Elbow Lake, MN demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
1,377
11.4% year-over-year change
Median household income
$44,688/yr
3.0% year-over-year change
Housing units
597
1.2% year-over-year change

Elbow Lake population

How many people live in Elbow Lake

Elbow Lake is home to 1,377 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 49.7% of Elbow Lake locals are male, and 50.3% are female.

Total population
1,377
11.4% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
49.7%
684
Female
50.3%
693
Value Percent YoY change
Male 684 49.7% 8.6%
Female 693 50.3% 14.4%
A higher population often means more rental variety and livelier areas. The gender balance—how many men live here compared to women—can reveal a lot about the community and the lifestyles of its residents. Use this info to get a sense of the area's pace and personality.

Age demographics

The median age in Elbow Lake is 42, with the population distributed as follows: about 21.6% are children under 15, then 12.8% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 25% of the population, while another 23% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 17.5% are 65 or older.

Median age
42
Age breakdown
Under 15
21.6%
15 to 24
12.8%
25 to 44
25%
45 to 64
23%
Over 65
17.5%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 298 21.6% 2.0%
15 to 24 177 12.8% 53.9%
25 to 44 345 25% 10.2%
45 to 64 316 23% 14.9%
Over 65 241 17.5% 0.0%
The age composition helps you get insight into who lives in the area. A younger population might mean a more active, fast-paced vibe, while an older one could suggest a quieter, slower lifestyle. If there's a balanced makeup, you’re likely to find a variety of services, housing types, and community spaces that cater to different life stages.

Racial makeup

In Elbow Lake, 99.7% of the population are US-born citizens, while 0.2% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 0.2% of residents are non-citizens. There’s also a share of 6.9% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
99.7%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
0.2%
Non-citizens
0.2%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 1,373 99.7% 11.5%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 2 0.2% -50.0%
Non-citizens 2 0.2% 100.0%
Racial breakdown
White
89.1%
Black or African American
0%
American Indian and Alaska Native
3.8%
Asian
0%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
6.9%
Other
0.2%
Value Percent
White 1,227 89.1%
American Indian and Alaska Native 53 3.8%
Two or more races 95 6.9%
Other 2 0.2%

Households in Elbow Lake

A peek inside Elbow Lake households

Elbow Lake has 512 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 66.2% are families, while the remaining 33.8% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
512
1.2% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
173
Family households
339
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 173 33.8% 0.0%
Family households 339 66.2% 1.8%
The mix between family and non-family households gives a glimpse into daily life. A higher percentage of families might mean more parks and schools, while more non-family setups can mean flexible housing and diverse living styles. For renters, this can signal what kinds of homes are common and can help you figure out if the area matches your lifestyle.

Housing in Elbow Lake

The housing landscape of Elbow Lake

Elbow Lake's housing consists of 597 units, with 77.2% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Then there are the multifamily buildings in the area, and for those seeking flexibility, non-traditional options like mobile homes account for 2% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
597
1.2% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 461 77.2%
2 units 3 0.5%
3 or 4 units 19 3.2%
5 to 9 units 13 2.2%
10 to 19 units 68 11.4%
20 to 49 units 21 3.5%
Mobile home 12 2%
Homes built since 2020
1
% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Elbow Lake

In Elbow Lake, the median construction year is 1968. About 22.8% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 9.4% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 6.2% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 0.8% between 2010 and 2019, and 0.2% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 136 22.8% 8.8%
Built between 1940 and 1949 56 9.4% -20.0%
Built between 1950 and 1959 114 19.1% 5.6%
Built between 1960 and 1969 90 15.1% 25.0%
Built between 1970 and 1979 78 13.1% -15.2%
Built between 1980 and 1989 37 6.2% 15.6%
Built between 1990 and 1999 43 7.2% -4.4%
Built between 2000 and 2009 37 6.2% -15.9%
Built between 2010 and 2019 5 0.8% 150.0%
Built in 2020 or later 1 0.2% N/A
As a renter, knowing when homes were built helps you understand the potential condition and design of rental units. Newer builds may have more contemporary layouts, while older homes can offer character or larger lots, depending on the area.

Elbow Lake occupancy rates

Out of the 512 occupied housing units in Elbow Lake, 68.6% are owner-occupied, while 31.4% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 14.2% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
512
1.2% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
161
Owner occupied
351
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 161 31.4% -5.3%
Owner occupied 351 68.6% 4.5%
Unoccupied housing units
14.2%
Unoccupied housing units refer to homes that are currently without residents—whether they're waiting for renters or owners, used seasonally, or simply unclaimed. A higher share of empty homes may mean more housing availability, while a low number can reflect a tighter market with more competition. This, along with the renter-vs.-owner mix, helps paint a clearer picture of what types of housing and services are likely to be available in the area.

Elbow Lake housing costs

Housing costs in Elbow Lake come to a median of $711 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $612.

Median housing costs per month
$711/month
This figure sums up typical monthly housing costs for all households in the area. If you own, it includes mortgage payments in addition to property taxes, insurance and HOA fees. If you rent, it accounts for rent plus extras like utilities. It’s useful for seeing how local living expenses stack up compared to other places.
Median gross rent in Elbow Lake
$612/month
Gross rent gives a more complete look at what renters actually pay, including not just base rent, but also utilities and fees. It’s a key number for evaluating rental affordability in your area of interest and understanding how it compares to nearby locations.

Education in Elbow Lake

Elbow Lake education at a glance

About 42.5% of the population in Elbow Lake went to high school, while 18% pursued college studies. Another 20.5% earned an associate degree and 13.1% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 5.1% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 8 0.8% -66.7%
High school diploma 426 42.5% 34.0%
College diploma 181 18% -16.2%
Associate degree 206 20.5% 18.4%
Bachelor's degree 131 13.1% 19.1%
Graduate degree 51 5.1% 13.3%
A community’s education mix can offer insights into the local economy and housing market. Higher levels of education often align with more job opportunities and stable incomes, which can increase demand for homes and influence both rent prices and rental availability.

Income in Elbow Lake

How much people earn in Elbow Lake

The average annual household income in Elbow Lake was $62,190 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +6.1% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $44,688, reflecting a +3% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Elbow Lake
$62,190/year
6.1% year-over-year change
Median household income in Elbow Lake
$44,688/year
3.0% year-over-year change

Elbow Lake income by age

In Elbow Lake, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $48,104. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $80,833 overall. Younger households, where the main provider is under 25 and just starting out, report a median income of $33,365, while those led by someone over 65, many of whom may be retired, have about $40,417 in earnings. Overall, 79.8% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
Under 25 $33,365 1.2%
25 - 44 $48,104 0.0%
45 - 64 $80,833 9.0%
Over 65 $40,417 7.2%
Above poverty level
1,074
Below poverty level
271
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 1,074 79.8% 9.0%
Below poverty level 271 20.2% 21.0%

Average renter income in Elbow Lake

To get a better sense of what renters earn on average in Elbow Lake, their median household income was $29,018 according to 2022 Census data. In addition, the rent-to-income ratio in the area, at 25.3%, shows what portion of their earnings goes toward housing expenses.

Renter median household income
$29,018
Rent-to-income ratio
25.3%
Understanding the rent-to-income ratio can help renters gauge if local housing costs align with their earnings. A ratio under 30% usually signals affordability, while exceeding this mark means rent is taking a larger-than-recommended bite out of income. That could make it harder for you to cover other costs like transportation, healthcare, or child care.

Employment in Elbow Lake

Workforce and job types in Elbow Lake

The job market in Elbow Lake is powered by 577 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 72.4% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 27.6% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 9.4% run their own businesses, 57.5% are employed by private companies, and 20.6% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
577
7.0% year-over-year change
White collar
418
Blue collar
159
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 418 72.4% 1.7%
Blue collar 159 27.6% 24.2%
Employer type
Self employees
9.4%
Private companies
57.5%
Governmental workers
20.6%
Not for profit companies
12.5%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 54 9.4% 58.8%
Private companies 332 57.5% 8.5%
Governmental workers 119 20.6% -9.8%
Not for profit companies 72 12.5% 7.5%
Unemployment rate
5.1%
0.0% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Elbow Lake stands at 5.1%, representing the share of the workforce currently without a job and actively looking for one.

For renters, the unemployment rate helps paint a picture of job security and financial stability in the area. Rates around 4% to 5% are considered typical. A lower-than-average rate might suggest strong job prospects and a thriving local economy, while a higher rate could hint at fewer opportunities—both useful to consider when planning a move.

Transportation in Elbow Lake

How people get around in Elbow Lake

Commuting methods vary: 97.3% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 2.5% prefer to walk, while the remaining share relies on public transit or on two wheelers to get from A to B.

Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 500 97.3% 3.7%
Bus or trolleybus 1 0.2% -75.0%
Walk 13 2.5% 44.4%
Understanding how locals get to work can help you plan your own routine. High car usage might mean you’ll need a vehicle, while strong public transit or walkability could save you the hassle. Commute times also play a big role in quality of life—shorter trips can give you more time for the things you enjoy.

What is the median and average household income in Elbow Lake by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
56531 2,063 797 $74,583 $113,263

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FAQs about Elbow Lake demographics 

What is the total population of Elbow Lake?

Elbow Lake has a total population of 1,377 residents, according to the latest release from the U.S. Census Bureau: the 2019-2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates. This figure changed by +11.4% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Elbow Lake?

The gender ratio in Elbow Lake is as follows:
  • 49.7% males (684 residents)
  • 50.3% females (693 residents)

What is the median age in Elbow Lake?

The median age in Elbow Lake is 42.

What is the age distribution of the population in Elbow Lake?

The age distribution in Elbow Lake is as follows:
  • Under 15: 21.6% (298 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 12.8% (177 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 25% (345 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 23% (316 residents)
  • Over 65: 17.5% (241 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Elbow Lake?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Elbow Lake is as follows:
  • White: 89.1% (1,227 residents)
  • Black or African American: 0% ( residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 3.8% (53 residents)
  • Asian: 0% ( residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% ( residents)
  • Two or More Races: 6.9% (95 residents)
  • Other: 0.2% (2 residents)

What percentage of the population in Elbow Lake are U.S.-born citizens?

U.S.-born citizens represent 99.7% of the population in Elbow Lake.

How many housing units are there in Elbow Lake?

There are 597 housing units in Elbow Lake, reflecting a +1.2% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

How many households are in Elbow Lake and what is the average household size?

Elbow Lake has a total of 512 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in Elbow Lake?

Elbow Lake has a median household income of $44,688, representing a +3.0% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

What is the employment rate and job market overview for Elbow Lake?

The employment rate is 94.9% in Elbow Lake, with a workforce of 577 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 72.4% (418 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 27.6% (159 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 9.4% (54 residents)
  • Private companies: 57.5% (332 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 20.6% (119 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 12.5% (72 residents)

Data source & methodology

The demographic data on this page was sourced from the latest U.S. Census Bureau release—the 2019–2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates.

The information, issued annually, is compiled and published by the Point2Homes Research Team as soon as new data becomes available.

No representation, guarantee, or warranty is made concerning the accuracy or completeness of modified or aggregated information for particular areas.

Page last updated: September 2025