Willmar, MN
Population 21,136 · Minnesota
About Willmar, MN
Willmar is a mid-sized city located in Minnesota with a population of 21,136 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $63,368 per year, which is 16% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 35.6 years is notably younger the US median age of 38.9 years, indicating a younger, often more dynamic population base.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Willmar features a median home value of $186,000, which is 24% below the national median of $244,900. This positions Willmar in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $830, 29% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 8,880 total housing units, 58% are owner-occupied (4,757 units) and 42% are renter-occupied (3,514 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Willmar shows an unemployment rate of 4.7%, which is near the national rate of 3.7%. The poverty rate stands at 15.2%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Willmar have an average one-way commute time of 12.9 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
24.5% of Willmar 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 16.2% White, 1.5% Hispanic or Latino, 0.1% Black or African American, and 8.5% Asian residents, with 16.9% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Willmar, MN
Compared to national averages, Willmar has a median household income of $63,368 (16% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $186,000, which is 24% below the national median. Monthly rent at $830 is 29% below the US average of $1,163. Within Minnesota, Willmar's income is 15% below the state average of $74,221, and home values are 9% below the state median of $204,472.
Why Live in Willmar, MN?
Willmar offers affordable housing with a median home value of $186,000, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $830/month, and short commute times averaging just 12.9 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($63,368) that falls below the national average. However, Willmar’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Willmar has a population of 21,136 with a median age of 35.6 years. Compare Willmar with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Minnesota.
Similar Cities Near Willmar
Cities in Minnesota with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| West St. Paul | 21,076 | $70,738 | $281,800 | Compare |
| Otsego | 21,358 | $127,219 | $367,200 | Compare |
| New Hope | 21,402 | $73,698 | $314,600 | Compare |
| Forest Lake | 20,678 | $89,879 | $375,900 | Compare |
| Northfield | 20,678 | $92,000 | $305,300 | Compare |
| South St. Paul | 20,633 | $84,472 | $266,800 | Compare |
| Lino Lakes | 21,847 | $121,800 | $385,000 | Compare |
| Golden Valley | 21,927 | $114,435 | $423,500 | 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.
Compare Willmar With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Willmar
What is the population of Willmar, MN?
The population of Willmar, MN is 21,136 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 Willmar?
The median household income in Willmar, MN is $63,368 per year, which is 16% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Willmar?
The median home value in Willmar, MN is $186,000, which is 24% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Willmar?
The median monthly rent in Willmar, MN is $830, which is 29% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Willmar?
The unemployment rate in Willmar, 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 Willmar, MN a good place to live?
Willmar offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 21,136 and a median age of 35.6, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Willmar, MN?
24.5% of residents in Willmar 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 Willmar?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Willmar, MN: median home value is $186,000 (24% below national), median rent is $830/month, and median household income is $63,368. The home-value-to-income ratio is 2.9x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Willmar?
The poverty rate in Willmar, MN is 15.2%, 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 Willmar, MN?
Willmar's population is 16.2% White, 1.5% Hispanic or Latino, 0.1% Black or African American, 8.5% Asian, and 10.4% two or more races. 16.9% of residents are foreign-born.