Is Crookston Safe, Pros and cons of living in Crookston
Crookston, Minnesota, offers a unique blend of small-town charm and agricultural heritage, nestled within the fertile Red River Valley. This city provides a glimpse into a community that values its roots while navigating the opportunities and challenges of modern life. With a population that has seen a steady decline in recent decades, Crookston presents a picture of a place seeking revitalization and new growth.
The city’s economy has historically been tied to agriculture, leveraging the rich soil of the region for crops like sugar beets, potatoes, and grains. This foundation has supported various related industries and businesses over the years. However, like many smaller cities, Crookston faces economic shifts that influence its job market and housing availability. Understanding these dynamics is key to appreciating the current living experience in Crookston.
Is it Safe to Live in Crookston?
Crookston’s safety profile indicates a mixed picture, with crime rates that are higher than the national average. The chance of becoming a victim of either violent or property crime is around 1 in 76 (according to NeighborhoodScout). This means Crookston is not among the safest communities in the nation. When compared to similar-sized towns, its combined crime rate for violent and property crimes is notably above average.
Specifically, the rate for violent crime in Crookston is approximately 4 per one thousand inhabitants (according to NeighborhoodScout). Property crime rates are reported at 9 per one thousand population (according to NeighborhoodScout). These figures suggest that while not experiencing the highest crime rates, residents should remain aware of their surroundings. Some residents feel the southeast part of the city is the safest, with chances of victimization varying by neighborhood (according to CrimeGrade).
Housing Costs in Crookston
Crookston presents an attractive option for those seeking affordable housing, with both home prices and rental rates significantly below the national average. The median home value in Crookston is approximately $183,132, showing a slight increase over the past year (according to Zillow). This makes homeownership more attainable for many, especially first-time buyers.
Rental costs in Crookston are also considerably lower than the national average. The average rent for an apartment is around $749 per month (according to Apartments.com), with studios averaging $708 and two-bedroom units around $939. This affordability extends to a median rent of $825 (according to Point2Homes), positioning Crookston as a cost-effective place to live for renters.
The Job Market and Economy
Crookston’s economy is largely influenced by its agricultural base, with major employers reflecting this focus. Key industries include agriculture, healthcare, education, and manufacturing. Major employers in the city include American Crystal Sugar Co., Riverview Hospital, Crookston Public Schools, the University of Minnesota Crookston, and New Flyer Industries (according to The Crookston Community).
The employment rate in Crookston is estimated at 60.8% (according to Wikipedia), with a workforce of 3,974 residents (according to Point2Homes). While the city has seen a decline in population and economic growth, there are efforts to attract new industries. The most common employment sectors for residents are educational services, health care, and retail trade (according to Data USA).
Climate and Weather in Crookston
Crookston experiences a continental climate with distinct seasons. Summers are warm and long, with average high temperatures reaching around 80°F in July, while winters are frigid, snowy, and windy, with average low temperatures in January dropping to around -0°F (according to Wikipedia and Time and Date). The temperature typically varies between -1°F and 80°F throughout the year, with rare extremes outside this range (according to Wikipedia).
The city receives an average annual precipitation of about 23 inches, with June being the wettest month, averaging 3.5 inches of rain (according to Wikipedia and myPerfectWeather). Winters bring significant snowfall, with an average annual snowfall of 35 inches (according to Livability.com). The climate is generally partly cloudy year-round (according to Wikipedia).
Education and School Ratings
Crookston Public School District serves the city’s K-12 students. The district has an overall Niche grade of B minus, with a student-teacher ratio of 14 to 1 (according to Niche). State test scores indicate that 40% of students are proficient in math and 49% in reading.
While the district is ranked #55 out of 370 for diversity in Minnesota, it ranks #170 out of 366 for having the best teachers (according to Niche). Crookston Secondary School itself has a C+ rating, with some reviews mentioning mixed experiences regarding communication and organization, though individual teacher support is often praised (according to Niche).
Demographics of Crookston
Crookston has a population of approximately 7,482 residents as of the 2020 census (according to Wikipedia). The city’s population has been in decline since the 1970s, with an estimated population of 7,269 in 2024 (according to Wikipedia). The median age in Crookston is 41.9 years (according to World Population Review).
The racial composition is predominantly White, with 84.9% of residents identifying as such (according to Point2Homes and World Population Review). Other racial groups are represented in smaller percentages. The median household income is around $52,557, with about 15.3% of the population living below the poverty line (according to Wikipedia).
Major Employers in Crookston
The economic landscape of Crookston is shaped by a mix of agricultural, healthcare, and educational institutions. Key employers in the region contribute significantly to the local job market. These include American Crystal Sugar Co., Riverview Hospital, and Crookston Public Schools (according to The Crookston Community).
Other significant employers are the University of Minnesota Crookston, which includes its Northwest Research and Outreach Center, and New Flyer Industries, a bus manufacturing firm. Tri-Valley Opportunity, Dee, Inc., and SunOpta also play a role in the city’s employment base (according to The Crookston Community).
Cost of Living in Crookston
Crookston offers a cost of living that is generally lower than the national average, particularly in housing expenses. The overall cost of living is reported to be 2% higher than the U.S. national average, but significantly lower than the state average (according to Salary.com). This makes it an appealing option for those looking to manage their expenses.
While housing costs are a major factor in affordability, other expenses such as food, energy, transportation, and healthcare also contribute to the overall cost. The median household income of $52,557 (according to Wikipedia) aligns with the city’s affordability, making homeownership and comfortable living attainable for many residents.
Unemployment and Job Opportunities
The unemployment rate in Crookston is reported at 3.4% (according to Point2Homes), which is considered within a typical range for job security. The employment rate for the city is noted at 96.6%, with a workforce of 3,974 residents (according to Point2Homes). This suggests a relatively stable job market, although some sources indicate a lack of well-paying jobs and available housing contributing to economic challenges (according to Wikipedia).
The majority of the working population, 77.4%, is employed in professional or administrative positions, with 22.6% in service-based jobs (according to Point2Homes). While major employers provide a foundation, opportunities for advancement and diverse career paths may be more limited compared to larger metropolitan areas.