Orono, MN
Population 8,205 · Minnesota
About Orono, MN
Orono is a small town located in Minnesota with a population of 8,205 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $181,875 per year, which is 142% above the national median of $75,149. The median age of 47.2 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 Orono features a median home value of $952,400, which is 289% above the national median of $244,900. This places Orono in a higher-cost housing market, where property demand often outpaces supply. Median monthly rent is $1,653, 42% above the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 3,449 total housing units, 90% are owner-occupied (2,788 units) and 10% are renter-occupied (293 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Orono shows an unemployment rate of 2.9%, which is lower than the national rate of 3.7%, indicating a relatively strong job market. The poverty rate stands at 6.3%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Orono have an average one-way commute time of 25.2 minutes.
Education & Demographics
68.9% of Orono 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 0.4% White, 1.1% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 0.0% Asian residents, with 4.9% of the population being foreign-born.
How Orono Ranks in Minnesota
Cost of Living in Orono, MN
Compared to national averages, Orono has a median household income of $181,875 (142% above the national median of $75,149). Home values average $952,400, which is 289% above the national median. Monthly rent at $1,653 is 42% above the US average of $1,163. Within Minnesota, Orono's income is 145% above the state average of $74,221, and home values are 366% above the state median of $204,472.
Why Live in Orono, MN?
Orono offers a strong local economy with a median household income of $181,875, well above the national average, and a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 2.9%, and a well-educated community where 68.9% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. Additionally, the city features a low poverty rate of 6.3%, better than the national average.
Potential considerations include a competitive housing market where the typical home costs $952,400. However, Orono’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Orono has a population of 8,205 with a median age of 47.2 years. Compare Orono with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Minnesota.
Similar Cities Near Orono
Cities in Minnesota with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| New Prague | 8,195 | $98,424 | $323,500 | Compare |
| St. Francis | 8,279 | $101,875 | $297,800 | Compare |
| Mahtomedi | 8,108 | $132,326 | $466,100 | Compare |
| Waite Park | 8,341 | $56,884 | $217,000 | Compare |
| Albertville | 8,066 | $126,307 | $326,400 | Compare |
| Wyoming | 8,063 | $101,938 | $328,900 | Compare |
| Virginia | 8,362 | $48,321 | $117,500 | Compare |
| Dayton | 8,381 | $137,383 | $510,600 | 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 Orono With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Orono
What is the population of Orono, MN?
The population of Orono, MN is 8,205 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 Orono?
The median household income in Orono, MN is $181,875 per year, which is 142% above the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Orono?
The median home value in Orono, MN is $952,400, which is 289% above the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Orono?
The median monthly rent in Orono, MN is $1,653, which is 42% above the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Orono?
The unemployment rate in Orono, MN is 2.9%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. This lower-than-average rate suggests a relatively healthy local job market.
Is Orono, MN a good place to live?
Orono offers above-average incomes, a competitive housing market, and a strong job market. With a population of 8,205 and a median age of 47.2, the city appeals to established professionals and retirees.
How educated is Orono, MN?
68.9% of residents in Orono 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 Orono?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Orono, MN: median home value is $952,400 (289% above national), median rent is $1,653/month, and median household income is $181,875. The home-value-to-income ratio is 5.2x, a moderate figure by national standards.
What is the poverty rate in Orono?
The poverty rate in Orono, MN is 6.3%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Orono, MN?
Orono's population is 0.4% White, 1.1% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 0.0% Asian, and 0.1% two or more races. 4.9% of residents are foreign-born.