Red Wing, MN
Population 16,660 · Minnesota
About Red Wing, MN
Red Wing is a mid-sized city located in Minnesota with a population of 16,660 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $65,259 per year, which is 13% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 42.2 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 Red Wing features a median home value of $224,800, which is 8% below the national median of $244,900. This positions Red Wing in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $954, 18% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 7,730 total housing units, 71% are owner-occupied (5,219 units) and 29% are renter-occupied (2,157 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Red Wing shows an unemployment rate of 4.7%, which is near the national rate of 3.7%. The poverty rate stands at 14.0%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Red Wing have an average one-way commute time of 19.6 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
26.2% of Red Wing residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This is in line with national trends in educational attainment. The community's demographic composition includes 3.9% White, 2.9% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 3.0% Asian residents, with 4.0% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Red Wing, MN
Compared to national averages, Red Wing has a median household income of $65,259 (13% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $224,800, which is 8% below the national median. Monthly rent at $954 is 18% below the US average of $1,163. Within Minnesota, Red Wing's income is 12% below the state average of $74,221, and home values are 10% above the state median of $204,472.
Why Live in Red Wing, MN?
Red Wing offers affordable housing with a median home value of $224,800, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $954/month, and short commute times averaging just 19.6 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($65,259) that falls below the national average. However, Red Wing’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Red Wing has a population of 16,660 with a median age of 42.2 years. Compare Red Wing with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Minnesota.
Similar Cities Near Red Wing
Cities in Minnesota with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ham Lake | 16,575 | $116,845 | $430,100 | Compare |
| Buffalo | 16,388 | $88,306 | $281,900 | Compare |
| Hibbing | 16,100 | $55,463 | $123,900 | Compare |
| Hugo | 16,076 | $114,057 | $394,200 | Compare |
| Bemidji | 15,490 | $53,850 | $189,500 | Compare |
| Anoka | 17,941 | $75,262 | $292,900 | Compare |
| Albert Lea | 18,379 | $62,522 | $150,400 | Compare |
| Hutchinson | 14,629 | $71,730 | $210,300 | 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 Red Wing With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Red Wing
What is the population of Red Wing, MN?
The population of Red Wing, MN is 16,660 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a mid-sized city in Minnesota.
What is the median household income in Red Wing?
The median household income in Red Wing, MN is $65,259 per year, which is 13% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Red Wing?
The median home value in Red Wing, MN is $224,800, which is 8% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Red Wing?
The median monthly rent in Red Wing, MN is $954, which is 18% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Red Wing?
The unemployment rate in Red Wing, MN is 4.7%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Red Wing, MN a good place to live?
Red Wing offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 16,660 and a median age of 42.2, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Red Wing, MN?
26.2% of residents in Red Wing 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 Red Wing?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Red Wing, MN: median home value is $224,800 (8% below national), median rent is $954/month, and median household income is $65,259. The home-value-to-income ratio is 3.4x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Red Wing?
The poverty rate in Red Wing, MN is 14.0%, 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 Red Wing, MN?
Red Wing's population is 3.9% White, 2.9% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 3.0% Asian, and 3.2% two or more races. 4.0% of residents are foreign-born.