Ham Lake, MN
Population 16,575 · Minnesota
About Ham Lake, MN
Ham Lake is a mid-sized city located in Minnesota with a population of 16,575 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $116,845 per year, which is 55% above the national median of $75,149. The median age of 42.8 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 Ham Lake features a median home value of $430,100, which is 76% above the national median of $244,900. This places Ham Lake in a higher-cost housing market, where property demand often outpaces supply. Median monthly rent is $1,319, 13% above the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 6,024 total housing units, 95% are owner-occupied (5,647 units) and 5% are renter-occupied (285 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Ham Lake shows an unemployment rate of 2.6%, which is lower than the national rate of 3.7%, indicating a relatively strong job market. The poverty rate stands at 4.1%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Ham Lake have an average one-way commute time of 29.7 minutes.
Education & Demographics
35.9% of Ham 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 1.0% White, 0.7% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 1.2% Asian residents, with 2.9% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Ham Lake, MN
Compared to national averages, Ham Lake has a median household income of $116,845 (55% above the national median of $75,149). Home values average $430,100, which is 76% above the national median. Monthly rent at $1,319 is 13% above the US average of $1,163. Within Minnesota, Ham Lake's income is 57% above the state average of $74,221, and home values are 110% above the state median of $204,472.
Why Live in Ham Lake, MN?
Ham Lake offers a strong local economy with a median household income of $116,845, well above the national average, and a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 2.6%, and a well-educated community where 35.9% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. Additionally, the city features a low poverty rate of 4.1%, better than the national average.
Potential considerations include a competitive housing market where the typical home costs $430,100. However, Ham Lake’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Ham Lake has a population of 16,575 with a median age of 42.8 years. Compare Ham Lake with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Minnesota.
Similar Cities Near Ham Lake
Cities in Minnesota with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Red Wing | 16,660 | $65,259 | $224,800 | Compare |
| Buffalo | 16,388 | $88,306 | $281,900 | Compare |
| Hibbing | 16,100 | $55,463 | $123,900 | Compare |
| Hugo | 16,076 | $114,057 | $394,200 | Compare |
| Bemidji | 15,490 | $53,850 | $189,500 | Compare |
| Anoka | 17,941 | $75,262 | $292,900 | Compare |
| Albert Lea | 18,379 | $62,522 | $150,400 | Compare |
| Hutchinson | 14,629 | $71,730 | $210,300 | 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 Ham Lake With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Ham Lake
What is the population of Ham Lake, MN?
The population of Ham Lake, MN is 16,575 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a mid-sized city in Minnesota.
What is the median household income in Ham Lake?
The median household income in Ham Lake, MN is $116,845 per year, which is 55% above the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Ham Lake?
The median home value in Ham Lake, MN is $430,100, which is 76% above the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Ham Lake?
The median monthly rent in Ham Lake, MN is $1,319, which is 13% above the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Ham Lake?
The unemployment rate in Ham Lake, MN is 2.6%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. This lower-than-average rate suggests a relatively healthy local job market.
Is Ham Lake, MN a good place to live?
Ham Lake offers above-average incomes, a competitive housing market, and a strong job market. With a population of 16,575 and a median age of 42.8, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Ham Lake, MN?
35.9% of residents in Ham Lake 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 Ham Lake?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Ham Lake, MN: median home value is $430,100 (76% above national), median rent is $1,319/month, and median household income is $116,845. The home-value-to-income ratio is 3.7x, a moderate figure by national standards.
What is the poverty rate in Ham Lake?
The poverty rate in Ham Lake, MN is 4.1%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Ham Lake, MN?
Ham Lake's population is 1.0% White, 0.7% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 1.2% Asian, and 0.5% two or more races. 2.9% of residents are foreign-born.