Howard Lake, MN
Population 1,864 · Minnesota
About Howard Lake, MN
Howard Lake is a small town located in Minnesota with a population of 1,864 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $99,464 per year, which is 32% above the national median of $75,149. The median age of 45.4 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 Howard Lake features a median home value of $239,100, which is 2% below the national median of $244,900. This positions Howard Lake in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $930, 20% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 881 total housing units, 77% are owner-occupied (610 units) and 23% are renter-occupied (183 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Howard Lake shows an unemployment rate of 0.8%, which is lower than the national rate of 3.7%, indicating a relatively strong job market. The poverty rate stands at 6.2%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Howard Lake have an average one-way commute time of 32.6 minutes.
Education & Demographics
22.0% of Howard 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 1.1% White, 1.7% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 0.5% Asian residents, with 3.2% of the population being foreign-born.
How Howard Lake Ranks in Minnesota
Cost of Living in Howard Lake, MN
Compared to national averages, Howard Lake has a median household income of $99,464 (32% above the national median of $75,149). Home values average $239,100, which is 2% below the national median. Monthly rent at $930 is 20% below the US average of $1,163. Within Minnesota, Howard Lake's income is 34% above the state average of $74,221, and home values are 17% above the state median of $204,472.
Why Live in Howard Lake, MN?
Howard Lake offers a strong local economy with a median household income of $99,464, well above the national average, and affordable housing with a median home value of $239,100, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $930/month. Additionally, the city features a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 0.8%, and a low poverty rate of 6.2%, better than the national average.
Howard Lake has a population of 1,864 with a median age of 45.4 years. Compare Howard Lake with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Minnesota.
Similar Cities Near Howard Lake
Cities in Minnesota with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Spring Park | 1,869 | $46,860 | $598,400 | Compare |
| Tracy | 1,869 | $60,682 | $110,900 | Compare |
| Lester Prairie | 1,848 | $87,188 | $217,000 | Compare |
| Dundas | 1,882 | $111,250 | $293,400 | Compare |
| Coleraine | 1,888 | $67,083 | $179,900 | Compare |
| Maple Plain | 1,889 | $93,000 | $346,600 | Compare |
| Ada | 1,834 | $67,857 | $140,500 | Compare |
| Mountain Lake | 1,833 | $59,115 | $118,900 | 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 Howard Lake With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Howard Lake
What is the population of Howard Lake, MN?
The population of Howard Lake, MN is 1,864 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 Howard Lake?
The median household income in Howard Lake, MN is $99,464 per year, which is 32% above the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Howard Lake?
The median home value in Howard Lake, MN is $239,100, which is 2% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Howard Lake?
The median monthly rent in Howard Lake, MN is $930, which is 20% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Howard Lake?
The unemployment rate in Howard Lake, MN is 0.8%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. This lower-than-average rate suggests a relatively healthy local job market.
Is Howard Lake, MN a good place to live?
Howard Lake offers above-average incomes, affordable housing, and a strong job market. With a population of 1,864 and a median age of 45.4, the city appeals to established professionals and retirees.
How educated is Howard Lake, MN?
22.0% of residents in Howard 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 Howard Lake?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Howard Lake, MN: median home value is $239,100 (2% below national), median rent is $930/month, and median household income is $99,464. The home-value-to-income ratio is 2.4x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Howard Lake?
The poverty rate in Howard Lake, MN is 6.2%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Howard Lake, MN?
Howard Lake's population is 1.1% White, 1.7% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 0.5% Asian, and 0.1% two or more races. 3.2% of residents are foreign-born.