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

Total population
593
0.3% year-over-year change
Median household income
$68,000/yr
2.1% year-over-year change
Housing units
304
3.0% year-over-year change

Heron Lake population

How many people live in Heron Lake

Heron Lake is home to 593 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 52.4% of Heron Lake locals are male, and 47.6% are female.

Total population
593
0.3% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
52.4%
311
Female
47.6%
282
Value Percent YoY change
Male 311 52.4% 1.6%
Female 282 47.6% -1.1%
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 Heron Lake is 46, with the population distributed as follows: about 12.6% are children under 15, then 11.1% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 25.3% of the population, while another 21.1% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 29.8% are 65 or older.

Median age
45.8
Age breakdown
Under 15
12.6%
15 to 24
11.1%
25 to 44
25.3%
45 to 64
21.1%
Over 65
29.8%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 75 12.6% -27.2%
15 to 24 66 11.1% 17.9%
25 to 44 150 25.3% -3.9%
45 to 64 125 21.1% 4.2%
Over 65 177 29.8% 13.5%
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 Heron Lake, 93.2% of the population are US-born citizens, while 3% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 3.7% of residents are non-citizens. There’s also a share of 9.1% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
93.2%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
3%
Non-citizens
3.7%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 553 93.2% -0.5%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 18 3% 0.0%
Non-citizens 22 3.7% 29.4%
Racial breakdown
White
78.8%
Black or African American
0%
American Indian and Alaska Native
2.7%
Asian
0.8%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
9.1%
Other
8.6%
Value Percent
White 467 78.8%
American Indian and Alaska Native 16 2.7%
Asian 5 0.8%
Two or more races 54 9.1%
Other 51 8.6%

Households in Heron Lake

A peek inside Heron Lake households

Heron Lake has 272 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 58.1% are families, while the remaining 41.9% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
272
2.6% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
114
Family households
158
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 114 41.9% 1.8%
Family households 158 58.1% 3.3%
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 Heron Lake

The housing landscape of Heron Lake

Heron Lake's housing consists of 304 units, with 91.1% 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 2.6% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
304
3.0% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 277 91.1%
10 to 19 units 7 2.3%
20 to 49 units 12 4%
Mobile home 8 2.6%
Homes built since 2020
0
% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Heron Lake

In Heron Lake, the median construction year is 1953. About 35.9% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 10.2% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 109 35.9% -12.1%
Built between 1940 and 1949 31 10.2% 3.3%
Built between 1950 and 1959 44 14.5% -4.3%
Built between 1960 and 1969 45 14.8% 18.4%
Built between 1970 and 1979 42 13.8% 23.5%
Built between 1980 and 1989 10 3.3% 233.3%
Built between 1990 and 1999 3 1% N/A
Built between 2000 and 2009 18 5.9% 0.0%
Built between 2010 and 2019 2 0.7% 0.0%
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.

Heron Lake occupancy rates

Out of the 272 occupied housing units in Heron Lake, 83.1% are owner-occupied, while 16.9% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 10.5% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
272
2.6% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
46
Owner occupied
226
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 46 16.9% 17.9%
Owner occupied 226 83.1% 0.0%
Unoccupied housing units
10.5%
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.

Heron Lake housing costs

Housing costs in Heron Lake come to a median of $671 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $833.

Median housing costs per month
$671/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 Heron Lake
$833/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 Heron Lake

Heron Lake education at a glance

About 42.7% of the population in Heron Lake went to high school, while 30.3% pursued college studies. Another 7.9% earned an associate degree and 13.6% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 3.5% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 10 2% 100.0%
High school diploma 217 42.7% 6.4%
College diploma 154 30.3% 15.8%
Associate degree 40 7.9% -13.0%
Bachelor's degree 69 13.6% 7.8%
Graduate degree 18 3.5% -18.2%
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 Heron Lake

How much people earn in Heron Lake

The average annual household income in Heron Lake was $76,294 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +4.7% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $68,000, reflecting a +2.1% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Heron Lake
$76,294/year
4.7% year-over-year change
Median household income in Heron Lake
$68,000/year
2.1% year-over-year change

Heron Lake income by age

In Heron Lake, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $68,000. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $89,891 overall. Overall, 91.2% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
25 - 44 $68,000 4.6%
45 - 64 $89,891 3.6%
Over 65 $47,857 -1.1%
Above poverty level
520
Below poverty level
50
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 520 91.2% -1.9%
Below poverty level 50 8.8% 16.3%

Average renter income in Heron Lake

To get a better sense of what renters earn on average in Heron Lake, their median household income was $55,833 according to 2022 Census data. In addition, the rent-to-income ratio in the area, at 17.9%, shows what portion of their earnings goes toward housing expenses.

Renter median household income
$55,833
Rent-to-income ratio
17.9%
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 Heron Lake

Workforce and job types in Heron Lake

The job market in Heron Lake is powered by 333 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 59.8% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 40.2% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 13.2% run their own businesses, 66.7% are employed by private companies, and 11.7% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
333
1.2% year-over-year change
White collar
199
Blue collar
134
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 199 59.8% 8.7%
Blue collar 134 40.2% -8.2%
Employer type
Self employees
13.2%
Private companies
66.7%
Governmental workers
11.7%
Not for profit companies
8.4%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 44 13.2% 29.4%
Private companies 222 66.7% -5.5%
Governmental workers 39 11.7% 39.3%
Not for profit companies 28 8.4% -12.5%
Unemployment rate
1.5%

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Heron Lake stands at 1.5%, 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 Heron Lake

How people get around in Heron Lake

In Heron Lake, the average commute time is 18 minutes. Commuting methods vary: 81% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 11.4% prefer to walk, while the remaining share relies on public transit or on two wheelers to get from A to B.

Commute time
18 min
-1.1% year-over-year change
Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 264 81% -2.6%
Walk 37 11.4% 12.1%
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 Heron Lake by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
56137 1,039 459 $71,250 $89,362

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FAQs about Heron Lake demographics 

What is the total population of Heron Lake?

Heron Lake has a total population of 593 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 +0.3% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Heron Lake?

The gender ratio in Heron Lake is as follows:
  • 52.4% males (311 residents)
  • 47.6% females (282 residents)

What is the median age in Heron Lake?

The median age in Heron Lake is 45.8.

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

The age distribution in Heron Lake is as follows:
  • Under 15: 12.6% (75 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 11.1% (66 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 25.3% (150 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 21.1% (125 residents)
  • Over 65: 29.8% (177 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Heron Lake?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Heron Lake is as follows:
  • White: 78.8% (467 residents)
  • Black or African American: 0% (0 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 2.7% (16 residents)
  • Asian: 0.8% (5 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% (0 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 9.1% (54 residents)
  • Other: 8.6% (51 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 93.2% of the population in Heron Lake.

How many housing units are there in Heron Lake?

There are 304 housing units in Heron Lake, reflecting a +3.0% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

Heron Lake has a total of 272 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in Heron Lake?

Heron Lake has a median household income of $68,000, representing a +2.1% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

The employment rate is 98.5% in Heron Lake, with a workforce of 333 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 59.8% (199 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 40.2% (134 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 13.2% (44 residents)
  • Private companies: 66.7% (222 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 11.7% (39 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 8.4% (28 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