Mountain Lake, MN
Population 1,833 · Minnesota
About Mountain Lake, MN
Mountain Lake is a small town located in Minnesota with a population of 1,833 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $59,115 per year, which is 21% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 33.8 years is notably younger the US median age of 38.9 years, indicating a younger, often more dynamic population base.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Mountain Lake features a median home value of $118,900, which is 51% below the national median of $244,900. This makes Mountain Lake one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $833, 28% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 758 total housing units, 73% are owner-occupied (524 units) and 27% are renter-occupied (189 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Mountain Lake shows an unemployment rate of 4.9%, which is near the national rate of 3.7%. The poverty rate stands at 17.4%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Mountain Lake have an average one-way commute time of 13.1 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
21.9% of Mountain 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 7.9% White, 2.0% Hispanic or Latino, 1.2% Black or African American, and 9.3% Asian residents, with 13.7% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Mountain Lake, MN
Compared to national averages, Mountain Lake has a median household income of $59,115 (21% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $118,900, which is 51% below the national median. Monthly rent at $833 is 28% below the US average of $1,163. Within Minnesota, Mountain Lake's income is 20% below the state average of $74,221, and home values are 42% below the state median of $204,472.
Why Live in Mountain Lake, MN?
Mountain Lake offers affordable housing with a median home value of $118,900, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $833/month, and short commute times averaging just 13.1 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($59,115) that falls below the national average. However, Mountain Lake’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Mountain Lake has a population of 1,833 with a median age of 33.8 years. Compare Mountain Lake with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Minnesota.
Similar Cities Near Mountain Lake
Cities in Minnesota with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ada | 1,834 | $67,857 | $140,500 | Compare |
| Lester Prairie | 1,848 | $87,188 | $217,000 | Compare |
| Kenyon | 1,811 | $74,643 | $184,500 | Compare |
| Howard Lake | 1,864 | $99,464 | $239,100 | Compare |
| Spring Park | 1,869 | $46,860 | $598,400 | Compare |
| Tracy | 1,869 | $60,682 | $110,900 | Compare |
| Rushford | 1,790 | $73,321 | $203,200 | Compare |
| Silver Bay | 1,790 | $70,870 | $150,700 | 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 Mountain Lake With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Mountain Lake
What is the population of Mountain Lake, MN?
The population of Mountain Lake, MN is 1,833 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 Mountain Lake?
The median household income in Mountain Lake, MN is $59,115 per year, which is 21% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Mountain Lake?
The median home value in Mountain Lake, MN is $118,900, which is 51% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Mountain Lake?
The median monthly rent in Mountain Lake, MN is $833, which is 28% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Mountain Lake?
The unemployment rate in Mountain Lake, MN is 4.9%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Mountain Lake, MN a good place to live?
Mountain Lake offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 1,833 and a median age of 33.8, the city appeals to young professionals and families.
How educated is Mountain Lake, MN?
21.9% of residents in Mountain 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 Mountain Lake?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Mountain Lake, MN: median home value is $118,900 (51% below national), median rent is $833/month, and median household income is $59,115. The home-value-to-income ratio is 2.0x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Mountain Lake?
The poverty rate in Mountain Lake, MN is 17.4%, 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 Mountain Lake, MN?
Mountain Lake's population is 7.9% White, 2.0% Hispanic or Latino, 1.2% Black or African American, 9.3% Asian, and 0.0% two or more races. 13.7% of residents are foreign-born.