Afton, MN
Population 2,944 · Minnesota
About Afton, MN
Afton is a small town located in Minnesota with a population of 2,944 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $129,956 per year, which is 73% above the national median of $75,149. The median age of 50.3 years is notably older the US median age of 38.9 years, suggesting a more established community with a higher proportion of long-term residents.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Afton features a median home value of $655,400, which is 168% above the national median of $244,900. This places Afton in a higher-cost housing market, where property demand often outpaces supply. Median monthly rent is $0, 100% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 1,215 total housing units, 98% are owner-occupied (1,140 units) and 2% are renter-occupied (22 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Afton shows an unemployment rate of 3.1%, which is lower than the national rate of 3.7%, indicating a relatively strong job market. The poverty rate stands at 5.7%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Afton have an average one-way commute time of 27.9 minutes.
Education & Demographics
60.1% of Afton residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This significantly higher educational attainment rate often correlates with access to knowledge-economy jobs and higher household incomes. The community's demographic composition includes 0.3% White, 3.1% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 0.1% Asian residents, with 5.5% of the population being foreign-born.
How Afton Ranks in Minnesota
Cost of Living in Afton, MN
Compared to national averages, Afton has a median household income of $129,956 (73% above the national median of $75,149). Home values average $655,400, which is 168% above the national median. Monthly rent at $0 is 100% below the US average of $1,163. Within Minnesota, Afton's income is 75% above the state average of $74,221, and home values are 221% above the state median of $204,472.
Why Live in Afton, MN?
Afton offers a strong local economy with a median household income of $129,956, well above the national average, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $0/month, and a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 3.1%. Additionally, the city features a well-educated community where 60.1% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher, and a low poverty rate of 5.7%, better than the national average.
Potential considerations include a competitive housing market where the typical home costs $655,400. However, Afton’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Afton has a population of 2,944 with a median age of 50.3 years. Compare Afton with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Minnesota.
Similar Cities Near Afton
Cities in Minnesota with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Greenfield | 2,897 | $147,184 | $524,300 | Compare |
| Mountain Iron | 2,865 | $81,607 | $180,700 | Compare |
| Dodge Center | 2,864 | $77,552 | $175,900 | Compare |
| Milaca | 3,033 | $49,063 | $184,900 | Compare |
| Caledonia | 2,825 | $69,792 | $148,500 | Compare |
| Albany | 2,800 | $75,417 | $226,000 | Compare |
| Proctor | 3,102 | $80,913 | $219,500 | Compare |
| Cokato | 2,780 | $71,090 | $216,100 | Compare |
Demographics
Racial & Ethnic Composition
Economy & Education
Housing
Other Cities in Minnesota
Data source: US Census Bureau ACS 5-Year Estimates. Last updated: 2026-04-05.
Compare Afton With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Afton
What is the population of Afton, MN?
The population of Afton, MN is 2,944 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a small town in Minnesota.
What is the median household income in Afton?
The median household income in Afton, MN is $129,956 per year, which is 73% above the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Afton?
The median home value in Afton, MN is $655,400, which is 168% above the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Afton?
The median monthly rent in Afton, MN is $0, which is 100% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Afton?
The unemployment rate in Afton, MN is 3.1%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. This lower-than-average rate suggests a relatively healthy local job market.
Is Afton, MN a good place to live?
Afton offers above-average incomes, a competitive housing market, and a strong job market. With a population of 2,944 and a median age of 50.3, the city appeals to established professionals and retirees.
How educated is Afton, MN?
60.1% of residents in Afton aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This above-average educational attainment often reflects a knowledge-based local economy.
What is the cost of living in Afton?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Afton, MN: median home value is $655,400 (168% above national), median rent is $0/month, and median household income is $129,956. The home-value-to-income ratio is 5.0x, a moderate figure by national standards.
What is the poverty rate in Afton?
The poverty rate in Afton, MN is 5.7%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Afton, MN?
Afton's population is 0.3% White, 3.1% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 0.1% Asian, and 0.2% two or more races. 5.5% of residents are foreign-born.