Battle Lake, MN
Population 794 · Minnesota
About Battle Lake, MN
Battle Lake is a small community located in Minnesota with a population of 794 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $58,125 per year, which is 23% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 55.8 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 Battle Lake features a median home value of $221,000, which is 10% below the national median of $244,900. This positions Battle Lake in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $920, 21% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 479 total housing units, 62% are owner-occupied (228 units) and 38% are renter-occupied (137 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Battle Lake shows an unemployment rate of 7.3%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 5.3%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Battle Lake have an average one-way commute time of 20.3 minutes.
Education & Demographics
25.4% of Battle Lake residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This is in line with national trends in educational attainment. The community's demographic composition includes 8.2% White, 0.0% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 0.0% Asian residents, with 0.5% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Battle Lake, MN
Compared to national averages, Battle Lake has a median household income of $58,125 (23% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $221,000, which is 10% below the national median. Monthly rent at $920 is 21% below the US average of $1,163. Within Minnesota, Battle Lake's income is 22% below the state average of $74,221, and home values are 8% above the state median of $204,472.
Why Live in Battle Lake, MN?
Battle Lake offers affordable housing with a median home value of $221,000, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $920/month, and a low poverty rate of 5.3%, better than the national average. Additionally, the city features short commute times averaging just 20.3 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($58,125) that falls below the national average. However, Battle Lake’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Battle Lake has a population of 794 with a median age of 55.8 years. Compare Battle Lake with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Minnesota.
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Other Cities in Minnesota
Data source: US Census Bureau ACS 5-Year Estimates. Last updated: 2026-04-05.
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Frequently Asked Questions about Battle Lake
What is the population of Battle Lake, MN?
The population of Battle Lake, MN is 794 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a small community in Minnesota.
What is the median household income in Battle Lake?
The median household income in Battle Lake, MN is $58,125 per year, which is 23% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Battle Lake?
The median home value in Battle Lake, MN is $221,000, which is 10% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Battle Lake?
The median monthly rent in Battle Lake, MN is $920, which is 21% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Battle Lake?
The unemployment rate in Battle Lake, MN is 7.3%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Battle Lake, MN a good place to live?
Battle Lake offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 794 and a median age of 55.8, the city appeals to established professionals and retirees.
How educated is Battle Lake, MN?
25.4% of residents in Battle Lake 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 Battle Lake?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Battle Lake, MN: median home value is $221,000 (10% below national), median rent is $920/month, and median household income is $58,125. The home-value-to-income ratio is 3.8x, a moderate figure by national standards.
What is the poverty rate in Battle Lake?
The poverty rate in Battle Lake, MN is 5.3%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Battle Lake, MN?
Battle Lake's population is 8.2% White, 0.0% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 0.0% Asian, and 0.0% two or more races. 0.5% of residents are foreign-born.