Kiester, MN
Population 544 · Minnesota
About Kiester, MN
Kiester is a small community located in Minnesota with a population of 544 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $49,167 per year, which is 35% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 43.8 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 Kiester features a median home value of $52,600, which is 79% below the national median of $244,900. This makes Kiester one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $0, 100% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 312 total housing units, 88% are owner-occupied (224 units) and 13% are renter-occupied (32 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Kiester shows an unemployment rate of 11.9%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 26.5%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Kiester have an average one-way commute time of 30.4 minutes.
Education & Demographics
10.9% of Kiester 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 6.3% White, 5.5% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 0.0% Asian residents, with 0.6% of the population being foreign-born.
How Kiester Ranks in Minnesota
Cost of Living in Kiester, MN
Compared to national averages, Kiester has a median household income of $49,167 (35% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $52,600, which is 79% below the national median. Monthly rent at $0 is 100% below the US average of $1,163. Within Minnesota, Kiester's income is 34% below the state average of $74,221, and home values are 74% below the state median of $204,472.
Why Live in Kiester, MN?
Kiester offers affordable housing with a median home value of $52,600, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $0/month.
Potential considerations include median household income ($49,167) that falls below the national average. However, Kiester’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Kiester has a population of 544 with a median age of 43.8 years. Compare Kiester with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Minnesota.
Similar Cities Near Kiester
Cities in Minnesota with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Balaton | 544 | $54,091 | $85,000 | Compare |
| Hamburg | 544 | $78,125 | $229,200 | Compare |
| Hill City | 543 | $39,583 | $102,900 | Compare |
| White Earth | 543 | $18,929 | $73,300 | Compare |
| Medicine Lake | 541 | $161,250 | $1,014,500 | Compare |
| Ranier | 541 | $81,389 | $140,400 | Compare |
| Taconite | 541 | $100,089 | $217,900 | Compare |
| Amboy | 553 | $78,214 | $125,300 | 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 Kiester With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Kiester
What is the population of Kiester, MN?
The population of Kiester, MN is 544 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 Kiester?
The median household income in Kiester, MN is $49,167 per year, which is 35% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Kiester?
The median home value in Kiester, MN is $52,600, which is 79% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Kiester?
The median monthly rent in Kiester, MN is $0, which is 100% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Kiester?
The unemployment rate in Kiester, MN is 11.9%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Kiester, MN a good place to live?
Kiester offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 544 and a median age of 43.8, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Kiester, MN?
10.9% of residents in Kiester 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 Kiester?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Kiester, MN: median home value is $52,600 (79% below national), median rent is $0/month, and median household income is $49,167. The home-value-to-income ratio is 1.1x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Kiester?
The poverty rate in Kiester, MN is 26.5%, 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 Kiester, MN?
Kiester's population is 6.3% White, 5.5% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 0.0% Asian, and 0.0% two or more races. 0.6% of residents are foreign-born.