Willow River, MN demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
342
-2.6% year-over-year change
Median household income
$58,125/yr
11.4% year-over-year change
Housing units
186
5.1% year-over-year change

Willow River population

How many people live in Willow River

Willow River is home to 342 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 50.3% of Willow River locals are male, and 49.7% are female.

Total population
342
-2.6% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
50.3%
172
Female
49.7%
170
Value Percent YoY change
Male 172 50.3% -12.7%
Female 170 49.7% 10.4%
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 Willow River is 38, with the population distributed as follows: about 16.7% are children under 15, then 12% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 30.4% of the population, while another 17% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 24% are 65 or older.

Median age
37.7
Age breakdown
Under 15
16.7%
15 to 24
12%
25 to 44
30.4%
45 to 64
17%
Over 65
24%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 57 16.7% 18.8%
15 to 24 41 12% -24.1%
25 to 44 104 30.4% -7.1%
45 to 64 58 17% -1.7%
Over 65 82 24% 5.1%
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 Willow River, 98.5% of the population are US-born citizens, while 1.5% have gained naturalized citizenship. There’s also a share of 1.8% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
98.5%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
1.5%
Non-citizens
0%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 337 98.5% -2.9%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 5 1.5% 25.0%
Racial breakdown
White
98.2%
Black or African American
0%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0%
Asian
0%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
1.8%
Other
0%
Value Percent
White 336 98.2%
Two or more races 6 1.8%

Households in Willow River

A peek inside Willow River households

Willow River has 157 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 54.8% are families, while the remaining 45.2% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
157
-0.6% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
71
Family households
86
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 71 45.2% 9.2%
Family households 86 54.8% -7.5%
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 Willow River

The housing landscape of Willow River

Willow River's housing consists of 186 units, with 78.5% 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 5.4% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
186
5.1% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 146 78.5%
2 units 19 10.2%
3 or 4 units 11 5.9%
Mobile home 10 5.4%
Homes built since 2020
11
0.0% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Willow River

In Willow River, the median construction year is 1990. About 8.6% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 3.8% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 29.6% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 8.1% between 2010 and 2019, and 5.9% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 16 8.6% 0.0%
Built between 1940 and 1949 7 3.8% 40.0%
Built between 1950 and 1959 20 10.8% -13.0%
Built between 1960 and 1969 15 8.1% 0.0%
Built between 1970 and 1979 14 7.5% 100.0%
Built between 1980 and 1989 21 11.3% 10.5%
Built between 1990 and 1999 12 6.4% -25.0%
Built between 2000 and 2009 55 29.6% 12.2%
Built between 2010 and 2019 15 8.1% -6.2%
Built in 2020 or later 11 5.9% 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.

Willow River occupancy rates

Out of the 157 occupied housing units in Willow River, 63.1% are owner-occupied, while 36.9% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 15.6% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
157
-0.6% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
58
Owner occupied
99
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 58 36.9% 7.4%
Owner occupied 99 63.1% -4.8%
Unoccupied housing units
15.6%
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.

Willow River housing costs

Housing costs in Willow River come to a median of $945 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $743.

Median housing costs per month
$945/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 Willow River
$743/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 Willow River

Willow River education at a glance

About 53.1% of the population in Willow River went to high school, while 25.5% pursued college studies. Another 10% earned an associate degree and 11.1% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 0.4% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
High school diploma 144 53.1% -6.5%
College diploma 69 25.5% -17.9%
Associate degree 27 10% 12.5%
Bachelor's degree 30 11.1% 15.4%
Graduate degree 1 0.4% 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 Willow River

How much people earn in Willow River

The average annual household income in Willow River was $69,749 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +0.9% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $58,125, reflecting a +11.4% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Willow River
$69,749/year
0.9% year-over-year change
Median household income in Willow River
$58,125/year
11.4% year-over-year change

Willow River income by age

In Willow River, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $66,042. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $92,083 overall. Overall, 88% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
25 - 44 $66,042 16.1%
45 - 64 $92,083 2.3%
Over 65 $29,911 -19.3%
Above poverty level
293
Below poverty level
40
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 293 88% -8.4%
Below poverty level 40 12% 37.9%

Average renter income in Willow River

To get a better sense of what renters earn on average in Willow River, their median household income was $27,813 according to 2022 Census data. In addition, the rent-to-income ratio in the area, at 32.1%, shows what portion of their earnings goes toward housing expenses.

Renter median household income
$27,813
Rent-to-income ratio
32.1%
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 Willow River

Workforce and job types in Willow River

The job market in Willow River is powered by 156 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 76.9% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 23.1% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 9% run their own businesses, 57.7% are employed by private companies, and 24.4% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
156
-2.5% year-over-year change
White collar
120
Blue collar
36
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 120 76.9% 2.6%
Blue collar 36 23.1% -16.3%
Employer type
Self employees
9%
Private companies
57.7%
Governmental workers
24.4%
Not for profit companies
9%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 14 9% -6.7%
Private companies 90 57.7% -5.3%
Governmental workers 38 24.4% 0.0%
Not for profit companies 14 9% 16.7%
Unemployment rate
7.1%
-25.0% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Willow River stands at 7.1%, 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 Willow River

How people get around in Willow River

Commuting methods vary: 80.5% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 2% 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 124 80.5% -11.4%
Walk 3 2% 50.0%
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 Willow River by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
55795 1,807 692 $68,750 $93,294

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FAQs about Willow River demographics 

What is the total population of Willow River?

Willow River has a total population of 342 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 -2.6% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Willow River?

The gender ratio in Willow River is as follows:
  • 50.3% males (172 residents)
  • 49.7% females (170 residents)

What is the median age in Willow River?

The median age in Willow River is 37.7.

What is the age distribution of the population in Willow River?

The age distribution in Willow River is as follows:
  • Under 15: 16.7% (57 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 12% (41 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 30.4% (104 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 17% (58 residents)
  • Over 65: 24% (82 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Willow River?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Willow River is as follows:
  • White: 98.2% (336 residents)
  • Black or African American: 0% (0 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0% (0 residents)
  • Asian: 0% (0 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% (0 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 1.8% (6 residents)
  • Other: 0% (0 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 98.5% of the population in Willow River.

How many housing units are there in Willow River?

There are 186 housing units in Willow River, reflecting a +5.1% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

Willow River has a total of 157 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in Willow River?

Willow River has a median household income of $58,125, representing a +11.4% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

What is the employment rate and job market overview for Willow River?

The employment rate is 92.9% in Willow River, with a workforce of 156 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 76.9% (120 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 23.1% (36 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 9% (14 residents)
  • Private companies: 57.7% (90 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 24.4% (38 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 9% (14 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