Aitkin, MN
Population 2,217 · Minnesota
About Aitkin, MN
Aitkin is a small town located in Minnesota with a population of 2,217 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $45,813 per year, which is 39% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 47.3 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 Aitkin features a median home value of $172,800, which is 29% below the national median of $244,900. This positions Aitkin in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $657, 44% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 1,068 total housing units, 61% are owner-occupied (547 units) and 39% are renter-occupied (352 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Aitkin shows an unemployment rate of 4.4%, which is near the national rate of 3.7%. The poverty rate stands at 19.1%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Aitkin have an average one-way commute time of 14 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
20.0% of Aitkin residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. The lower educational attainment rate may reflect the area's industry mix, with more employment in trades, manufacturing, or agricultural sectors. The community's demographic composition includes 0.7% White, 1.6% Hispanic or Latino, 0.6% Black or African American, and 0.0% Asian residents, with 0.6% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Aitkin, MN
Compared to national averages, Aitkin has a median household income of $45,813 (39% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $172,800, which is 29% below the national median. Monthly rent at $657 is 44% below the US average of $1,163. Within Minnesota, Aitkin's income is 38% below the state average of $74,221, and home values are 15% below the state median of $204,472.
Why Live in Aitkin, MN?
Aitkin offers affordable housing with a median home value of $172,800, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $657/month, and short commute times averaging just 14 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($45,813) that falls below the national average. However, Aitkin’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Aitkin has a population of 2,217 with a median age of 47.3 years. Compare Aitkin with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Minnesota.
Similar Cities Near Aitkin
Cities in Minnesota with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Springfield | 2,209 | $59,412 | $117,600 | Compare |
| Pequot Lakes | 2,236 | $66,974 | $246,400 | Compare |
| Olivia | 2,243 | $62,683 | $156,600 | Compare |
| Crosby | 2,253 | $43,250 | $175,600 | Compare |
| Cologne | 2,146 | $117,344 | $356,600 | Compare |
| Arlington | 2,298 | $66,458 | $181,600 | Compare |
| Wells | 2,317 | $58,663 | $93,200 | Compare |
| Maple Lake | 2,104 | $75,469 | $221,800 | 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 Aitkin With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Aitkin
What is the population of Aitkin, MN?
The population of Aitkin, MN is 2,217 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 Aitkin?
The median household income in Aitkin, MN is $45,813 per year, which is 39% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Aitkin?
The median home value in Aitkin, MN is $172,800, which is 29% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Aitkin?
The median monthly rent in Aitkin, MN is $657, which is 44% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Aitkin?
The unemployment rate in Aitkin, MN is 4.4%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Aitkin, MN a good place to live?
Aitkin offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 2,217 and a median age of 47.3, the city appeals to established professionals and retirees.
How educated is Aitkin, MN?
20.0% of residents in Aitkin aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. The educational profile reflects the area's industry mix and employment landscape.
What is the cost of living in Aitkin?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Aitkin, MN: median home value is $172,800 (29% below national), median rent is $657/month, and median household income is $45,813. The home-value-to-income ratio is 3.8x, a moderate figure by national standards.
What is the poverty rate in Aitkin?
The poverty rate in Aitkin, MN is 19.1%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. Residents and prospective movers should be aware of the economic challenges facing parts of this community.
How diverse is Aitkin, MN?
Aitkin's population is 0.7% White, 1.6% Hispanic or Latino, 0.6% Black or African American, 0.0% Asian, and 0.2% two or more races. 0.6% of residents are foreign-born.