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    OverviewWeatherHousingDemographicsJobsPoliticsCrimeTransportationEducationOutdoorsCulture
    1. Minnesota
    2. Swift County

    Major cities or towns:

    Benson
    Appleton
    Kerkhoven
    Swift County, Minnesota is a rural county located in the western part of the state. The geography is characterized by gently rolling prairies and fertile farmland, with a continental climate that features warm summers and cold, snowy winters. The population is around 9,500, with a median age of 42 and a predominantly white demographic. The economy is heavily agricultural, with crops like corn, soybeans, and wheat being the primary industries, along with some manufacturing and food processing. The cost of living is low compared to state and national averages, and the housing market offers affordable single-family homes. The education system consists of several small public school districts, with no major universities located within the county. Healthcare is provided by a few small clinics and a critical access hospital. Cultural attractions are limited, but the county offers abundant outdoor recreation opportunities like hunting, fishing, and hiking in the numerous wildlife management areas and state parks. The transportation infrastructure is basic, relying mostly on county and state roads, with no major airports or rail service. Crime rates are generally low, and the overall community vibe is quiet and rural, appealing to those seeking a slower-paced, small-town lifestyle.

    Demographics

    Population

    9,266

    Ethnicity %

    White
    92
    Black
    2
    Asian
    0
    Hispanic
    5

    Median Age

    43.9

    Density

    1 of 10

    13 / Mile²

    Avg Family Size

    3.0

    Religious

    68%

    Foreign Born

    9%

    Veterans

    6.1%

    Adult Smokers

    20%

    Adult Obesity

    37%

    Uninsured

    8%

    Excessive Drinking

    22%

    Poverty Rate

    9.3%

    Weather

    Sunlight

    4.5 hours winter dailyPartly sunny

    Summer average temp

    89°F

    Winter max temp

    26°F

    Precipitation

    24 in.

    Snowfall (inches)

    42.5 (high)

    Drought risk

    High

    Earthquake risk

    Very Low

    Wildfire risk

    Very Low

    Tornado risk

    Low

    Hurricane risk

    Negligible

    Crime

    Rank: 1.5 of 10

    (crimes per 1,000 people yearly)

    Violent

    2 (0.8)

    Property

    2 (10)

    Assault

    2 (0.8)

    Larceny (theft)

    2 (6)

    Robbery

    1 (0.0)

    Burglary

    3 (3.5)

    Rape

    1 (0.00)

    Auto Theft

    1 (0.0)

    Murder

    1 (0.00)

    Arson

    1 (0.00)

    Driving deaths involving alcohol

    71%

    Politics and Law

    State politics

    Blue (Democrat)

    Abortion laws

    Legal at any stage

    Marijuana laws

    Legal for medical use

    Gun Laws

    Permit required for open and concealed carry

    Democrat

    34%

    Republican

    64%

    State Tax Burden

    9.99%

    Cigarette Tax

    $3.04

    Jobs

    Income (per capita)

    $58,433

    Unemployment

    3.4%

    Employment

    65%

    Hours worked

    44

    Outdoors

    Natural Amenities

    2.1 / 10

    Water Area

    1.17%

    Near park?

    8%

    Beaches

    Not near the coast

    Mountains

    Not near mountains

    Tree Area

    4%

    Housing

    Home Ownership

    73%

    Median Home Price

    $165K

    Average Rent

    $656

    Internet over 25mbps

    97%

    Transportation

    Walkability

    unknown

    Cycling

    unknown

    Public Transit

    unknown

    Major Airport

    >2 hours

    Average Commute Time

    16

    Education

    K-12 Test Scores

    8 of 10  

    (avg: 0.14)

    College graduates

    20%

    Culture

    Arts scene

    unknown

    Food awards per 100k

    unknown