The True Cost of Housing in Beltrami County — and the Life-Changing Power of a Habitat Home

Beltrami County’s housing market is under pressure. In 2023, the median property value stood at $222,300, a nearly 9% increase from the previous year, even while homeownership rates held steady at around 69.5% (U.S. News+13Data USA+13Bemidji Pioneer+13). Housing costs remain a real burden: roughly 15.7% of residents experienced severe housing problems, such as cost burden or overcrowding (Bemidji Pioneer+2Data USA+2Data USA+2).

Meanwhile, median household income is just $67,257, meaning housing costs absorb a significant portion of local earnings (Census.gov+2Data USA+2Data USA+2). Monthly owner costs with a mortgage average $1,542, while those without a mortgage still pay around $570 for upkeep and taxes. Renters face an average gross rent of $991/month (Census.gov).

📈 Market Trends & Inventory Challenges
Local real estate data shows that the median sale price in April 2025 reached $285,000, up 5.1% year-over-year, with homes selling in under 50 days on average (Zillow+3Redfin+3Realtor+3). Zillow data places the average home value at approximately $258,256, reflecting a 3.9% increase over the last year (Zillow).

But numbers only tell part of the story. A recent Bemidji Pioneer article highlights a stark housing divide: lakefront properties command top dollar, while non-waterfront homes face tight inventory and are increasingly unaffordable for average families—especially first-time buyers under income stress (Bemidji Pioneer+1Reddit+1).

With new housing permits limited—and construction costs continuing to rise—many working families in Beltrami County find themselves priced out of both new builds and the resale market (en.wikipedia.org+9City-Data+9Bemidji Pioneer+9).

💬 “We literally had nothing to lose—and everything to gain.”
One Habitat homeowner, part of our community since their application in 2005, shared:

“We tried the traditional route, but our lack of credit and inability to afford a down payment made a home loan almost impossible… we would’ve had to save for over 10 years.”

After applying to Habitat while expecting their first child, they worked tirelessly—even during near 70-hour workweeks—fitting sweat equity hours into life’s daily pressures, all while building their dream home and another Habitat build in the same year.

They reflect gratefully on the staff who helped them push through challenges:

“Despite staff changes and obstacles, Geri Hickerson and Doug Roberts kept the ball rolling during those critical months.”

🛠️ A Foundation for More Than a Home
​Once in their Habitat home, the ripple effects were profound:

“We finally had a reliable vehicle; my wife could go back to school to chase a dream; we started paying off bills we could never afford before. It gave us stability so we could dream again.”

Before Habitat, they didn’t fully grasp the local housing crisis:

“I thought housing was just debt for life. But I now see how many people have the will but not the means.”

🌱 Why Habitat Still Matters
Even with home values below the national average, Beltrami County’s residents face a persistent affordability gap. Many families supporting themselves via modest incomes—often around $60K—can’t qualify for traditional financing, especially with rising home prices and limited inventory.

Habitat helps bridge that gap—building affordable, energy-efficient homes that provide a springboard for financial stability and personal growth.

💡 Get Involved—Change Lives, Including Your Own 
Volunteer, donate, or simply spread the word—help unlock brighter futures for hardworking families in our community.

“If you have dreams but don’t know how to get there, Habitat offers the stability to chase them. You literally have nothing to lose and everything to gain.”

Visit habitatbemidji.org or call us at (218) 751‑4649 to learn how you can be part of the solution.