Firstly why Minot, Montana?
I’ll start with some quick stats and an overview:
- City: Minot
- State: Montana
- Population: 48,717 people
- Minot’s quick summary would be famous for its charming community events and beautiful parks this city is perfect for families looking for outdoor fun and togetherness.
Some people I know rave about this place, others say it’s on the upswing or going through changes. Check out these migration details:
- How many people move-in: 900 annually
- While this many move-out: 250 annually
- Net Migration: 650 more people in (net) annual change
- Non-Citizen Move-in: 432
- Number of Homeless people: 24
You might wonder why people choose to move here, I’d say generally because it known for its affordability and community feel appealing to families
Perk #1: Minot Demographic Mix & Lifestyle
- The percentage of Residents Age 30–50 is about 30%
- Percentage of Home Ownership is hovering around 73%
- Largest Local Ethnic Group is White
- The 2nd Largest Ethnic Group is mostly Norwegian
- The median income is (and growing) $64,362
- Income Required to Live Comfortably in Minot is $67,000
- Average Extra Spending Money after paying bills yearly is approx. $2638 in positive cash flow
This and any cities local population can be a real melting pot—or sometimes it’s more homogeneous, depending on the area. Ask yourself: would you enjoy a bustling community with diverse backgrounds, or do you prefer a quieter, tight-knit vibe?
Perk #2: Housing & Minot’s Cost of Living
- Cost of Living Index: 87 (100 is the US average)
- Annual Property Tax Per House: $2,100
- Property Tax %: 1.23%
- Rent for an average 2BD Apartment: $1,250
- Rent for an average house: $1,600
- Popular and Expensive Neighborhood: Minot
- Top 5 Growing Areas: Minot, Burlington, and probably could include Velva
- Avg. Age of Homes in Minot: 36 years
- The Percentage of Realtors per 100 people here: 1.3%
If the cost-of-living index is low, you might find a place without selling your kidney. If it’s high, well, you’ll need to budget carefully. Some income earners thrive in pricey markets, others prefer less financially stressful areas.
Perk #3: Job Market & Minot’s Economy
- 3 Industries gaining traction in Minot are Energy, Transportation, and Healthcare
- Minot Job Scene: limited job market primarily in military and local services
- The General Tech Scene: limited tech activity primarily focused on local sectors and services , ,
- Minot Resident’s pay $1,500 in City Tax alone!
- Local Sales Tax in Minot: 5%
- No. of Independent Businesses: 130 (excluding chains and corporates)
- Number of Local Branch Banks: 3
Maybe you’re a go-getter in finance, tech, or healthcare. Or you’d rather open a mom-and-pop shop. Either way, it’s worth checking if the local industries align with your skill set—or if you’re game to try something new.
Perk #4: Transportation & Commuting in Minot
- Monthly Transportation Costs: $92 on average per person
- Freeway Access: U.S. Route 83 runs through Minot connecting it to larger cities
- Commute Time: 24 minutes (public & private)
- Main Evening Traffic Area: traffic jams on US-83
- Transportation Score: 25 out of 100 described as Minimal Transit
- No. of Vehicles Registered in Minot: 24,000
- Cars registered per Person: 0.5
- No. of Car Washes: 2 in and around the city
- DMV Website for Minot: dojmt.gov/motor-vehicle/
- The Bike-Friendly Score: 44 of 100
- Local Airport: Minot International
Is a 15-minute commute your dream, or is 45 minutes stuck on the freeway a dealbreaker? If you can handle traffic or love public transit, this might be perfect. If not, brace yourself with a killer podcast lineup.
Perk #5: Minot’s Weather & Natural Factors
- The Most Common Natural Disaster is Flood
- General Weather in Minot is best described as features long cold winters and warm summers with a mix of rain and snow
- Winter Weather in Minot i’d describe as very cold with snow
- Spring Weather in Minot can be described as cool with occasional showers
- Summer’s in Minot are mostly warm and humid
- Fall ( the nicest time) in Minot is usually cold and breezy
- How many days in a row over 90°F: 4 days in summer
- Days in a row in Minot below Freezing: 60
- Average Annual Rainfall: 14 inches
- Summer Air Quality is usually good air quality with minimal concerns
- Minot Winter Air generally good air quality with limited industrial effects
Do you live for sunny skies? Or maybe you can’t stand humidity. Some relish snowy winters; others run south at the first snowflake. And if hurricanes, tornadoes, or earthquakes are part of the package, put all that into your consideration matrix.
Perk #6: Minot Education & Schools
- The GreatSchools.org City Rating:
- Number of Colleges and Universities in Minot 2
- While the number of trade schools inside Minots’s city limits are 1
- Library that I have visited and enjoyed is the Minot Public Library
If you’ve got kids—or you’re looking to further your own education—solid school ratings and local colleges can be a huge perk. If not, hey, a good library have more gems that you didn’t know existed, check it out.
Perk #7: Healthcare & Minot Stats
- Typical EMS Response Time: 7 minutes
- Registered Full-Time Minot only Doctors is about 30
- Local Hospitals here is 1
- Full-time Minot only Police Officers is about 60
- Crime Rate Index: 30/100
Medical facilities could be important to you and who knows it could be related to the crime stats. Again some stats that are worth considering.
Perk #8: Utilities, Gyms & Water Quality
- Minot’s Monthly utility bill average is $170
- Minot’s Monthly Gym Membership: $32
- Minot’s Water Quality Score: 73
Some of us freak out if water tastes off, others don’t mind. Gym buffs will appreciate a cheap membership; others prefer running outside for free. Check if these monthly costs fit inside your realistic lifestyle.
Perk #9: Events, Festivals & Vibe in Minot
- Approx number of Festivals the city puts on is 1 annually
- The General Local City Vibe: small city with a focus on agriculture and community spirit
- You might enjoy concerts at the Minot State University Theatre
- Nightlife Scene (yes this is completely subjective), Minot has a relaxed nightlife with local bars and eateries perfect for casual evenings out and community gatherings
If you love a lively social calendar—fairs, concerts, maybe the odd chili cook-off—this is your jam. If crowds make you itch, you might only show up for the funnel cakes.
Perk #10: The Food, Sports & Culture of Minot
- The Objective Restaurant Scene Offers casual dining and small family-run restaurants
- The Number of Independent Restaurants are 60 scattered around Minot
- The Popular Sports Team is Minot Minotauros
- Top Level Political Climate in Minot can be described as politically conservative area focused on local industry and agriculture
- Minot’s Longer standing religious establishment is Minot United Methodist Church
Whether you’re a foodie wanting fancy cuisine or a sports nut who can’t miss the local team’s home game, see if your interests line up with what the city offers.
Perk #11: Minot Parks & Green Spaces
- Did you know Minot has 10 Parks?
- Oak Park is Minot’s Green Space Center
- The local favorite Farmers Market is Minot Farmers Market normally open Saturday 9am-2pm
- Outdoor Activities that both weekend warriors are pro’s can enjoy are Fishing, hiking, and biking
Love fresh air? A city investing in parks and markets can be a sanity-saver. If you prefer the indoors, maybe it’s less of a draw—but I still say fresh produce is never a bad thing.
Perk #12: Minot Neighborhoods Pace & Proximity
- The Pace of Life in Minot can be described as moderate small-town atmosphere with a focus on community and agriculture
- 3 Family-Friendly Activities anyone can enjoy in Minot community picnics local parks hiking activities
- The Cities people commute to from Minot are Fargo 10 miles away Moorhead 7 miles away Casselton 24 miles away
Neighborhood pace can range from laid-back suburbs to frantic downtown vibes. If you need a quick getaway, big neighboring cities can scratch that itch for a weekend change of scene.
8 Drawbacks about Minot or are they?
No place is perfect. I rate these as important based on your location and type of work you do. They might not be negatives or positives for everyone.
- Traffic/Commute Issues
Maybe you read: traffic jams on US-83. If you hate gridlock, look at alternative routes or brace yourself with podcasts. - Natural Disaster or Extreme Weather
Minot’s Flood risk could be minimal or major. Dig more on that is your eyebrow just went up. - Pricey Neighborhoods
If Minot is out of your price point, you might consider these places nearby Minot are Fargo 10 miles away Moorhead 7 miles away Casselton 24 miles away. - Crime Rate Concerns
With a 30 of 100, some neighborhoods might feel safer than others. Everyone has a different tolerance for this. - Harsh Climate Contrasts
Minot has 60 days in a row below freezing and 4 days above 90 degrees. This might be your heaven or your nightmare. Some people can’t stand snow, while others pray for it. - Limited Extra Funds
After general costs of living here in Minot people have an average (positive or negative) $2638 in positive cash flow left over in income to spend or pay off. Economics will make or break you here. - Homelessness or Social Challenges
24 homeless people living in Minot. It can be tough for the community—no easy solutions. - Cultural/Political Mismatch
The general politically conservative area focused on local industry and agriculture could change but probably not quickly. We all go thru cycles in our lifestyle and outlook. Think about this and your future outlook before a move to Minot.
Retiree & Senior Life in Minot
- Retiree Tax Benefits say seniors can may qualify for property tax reductions aimed at older residents
- The most established Senior Citizen Community is St. Joseph’s
- Minot Senior Center provides meal programs fitness classes and social gatherings for older residents
If you’re in (or nearing) retirement, see if the city provides property tax breaks or comfy 55+ communities. Some places cater heavily to seniors, others less so.
Moving to Minot, Montana?
If Minot, Montana ir your next home or you are packing up, Let Allied Van Lines Help
As someone who’s hauled half his life across state lines more times than I can recall, let me say that Allied Van Lines simplifies the process. From big bulky couches to fragile antiques, they’ve got you covered.
A quick quote or phone call might be all you need to turn your daydream into reality. If you see me around Minot, Montana, say hi—I’m the guy who once moved with nothing but a backpack and a guitar. Good luck on your new adventure!