Willow River, MN
Population 351 · Minnesota
About Willow River, MN
Willow River is a small community located in Minnesota with a population of 351 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $52,188 per year, which is 31% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 37.3 years is close to the US median age of 38.9 years.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Willow River features a median home value of $197,700, which is 19% below the national median of $244,900. This positions Willow River in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $758, 35% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 177 total housing units, 66% are owner-occupied (104 units) and 34% are renter-occupied (54 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Willow River 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 8.3%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Willow River have an average one-way commute time of 40.6 minutes, suggesting many residents commute to jobs in a nearby metro area.
Education & Demographics
9.2% of Willow River residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. The lower educational attainment rate may reflect the area's industry mix, with more employment in trades, manufacturing, or agricultural sectors. The community's demographic composition includes 0.0% White, 1.4% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 0.0% Asian residents, with 1.1% of the population being foreign-born.
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.
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.
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Other Cities in Minnesota
Data source: US Census Bureau ACS 5-Year Estimates. Last updated: 2026-04-05.
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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 US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a small community in Minnesota.
What is the median household income in Willow River?
The median household income in Willow River, MN is $52,188 per year, which is 31% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Willow River?
The median home value in Willow River, MN is $197,700, which is 19% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Willow River?
The median monthly rent in Willow River, MN is $758, which is 35% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Willow River?
The unemployment rate in Willow River, 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 Willow River, MN a good place to live?
Willow River offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 351 and a median age of 37.3, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Willow River, MN?
9.2% of residents in Willow River 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 Willow River?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Willow River, MN: median home value is $197,700 (19% below national), median rent is $758/month, and median household income is $52,188. The home-value-to-income ratio is 3.8x, a moderate figure by national standards.
What is the poverty rate in Willow River?
The poverty rate in Willow River, MN is 8.3%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Willow River, MN?
Willow River's population is 0.0% White, 1.4% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 0.0% Asian, and 0.0% two or more races. 1.1% of residents are foreign-born.