How does Blaine compare with similar-size cities?
Blaine is one of 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track and ranks #113 of them on overall score. The table sets it beside the 8 cities in other states closest to its population of 72,488.
| City | Rank | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime | Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Blaine, MNPop. 72,488 | #227 | 63.8 | $106,801 | $1,705/mo | 65 | 24.5 min |
| Ankeny, IAPop. 72,615 | #81 | 69.0 | $108,198 | $1,319/mo | 151 | 21.1 min |
| Glen Burnie, MDPop. 72,590 | #606 | 56.6 | $88,280 | $1,648/mo | no data | 27.3 min |
| Turlock, CAPop. 72,502 | #815 | 53.1 | $82,995 | $1,612/mo | 357 | 26.2 min |
| Mount Vernon, NYPop. 72,427 | #550 | 57.3 | $78,779 | $1,629/mo | 496 | 35 min |
| Framingham, MAPop. 72,399 | #196 | 64.5 | $107,419 | $2,033/mo | 264 | 30.4 min |
| Johnson City, TNPop. 72,222 | #667 | 55.6 | $57,254 | $1,023/mo | 417 | 18.7 min |
| Harlingen, TXPop. 72,087 | #1115 | 47.6 | $53,645 | $928/mo | 231 | 17.9 min |
| Casas Adobes, AZPop. 72,059 | #779 | 53.6 | $83,683 | $1,650/mo | no data | 25.6 min |
Rank is overall rank of 1,312. Income is median household income; rent is Census median rent; violent crime is per 100,000 residents as reported to the FBI ("no data" and "incomplete" are explained on each city's page).
How does Blaine compare with the rest of Minnesota?
Blaine ranks #11 of the 20 Minnesota cities we track, with a score of 63.8 against Minnesota's statewide 70.4. Its households earn 23% above the Minnesota median. Violent crime is 71% below the statewide rate. Homes are 9% above the typical Minnesota home.
| City | Rank in MN | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Edina, MNPop. 53,262 | #1 | 72.2 | $128,767 | $1,844/mo | 52 |
| Minnetonka, MNPop. 53,064 | #2 | 71.8 | $119,517 | $1,779/mo | 101 |
| Eden Prairie, MNPop. 63,051 | #3 | 71.7 | $130,489 | $1,833/mo | 54 |
| Plymouth, MNPop. 79,220 | #4 | 71.5 | $136,534 | $1,766/mo | 65 |
| Lakeville, MNPop. 74,354 | #5 | 70.9 | $139,041 | $1,806/mo | 92 |
| Maple Grove, MNPop. 71,173 | #6 | 69.2 | $132,731 | $1,868/mo | 112 |
| Woodbury, MNPop. 78,305 | #7 | 68.4 | $125,310 | $1,908/mo | 75 |
| St. Louis Park, MNPop. 49,594 | #8 | 68.0 | $101,648 | $1,644/mo | 122 |
| Eagan, MNPop. 68,000 | #9 | 65.7 | $108,690 | $1,679/mo | 130 |
| Apple Valley, MNPop. 55,679 | #10 | 64.0 | $97,673 | $1,738/mo | 204 |
| Blaine, MNPop. 72,488 | #11 | 63.8 | $106,801 | $1,705/mo | 65 |
| Bloomington, MNPop. 88,665 | #12 | 62.8 | $93,211 | $1,561/mo | 283 |
| Rochester, MNPop. 122,330 | #13 | 62.4 | $89,389 | $1,399/mo | 186 |
| Burnsville, MNPop. 64,463 | #14 | 61.7 | $87,024 | $1,513/mo | 163 |
| Brooklyn Park, MNPop. 83,876 | #15 | 61.6 | $89,891 | $1,325/mo | 348 |
| Coon Rapids, MNPop. 63,468 | #16 | 59.7 | $88,251 | $1,494/mo | 146 |
| Duluth, MNPop. 87,093 | #17 | 58.6 | $68,807 | $1,087/mo | 231 |
| St. Paul, MNPop. 307,284 | #18 | 57.9 | $73,394 | $1,281/mo | 491 |
| Minneapolis, MNPop. 427,246 | #19 | 54.0 | $80,846 | $1,371/mo | 1,004 |
| St. Cloud, MNPop. 70,629 | #20 | 51.3 | $61,374 | $1,003/mo | 361 |
All 20 Minnesota cities we track, by overall score. Minnesota statewide: median income $87,117, violent crime 223.5 per 100,000.
How is Blaine's score calculated?
Blaine scores 63.8 out of 100, #227 of 1,312 (grade A, which follows rank). It is scored on the 10 of 11 categories with local data; outdoor access is left out rather than filled with Minnesota's statewide figure, and the other weights are scaled up to fill the gap. Each score is compared with the median of similar-size cities, which are scored the same way.
- EconomyCity data · 16% of score
Median household income and unemployment in Blaine. Similar-size median 55.5.
68.3 - SafetyCity data · 13% of score
Violent and property crime per 100,000 residents, as reported to the FBI by Blaine's police agency. Similar-size median 77.8.
94.5 - HealthCity data · 13% of score
Adult obesity, diabetes and frequent mental distress in Blaine. Similar-size median 58.9.
56.9 - EducationCity data · 13% of score
Graduation rate, students per teacher and spending per pupil in Blaine's public schools. Similar-size median 55.2.
53.6 - AffordabilityCity data · 11% of score
Blaine's home values and rents and its metro area's price level. Similar-size median 59.3.
59.4 - Household financesCity data · 9% of score
Median household income and poverty rate in Blaine. Similar-size median 56.1.
73.4 - GrowthCity data · 7% of score
Population growth and unemployment in Blaine. Similar-size median 42.4.
59.2 - TransportationCity data · 7% of score
Commute time, long commutes, driving alone, transit, walking, cycling and working from home in Blaine. Similar-size median 50.0.
55.4 - WalkabilityCity data · 7% of score
The EPA's walkability index across Blaine's neighborhoods. Similar-size median 53.2.
44.2 - EnvironmentCounty data · 4% of score
Air quality and natural hazard losses in the county. Similar-size median 50.8.
54.8 - Outdoor accessNot scored
No city-level park or public land measure exists, so outdoor access is not scored for cities.
—
Bar: Blaine's category score out of 100. Tick: median of the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track. Shares of score are the category weights rescaled over the categories Blaine has data for. City scores use city formulas and are not on the same scale as state scores. Grades follow rank among the 1,312 cities. Methodology
Frequently asked questions about living in Blaine
Is Blaine, MN a good place to live?
Blaine ranks #227 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #113 of 524 smaller cities and #11 of 20 in Minnesota. Against similar-size cities it stands out for low violent crime (65 per 100,000, #21 of 444) and fast population growth (+1.7%, #55 of 468), with no measure in the bottom quarter.
What is the cost of living in Blaine?
Blaine's cost of living index is 104.8, 5% above the US level of 100 and #935 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $1,705/mo against $1,633/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $381,495, 9% above the typical Minnesota home ($350,752).
What is the crime rate in Blaine?
Blaine recorded 65 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 80% below the US rate of 328 and 71% below Minnesota's 224. That ranks #57 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #21 of 444 smaller cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Blaine Police Department. Property crime runs 1,122 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
What is the median household income in Blaine?
The median household in Blaine earns $106,801, 28% above the US figure of $83,163 and 23% above Minnesota ($87,117). Unemployment is 3.7% (US 4.3%). 7.2% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 1.7% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
How much is rent in Blaine?
Median rent in Blaine is $1,705/mo (Census), #880 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest). The typical asking rent for a unit on the market now is $2,078/mo, against $1,948/mo nationally. Median rent takes 19.2% of the median household's income.
How much does a house cost in Blaine?
The typical home value in Blaine is $381,495, up 1.2% in a year, against $350,752 for Minnesota and $368,697 nationally. The Census median value of owner-occupied homes is $352,400.
How are the public schools in Blaine?
Blaine's 10 public schools graduate 85.1% of students in four years (Minnesota 83.6%), with 16.7 students per teacher and $14,398 spent per pupil.
How long is the commute in Blaine?
The average commute is 24.5 minutes, #734 of 1,312 cities (1 = shortest), against 22.7 minutes across Minnesota. 3.8% of workers spend an hour or more getting to work.
What is the weather like in Blaine?
Blaine averages 43.6°F over the year, 68.5°F in summer and 16.2°F in winter, with 28.8 inches of precipitation. Figures are NOAA climate normals.
Is Blaine walkable?
Blaine scores 9.4 out of 20 on the EPA's National Walkability Index (below average walkable), #763 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). The index weighs street intersection density, distance to transit and the mix of homes and jobs in each neighborhood.
What natural disasters is Blaine at risk for?
Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Anoka County's biggest natural hazard losses in strong wind, hail, and inland flooding, with expected yearly losses of 0.16% of building value, higher than 55% of US counties.
How is the air quality in Blaine?
Anoka County's air had a median air quality index of 38, and 74% of measured days were rated good; 9 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from ozone.
Who lives in Blaine?
Blaine has 72,488 residents. The median resident of Blaine is 37.5 years old, against 37.7 in similar-size cities. 36.9% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #551 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 85.3% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
How does Blaine compare with the rest of Minnesota?
Blaine ranks #11 of the 20 Minnesota cities we track, with a score of 63.8 against Minnesota's statewide 70.4. Its households earn 23% above the Minnesota median. Violent crime is 71% below the statewide rate. Homes are 9% above the typical Minnesota home.
What cities are similar in size to Blaine?
The tracked cities in other states closest to Blaine's population of 72,488 are Ankeny, IA (#81 overall), Glen Burnie, MD (#606 overall), Turlock, CA (#815 overall), Mount Vernon, NY (#550 overall), and Framingham, MA (#196 overall). Blaine is #227.