Atwater, MN
Population 1,217 · Minnesota
About Atwater, MN
Atwater is a small town located in Minnesota with a population of 1,217 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $66,071 per year, which is 12% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 31.7 years is notably younger the US median age of 38.9 years, indicating a younger, often more dynamic population base.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Atwater features a median home value of $144,300, which is 41% below the national median of $244,900. This makes Atwater one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $736, 37% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 451 total housing units, 79% are owner-occupied (345 units) and 21% are renter-occupied (89 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Atwater shows an unemployment rate of 7.5%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 4.9%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Atwater have an average one-way commute time of 24 minutes.
Education & Demographics
17.6% of Atwater 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 0.0% White, 0.4% Hispanic or Latino, 0.5% Black or African American, and 1.1% Asian residents, with 0.6% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Atwater, MN
Compared to national averages, Atwater has a median household income of $66,071 (12% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $144,300, which is 41% below the national median. Monthly rent at $736 is 37% below the US average of $1,163. Within Minnesota, Atwater's income is 11% below the state average of $74,221, and home values are 29% below the state median of $204,472.
Why Live in Atwater, MN?
Atwater offers affordable housing with a median home value of $144,300, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $736/month, and a low poverty rate of 4.9%, better than the national average. Additionally, the city features short commute times averaging just 24 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($66,071) that falls below the national average. However, Atwater’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Atwater has a population of 1,217 with a median age of 31.7 years. Compare Atwater with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Minnesota.
Similar Cities Near Atwater
Cities in Minnesota with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bagley | 1,218 | $53,417 | $135,100 | Compare |
| Spicer | 1,222 | $76,406 | $278,500 | Compare |
| Spring Grove | 1,223 | $60,221 | $148,200 | Compare |
| Truman | 1,223 | $59,095 | $100,200 | Compare |
| Taylors Falls | 1,208 | $61,548 | $256,000 | Compare |
| Edgerton | 1,207 | $66,739 | $132,800 | Compare |
| Keewatin | 1,229 | $50,872 | $78,900 | Compare |
| Martin Lake | 1,203 | $120,705 | $426,100 | 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 Atwater With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Atwater
What is the population of Atwater, MN?
The population of Atwater, MN is 1,217 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 Atwater?
The median household income in Atwater, MN is $66,071 per year, which is 12% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Atwater?
The median home value in Atwater, MN is $144,300, which is 41% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Atwater?
The median monthly rent in Atwater, MN is $736, which is 37% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Atwater?
The unemployment rate in Atwater, MN is 7.5%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Atwater, MN a good place to live?
Atwater offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 1,217 and a median age of 31.7, the city appeals to young professionals and families.
How educated is Atwater, MN?
17.6% of residents in Atwater 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 Atwater?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Atwater, MN: median home value is $144,300 (41% below national), median rent is $736/month, and median household income is $66,071. The home-value-to-income ratio is 2.2x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Atwater?
The poverty rate in Atwater, MN is 4.9%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Atwater, MN?
Atwater's population is 0.0% White, 0.4% Hispanic or Latino, 0.5% Black or African American, 1.1% Asian, and 0.5% two or more races. 0.6% of residents are foreign-born.