Deer River, MN
Population 887 · Minnesota
About Deer River, MN
Deer River is a small community located in Minnesota with a population of 887 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $38,029 per year, which is 49% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 32.8 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 Deer River features a median home value of $100,000, which is 59% below the national median of $244,900. This makes Deer River one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $680, 42% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 382 total housing units, 64% are owner-occupied (218 units) and 36% are renter-occupied (121 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Deer River shows an unemployment rate of 1.1%, which is lower than the national rate of 3.7%, indicating a relatively strong job market. The poverty rate stands at 33.1%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Deer River have an average one-way commute time of 26.2 minutes.
Education & Demographics
14.9% of Deer River 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, 21.0% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 0.3% Asian residents, with 1.8% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Deer River, MN
Compared to national averages, Deer River has a median household income of $38,029 (49% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $100,000, which is 59% below the national median. Monthly rent at $680 is 42% below the US average of $1,163. Within Minnesota, Deer River's income is 49% below the state average of $74,221, and home values are 51% below the state median of $204,472.
Why Live in Deer River, MN?
Deer River offers affordable housing with a median home value of $100,000, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $680/month, and a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 1.1%.
Potential considerations include median household income ($38,029) that falls below the national average. However, Deer River’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Deer River has a population of 887 with a median age of 32.8 years. Compare Deer River with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Minnesota.
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Data source: US Census Bureau ACS 5-Year Estimates. Last updated: 2026-04-05.
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Frequently Asked Questions about Deer River
What is the population of Deer River, MN?
The population of Deer River, MN is 887 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 Deer River?
The median household income in Deer River, MN is $38,029 per year, which is 49% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Deer River?
The median home value in Deer River, MN is $100,000, which is 59% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Deer River?
The median monthly rent in Deer River, MN is $680, which is 42% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Deer River?
The unemployment rate in Deer River, MN is 1.1%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. This lower-than-average rate suggests a relatively healthy local job market.
Is Deer River, MN a good place to live?
Deer River offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and a strong job market. With a population of 887 and a median age of 32.8, the city appeals to young professionals and families.
How educated is Deer River, MN?
14.9% of residents in Deer River 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 Deer River?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Deer River, MN: median home value is $100,000 (59% below national), median rent is $680/month, and median household income is $38,029. The home-value-to-income ratio is 2.6x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Deer River?
The poverty rate in Deer River, MN is 33.1%, 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 Deer River, MN?
Deer River's population is 0.0% White, 21.0% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 0.3% Asian, and 0.0% two or more races. 1.8% of residents are foreign-born.