Elbow Lake, MN
Population 1,158 · Minnesota
About Elbow Lake, MN
Elbow Lake is a small town located in Minnesota with a population of 1,158 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $56,786 per year, which is 24% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 38.2 years is close to the US median age of 38.9 years.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Elbow Lake features a median home value of $118,900, which is 51% below the national median of $244,900. This makes Elbow Lake one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $746, 36% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 524 total housing units, 67% are owner-occupied (318 units) and 33% are renter-occupied (158 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Elbow Lake shows an unemployment rate of 4.8%, which is near the national rate of 3.7%. The poverty rate stands at 17.6%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Elbow Lake have an average one-way commute time of 21.2 minutes.
Education & Demographics
20.0% of Elbow Lake 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 0.3% White, 4.0% Hispanic or Latino, 0.3% Black or African American, and 0.0% Asian residents, with 0.4% of the population being foreign-born.
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.
Compare Elbow Lake With Other Cities
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 US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a small town in Minnesota.
What is the median household income in Elbow Lake?
The median household income in Elbow Lake, MN is $56,786 per year, which is 24% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Elbow Lake?
The median home value in Elbow Lake, MN is $118,900, which is 51% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Elbow Lake?
The median monthly rent in Elbow Lake, MN is $746, which is 36% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Elbow Lake?
The unemployment rate in Elbow Lake, MN is 4.8%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Elbow Lake, MN a good place to live?
Elbow Lake offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 1,158 and a median age of 38.2, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Elbow Lake, MN?
20.0% of residents in Elbow 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 Elbow Lake?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Elbow Lake, MN: median home value is $118,900 (51% below national), median rent is $746/month, and median household income is $56,786. The home-value-to-income ratio is 2.1x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Elbow Lake?
The poverty rate in Elbow Lake, MN is 17.6%, 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 Elbow Lake, MN?
Elbow Lake's population is 0.3% White, 4.0% Hispanic or Latino, 0.3% Black or African American, 0.0% Asian, and 0.0% two or more races. 0.4% of residents are foreign-born.