Hugo, MN
Population 16,076 · Minnesota
About Hugo, MN
Hugo is a mid-sized city located in Minnesota with a population of 16,076 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $114,057 per year, which is 52% above the national median of $75,149. The median age of 39.2 years is close to the US median age of 38.9 years.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Hugo features a median home value of $394,200, which is 61% above the national median of $244,900. This places Hugo in a higher-cost housing market, where property demand often outpaces supply. Median monthly rent is $1,896, 63% above the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 6,522 total housing units, 89% are owner-occupied (5,644 units) and 11% are renter-occupied (687 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Hugo shows an unemployment rate of 1.8%, which is lower than the national rate of 3.7%, indicating a relatively strong job market. The poverty rate stands at 1.7%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Hugo have an average one-way commute time of 26.4 minutes.
Education & Demographics
44.0% of Hugo residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This significantly higher educational attainment rate often correlates with access to knowledge-economy jobs and higher household incomes. The community's demographic composition includes 1.9% White, 0.7% Hispanic or Latino, 0.8% Black or African American, and 1.1% Asian residents, with 2.8% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Hugo, MN
Compared to national averages, Hugo has a median household income of $114,057 (52% above the national median of $75,149). Home values average $394,200, which is 61% above the national median. Monthly rent at $1,896 is 63% above the US average of $1,163. Within Minnesota, Hugo's income is 54% above the state average of $74,221, and home values are 93% above the state median of $204,472.
Why Live in Hugo, MN?
Hugo offers a strong local economy with a median household income of $114,057, well above the national average, and a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 1.8%, and a well-educated community where 44.0% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. Additionally, the city features a low poverty rate of 1.7%, better than the national average.
Potential considerations include a competitive housing market where the typical home costs $394,200. However, Hugo’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Hugo has a population of 16,076 with a median age of 39.2 years. Compare Hugo with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Minnesota.
Similar Cities Near Hugo
Cities in Minnesota with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hibbing | 16,100 | $55,463 | $123,900 | Compare |
| Buffalo | 16,388 | $88,306 | $281,900 | Compare |
| Ham Lake | 16,575 | $116,845 | $430,100 | Compare |
| Red Wing | 16,660 | $65,259 | $224,800 | Compare |
| Bemidji | 15,490 | $53,850 | $189,500 | Compare |
| Hutchinson | 14,629 | $71,730 | $210,300 | Compare |
| Monticello | 14,607 | $81,563 | $298,400 | Compare |
| Alexandria | 14,579 | $61,558 | $247,200 | 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 Hugo With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Hugo
What is the population of Hugo, MN?
The population of Hugo, MN is 16,076 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 Hugo?
The median household income in Hugo, MN is $114,057 per year, which is 52% above the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Hugo?
The median home value in Hugo, MN is $394,200, which is 61% above the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Hugo?
The median monthly rent in Hugo, MN is $1,896, which is 63% above the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Hugo?
The unemployment rate in Hugo, MN is 1.8%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. This lower-than-average rate suggests a relatively healthy local job market.
Is Hugo, MN a good place to live?
Hugo offers above-average incomes, a competitive housing market, and a strong job market. With a population of 16,076 and a median age of 39.2, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Hugo, MN?
44.0% of residents in Hugo 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 Hugo?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Hugo, MN: median home value is $394,200 (61% above national), median rent is $1,896/month, and median household income is $114,057. The home-value-to-income ratio is 3.5x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Hugo?
The poverty rate in Hugo, MN is 1.7%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Hugo, MN?
Hugo's population is 1.9% White, 0.7% Hispanic or Latino, 0.8% Black or African American, 1.1% Asian, and 3.5% two or more races. 2.8% of residents are foreign-born.