Tonka Bay, MN
Population 1,361 · Minnesota
About Tonka Bay, MN
Tonka Bay is a small town located in Minnesota with a population of 1,361 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $151,563 per year, which is 102% above the national median of $75,149. The median age of 57.7 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 Tonka Bay features a median home value of $869,900, which is 255% above the national median of $244,900. This places Tonka Bay in a higher-cost housing market, where property demand often outpaces supply. Median monthly rent is $2,299, 98% above the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 619 total housing units, 87% are owner-occupied (494 units) and 13% are renter-occupied (75 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Tonka Bay shows an unemployment rate of 9.1%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 3.2%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Tonka Bay have an average one-way commute time of 26.1 minutes.
Education & Demographics
64.8% of Tonka Bay 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 1.0% White, 1.7% Hispanic or Latino, 0.3% Black or African American, and 3.3% Asian residents, with 4.3% of the population being foreign-born.
How Tonka Bay Ranks in Minnesota
Cost of Living in Tonka Bay, MN
Compared to national averages, Tonka Bay has a median household income of $151,563 (102% above the national median of $75,149). Home values average $869,900, which is 255% above the national median. Monthly rent at $2,299 is 98% above the US average of $1,163. Within Minnesota, Tonka Bay's income is 104% above the state average of $74,221, and home values are 325% above the state median of $204,472.
Why Live in Tonka Bay, MN?
Tonka Bay offers a strong local economy with a median household income of $151,563, well above the national average, and a well-educated community where 64.8% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher, and a low poverty rate of 3.2%, better than the national average.
Potential considerations include a competitive housing market where the typical home costs $869,900. However, Tonka Bay’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Tonka Bay has a population of 1,361 with a median age of 57.7 years. Compare Tonka Bay with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Minnesota.
Similar Cities Near Tonka Bay
Cities in Minnesota with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Appleton | 1,360 | $40,117 | $71,300 | Compare |
| Fulda | 1,348 | $68,056 | $155,100 | Compare |
| Hayfield | 1,382 | $69,688 | $173,000 | Compare |
| Richmond | 1,336 | $67,381 | $225,500 | Compare |
| Wheaton | 1,334 | $52,260 | $82,200 | Compare |
| Dassel | 1,332 | $59,750 | $218,900 | Compare |
| Renville | 1,397 | $73,750 | $109,700 | Compare |
| New York Mills | 1,319 | $51,696 | $144,900 | 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 Tonka Bay With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Tonka Bay
What is the population of Tonka Bay, MN?
The population of Tonka Bay, MN is 1,361 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 Tonka Bay?
The median household income in Tonka Bay, MN is $151,563 per year, which is 102% above the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Tonka Bay?
The median home value in Tonka Bay, MN is $869,900, which is 255% above the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Tonka Bay?
The median monthly rent in Tonka Bay, MN is $2,299, which is 98% above the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Tonka Bay?
The unemployment rate in Tonka Bay, MN is 9.1%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Tonka Bay, MN a good place to live?
Tonka Bay offers above-average incomes, a competitive housing market, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 1,361 and a median age of 57.7, the city appeals to established professionals and retirees.
How educated is Tonka Bay, MN?
64.8% of residents in Tonka Bay 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 Tonka Bay?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Tonka Bay, MN: median home value is $869,900 (255% above national), median rent is $2,299/month, and median household income is $151,563. The home-value-to-income ratio is 5.7x, a moderate figure by national standards.
What is the poverty rate in Tonka Bay?
The poverty rate in Tonka Bay, MN is 3.2%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Tonka Bay, MN?
Tonka Bay's population is 1.0% White, 1.7% Hispanic or Latino, 0.3% Black or African American, 3.3% Asian, and 0.4% two or more races. 4.3% of residents are foreign-born.