Thief River Falls, MN demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
8,823
-0.2% year-over-year change
Median household income
$71,144/yr
9.0% year-over-year change
Housing units
4,601
0.4% year-over-year change

Thief River Falls population

How many people live in Thief River Falls

Thief River Falls is home to 8,823 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 49.3% of Thief River Falls locals are male, and 50.7% are female.

Total population
8,823
-0.2% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
49.3%
4,349
Female
50.7%
4,474
Value Percent YoY change
Male 4,349 49.3% -1.9%
Female 4,474 50.7% 1.5%
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 Thief River Falls is 38, with the population distributed as follows: about 15.4% are children under 15, then 14.6% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 28.7% of the population, while another 21.5% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 19.6% are 65 or older.

Median age
37.8
Age breakdown
Under 15
15.4%
15 to 24
14.6%
25 to 44
28.7%
45 to 64
21.5%
Over 65
19.6%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 1,362 15.4% -9.3%
15 to 24 1,293 14.6% 16.7%
25 to 44 2,535 28.7% 4.7%
45 to 64 1,900 21.5% -8.0%
Over 65 1,733 19.6% -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 Thief River Falls, 94.8% of the population are US-born citizens, while 3.3% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 1.9% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 86% of locals are Caucasian, 1.1% are African American and 1.8% have Asian roots. Another 0.4% are Indigenous American, 0.1% are Pacific Islanders, while 3.2% identify as another race. There’s also a share of 7.4% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
94.8%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
3.3%
Non-citizens
1.9%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 8,363 94.8% -1.2%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 290 3.3% 40.1%
Non-citizens 170 1.9% -1.7%
Racial breakdown
White
86%
Black or African American
1.1%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0.4%
Asian
1.8%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0.1%
Two or more races
7.4%
Other
3.2%
Value Percent
White 7,588 86%
Black or African American 100 1.1%
American Indian and Alaska Native 36 0.4%
Asian 156 1.8%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander 8 0.1%
Two or more races 657 7.4%
Other 278 3.2%

Households in Thief River Falls

A peek inside Thief River Falls households

Thief River Falls has 4,198 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 50.4% are families, while the remaining 49.6% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
4,198
0.3% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
2,083
Family households
2,115
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 2,083 49.6% -1.9%
Family households 2,115 50.4% 2.6%
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 Thief River Falls

The housing landscape of Thief River Falls

Thief River Falls's housing consists of 4,601 units, with 58.2% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 3.6% and offer a more compact, shared living style. Then there are the multifamily buildings in the area, and for those seeking flexibility, non-traditional options like mobile homes account for 5% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
4,601
0.4% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 2,679 58.2%
1 unit, attached 166 3.6%
2 units 144 3.1%
3 or 4 units 194 4.2%
5 to 9 units 166 3.6%
10 to 19 units 244 5.3%
20 to 49 units 520 11.3%
50 or more units 257 5.6%
Mobile home 231 5%
Homes built since 2020
21
61.5% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Thief River Falls

In Thief River Falls, the median construction year is 1972. About 23.6% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 5.7% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 7.6% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 12.4% between 2010 and 2019, and 0.5% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 1,086 23.6% 15.8%
Built between 1940 and 1949 261 5.7% 32.5%
Built between 1950 and 1959 398 8.6% 1.3%
Built between 1960 and 1969 384 8.4% -21.8%
Built between 1970 and 1979 744 16.2% -2.2%
Built between 1980 and 1989 374 8.1% -5.6%
Built between 1990 and 1999 416 9% -18.8%
Built between 2000 and 2009 349 7.6% -1.4%
Built between 2010 and 2019 568 12.4% 7.8%
Built in 2020 or later 21 0.5% 61.5%
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.

Thief River Falls occupancy rates

Out of the 4,198 occupied housing units in Thief River Falls, 63.7% are owner-occupied, while 36.3% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 8.8% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
4,198
0.3% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
1,523
Owner occupied
2,675
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 1,523 36.3% -2.8%
Owner occupied 2,675 63.7% 2.1%
Unoccupied housing units
8.8%
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.

Thief River Falls housing costs

Housing costs in Thief River Falls come to a median of $963 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $838.

Median housing costs per month
$963/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 Thief River Falls
$838/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 Thief River Falls

Thief River Falls education at a glance

About 36% of the population in Thief River Falls went to high school, while 21.6% pursued college studies. Another 20.9% earned an associate degree and 14.6% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 4.8% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 142 2% 25.7%
High school diploma 2,562 36% 3.4%
College diploma 1,533 21.6% -2.5%
Associate degree 1,486 20.9% -5.8%
Bachelor's degree 1,041 14.6% 11.1%
Graduate degree 343 4.8% 8.2%
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 Thief River Falls

How much people earn in Thief River Falls

The average annual household income in Thief River Falls was $86,764 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +3% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $71,144, reflecting a +9% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Thief River Falls
$86,764/year
3.0% year-over-year change
Median household income in Thief River Falls
$71,144/year
9.0% year-over-year change

Thief River Falls income by age

In Thief River Falls, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $93,325. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $83,750 overall. Younger households, where the main provider is under 25 and just starting out, report a median income of $68,417, while those led by someone over 65, many of whom may be retired, have about $42,917 in earnings. Overall, 87.9% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
Under 25 $68,417 -7.7%
25 - 44 $93,325 30.4%
45 - 64 $83,750 7.2%
Over 65 $42,917 -8.1%
Above poverty level
7,456
Below poverty level
1,027
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 7,456 87.9% -1.1%
Below poverty level 1,027 12.1% 6.8%

Average renter income in Thief River Falls

To get a better sense of what renters earn on average in Thief River Falls, their median household income was $46,221 according to 2022 Census data. In addition, the rent-to-income ratio in the area, at 21.8%, shows what portion of their earnings goes toward housing expenses.

Renter median household income
$46,221
Rent-to-income ratio
21.8%
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 Thief River Falls

Workforce and job types in Thief River Falls

The job market in Thief River Falls is powered by 4,924 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 65% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 35% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 5% run their own businesses, 82.3% are employed by private companies, and 7.1% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
4,924
4.4% year-over-year change
White collar
3,203
Blue collar
1,721
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 3,203 65% 2.7%
Blue collar 1,721 35% 7.9%
Employer type
Self employees
5%
Private companies
82.3%
Governmental workers
7.1%
Not for profit companies
5.6%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 245 5% -5.8%
Private companies 4,052 82.3% 4.3%
Governmental workers 350 7.1% 5.4%
Not for profit companies 277 5.6% 15.4%
Unemployment rate
2.7%
25.0% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Thief River Falls stands at 2.7%, 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 Thief River Falls

How people get around in Thief River Falls

Commuting methods vary: 84.7% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 2.9% 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 4,040 84.7% 7.5%
Taxicab 59 1.2% -43.8%
Bus or trolleybus 18 0.4% -21.7%
Bicycle 7 0.2% -12.5%
Walk 140 2.9% -12.5%
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 Thief River Falls by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
56701 12,705 5,771 $78,599 $93,734

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FAQs about Thief River Falls demographics 

What is the total population of Thief River Falls?

Thief River Falls has a total population of 8,823 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 -0.2% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Thief River Falls?

The gender ratio in Thief River Falls is as follows:
  • 49.3% males (4,349 residents)
  • 50.7% females (4,474 residents)

What is the median age in Thief River Falls?

The median age in Thief River Falls is 37.8.

What is the age distribution of the population in Thief River Falls?

The age distribution in Thief River Falls is as follows:
  • Under 15: 15.4% (1,362 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 14.6% (1,293 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 28.7% (2,535 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 21.5% (1,900 residents)
  • Over 65: 19.6% (1,733 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Thief River Falls?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Thief River Falls is as follows:
  • White: 86% (7,588 residents)
  • Black or African American: 1.1% (100 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0.4% (36 residents)
  • Asian: 1.8% (156 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0.1% (8 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 7.4% (657 residents)
  • Other: 3.2% (278 residents)

What percentage of the population in Thief River Falls are U.S.-born citizens?

U.S.-born citizens represent 94.8% of the population in Thief River Falls.

How many housing units are there in Thief River Falls?

There are 4,601 housing units in Thief River Falls, reflecting a +0.4% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

How many households are in Thief River Falls and what is the average household size?

Thief River Falls has a total of 4,198 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in Thief River Falls?

Thief River Falls has a median household income of $71,144, representing a +9.0% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

What is the employment rate and job market overview for Thief River Falls?

The employment rate is 97.3% in Thief River Falls, with a workforce of 4,924 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 65% (3,203 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 35% (1,721 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 5% (245 residents)
  • Private companies: 82.3% (4,052 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 7.1% (350 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 5.6% (277 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