Middle River, MN
Population 281 · Minnesota
About Middle River, MN
Middle River is a small community located in Minnesota with a population of 281 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $57,188 per year, which is 24% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 41.4 years is close to the US median age of 38.9 years.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Middle River features a median home value of $103,500, which is 58% below the national median of $244,900. This makes Middle River one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $313, 73% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 152 total housing units, 80% are owner-occupied (107 units) and 20% are renter-occupied (26 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Middle River shows an unemployment rate of 1.3%, which is lower than the national rate of 3.7%, indicating a relatively strong job market. The poverty rate stands at 14.4%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Middle River have an average one-way commute time of 26 minutes.
Education & Demographics
9.6% of Middle River 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 0.7% White, 0.4% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 0.0% Asian residents, with 0.4% of the population being foreign-born.
How Middle River Ranks in Minnesota
Cost of Living in Middle River, MN
Compared to national averages, Middle River has a median household income of $57,188 (24% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $103,500, which is 58% below the national median. Monthly rent at $313 is 73% below the US average of $1,163. Within Minnesota, Middle River's income is 23% below the state average of $74,221, and home values are 49% below the state median of $204,472.
Why Live in Middle River, MN?
Middle River offers affordable housing with a median home value of $103,500, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $313/month, and a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 1.3%.
Potential considerations include median household income ($57,188) that falls below the national average. However, Middle River’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Middle River has a population of 281 with a median age of 41.4 years. Compare Middle River with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Minnesota.
Similar Cities Near Middle River
Cities in Minnesota with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fairhaven | 279 | $92,143 | $237,100 | Compare |
| Eitzen | 284 | $53,750 | $117,700 | Compare |
| Rutledge | 278 | $62,917 | $111,700 | Compare |
| St. Hilaire | 285 | $73,750 | $163,900 | Compare |
| Dakota | 276 | $92,969 | $223,900 | Compare |
| Backus | 287 | $58,750 | $104,700 | Compare |
| New Munich | 275 | $90,714 | $165,300 | Compare |
| Pine Point | 275 | $40,000 | $76,700 | 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 Middle River With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Middle River
What is the population of Middle River, MN?
The population of Middle River, MN is 281 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 Middle River?
The median household income in Middle River, MN is $57,188 per year, which is 24% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Middle River?
The median home value in Middle River, MN is $103,500, which is 58% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Middle River?
The median monthly rent in Middle River, MN is $313, which is 73% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Middle River?
The unemployment rate in Middle River, MN is 1.3%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. This lower-than-average rate suggests a relatively healthy local job market.
Is Middle River, MN a good place to live?
Middle River offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and a strong job market. With a population of 281 and a median age of 41.4, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Middle River, MN?
9.6% of residents in Middle River 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 Middle River?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Middle River, MN: median home value is $103,500 (58% below national), median rent is $313/month, and median household income is $57,188. The home-value-to-income ratio is 1.8x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Middle River?
The poverty rate in Middle River, MN is 14.4%, 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 Middle River, MN?
Middle River's population is 0.7% White, 0.4% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 0.0% Asian, and 0.0% two or more races. 0.4% of residents are foreign-born.