Ranier, MN
Population 541 · Minnesota
About Ranier, MN
Ranier is a small community located in Minnesota with a population of 541 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $81,389 per year, which is 8% above the national median of $75,149. The median age of 49.3 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 Ranier features a median home value of $140,400, which is 43% below the national median of $244,900. This makes Ranier one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $870, 25% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 287 total housing units, 88% are owner-occupied (210 units) and 13% are renter-occupied (30 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Ranier shows an unemployment rate of 0.8%, which is lower than the national rate of 3.7%, indicating a relatively strong job market. The poverty rate stands at 6.7%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Ranier have an average one-way commute time of 18.3 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
21.5% of Ranier 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 0.0% White, 3.1% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 0.0% Asian residents, with 2.8% of the population being foreign-born.
How Ranier Ranks in Minnesota
Cost of Living in Ranier, MN
Compared to national averages, Ranier has a median household income of $81,389 (8% above the national median of $75,149). Home values average $140,400, which is 43% below the national median. Monthly rent at $870 is 25% below the US average of $1,163. Within Minnesota, Ranier's income is 10% above the state average of $74,221, and home values are 31% below the state median of $204,472.
Why Live in Ranier, MN?
Ranier offers a strong local economy with a median household income of $81,389, well above the national average, and affordable housing with a median home value of $140,400, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $870/month. Additionally, the city features a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 0.8%, and a low poverty rate of 6.7%, better than the national average, and short commute times averaging just 18.3 minutes.
Ranier has a population of 541 with a median age of 49.3 years. Compare Ranier with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Minnesota.
Similar Cities Near Ranier
Cities in Minnesota with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Medicine Lake | 541 | $161,250 | $1,014,500 | Compare |
| Taconite | 541 | $100,089 | $217,900 | Compare |
| Hill City | 543 | $39,583 | $102,900 | Compare |
| White Earth | 543 | $18,929 | $73,300 | Compare |
| Balaton | 544 | $54,091 | $85,000 | Compare |
| Hamburg | 544 | $78,125 | $229,200 | Compare |
| Kiester | 544 | $49,167 | $52,600 | Compare |
| Brownton | 530 | $77,159 | $148,500 | 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.
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Frequently Asked Questions about Ranier
What is the population of Ranier, MN?
The population of Ranier, MN is 541 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 Ranier?
The median household income in Ranier, MN is $81,389 per year, which is 8% above the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Ranier?
The median home value in Ranier, MN is $140,400, which is 43% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Ranier?
The median monthly rent in Ranier, MN is $870, which is 25% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Ranier?
The unemployment rate in Ranier, MN is 0.8%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. This lower-than-average rate suggests a relatively healthy local job market.
Is Ranier, MN a good place to live?
Ranier offers above-average incomes, affordable housing, and a strong job market. With a population of 541 and a median age of 49.3, the city appeals to established professionals and retirees.
How educated is Ranier, MN?
21.5% of residents in Ranier 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 Ranier?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Ranier, MN: median home value is $140,400 (43% below national), median rent is $870/month, and median household income is $81,389. The home-value-to-income ratio is 1.7x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Ranier?
The poverty rate in Ranier, MN is 6.7%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Ranier, MN?
Ranier's population is 0.0% White, 3.1% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 0.0% Asian, and 0.0% two or more races. 2.8% of residents are foreign-born.