Owatonna, MN demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
26,498
0.1% year-over-year change
Median household income
$80,750/yr
-0.7% year-over-year change
Housing units
11,500
1.1% year-over-year change

Owatonna population

How many people live in Owatonna

Owatonna is home to 26,498 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 49.6% of Owatonna locals are male, and 50.4% are female.

Total population
26,498
0.1% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
49.6%
13,148
Female
50.4%
13,350
Value Percent YoY change
Male 13,148 49.6% -0.8%
Female 13,350 50.4% 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 Owatonna is 40, with the population distributed as follows: about 19.1% are children under 15, then 12.1% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 24.9% of the population, while another 24.4% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 19.5% are 65 or older.

Median age
40.4
Age breakdown
Under 15
19.1%
15 to 24
12.1%
25 to 44
24.9%
45 to 64
24.4%
Over 65
19.5%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 5,055 19.1% -1.3%
15 to 24 3,195 12.1% -4.3%
25 to 44 6,594 24.9% 1.4%
45 to 64 6,480 24.4% -0.9%
Over 65 5,174 19.5% 4.2%
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 Owatonna, 94.6% of the population are US-born citizens, while 3.2% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 2.2% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 84.3% of locals are Caucasian, 4.6% are African American and 0.7% have Asian roots. There’s also a share of 7% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
94.6%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
3.2%
Non-citizens
2.2%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 25,055 94.6% 1.1%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 859 3.2% -4.9%
Non-citizens 584 2.2% -24.2%
Racial breakdown
White
84.3%
Black or African American
4.6%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0.5%
Asian
0.7%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
7%
Other
2.9%
Value Percent
White 22,327 84.3%
Black or African American 1,229 4.6%
American Indian and Alaska Native 121 0.5%
Asian 182 0.7%
Two or more races 1,862 7%
Other 777 2.9%

Households in Owatonna

A peek inside Owatonna households

Owatonna has 11,018 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 62% are families, while the remaining 38% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
11,018
1.1% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
4,191
Family households
6,827
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 4,191 38% 8.1%
Family households 6,827 62% -2.7%
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 Owatonna

The housing landscape of Owatonna

Owatonna's housing consists of 11,500 units, with 70% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 5.7% 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 3.1% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
11,500
1.1% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 8,055 70%
1 unit, attached 656 5.7%
2 units 328 2.8%
3 or 4 units 256 2.2%
5 to 9 units 271 2.4%
10 to 19 units 437 3.8%
20 to 49 units 719 6.2%
50 or more units 392 3.4%
Mobile home 356 3.1%
Boat, RV, van, etc. 30 0.3%
Homes built since 2020
92
187.5% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Owatonna

In Owatonna, the median construction year is 1978. About 14.1% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 3.2% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 15.6% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 6.2% between 2010 and 2019, and 0.8% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 1,624 14.1% 1.0%
Built between 1940 and 1949 371 3.2% -7.7%
Built between 1950 and 1959 1,267 11% 8.0%
Built between 1960 and 1969 887 7.7% -17.6%
Built between 1970 and 1979 2,112 18.4% -1.6%
Built between 1980 and 1989 1,241 10.8% 2.5%
Built between 1990 and 1999 1,403 12.2% 8.4%
Built between 2000 and 2009 1,789 15.6% -0.5%
Built between 2010 and 2019 714 6.2% 13.3%
Built in 2020 or later 92 0.8% 187.5%
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.

Owatonna occupancy rates

Out of the 11,018 occupied housing units in Owatonna, 75.6% are owner-occupied, while 24.4% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 4.2% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
11,018
1.1% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
2,684
Owner occupied
8,334
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 2,684 24.4% 5.7%
Owner occupied 8,334 75.6% -0.2%
Unoccupied housing units
4.2%
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.

Owatonna housing costs

Housing costs in Owatonna come to a median of $1,174 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $1,067.

Median housing costs per month
$1,174/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 Owatonna
$1,067/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 Owatonna

Owatonna education at a glance

About 34.9% of the population in Owatonna went to high school, while 24.2% pursued college studies. Another 11.2% earned an associate degree and 19.5% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 8.3% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 408 2% -4.9%
High school diploma 7,030 34.9% 3.1%
College diploma 4,869 24.2% 7.4%
Associate degree 2,249 11.2% 2.5%
Bachelor's degree 3,931 19.5% -4.0%
Graduate degree 1,668 8.3% -14.8%
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 Owatonna

How much people earn in Owatonna

The average annual household income in Owatonna was $98,799 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a -1.5% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $80,750, reflecting a -0.6% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Owatonna
$98,799/year
-1.5% year-over-year change
Median household income in Owatonna
$80,750/year
-0.7% year-over-year change

Owatonna income by age

In Owatonna, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $95,638. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $97,188 overall. Younger households, where the main provider is under 25 and just starting out, report a median income of $43,824, while those led by someone over 65, many of whom may be retired, have about $53,750 in earnings. Overall, 91% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
Under 25 $43,824 -1.2%
25 - 44 $95,638 1.9%
45 - 64 $97,188 -2.1%
Over 65 $53,750 0.3%
Above poverty level
23,553
Below poverty level
2,345
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 23,553 91% -0.8%
Below poverty level 2,345 9% 13.3%

Average renter income in Owatonna

To get a better sense of what renters earn on average in Owatonna, their median household income was $35,243 according to 2022 Census data. In addition, the rent-to-income ratio in the area, at 36.3%, shows what portion of their earnings goes toward housing expenses.

Renter median household income
$35,243
Rent-to-income ratio
36.3%
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 Owatonna

Workforce and job types in Owatonna

The job market in Owatonna is powered by 13,088 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 71.6% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 28.4% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 6.6% run their own businesses, 67.3% are employed by private companies, and 15% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
13,088
-0.3% year-over-year change
White collar
9,367
Blue collar
3,721
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 9,367 71.6% 0.7%
Blue collar 3,721 28.4% -2.9%
Employer type
Self employees
6.6%
Private companies
67.3%
Governmental workers
15%
Not for profit companies
11.1%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 865 6.6% -6.8%
Private companies 8,806 67.3% -0.3%
Governmental workers 1,969 15% -10.1%
Not for profit companies 1,448 11.1% 22.8%
Unemployment rate
3.6%
13.2% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Owatonna stands at 3.6%, 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 Owatonna

How people get around in Owatonna

Commuting methods vary: 87.5% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 1.8% 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 11,221 87.5% 0.7%
Taxicab 15 0.1% 0.0%
Bus or trolleybus 94 0.7% -6.9%
Ferryboat 58 0.4% -26.6%
Motorcycle 48 0.4% -17.2%
Bicycle 43 0.3% 4.9%
Walk 230 1.8% -33.1%
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 Owatonna by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
55060 29,599 12,124 $84,906 $101,474

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FAQs about Owatonna demographics 

What is the total population of Owatonna?

Owatonna has a total population of 26,498 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 +0.1% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Owatonna?

The gender ratio in Owatonna is as follows:
  • 49.6% males (13,148 residents)
  • 50.4% females (13,350 residents)

What is the median age in Owatonna?

The median age in Owatonna is 40.4.

What is the age distribution of the population in Owatonna?

The age distribution in Owatonna is as follows:
  • Under 15: 19.1% (5,055 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 12.1% (3,195 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 24.9% (6,594 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 24.4% (6,480 residents)
  • Over 65: 19.5% (5,174 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Owatonna?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Owatonna is as follows:
  • White: 84.3% (22,327 residents)
  • Black or African American: 4.6% (1,229 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0.5% (121 residents)
  • Asian: 0.7% (182 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% (0 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 7% (1,862 residents)
  • Other: 2.9% (777 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 94.6% of the population in Owatonna.

How many housing units are there in Owatonna?

There are 11,500 housing units in Owatonna, reflecting a +1.1% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

Owatonna has a total of 11,018 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in Owatonna?

Owatonna has a median household income of $80,750, representing a -0.7% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

What is the employment rate and job market overview for Owatonna?

The employment rate is 96.4% in Owatonna, with a workforce of 13,088 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 71.6% (9,367 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 28.4% (3,721 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 6.6% (865 residents)
  • Private companies: 67.3% (8,806 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 15% (1,969 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 11.1% (1,448 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