White Bear Lake, MN
Population 24,026 · Minnesota
About White Bear Lake, MN
White Bear Lake is a mid-sized city located in Minnesota with a population of 24,026 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $79,712 per year, which is 6% above the national median of $75,149. The median age of 42.1 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 White Bear Lake features a median home value of $318,000, which is 30% above the national median of $244,900. This positions White Bear Lake in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $1,540, 32% above the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 10,937 total housing units, 65% are owner-occupied (6,826 units) and 35% are renter-occupied (3,612 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in White Bear Lake shows an unemployment rate of 5.4%, which is near the national rate of 3.7%. The poverty rate stands at 7.8%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in White Bear Lake have an average one-way commute time of 22.3 minutes.
Education & Demographics
40.1% of White Bear Lake 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 5.0% White, 0.8% Hispanic or Latino, 0.2% Black or African American, and 0.9% Asian residents, with 6.9% of the population being foreign-born.
How White Bear Lake Ranks in Minnesota
Cost of Living in White Bear Lake, MN
Compared to national averages, White Bear Lake has a median household income of $79,712 (6% above the national median of $75,149). Home values average $318,000, which is 30% above the national median. Monthly rent at $1,540 is 32% above the US average of $1,163. Within Minnesota, White Bear Lake's income is 7% above the state average of $74,221, and home values are 56% above the state median of $204,472.
Why Live in White Bear Lake, MN?
White Bear Lake offers a strong local economy with a median household income of $79,712, well above the national average, and a well-educated community where 40.1% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher, and a low poverty rate of 7.8%, better than the national average. Additionally, the city features short commute times averaging just 22.3 minutes.
White Bear Lake has a population of 24,026 with a median age of 42.1 years. Compare White Bear Lake with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Minnesota.
Similar Cities Near White Bear Lake
Cities in Minnesota with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Farmington | 23,675 | $118,556 | $345,100 | Compare |
| Faribault | 24,458 | $61,662 | $233,900 | Compare |
| Champlin | 23,450 | $115,719 | $338,400 | Compare |
| New Brighton | 22,900 | $87,272 | $345,900 | Compare |
| Crystal | 22,685 | $86,752 | $280,500 | Compare |
| Winona | 25,998 | $56,163 | $193,500 | Compare |
| Chanhassen | 26,001 | $138,034 | $530,700 | Compare |
| Hastings | 22,050 | $92,940 | $294,100 | 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 White Bear Lake With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about White Bear Lake
What is the population of White Bear Lake, MN?
The population of White Bear Lake, MN is 24,026 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 White Bear Lake?
The median household income in White Bear Lake, MN is $79,712 per year, which is 6% above the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in White Bear Lake?
The median home value in White Bear Lake, MN is $318,000, which is 30% above the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in White Bear Lake?
The median monthly rent in White Bear Lake, MN is $1,540, which is 32% above the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in White Bear Lake?
The unemployment rate in White Bear Lake, MN is 5.4%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is White Bear Lake, MN a good place to live?
White Bear Lake offers above-average incomes, a competitive housing market, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 24,026 and a median age of 42.1, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is White Bear Lake, MN?
40.1% of residents in White Bear Lake 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 White Bear Lake?
Key cost-of-living indicators for White Bear Lake, MN: median home value is $318,000 (30% above national), median rent is $1,540/month, and median household income is $79,712. The home-value-to-income ratio is 4.0x, a moderate figure by national standards.
What is the poverty rate in White Bear Lake?
The poverty rate in White Bear Lake, MN is 7.8%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is White Bear Lake, MN?
White Bear Lake's population is 5.0% White, 0.8% Hispanic or Latino, 0.2% Black or African American, 0.9% Asian, and 3.0% two or more races. 6.9% of residents are foreign-born.