Dayton, MN
Population 8,381 · Minnesota
About Dayton, MN
Dayton is a small town located in Minnesota with a population of 8,381 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $137,383 per year, which is 83% above the national median of $75,149. The median age of 41.9 years is close to the US median age of 38.9 years.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Dayton features a median home value of $510,600, which is 108% above the national median of $244,900. This places Dayton in a higher-cost housing market, where property demand often outpaces supply. Median monthly rent is $1,353, 16% above the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 3,087 total housing units, 95% are owner-occupied (2,878 units) and 5% are renter-occupied (156 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Dayton shows an unemployment rate of 0.7%, which is lower than the national rate of 3.7%, indicating a relatively strong job market. The poverty rate stands at 2.8%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Dayton have an average one-way commute time of 27.2 minutes.
Education & Demographics
41.2% of Dayton 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 7.7% White, 1.2% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 1.4% Asian residents, with 10.4% of the population being foreign-born.
How Dayton Ranks in Minnesota
Cost of Living in Dayton, MN
Compared to national averages, Dayton has a median household income of $137,383 (83% above the national median of $75,149). Home values average $510,600, which is 108% above the national median. Monthly rent at $1,353 is 16% above the US average of $1,163. Within Minnesota, Dayton's income is 85% above the state average of $74,221, and home values are 150% above the state median of $204,472.
Why Live in Dayton, MN?
Dayton offers a strong local economy with a median household income of $137,383, well above the national average, and a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 0.7%, and a well-educated community where 41.2% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. Additionally, the city features a low poverty rate of 2.8%, better than the national average.
Potential considerations include a competitive housing market where the typical home costs $510,600. However, Dayton’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Dayton has a population of 8,381 with a median age of 41.9 years. Compare Dayton with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Minnesota.
Similar Cities Near Dayton
Cities in Minnesota with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Virginia | 8,362 | $48,321 | $117,500 | Compare |
| Waite Park | 8,341 | $56,884 | $217,000 | Compare |
| St. Francis | 8,279 | $101,875 | $297,800 | Compare |
| Minnetrista | 8,509 | $156,346 | $624,600 | Compare |
| Orono | 8,205 | $181,875 | $952,400 | Compare |
| New Prague | 8,195 | $98,424 | $323,500 | Compare |
| Mahtomedi | 8,108 | $132,326 | $466,100 | Compare |
| Albertville | 8,066 | $126,307 | $326,400 | 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 Dayton With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Dayton
What is the population of Dayton, MN?
The population of Dayton, MN is 8,381 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 Dayton?
The median household income in Dayton, MN is $137,383 per year, which is 83% above the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Dayton?
The median home value in Dayton, MN is $510,600, which is 108% above the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Dayton?
The median monthly rent in Dayton, MN is $1,353, which is 16% above the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Dayton?
The unemployment rate in Dayton, MN is 0.7%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. This lower-than-average rate suggests a relatively healthy local job market.
Is Dayton, MN a good place to live?
Dayton offers above-average incomes, a competitive housing market, and a strong job market. With a population of 8,381 and a median age of 41.9, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Dayton, MN?
41.2% of residents in Dayton 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 Dayton?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Dayton, MN: median home value is $510,600 (108% above national), median rent is $1,353/month, and median household income is $137,383. The home-value-to-income ratio is 3.7x, a moderate figure by national standards.
What is the poverty rate in Dayton?
The poverty rate in Dayton, MN is 2.8%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Dayton, MN?
Dayton's population is 7.7% White, 1.2% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 1.4% Asian, and 4.7% two or more races. 10.4% of residents are foreign-born.