Elbow Lake, MN
Population 1,158 · Minnesota
About Elbow Lake, MN
Elbow Lake is a small community in Minnesota with a population of 1,158 residents. The median household income is $56,786 per year, which is near the national average. The median age in Elbow Lake is 38.2 years.
Housing in Elbow Lake has a median home value of $118,900 and median monthly rent of $746. Of the 524 total housing units, the majority are owner-occupied, with 318 owner-occupied and 158 renter-occupied units.
The unemployment rate in Elbow Lake is 4.8% and the poverty rate is 17.6%. 20.0% of residents hold a bachelor's degree or higher. The average commute time is 21.2 minutes.
Cost of Living in Elbow Lake, MN
Compared to national averages, Elbow Lake has a median household income of $56,786 (24% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $118,900, which is 51% below the national median. Monthly rent at $746 is 36% below the US average of $1,163. Within Minnesota, Elbow Lake's income is 23% below the state average of $74,221, and home values are 42% below the state median of $204,472.
Why Live in Elbow Lake, MN?
Elbow Lake offers affordable housing with a median home value of $118,900, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $746/month, and short commute times averaging just 21.2 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($56,786) that falls below the national average. However, Elbow Lake’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Elbow Lake has a population of 1,158 with a median age of 38.2 years. Compare Elbow Lake with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Minnesota.
Similar Cities Near Elbow Lake
Cities in Minnesota with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| New London | 1,156 | $66,830 | $209,300 | Compare |
| Shafer | 1,151 | $96,042 | $225,700 | Compare |
| Elgin | 1,147 | $87,000 | $218,200 | Compare |
| Dellwood | 1,145 | $208,125 | $729,800 | Compare |
| East Gull Lake | 1,173 | $128,548 | $522,000 | Compare |
| Redby | 1,175 | $53,846 | $109,500 | Compare |
| Madison Lake | 1,178 | $84,833 | $281,300 | Compare |
| Fairfax | 1,134 | $53,750 | $99,800 | 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.
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Frequently Asked Questions about Elbow Lake
What is the population of Elbow Lake, MN?
The population of Elbow Lake, MN is 1,158 according to the latest Census data.
What is the median household income in Elbow Lake?
The median household income in Elbow Lake, MN is $56,786 per year.
What is the median home value in Elbow Lake?
The median home value in Elbow Lake, MN is $118,900.
What is the average rent in Elbow Lake?
The median monthly rent in Elbow Lake, MN is $746.
What is the unemployment rate in Elbow Lake?
The unemployment rate in Elbow Lake, MN is 4.8%.