Fosston, MN demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
1,374
7.1% year-over-year change
Median household income
$52,500/yr
3.6% year-over-year change
Housing units
643
4.9% year-over-year change

Fosston population

How many people live in Fosston

Fosston is home to 1,374 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 42.3% of Fosston locals are male, and 57.7% are female.

Total population
1,374
7.1% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
42.3%
581
Female
57.7%
793
Value Percent YoY change
Male 581 42.3% 5.4%
Female 793 57.7% 8.3%
A higher population often means more rental variety and livelier areas. The gender balance—how many men live here compared to women—can reveal a lot about the community and the lifestyles of its residents. Use this info to get a sense of the area's pace and personality.

Age demographics

The median age in Fosston is 42, with the population distributed as follows: about 19.3% are children under 15, then 7.4% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 25.6% of the population, while another 18.4% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 29.3% are 65 or older.

Median age
41.6
Age breakdown
Under 15
19.3%
15 to 24
7.4%
25 to 44
25.6%
45 to 64
18.4%
Over 65
29.3%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 265 19.3% 18.8%
15 to 24 101 7.4% 5.2%
25 to 44 352 25.6% 11.8%
45 to 64 253 18.4% 4.1%
Over 65 403 29.3% -0.7%
The age composition helps you get insight into who lives in the area. A younger population might mean a more active, fast-paced vibe, while an older one could suggest a quieter, slower lifestyle. If there's a balanced makeup, you’re likely to find a variety of services, housing types, and community spaces that cater to different life stages.

Racial makeup

In Fosston, 99.7% of the population are US-born citizens, while 0.3% have gained naturalized citizenship. There’s also a share of 5.8% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
99.7%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
0.3%
Non-citizens
0%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 1,370 99.7% 7.1%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 4 0.3% 0.0%
Racial breakdown
White
92.9%
Black or African American
0%
American Indian and Alaska Native
1.3%
Asian
0%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
5.8%
Other
0%
Value Percent
White 1,276 92.9%
American Indian and Alaska Native 18 1.3%
Two or more races 80 5.8%

Households in Fosston

A peek inside Fosston households

Fosston has 604 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 50.7% are families, while the remaining 49.3% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
604
7.9% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
298
Family households
306
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 298 49.3% 10.0%
Family households 306 50.7% 5.9%
The mix between family and non-family households gives a glimpse into daily life. A higher percentage of families might mean more parks and schools, while more non-family setups can mean flexible housing and diverse living styles. For renters, this can signal what kinds of homes are common and can help you figure out if the area matches your lifestyle.

Housing in Fosston

The housing landscape of Fosston

Fosston's housing consists of 643 units, with 75.9% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Then there are the multifamily buildings in the area, and for those seeking flexibility, non-traditional options like mobile homes account for 4.4% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
643
4.9% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 488 75.9%
2 units 12 1.9%
3 or 4 units 10 1.6%
5 to 9 units 12 1.9%
10 to 19 units 68 10.6%
20 to 49 units 25 3.9%
Mobile home 28 4.4%
Homes built since 2020
0
% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Fosston

In Fosston, the median construction year is 1965. About 23.8% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 5.8% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 153 23.8% 6.2%
Built between 1940 and 1949 37 5.8% -13.9%
Built between 1950 and 1959 80 12.4% 5.3%
Built between 1960 and 1969 105 16.3% 10.5%
Built between 1970 and 1979 103 16% 7.3%
Built between 1980 and 1989 77 12% 14.9%
Built between 1990 and 1999 25 3.9% -41.9%
Built between 2000 and 2009 40 6.2% 60.0%
Built between 2010 and 2019 23 3.6% -4.2%
As a renter, knowing when homes were built helps you understand the potential condition and design of rental units. Newer builds may have more contemporary layouts, while older homes can offer character or larger lots, depending on the area.

Fosston occupancy rates

Out of the 604 occupied housing units in Fosston, 55.3% are owner-occupied, while 44.7% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 6.1% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
604
7.9% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
270
Owner occupied
334
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 270 44.7% 11.6%
Owner occupied 334 55.3% 5.0%
Unoccupied housing units
6.1%
Unoccupied housing units refer to homes that are currently without residents—whether they're waiting for renters or owners, used seasonally, or simply unclaimed. A higher share of empty homes may mean more housing availability, while a low number can reflect a tighter market with more competition. This, along with the renter-vs.-owner mix, helps paint a clearer picture of what types of housing and services are likely to be available in the area.

Fosston housing costs

Housing costs in Fosston come to a median of $787 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $790.

Median housing costs per month
$787/month
This figure sums up typical monthly housing costs for all households in the area. If you own, it includes mortgage payments in addition to property taxes, insurance and HOA fees. If you rent, it accounts for rent plus extras like utilities. It’s useful for seeing how local living expenses stack up compared to other places.
Median gross rent in Fosston
$790/month
Gross rent gives a more complete look at what renters actually pay, including not just base rent, but also utilities and fees. It’s a key number for evaluating rental affordability in your area of interest and understanding how it compares to nearby locations.

Education in Fosston

Fosston education at a glance

About 47.1% of the population in Fosston went to high school, while 19.3% pursued college studies. Another 8.1% earned an associate degree and 13.3% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 7.7% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 47 4.4% -20.3%
High school diploma 500 47.1% 8.5%
College diploma 205 19.3% 17.8%
Associate degree 86 8.1% 3.6%
Bachelor's degree 141 13.3% -10.2%
Graduate degree 82 7.7% 18.8%
A community’s education mix can offer insights into the local economy and housing market. Higher levels of education often align with more job opportunities and stable incomes, which can increase demand for homes and influence both rent prices and rental availability.

Income in Fosston

How much people earn in Fosston

The average annual household income in Fosston was $60,022 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +5% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $52,500, reflecting a +3.6% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Fosston
$60,022/year
5.0% year-over-year change
Median household income in Fosston
$52,500/year
3.6% year-over-year change

Fosston income by age

In Fosston, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $64,741. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $57,143 overall. Younger households, where the main provider is under 25 and just starting out, report a median income of $58,333, while those led by someone over 65, many of whom may be retired, have about $38,750 in earnings. Overall, 74% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
Under 25 $58,333 N/A
25 - 44 $64,741 4.4%
45 - 64 $57,143 5.0%
Over 65 $38,750 14.8%
Above poverty level
926
Below poverty level
325
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 926 74% 5.8%
Below poverty level 325 26% 15.2%

Average renter income in Fosston

To get a better sense of what renters earn on average in Fosston, their median household income was $28,173 according to 2022 Census data. In addition, the rent-to-income ratio in the area, at 33.6%, shows what portion of their earnings goes toward housing expenses.

Renter median household income
$28,173
Rent-to-income ratio
33.6%
Understanding the rent-to-income ratio can help renters gauge if local housing costs align with their earnings. A ratio under 30% usually signals affordability, while exceeding this mark means rent is taking a larger-than-recommended bite out of income. That could make it harder for you to cover other costs like transportation, healthcare, or child care.

Employment in Fosston

Workforce and job types in Fosston

The job market in Fosston is powered by 542 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 73.4% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 26.6% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 5% run their own businesses, 60.5% are employed by private companies, and 19.4% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
542
9.9% year-over-year change
White collar
398
Blue collar
144
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 398 73.4% 3.6%
Blue collar 144 26.6% 32.1%
Employer type
Self employees
5%
Private companies
60.5%
Governmental workers
19.4%
Not for profit companies
15.1%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 27 5% 50.0%
Private companies 328 60.5% 13.1%
Governmental workers 105 19.4% 11.7%
Not for profit companies 82 15.1% -9.9%
Unemployment rate
10.0%
3.5% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Fosston stands at 10%, representing the share of the workforce currently without a job and actively looking for one.

For renters, the unemployment rate helps paint a picture of job security and financial stability in the area. Rates around 4% to 5% are considered typical. A lower-than-average rate might suggest strong job prospects and a thriving local economy, while a higher rate could hint at fewer opportunities—both useful to consider when planning a move.

Transportation in Fosston

How people get around in Fosston

Commuting methods vary: 82.1% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 7% prefer to walk, while the remaining share relies on public transit or on two wheelers to get from A to B.

Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 421 82.1% 16.0%
Bus or trolleybus 2 0.4% -33.3%
Bicycle 18 3.5% 5.9%
Walk 36 7% 2.9%
Understanding how locals get to work can help you plan your own routine. High car usage might mean you’ll need a vehicle, while strong public transit or walkability could save you the hassle. Commute times also play a big role in quality of life—shorter trips can give you more time for the things you enjoy.

What is the median and average household income in Fosston by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
56542 2,486 1,034 $59,706 $76,733

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FAQs about Fosston demographics 

What is the total population of Fosston?

Fosston has a total population of 1,374 residents, according to the latest release from the U.S. Census Bureau: the 2019-2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates. This figure changed by +7.1% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Fosston?

The gender ratio in Fosston is as follows:
  • 42.3% males (581 residents)
  • 57.7% females (793 residents)

What is the median age in Fosston?

The median age in Fosston is 41.6.

What is the age distribution of the population in Fosston?

The age distribution in Fosston is as follows:
  • Under 15: 19.3% (265 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 7.4% (101 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 25.6% (352 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 18.4% (253 residents)
  • Over 65: 29.3% (403 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Fosston?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Fosston is as follows:
  • White: 92.9% (1,276 residents)
  • Black or African American: 0% (0 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 1.3% (18 residents)
  • Asian: 0% (0 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% (0 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 5.8% (80 residents)
  • Other: 0% (0 residents)

What percentage of the population in Fosston are U.S.-born citizens?

U.S.-born citizens represent 99.7% of the population in Fosston.

How many housing units are there in Fosston?

There are 643 housing units in Fosston, reflecting a +4.9% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

How many households are in Fosston and what is the average household size?

Fosston has a total of 604 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in Fosston?

Fosston has a median household income of $52,500, representing a +3.6% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

What is the employment rate and job market overview for Fosston?

The employment rate is 90% in Fosston, with a workforce of 542 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 73.4% (398 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 26.6% (144 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 5% (27 residents)
  • Private companies: 60.5% (328 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 19.4% (105 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 15.1% (82 residents)

Data source & methodology

The demographic data on this page was sourced from the latest U.S. Census Bureau release—the 2019–2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates.

The information, issued annually, is compiled and published by the Point2Homes Research Team as soon as new data becomes available.

No representation, guarantee, or warranty is made concerning the accuracy or completeness of modified or aggregated information for particular areas.

Page last updated: September 2025