Minnesota
Heron Lake is a small town in Minnesota with a population of 591. Residents earn $66,607 per year, which is 11% below the national average.
Based on current data, Heron Lake receives an overall livability score of 4.0 out of 5.0, earning a grade of A. Key strengths include low unemployment, affordable housing, a low poverty rate, high health insurance coverage. Heron Lake stands out as an excellent place to live, with strong marks across most quality-of-life indicators.
The median household income in Heron Lake is $66,607, 11% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 0.0%. Only 5.2% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 19 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
The median home value in Heron Lake is $86,200, 69% below the national median — offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $681 per month, below the national average — a plus for affordability. At just 1.3x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
19.9% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 93.3% have completed high school. Local schools score 6.1/10 in standardized testing, reflecting strong academic performance.
Heron Lake has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 44°F. Winters average 13°F in January while summers reach 71°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 30.5 inches, including 48.5 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 36.
| English Only | 97.4% |
| 24% above US avg | |
| Spanish | 2.6% |
| 81% below US avg |
| Median HH Income | $66,607 |
| 11% below US avg | |
| Per Capita Income | $33,434 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $998 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $72,550 |
| Unemployment | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg | |
| Poverty Rate | 5.2% |
| 58% below US avg | |
| Establishments (County) | 366 |
| County GDP | $881M |
| Restaurants | 22 |
| Healthcare | 27 |
| Retail | 40 |
| Manufacturing | 13 |
| Property Tax (IRS) | $2,615 |
| 25% below US avg | |
| Effective Tax Rate | 3.03% |
| Commute Time | 18.5 min |
| Drive Alone | 72.2% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 3.1% |
| Census Median | $86,200 |
| 69% below US avg | |
| Zillow ZHVI | $113,939 |
| Census Median Rent | $681 |
| 41% below US avg | |
| Rent Burden | 23.1% |
| Studio | $809 |
| 1 Bedroom | $899 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,125 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,483 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,698 |
| Owner-Occupied | 85.3% |
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $2,615 |
| 25% below US avg | |
| Effective Rate | 3.03% |
| Obesity | 36.3% |
| 13% above US avg | |
| Diabetes | 8.8% |
| Heart Disease | 5.0% |
| High Blood Pressure | 27.6% |
| Asthma | 10.0% |
| COPD | 4.8% |
| Stroke | 2.6% |
| Binge Drinking | 20.0% |
| Physical Inactivity | 23.1% |
| Depression | 24.2% |
| Mental Distress | 16.4% |
| Physical Distress | 11.1% |
| Insurance Rate | 99.7% |
| Checkup Rate | 72.1% |
| Premature Death | 7,473/100K |
| Food Environment | 8.9/10 |
| Exercise Access | 61.7% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 27 |
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 1 |
| Annual Average | 44.0°F |
| 19% below US avg | |
| January Average | 13°F (-10°C) |
| July Average | 71°F (22°C) |
| Annual Rainfall | 30.5 inches |
| 20% below US avg | |
| Snowfall | 48.5 inches/yr |
| AQI Median | 36.0 |
| Rating | Good |
| Elevation | 1,420 ft (433 m) |
| Area | 1.2 sq mi (3.2 km²) |
| Population Density | 477/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 43.7981°N, 95.3198°W |
| County FIPS | 27063 |
Winner: Republican by 42.1 points
| Bachelor's Degree+ | 19.9% |
| 41% below US avg | |
| High School+ | 93.3% |
| School Test Score | 6.08 |
| RUCC Code 9 | Nonmetro — Rural |
| Population Density | 477/sq mi |
| Total Area | 1.2 sq mi |
| Broadband Access | 89.8% |
| Public Libraries | 3 |
| Healthcare Facilities | 27 |
| Restaurants | 22 |
| Retail Stores | 40 |
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 1 |
| Avg Commute | 18.5 min |
| Drive Alone | 72.2% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 3.1% |