Pine River, MN
Population 928 · Minnesota
About Pine River, MN
Pine River is a small community located in Minnesota with a population of 928 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $39,858 per year, which is 47% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 39.1 years is close to the US median age of 38.9 years.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Pine River features a median home value of $133,300, which is 46% below the national median of $244,900. This makes Pine River one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $793, 32% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 466 total housing units, 41% are owner-occupied (168 units) and 59% are renter-occupied (241 units). The higher proportion of renters may reflect a transient population, younger demographics, or high housing costs relative to income.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Pine River shows an unemployment rate of 2.7%, which is lower than the national rate of 3.7%, indicating a relatively strong job market. The poverty rate stands at 23.6%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Pine River have an average one-way commute time of 19.8 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
15.7% of Pine 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 0.5% White, 5.9% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 1.3% Asian residents, with 1.6% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Pine River, MN
Compared to national averages, Pine River has a median household income of $39,858 (47% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $133,300, which is 46% below the national median. Monthly rent at $793 is 32% below the US average of $1,163. Within Minnesota, Pine River's income is 46% below the state average of $74,221, and home values are 35% below the state median of $204,472.
Why Live in Pine River, MN?
Pine River offers affordable housing with a median home value of $133,300, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $793/month, and a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 2.7%. Additionally, the city features short commute times averaging just 19.8 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($39,858) that falls below the national average. However, Pine River’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Pine River has a population of 928 with a median age of 39.1 years. Compare Pine River with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Minnesota.
Similar Cities Near Pine River
Cities in Minnesota with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Harris | 924 | $92,727 | $301,100 | Compare |
| Henderson | 933 | $88,750 | $207,800 | Compare |
| Browerville | 922 | $46,100 | $129,600 | Compare |
| Silver Lake | 922 | $75,000 | $184,800 | Compare |
| Sherburn | 946 | $63,026 | $97,900 | Compare |
| Mazeppa | 948 | $88,929 | $231,200 | Compare |
| Grand Meadow | 954 | $68,750 | $169,100 | Compare |
| Birchwood Village | 960 | $156,653 | $461,800 | 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 Pine River With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Pine River
What is the population of Pine River, MN?
The population of Pine River, MN is 928 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 Pine River?
The median household income in Pine River, MN is $39,858 per year, which is 47% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Pine River?
The median home value in Pine River, MN is $133,300, which is 46% below the national median of $244,900. A significant portion of residents rent their homes.
What is the average rent in Pine River?
The median monthly rent in Pine River, MN is $793, which is 32% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Pine River?
The unemployment rate in Pine River, MN is 2.7%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. This lower-than-average rate suggests a relatively healthy local job market.
Is Pine River, MN a good place to live?
Pine River offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and a strong job market. With a population of 928 and a median age of 39.1, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Pine River, MN?
15.7% of residents in Pine 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 Pine River?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Pine River, MN: median home value is $133,300 (46% below national), median rent is $793/month, and median household income is $39,858. The home-value-to-income ratio is 3.3x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Pine River?
The poverty rate in Pine River, MN is 23.6%, 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 Pine River, MN?
Pine River's population is 0.5% White, 5.9% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 1.3% Asian, and 0.8% two or more races. 1.6% of residents are foreign-born.