Winona, MN
Population 25,998 · Minnesota
About Winona, MN
Winona is a mid-sized city located in Minnesota with a population of 25,998 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $56,163 per year, which is 25% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 31.6 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 Winona features a median home value of $193,500, which is 21% below the national median of $244,900. This positions Winona in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $839, 28% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 11,609 total housing units, 58% are owner-occupied (6,317 units) and 42% are renter-occupied (4,642 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Winona shows an unemployment rate of 3.6%, which is lower than the national rate of 3.7%, indicating a relatively strong job market. The poverty rate stands at 20.8%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Winona have an average one-way commute time of 14.3 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
34.8% of Winona 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 3.3% White, 1.2% Hispanic or Latino, 0.4% Black or African American, and 0.9% Asian residents, with 3.1% of the population being foreign-born.
How Winona Ranks in Minnesota
Cost of Living in Winona, MN
Compared to national averages, Winona has a median household income of $56,163 (25% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $193,500, which is 21% below the national median. Monthly rent at $839 is 28% below the US average of $1,163. Within Minnesota, Winona's income is 24% below the state average of $74,221, and home values are 5% below the state median of $204,472.
Why Live in Winona, MN?
Winona offers affordable housing with a median home value of $193,500, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $839/month, and a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 3.6%. Additionally, the city features a well-educated community where 34.8% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher, and short commute times averaging just 14.3 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($56,163) that falls below the national average. However, Winona’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Winona has a population of 25,998 with a median age of 31.6 years. Compare Winona with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Minnesota.
Similar Cities Near Winona
Cities in Minnesota with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chanhassen | 26,001 | $138,034 | $530,700 | Compare |
| Austin | 26,167 | $66,488 | $155,100 | Compare |
| Elk River | 26,367 | $99,457 | $338,300 | Compare |
| Owatonna | 26,462 | $81,276 | $234,600 | Compare |
| Rosemount | 26,509 | $127,247 | $406,100 | Compare |
| Shoreview | 26,724 | $109,399 | $365,100 | Compare |
| Faribault | 24,458 | $61,662 | $233,900 | Compare |
| Prior Lake | 27,832 | $130,278 | $429,900 | 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 Winona With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Winona
What is the population of Winona, MN?
The population of Winona, MN is 25,998 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 Winona?
The median household income in Winona, MN is $56,163 per year, which is 25% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Winona?
The median home value in Winona, MN is $193,500, which is 21% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Winona?
The median monthly rent in Winona, MN is $839, which is 28% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Winona?
The unemployment rate in Winona, MN is 3.6%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. This lower-than-average rate suggests a relatively healthy local job market.
Is Winona, MN a good place to live?
Winona offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and a strong job market. With a population of 25,998 and a median age of 31.6, the city appeals to young professionals and families.
How educated is Winona, MN?
34.8% of residents in Winona 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 Winona?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Winona, MN: median home value is $193,500 (21% below national), median rent is $839/month, and median household income is $56,163. The home-value-to-income ratio is 3.4x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Winona?
The poverty rate in Winona, MN is 20.8%, 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 Winona, MN?
Winona's population is 3.3% White, 1.2% Hispanic or Latino, 0.4% Black or African American, 0.9% Asian, and 3.2% two or more races. 3.1% of residents are foreign-born.