Austin, MN
Population 26,167 · Minnesota
About Austin, MN
Austin is a mid-sized city located in Minnesota with a population of 26,167 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $66,488 per year, which is 12% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 36.3 years is close to the US median age of 38.9 years.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Austin features a median home value of $155,100, which is 37% below the national median of $244,900. This positions Austin in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $860, 26% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 10,969 total housing units, 70% are owner-occupied (7,011 units) and 30% are renter-occupied (3,064 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Austin shows an unemployment rate of 4.2%, which is near the national rate of 3.7%. The poverty rate stands at 14.8%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Austin have an average one-way commute time of 17.7 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
23.2% of Austin 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 12.9% White, 1.0% Hispanic or Latino, 0.1% Black or African American, and 4.6% Asian residents, with 17.1% of the population being foreign-born.
How Austin Ranks in Minnesota
Cost of Living in Austin, MN
Compared to national averages, Austin has a median household income of $66,488 (12% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $155,100, which is 37% below the national median. Monthly rent at $860 is 26% below the US average of $1,163. Within Minnesota, Austin's income is 10% below the state average of $74,221, and home values are 24% below the state median of $204,472.
Why Live in Austin, MN?
Austin offers affordable housing with a median home value of $155,100, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $860/month, and short commute times averaging just 17.7 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($66,488) that falls below the national average. However, Austin’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Austin has a population of 26,167 with a median age of 36.3 years. Compare Austin with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Minnesota.
Similar Cities Near Austin
Cities in Minnesota with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chanhassen | 26,001 | $138,034 | $530,700 | Compare |
| Winona | 25,998 | $56,163 | $193,500 | Compare |
| Elk River | 26,367 | $99,457 | $338,300 | Compare |
| Owatonna | 26,462 | $81,276 | $234,600 | Compare |
| Rosemount | 26,509 | $127,247 | $406,100 | Compare |
| Shoreview | 26,724 | $109,399 | $365,100 | Compare |
| Prior Lake | 27,832 | $130,278 | $429,900 | Compare |
| Faribault | 24,458 | $61,662 | $233,900 | 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 Austin With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Austin
What is the population of Austin, MN?
The population of Austin, MN is 26,167 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a mid-sized city in Minnesota.
What is the median household income in Austin?
The median household income in Austin, MN is $66,488 per year, which is 12% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Austin?
The median home value in Austin, MN is $155,100, which is 37% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Austin?
The median monthly rent in Austin, MN is $860, which is 26% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Austin?
The unemployment rate in Austin, MN is 4.2%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Austin, MN a good place to live?
Austin offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 26,167 and a median age of 36.3, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Austin, MN?
23.2% of residents in Austin 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 Austin?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Austin, MN: median home value is $155,100 (37% below national), median rent is $860/month, and median household income is $66,488. The home-value-to-income ratio is 2.3x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Austin?
The poverty rate in Austin, MN is 14.8%, 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 Austin, MN?
Austin's population is 12.9% White, 1.0% Hispanic or Latino, 0.1% Black or African American, 4.6% Asian, and 5.2% two or more races. 17.1% of residents are foreign-born.