Heron Lake, MN
Population 591 · Minnesota
About Heron Lake, MN
Heron Lake is a small community located in Minnesota with a population of 591 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $66,607 per year, which is 11% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 40.4 years is close to the US median age of 38.9 years.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Heron Lake features a median home value of $86,200, which is 65% below the national median of $244,900. This makes Heron Lake one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $681, 41% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 295 total housing units, 85% are owner-occupied (226 units) and 15% are renter-occupied (39 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Heron Lake shows an unemployment rate of 0.0%, which is lower than the national rate of 3.7%, indicating a relatively strong job market. The poverty rate stands at 8.0%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Heron Lake have an average one-way commute time of 18.5 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
19.9% of Heron 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 13.2% White, 3.7% Hispanic or Latino, 0.2% Black or African American, and 4.2% Asian residents, with 5.9% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Heron Lake, MN
Compared to national averages, Heron Lake has a median household income of $66,607 (11% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $86,200, which is 65% below the national median. Monthly rent at $681 is 41% below the US average of $1,163. Within Minnesota, Heron Lake's income is 10% below the state average of $74,221, and home values are 58% below the state median of $204,472.
Why Live in Heron Lake, MN?
Heron Lake offers affordable housing with a median home value of $86,200, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $681/month, and a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 0.0%. Additionally, the city features a low poverty rate of 8.0%, better than the national average, and short commute times averaging just 18.5 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($66,607) that falls below the national average. However, Heron Lake’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Heron Lake has a population of 591 with a median age of 40.4 years. Compare Heron Lake with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Minnesota.
Similar Cities Near Heron Lake
Cities in Minnesota with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rollingstone | 590 | $86,500 | $217,400 | Compare |
| Halstad | 589 | $67,857 | $114,800 | Compare |
| Motley | 593 | $43,281 | $128,300 | Compare |
| Marble | 588 | $54,688 | $102,700 | Compare |
| Sunfish Lake | 594 | $250,001 | $1,109,000 | Compare |
| Glenville | 596 | $53,750 | $119,400 | Compare |
| Graceville | 586 | $51,667 | $101,700 | Compare |
| Wabasso | 598 | $63,900 | $105,100 | 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 Heron Lake With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Heron Lake
What is the population of Heron Lake, MN?
The population of Heron Lake, MN is 591 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 Heron Lake?
The median household income in Heron Lake, MN is $66,607 per year, which is 11% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Heron Lake?
The median home value in Heron Lake, MN is $86,200, which is 65% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Heron Lake?
The median monthly rent in Heron Lake, MN is $681, which is 41% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Heron Lake?
The unemployment rate in Heron Lake, MN is 0.0%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. This lower-than-average rate suggests a relatively healthy local job market.
Is Heron Lake, MN a good place to live?
Heron Lake offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and a strong job market. With a population of 591 and a median age of 40.4, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Heron Lake, MN?
19.9% of residents in Heron 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 Heron Lake?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Heron Lake, MN: median home value is $86,200 (65% below national), median rent is $681/month, and median household income is $66,607. The home-value-to-income ratio is 1.3x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Heron Lake?
The poverty rate in Heron Lake, MN is 8.0%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Heron Lake, MN?
Heron Lake's population is 13.2% White, 3.7% Hispanic or Latino, 0.2% Black or African American, 4.2% Asian, and 0.0% two or more races. 5.9% of residents are foreign-born.