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

Total population
2,606
3.0% year-over-year change
Median household income
$83,317/yr
6.8% year-over-year change
Housing units
1,173
2.1% year-over-year change

Lake Crystal population

How many people live in Lake Crystal

Lake Crystal is home to 2,606 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 47.4% of Lake Crystal locals are male, and 52.6% are female.

Total population
2,606
3.0% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
47.4%
1,235
Female
52.6%
1,371
Value Percent YoY change
Male 1,235 47.4% 2.1%
Female 1,371 52.6% 3.9%
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 Lake Crystal is 38, with the population distributed as follows: about 22% are children under 15, then 10.9% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 24.5% of the population, while another 23.4% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 19.2% are 65 or older.

Median age
38.4
Age breakdown
Under 15
22%
15 to 24
10.9%
25 to 44
24.5%
45 to 64
23.4%
Over 65
19.2%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 573 22% -0.2%
15 to 24 284 10.9% 10.9%
25 to 44 639 24.5% 7.2%
45 to 64 609 23.4% -4.8%
Over 65 501 19.2% 8.0%
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 Lake Crystal, 97.8% of the population are US-born citizens, while 0.8% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 1.4% of residents are non-citizens. There’s also a share of 3.3% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
97.8%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
0.8%
Non-citizens
1.4%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 2,549 97.8% 2.1%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 21 0.8% 50.0%
Non-citizens 36 1.4% 80.0%
Racial breakdown
White
94.7%
Black or African American
0.1%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0.1%
Asian
0%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
3.3%
Other
1.9%
Value Percent
White 2,468 94.7%
Black or African American 2 0.1%
American Indian and Alaska Native 2 0.1%
Two or more races 85 3.3%
Other 49 1.9%

Households in Lake Crystal

A peek inside Lake Crystal households

Lake Crystal has 1,127 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 68.1% are families, while the remaining 31.9% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
1,127
1.5% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
360
Family households
767
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 360 31.9% -0.6%
Family households 767 68.1% 2.5%
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 Lake Crystal

The housing landscape of Lake Crystal

Lake Crystal's housing consists of 1,173 units, with 81% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 1% and offer a more compact, shared living style. 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
1,173
2.1% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 950 81%
1 unit, attached 12 1%
3 or 4 units 42 3.6%
5 to 9 units 28 2.4%
20 to 49 units 110 9.4%
Mobile home 31 2.6%
Homes built since 2020
19
216.7% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Lake Crystal

In Lake Crystal, the median construction year is 1971. About 22.8% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 2.5% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 17.1% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 2.6% between 2010 and 2019, and 1.6% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 267 22.8% -4.3%
Built between 1940 and 1949 29 2.5% 0.0%
Built between 1950 and 1959 131 11.2% 32.3%
Built between 1960 and 1969 142 12.1% 19.3%
Built between 1970 and 1979 196 16.7% -4.8%
Built between 1980 and 1989 77 6.6% -15.4%
Built between 1990 and 1999 80 6.8% -20.8%
Built between 2000 and 2009 201 17.1% 4.7%
Built between 2010 and 2019 31 2.6% 14.8%
Built in 2020 or later 19 1.6% 216.7%
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.

Lake Crystal occupancy rates

Out of the 1,127 occupied housing units in Lake Crystal, 83.3% are owner-occupied, while 16.7% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 3.9% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
1,127
1.5% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
188
Owner occupied
939
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 188 16.7% -16.4%
Owner occupied 939 83.3% 6.1%
Unoccupied housing units
3.9%
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.

Lake Crystal housing costs

Housing costs in Lake Crystal come to a median of $1,166 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $825.

Median housing costs per month
$1,166/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 Lake Crystal
$825/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 Lake Crystal

Lake Crystal education at a glance

About 31% of the population in Lake Crystal went to high school, while 19.4% pursued college studies. Another 20.8% earned an associate degree and 20% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 7.2% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 30 1.6% 0.0%
High school diploma 591 31% -18.9%
College diploma 370 19.4% 3.9%
Associate degree 397 20.8% 14.4%
Bachelor's degree 382 20% 51.0%
Graduate degree 137 7.2% -4.2%
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 Lake Crystal

How much people earn in Lake Crystal

The average annual household income in Lake Crystal was $90,704 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +8.9% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $83,317, reflecting a +6.8% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Lake Crystal
$90,704/year
8.9% year-over-year change
Median household income in Lake Crystal
$83,317/year
6.8% year-over-year change

Lake Crystal income by age

In Lake Crystal, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $109,837. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $105,625 overall. Younger households, where the main provider is under 25 and just starting out, report a median income of $36,810, while those led by someone over 65, many of whom may be retired, have about $57,500 in earnings. Overall, 93% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
Under 25 $36,810 -0.6%
25 - 44 $109,837 15.2%
45 - 64 $105,625 7.2%
Over 65 $57,500 30.0%
Above poverty level
2,380
Below poverty level
179
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 2,380 93% 6.4%
Below poverty level 179 7% -31.9%

Average renter income in Lake Crystal

To get a better sense of what renters earn on average in Lake Crystal, their median household income was $34,940 according to 2022 Census data. In addition, the rent-to-income ratio in the area, at 28.3%, shows what portion of their earnings goes toward housing expenses.

Renter median household income
$34,940
Rent-to-income ratio
28.3%
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 Lake Crystal

Workforce and job types in Lake Crystal

The job market in Lake Crystal is powered by 1,369 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 75% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 25% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 6.1% run their own businesses, 67.9% are employed by private companies, and 16.3% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
1,369
2.2% year-over-year change
White collar
1,026
Blue collar
343
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 1,026 75% 14.6%
Blue collar 343 25% -22.8%
Employer type
Self employees
6.1%
Private companies
67.9%
Governmental workers
16.3%
Not for profit companies
9.6%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 84 6.1% 12.0%
Private companies 930 67.9% -4.5%
Governmental workers 223 16.3% 31.2%
Not for profit companies 132 9.6% 10.0%
Unemployment rate
1.5%
-50.0% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Lake Crystal 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 Lake Crystal

How people get around in Lake Crystal

Commuting methods vary: 91.5% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 3.3% 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 1,232 91.5% -0.1%
Walk 44 3.3% 158.8%
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 Lake Crystal by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
56055 3,898 1,645 $90,987 $98,194

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FAQs about Lake Crystal demographics 

What is the total population of Lake Crystal?

Lake Crystal has a total population of 2,606 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 +3.0% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Lake Crystal?

The gender ratio in Lake Crystal is as follows:
  • 47.4% males (1,235 residents)
  • 52.6% females (1,371 residents)

What is the median age in Lake Crystal?

The median age in Lake Crystal is 38.4.

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

The age distribution in Lake Crystal is as follows:
  • Under 15: 22% (573 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 10.9% (284 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 24.5% (639 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 23.4% (609 residents)
  • Over 65: 19.2% (501 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Lake Crystal?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Lake Crystal is as follows:
  • White: 94.7% (2,468 residents)
  • Black or African American: 0.1% (2 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0.1% (2 residents)
  • Asian: 0% (0 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% (0 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 3.3% (85 residents)
  • Other: 1.9% (49 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 97.8% of the population in Lake Crystal.

How many housing units are there in Lake Crystal?

There are 1,173 housing units in Lake Crystal, reflecting a +2.1% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

Lake Crystal has a total of 1,127 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in Lake Crystal?

Lake Crystal has a median household income of $83,317, representing a +6.8% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

The employment rate is 98.5% in Lake Crystal, with a workforce of 1,369 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 75% (1,026 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 25% (343 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 6.1% (84 residents)
  • Private companies: 67.9% (930 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 16.3% (223 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 9.6% (132 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