Pennington County Quick Facts

Population: 13,992

Median Household Income: $71,504

Percent Living Below Poverty: 9.6%

Health Coverage: 82.1%

Housing Vacancy Rate: 7.8%

Median Rent: $935

Average Household Size: 2.2

Total Housing Units: 6,673

Race and Ethnicity: 89% White

Foreign-born Residents: 2.6%

Workforce Participation Rate: 84.1%

Thief River Falls has a thriving economy. It is home to major employers like Digikey  and Arctic Cat (Textron Specialized Vehicles), which make Thief River Falls a key industrial hub in Northwest Minnesota. Other large employers include Sanford Health Thief River Falls, Thief River Falls School District, Walmart, Northern Pride, Hugo’s, City of Thief River Falls, Pennington County, and Northland Community and Technical College.

All together, there are 418 business establishments in Pennington County, accounting for 10,099 jobs. The annual average wage is $53,766. The total industry payroll for Pennington County is $542,986,927.

Located where two rivers meet, our community thrives on the entrepreneurial spirit, preserving and respecting the past, yet growing and moving toward the future. No matter your interests–the arts, outdoors, education, or shopping–we’re confident you will find something to love within our many clubs, groups, parks, retailers, and events. To all of our residents, whether a newcomer or long-time resident, we are glad you are here!

Thief River Falls offers a wide range of educational opportunities, catering to the needs of children from early childhood through post-secondary education. The town is committed to providing quality education in a supportive environment.

Childcare and Early Education

Discovery Place

Thief River Falls is home to Discovery Place, a licensed childcare center that provides a safe and nurturing environment for young children. Discovery Place offers educational programs tailored to the developmental needs of children, focusing on early childhood development and school readiness. Visit their Facebook page for more information.

Licensed Family Childcare Providers

In addition to Discovery Place, there are several licensed family childcare providers throughout the community. These providers offer personalized care in a home-setting, often with smaller group sizes that allow for more individualized attention. View the list of licensed family childcare providers in Pennington County, MN.

Preschool Programs

The Thief River Falls School District offers Prowler Preschool and wrap-around childcare services, focusing on early childhood development and readiness for kindergarten. Go to the Prowler Preschool webpage to learn more.

Challenger Elementary School

Serving students from kindergarten through grade 5, Challenger Elementary focuses on academic excellence and personal growth. The school offers a variety of extracurricular activities and enrichment programs to engage students and enhance their learning experiences. Visit the Challenger Elementary School webpage for more information.

Franklin Middle School (Grades 5-8)

This middle school continues to build on the educational foundation established in the earlier grades. The curriculum includes advanced studies in math, science, language arts, and social studies, as well as opportunities to explore interests in music, art, technology, and athletics. The school also emphasizes social-emotional learning to help students navigate the challenges of adolescence. Visit the Franklin Middle School webpage for more information.

Lincoln High School (Grades 9-12)

Lincoln High School is dedicated to preparing students for success in college, careers, and beyond. The school offers a diverse curriculum that includes advanced placement (AP) courses, college credit programs, vocational training, and a wide range of extracurricular activities, including sports, music, and clubs. The school’s strong academic programs are complemented by a focus on leadership development and community service. Visit the Lincoln High School website for more information.

Extracurricular and Enrichment Programs

Thief River Falls schools provide a wide range of extracurricular activities, including sports, music, drama, and clubs. These programs help students develop their talents, build teamwork skills, and engage with the community.

Support Services

Special Education

Thief River Falls schools offer comprehensive special education services to support students with diverse learning needs.

Counseling and Career Guidance

Schools provide counseling services and career guidance to help students navigate their academic journey and plan for the future.

Northland Community & Technical College (NCTC)

This college offers a variety of programs, including associate degrees, certificates, and diplomas in fields such as healthcare, business, technology, and trades. NCTC also provides opportunities for high school students to earn college credits through programs like Post-Secondary Enrollment Options (PSEO) and College in the High School. With its state-of-the-art facilities and strong ties to local industries, NCTC plays a vital role in workforce development in the region.

NCTC also offers continuing education and professional development courses for adults looking to advance their careers or gain new skills. Visit the Northland Community & Technical College website for more information.

Adult Basic Education

Adult Basic Education (ABE) is available in Thief River Falls through the Northwest Service Cooperative. ABE programs are designed to help adults improve their literacy, math, learn English, or improve English language skills. These programs also offer preparation for the GED test, prepare for a citizenship test, as well as support for adults pursuing further education or career advancement. Classes are flexible and tailored to meet the needs of adult learners, providing a valuable resource for those looking to enhance their skills and opportunities. Visit the Adult Basic Education website for more information.

Thief River Falls offers a comprehensive healthcare ecosystem that ensures residents have access to quality medical services, ranging from primary care to specialized treatments. For a comprehensive list of healthcare services and providers, check out the Wellness section of the Thief River Falls Welcome Guide.

Sanford Thief River Falls Medical Center

The centerpiece of the town’s healthcare system is the Sanford Thief River Falls Medical Center. This full-service hospital provides a wide range of services, including emergency care, surgery, inpatient and outpatient services, and specialized care in areas such as cardiology, orthopedics, and oncology. The medical center is equipped with state-of-the-art facilities and staffed by a team of highly skilled healthcare professionals.

Sanford Health Clinics

In addition to the medical center, Sanford operates clinics in the area that offer primary care, preventive care, and specialized services. These clinics provide convenient access to family medicine, pediatrics, women’s health, and more. Visit the clinic website for more information and a list of specialty services.

Mental Health and Counseling Services

Mental health services are available through Sanford Health Behavioral Health, as well as through local providers and regional health systems. These services include counseling, therapy, and support for individuals dealing with mental health challenges.

Dental and Vision Care

The town has several dental clinics and optometrists providing routine and specialized care, ensuring residents have access to comprehensive oral and vision health services. For a comprehensive list of Dental and Vision services and providers, check out the Wellness section of the Thief River Falls Welcome Guide.

Pharmacies

There are multiple pharmacies in Thief River Falls, including chain and independent options, providing prescription medications, immunizations, and healthcare products. Pharmacies include Thrifty White Pharmacy, Walmart Pharmacy, Hugo’s Pharmacy, and Sanford Health Pharmacy.

MN Sure Insurance

MNsure is Minnesota’s health insurance marketplace where individuals and families can shop, compare and choose health insurance coverage that meets their needs. Any Minnesota resident who is a U.S. citizen, U.S. resident, or lawfully present can enroll.

MNsure is the only place you can apply for financial help to lower the cost of your monthly insurance premium and out-of-pocket costs. Most Minnesotans who enroll through MNsure qualify for financial help.

Apply and enroll.

Thief River Falls, Minnesota Cost of Living Index Score: 75.5

Cost of Living (COL) scores and indexes are a way to compare the overall price of goods and services between different areas of the United States. The national average is 100, so when you look at a place’s COL Index you can instantly see how much more or less you’ll have to pay to live there.

If a place has a cost of living index of 135, then it is thirty-five percent more expensive to live there than the national average. If a place has a cost of living index of 85, then it is fifteen percent cheaper than the average for the entire country.

The biggest factor in Cost of Living is housing costs – buying a house or apartment, or renting one.

The cost of living in Thief River Falls is twenty-eight percent lower than it is in the Twin Cities.  (Source: Sperling’s Best Places). If you look at the entire county and include the cost of taxes in that analysis, the margin widens even more; the cost of living in Pennington County is thirty-seven percent lower than it is in Ramsey and Hennepin Counties (Source: Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development).

When you take those factors into consideration, along with the fantastic career opportunities and quality of life that you will find in the Thief River Falls area, you will find that there’s only one logical choice. Join Us in Thief River Falls, Minnesota!

For more information on how the area stacks up, visit the Community Information page.

There are many resources to help you start and grow your business, including Advance Thief River, the Thief River Falls Chamber of Commerce, local banks, the City of Thief River Falls, Pennington County, Northwest Minnesota Foundation, and the Northwest Regional Development Commission. It is an area known for its vibrant small businesses! Get started on your entrepreneurship path by applying for Business Navigation services provided by Advance Thief River.

Thief River Falls, Minnesota, offers several community centers that serve as hubs for recreation, social gatherings, and cultural activities. These facilities provide residents with spaces to engage in various activities, fostering a strong sense of community and connection.

1. Ralph Engelstad Arena (REA): Known for its state-of-the-art ice facilities, the Ralph Engelstad Arena is a focal point for sports and community events in Thief River Falls. The REA hosts hockey games, figure skating, and open skating sessions, making it a popular spot for winter activities. It also features a large event space that can be used for concerts, trade shows, and other community gatherings.

2. The Heritage Community Center serves as an excellent gathering place for the area’s senior citizens. Additionally, it offers meeting facilities with a capacity of up to 120 people.

3. Thief River Falls Public Library: While not a traditional community center, the public library acts as a community hub where residents can participate in educational programs, book clubs, and children’s activities. The library also provides meeting rooms and resources for community groups and organizations.

4. Huck Olson Memorial Civic Center: This multi-purpose facility is another key venue in Thief River Falls, often hosting sporting events, expos, and large gatherings. The civic center is particularly known for its role in supporting local hockey, with ice rinks that are utilized by both youth and adult leagues.

These community centers play an essential role in enhancing the quality of life in Thief River Falls, offering residents spaces to gather, stay active, and build connections.

In Thief River Falls, MN, social services are provided by the Pennington County Human Services Department. They offer a range of programs to support families, children, and individuals in need, including child protection, foster care, food assistance (SNAP), medical assistance, and emergency services. The department also provides resources for mental health, chemical dependency, and assistance for vulnerable adults. Additionally, the MN Sure program helps eligible residents access affordable health insurance. For a complete list of services, programs, and contact information, visit the County’s Human Services webpage.

There is always plenty to do in this lively community, including annual events such as RiverFest, Pennington County Fair, rodeo, and the Thief River Falls Summer Concert Series.

Visit Thief River Falls has the best and most complete listing of area events. Click here to visit their Events page.

Thief River Falls, Minnesota, embodies a close-knit, welcoming culture rooted in strong community values. The area prides itself on its hardworking spirit, influenced by its agricultural heritage and strong local industries. Residents are known for their hospitality, resilience, and dedication to supporting one another. The community embraces both traditional values and modern inclusivity, with a growing focus on cultural diversity and family-friendly initiatives. Outdoor recreation, local events, and a strong sense of belonging are central to the area’s lifestyle, making it a vibrant and connected place to live.

Learn more about the area’s cultural history by visiting the Peder Engelstad Pioneer Village. Learn more on the organization’s website.

Make a difference by participating in town meetings, local elections, and community boards.

The Thief River Falls City Council meets twice monthly. For the current schedule, meeting agendas, and meeting recordings, visit the City’s website.

Pennington County Commissioners meet twice each month. Visit the Pennington County website for information on scheduled meetings. 

Help newcomers get connected in the community by volunteering for the Welcoming Communities program! If you are interested in being a Community Navigator please contact the Welcoming Communities project coordinator by sending an email.

Learn more about the program here.

Pennington County has an excellent local transportation system. Major highways include U.S. Highway 59 and Minnesota State Highway 32. Thief River Falls Regional Airport is the third busiest cargo airport in Minnesota and has daily passenger flights to Minneapolis at a very reasonable rate.

Thief River Falls is a pedestrian- and bike-friendly community. 

405 3rd Street East
PO Box 528
Thief River Falls, MN 56701
(218) 681-2943

Pennington County
101 Main Avenue North
Thief River Falls, MN 56701
218-683-7000

Pennington County Website

Visit the Chamber of Commerce website to find information on Chamber services, as well as information on individual businesses in the community. 

The Visit Thief River Falls website is a treasure trove of information on recreation, shopping, lodging, dining, and events.