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

Total population
28,016
0.7% year-over-year change
Median household income
$134,255/yr
3.0% year-over-year change
Housing units
10,357
-0.6% year-over-year change

Prior Lake population

How many people live in Prior Lake

Prior Lake is home to 28,016 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 49.9% of Prior Lake locals are male, and 50.1% are female.

Total population
28,016
0.7% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
49.9%
13,984
Female
50.1%
14,032
Value Percent YoY change
Male 13,984 49.9% 2.6%
Female 14,032 50.1% -1.2%
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 Prior Lake is 40, with the population distributed as follows: about 20.6% are children under 15, then 13.2% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 23.5% of the population, while another 27.1% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 15.7% are 65 or older.

Median age
39.6
Age breakdown
Under 15
20.6%
15 to 24
13.2%
25 to 44
23.5%
45 to 64
27.1%
Over 65
15.7%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 5,759 20.6% -0.5%
15 to 24 3,704 13.2% -0.8%
25 to 44 6,575 23.5% 1.5%
45 to 64 7,582 27.1% -1.8%
Over 65 4,396 15.7% 6.9%
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 Prior Lake, 91.4% of the population are US-born citizens, while 6% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 2.5% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 80.8% of locals are Caucasian, 2.2% are African American and 5.5% have Asian roots. There’s also a share of 6.8% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
91.4%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
6%
Non-citizens
2.5%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 25,611 91.4% -0.3%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 1,694 6% 10.0%
Non-citizens 711 2.5% 19.1%
Racial breakdown
White
80.8%
Black or African American
2.2%
American Indian and Alaska Native
1.5%
Asian
5.5%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
6.8%
Other
3.1%
Value Percent
White 22,649 80.8%
Black or African American 627 2.2%
American Indian and Alaska Native 428 1.5%
Asian 1,550 5.5%
Two or more races 1,894 6.8%
Other 868 3.1%

Households in Prior Lake

A peek inside Prior Lake households

Prior Lake has 9,976 households, with an average of 3 members in each. Of these, 74.9% are families, while the remaining 25.1% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
9,976
-1.4% year-over-year change
Average people per household
3
Non-family households
2,501
Family households
7,475
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 2,501 25.1% -4.8%
Family households 7,475 74.9% -0.2%
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 Prior Lake

The housing landscape of Prior Lake

Prior Lake's housing consists of 10,357 units, with 69.9% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 17.4% and offer a more compact, shared living style.

Housing units
10,357
-0.6% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 7,239 69.9%
1 unit, attached 1,801 17.4%
2 units 24 0.2%
3 or 4 units 95 0.9%
5 to 9 units 11 0.1%
10 to 19 units 95 0.9%
20 to 49 units 438 4.2%
50 or more units 651 6.3%
Mobile home 3 0%
Homes built since 2020
218
63.9% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Prior Lake

In Prior Lake, the median construction year is 1998. About 1.5% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 0.8% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 25.4% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 18.8% between 2010 and 2019, and 2.1% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 157 1.5% 38.9%
Built between 1940 and 1949 84 0.8% 9.1%
Built between 1950 and 1959 335 3.2% -7.5%
Built between 1960 and 1969 568 5.5% 5.8%
Built between 1970 and 1979 1,072 10.4% -12.3%
Built between 1980 and 1989 1,525 14.7% -7.7%
Built between 1990 and 1999 1,819 17.6% 3.5%
Built between 2000 and 2009 2,632 25.4% -4.1%
Built between 2010 and 2019 1,947 18.8% 6.7%
Built in 2020 or later 218 2.1% 63.9%
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.

Prior Lake occupancy rates

Out of the 9,976 occupied housing units in Prior Lake, 86.2% are owner-occupied, while 13.8% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 3.7% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
9,976
-1.4% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
1,374
Owner occupied
8,602
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 1,374 13.8% -5.4%
Owner occupied 8,602 86.2% -0.7%
Unoccupied housing units
3.7%
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.

Prior Lake housing costs

Housing costs in Prior Lake come to a median of $1,932 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $1,654.

Median housing costs per month
$1,932/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 Prior Lake
$1,654/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 Prior Lake

Prior Lake education at a glance

About 19.5% of the population in Prior Lake went to high school, while 19.2% pursued college studies. Another 11.8% earned an associate degree and 34.8% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 13.4% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 271 1.3% 1.9%
High school diploma 4,077 19.5% 1.9%
College diploma 4,011 19.2% -7.5%
Associate degree 2,474 11.8% 2.7%
Bachelor's degree 7,286 34.8% 6.0%
Graduate degree 2,795 13.4% -0.0%
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 Prior Lake

How much people earn in Prior Lake

The average annual household income in Prior Lake was $169,887 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a -0.7% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $134,255, reflecting a +3% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Prior Lake
$169,887/year
-0.7% year-over-year change
Median household income in Prior Lake
$134,255/year
3.0% year-over-year change

Prior Lake income by age

In Prior Lake, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $151,478. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $157,943 overall. Younger households, where the main provider is under 25 and just starting out, report a median income of $91,824, while those led by someone over 65, many of whom may be retired, have about $73,356 in earnings. Overall, 96.9% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
Under 25 $91,824 3.5%
25 - 44 $151,478 2.9%
45 - 64 $157,943 3.7%
Over 65 $73,356 -1.4%
Above poverty level
26,573
Below poverty level
856
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 26,573 96.9% -0.2%
Below poverty level 856 3.1% 8.2%

Average renter income in Prior Lake

To get a better sense of what renters earn on average in Prior Lake, their median household income was $50,284 according to 2022 Census data. In addition, the rent-to-income ratio in the area, at 39.5%, shows what portion of their earnings goes toward housing expenses.

Renter median household income
$50,284
Rent-to-income ratio
39.5%
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 Prior Lake

Workforce and job types in Prior Lake

The job market in Prior Lake is powered by 15,611 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 83.4% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 16.6% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 9.6% run their own businesses, 71.7% are employed by private companies, and 10.9% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
15,611
0.9% year-over-year change
White collar
13,018
Blue collar
2,593
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 13,018 83.4% 1.9%
Blue collar 2,593 16.6% -3.6%
Employer type
Self employees
9.6%
Private companies
71.7%
Governmental workers
10.9%
Not for profit companies
7.8%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 1,506 9.6% -2.3%
Private companies 11,196 71.7% 0.6%
Governmental workers 1,698 10.9% 8.1%
Not for profit companies 1,211 7.8% -1.3%
Unemployment rate
1.5%
24.7% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Prior 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 Prior Lake

How people get around in Prior Lake

In Prior Lake, the average commute time is 25 minutes. Commuting methods vary: 71.8% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 1.2% prefer to walk, while the remaining share relies on public transit or on two wheelers to get from A to B.

Commute time
25 min
Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 10,901 71.8% -3.5%
Taxicab 15 0.1% N/A
Bus or trolleybus 125 0.8% -2.3%
Motorcycle 38 0.2% -2.6%
Walk 184 1.2% 19.5%
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 Prior Lake by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
55372 34,772 12,159 $145,499 $183,561

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FAQs about Prior Lake demographics 

What is the total population of Prior Lake?

Prior Lake has a total population of 28,016 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 +0.7% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Prior Lake?

The gender ratio in Prior Lake is as follows:
  • 49.9% males (13,984 residents)
  • 50.1% females (14,032 residents)

What is the median age in Prior Lake?

The median age in Prior Lake is 39.6.

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

The age distribution in Prior Lake is as follows:
  • Under 15: 20.6% (5,759 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 13.2% (3,704 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 23.5% (6,575 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 27.1% (7,582 residents)
  • Over 65: 15.7% (4,396 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Prior Lake?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Prior Lake is as follows:
  • White: 80.8% (22,649 residents)
  • Black or African American: 2.2% (627 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 1.5% (428 residents)
  • Asian: 5.5% (1,550 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% (0 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 6.8% (1,894 residents)
  • Other: 3.1% (868 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 91.4% of the population in Prior Lake.

How many housing units are there in Prior Lake?

There are 10,357 housing units in Prior Lake, reflecting a -0.6% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

Prior Lake has a total of 9,976 households, with an average of 3 people in each.

What is the median household income in Prior Lake?

Prior Lake has a median household income of $134,255, 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 Prior Lake?

The employment rate is 98.5% in Prior Lake, with a workforce of 15,611 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 83.4% (13,018 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 16.6% (2,593 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 9.6% (1,506 residents)
  • Private companies: 71.7% (11,196 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 10.9% (1,698 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 7.8% (1,211 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