Moose Lake, MN
Population 3,297 · Minnesota
About Moose Lake, MN
Moose Lake is a small town located in Minnesota with a population of 3,297 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $61,576 per year, which is 18% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 44.7 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 Moose Lake features a median home value of $205,000, which is 16% below the national median of $244,900. This positions Moose Lake in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $901, 23% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 624 total housing units, 57% are owner-occupied (337 units) and 43% are renter-occupied (252 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Moose Lake shows an unemployment rate of 2.1%, which is lower than the national rate of 3.7%, indicating a relatively strong job market. The poverty rate stands at 45.3%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Moose Lake have an average one-way commute time of 19.5 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
10.9% of Moose 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 3.1% White, 4.9% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 1.7% Asian residents, with 5.8% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Moose Lake, MN
Compared to national averages, Moose Lake has a median household income of $61,576 (18% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $205,000, which is 16% below the national median. Monthly rent at $901 is 23% below the US average of $1,163. Within Minnesota, Moose Lake's income is 17% below the state average of $74,221, and home values are 0% above the state median of $204,472.
Why Live in Moose Lake, MN?
Moose Lake offers affordable housing with a median home value of $205,000, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $901/month, and a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 2.1%. Additionally, the city features short commute times averaging just 19.5 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($61,576) that falls below the national average. However, Moose Lake’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Moose Lake has a population of 3,297 with a median age of 44.7 years. Compare Moose Lake with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Minnesota.
Similar Cities Near Moose Lake
Cities in Minnesota with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jackson | 3,298 | $57,328 | $118,900 | Compare |
| Eagle Lake | 3,268 | $97,161 | $249,600 | Compare |
| Rush City | 3,262 | $58,543 | $199,000 | Compare |
| Pine City | 3,339 | $51,654 | $181,800 | Compare |
| Ely | 3,239 | $46,042 | $150,800 | Compare |
| Annandale | 3,365 | $50,536 | $195,100 | Compare |
| Montgomery | 3,366 | $74,018 | $218,900 | Compare |
| Breckenridge | 3,369 | $57,344 | $142,000 | 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 Moose Lake With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Moose Lake
What is the population of Moose Lake, MN?
The population of Moose Lake, MN is 3,297 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 Moose Lake?
The median household income in Moose Lake, MN is $61,576 per year, which is 18% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Moose Lake?
The median home value in Moose Lake, MN is $205,000, which is 16% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Moose Lake?
The median monthly rent in Moose Lake, MN is $901, which is 23% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Moose Lake?
The unemployment rate in Moose Lake, MN is 2.1%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. This lower-than-average rate suggests a relatively healthy local job market.
Is Moose Lake, MN a good place to live?
Moose Lake offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and a strong job market. With a population of 3,297 and a median age of 44.7, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Moose Lake, MN?
10.9% of residents in Moose 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 Moose Lake?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Moose Lake, MN: median home value is $205,000 (16% below national), median rent is $901/month, and median household income is $61,576. The home-value-to-income ratio is 3.3x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Moose Lake?
The poverty rate in Moose Lake, MN is 45.3%, 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 Moose Lake, MN?
Moose Lake's population is 3.1% White, 4.9% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 1.7% Asian, and 16.9% two or more races. 5.8% of residents are foreign-born.