Backus, Minnesota
City · Population 266 · #607 in Minnesota
About Backus
Set in the northern part of Minnesota, Backus is a tiny community with an estimated population of 266.
Officially, Backus is an incorporated city with its own municipal government. The community covers 0.62 square miles, giving it wide-open spaces and a spread-out, rural feel at roughly 429 residents per square mile.
📰 Backus News Today
- Eunice Koenker Obituary Jun 7, 2026 brenny.com · Jun 7
- Backus, Longville and Brainerd airports receive MnDOT funds pineandlakes.com · Aug 15
- Minnesota woman rescued after being trapped in mud pit for several days The Guardian · Jun 14
- Pine River-Backus High School (MN) Volleyball MaxPreps · Aug 13
- Nancy Elaine Covey Obituary May 5, 2026 Wright Funeral Home and Cremation Service · May 7
Live headlines via Google News — updates through the day.
What Makes Backus Unique
- The only place in America named Backus — a truly one-of-a-kind name among 32,000+ US communities.
- Positioned in northern Minnesota, convenient to the region's corridors and crossings.
- Part of the fabric of Minnesota — one of 915 recognized communities statewide.
Why People Love It Here
- Small-town pace of life: less traffic, more community, and neighbors who wave.
- Housing dollars stretch further here than in the nearest metro.
- Well connected: 3+ neighboring communities within 9 miles.
🍽️ Where to Eat in Backus
- Pine Mountaineer Senior Center
- The Corner Store
- Willard's Saloon & Eatery
Local spots mapped by the OpenStreetMap community.
⚡ Quick Facts
StateMinnesota
TypeCity
Population (2024)266
Rank in state#607 of 855
Land area0.62 sq mi
Density429/sq mi
Coordinates46.8209, -94.5145