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US City Data

Willow River, MN

Population 351 · Minnesota

Population
351
Median Income
$52,188
Median Home Value
$197,700
Median Rent
$758/mo

About Willow River, MN

Willow River is a small community in Minnesota with a population of 351 residents. The median household income is $52,188 per year, which is near the national average. The median age in Willow River is 37.3 years.

Housing in Willow River has a median home value of $197,700 and median monthly rent of $758. Of the 177 total housing units, the majority are owner-occupied, with 104 owner-occupied and 54 renter-occupied units.

The unemployment rate in Willow River is 9.1% and the poverty rate is 8.3%. 9.2% of residents hold a bachelor's degree or higher. The average commute time is 40.6 minutes.

Cost of Living in Willow River, MN

Compared to national averages, Willow River has a median household income of $52,188 (31% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $197,700, which is 19% below the national median. Monthly rent at $758 is 35% below the US average of $1,163. Within Minnesota, Willow River's income is 30% below the state average of $74,221, and home values are 3% below the state median of $204,472.

Income vs National
$52,188
National: $75,149
Minnesota: $74,221
Home Value vs National
$197,700
National: $244,900
Minnesota: $204,472
Rent vs National
$758
National: $1,163
Minnesota: $966
Unemployment vs National
9.1%
National: 3.7%
Minnesota: 5.5%

Why Live in Willow River, MN?

Willow River offers affordable housing with a median home value of $197,700, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $758/month, and a low poverty rate of 8.3%, better than the national average.

Potential considerations include median household income ($52,188) that falls below the national average. However, Willow River’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.

Willow River has a population of 351 with a median age of 37.3 years. Compare Willow River with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Minnesota.

Similar Cities Near Willow River

Cities in Minnesota with a similar population size.

CityPopulationMedian IncomeHome Value
Rushmore351$39,205$107,200Compare
Remer348$42,750$146,300Compare
Jeffers355$47,955$85,200Compare
Kelliher347$100,316$178,700Compare
Wykoff356$66,375$127,800Compare
Lancaster344$65,313$118,200Compare
Dexter359$87,083$173,300Compare
Hitterdal361$49,792$112,500Compare

Demographics

37.3
Median Age
197
Male
154
Female
1.1%
Foreign Born

Racial & Ethnic Composition

White0Hispanic/Latino1.4Black0Asian0Two or More0

Economy & Education

9.1%
Unemployment Rate
8.3%
Poverty Rate
9.2%
Bachelor's Degree+
40.6 min
Avg Commute

Housing

177
Total Housing Units
104
Owner Occupied
54
Renter Occupied

Other Cities in Minnesota

Boy RiverCredit RiverDeer RiverElk RiverKettle RiverKnife River

Data source: US Census Bureau ACS 5-Year Estimates. Last updated: 2026-04-05.

Compare Willow River With Other Cities

Willow River vs Boy RiverWillow River vs Credit RiverWillow River vs Deer RiverWillow River vs Elk River

Frequently Asked Questions about Willow River

What is the population of Willow River, MN?

The population of Willow River, MN is 351 according to the latest Census data.

What is the median household income in Willow River?

The median household income in Willow River, MN is $52,188 per year.

What is the median home value in Willow River?

The median home value in Willow River, MN is $197,700.

What is the average rent in Willow River?

The median monthly rent in Willow River, MN is $758.

What is the unemployment rate in Willow River?

The unemployment rate in Willow River, MN is 9.1%.

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