Median Income
$66,607
11% lower than US avg
Home Value
$86,200
69% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
19.9%
41% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$681
41% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
36.3%
13% higher than US avg
Unemployment
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
5.2%
58% lower than US avg
How Heron Lake Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population591
Median Age40.4 yrs
Density477/mi²
Male / Female52% / 48%
Largest GroupWhite 77%
Veterans13.1%
Economy
A
Median Income$66,607
Per Capita$33,434
Unemployment0.0%
Poverty5.2%
County GDP$881M
Commute19 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$86,200
Rent$681
Ownership85.3%
Zillow$114,537
Housing Units300
Rent Burden23.1%
Health
Obesity36.3%
Uninsured0.3%
Smoking13.9%
Depression24.2%
Heart Disease5.0%
Climate
Avg Temp44°F (7°C)
Rain30.5 in/yr
Elevation1,420 ft (433 m)
Education
C+
Bachelor's+19.9%
High School+93.3%
Graduate+3.8%
School Score6.02
Community
2024 VoteR 70% / D 28%
Commute19 min
Broadband89.8%
EV Stations3
Libraries3
Is Heron Lake a Good Place to Live?
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.
Economy & Jobs
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.
Cost of Living & Housing
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.
Education
19.9% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 93.3% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 6/10.
Climate & Weather
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.
Heron Lake has a population of 591 with a density of 477 people per square mile, spread across 1.3 square miles. The median age is 40.4 years, 4% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 48.2% female and 51.8% male. The city is predominantly White (76.8%), with 17.6% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 89.8% of residents. 13.1% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 18.2% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 99.7% have health insurance coverage.
Population
591
Total Population
2023 Census
40.4yrs
Median Age
4% above US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Heron Lake vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
89.8%
14% above US avg
Spanish
2.6%
81% below US avg
Social Characteristics
Heron Lake vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Heron Lake is $66,607, which is 11% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $33,434 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $998, 30% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 0.0% (below the 3.6% US average). 5.2% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 366 business establishments, including 22 restaurants. The cost of living index is 98.6, roughly in line with the national average. Workers commute an average of 19 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 3.1% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income: Heron Lake vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $66,607 |
| 11% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $33,434 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $998 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $72,550 |
| Gini Index | 0.416 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 5.2% |
| 58% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 366 |
| County GDP | $881M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 22 |
| Healthcare | 27 |
| Retail | 40 |
| Manufacturing | 13 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $2,615 |
| 25% below US avg |
| Cost of Living | 98.60 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 3.03% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 18.5 min |
| Drive Alone | 72.2% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 3.1% |
The median home value in Heron Lake is $86,200, 69% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $114,537, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $681 (41% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $899 for a one-bedroom to $1,125 for a two-bedroom apartment. 85.3% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 300 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1946. The average annual property tax is $2,615 (lower than the $3,500 national average). 23.1% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.3x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $86,200 |
| 69% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $114,537 |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $681 |
| 41% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 23.1% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $809 |
| 1 Bedroom | $899 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,125 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,483 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,698 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 85.3% |
| Owner-Occupied | 85.3% |
| Renter-Occupied | 14.7% |
| Housing Units | 300 |
| Median Year Built | 1946 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $2,615 |
| 25% below US avg |
| Effective Rate | 3.03% |
In Heron Lake, 36.3% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 8.8% have diabetes (below the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 5.0% of residents. 27.6% have high blood pressure. 13.9% are current smokers. 20.0% report binge drinking. 23.1% are physically inactive. 24.2% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 16.4% experience frequent mental distress. 0.3% of residents lack health insurance (below the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:9,990. The dentist ratio is 1:2,473. 61.7% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.9 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Heron Lake vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| 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% |
| Cancer | 7.2% |
| Stroke | 2.6% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 13.9% |
| 1% below US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 20.0% |
| Physical Inactivity | 23.1% |
| Depression | 24.2% |
| Mental Distress | 16.4% |
| Physical Distress | 11.1% |
| Short Sleep | 31.2% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 99.7% |
| Uninsured | 0.3% |
| 97% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:9,990 |
| Dentists | 1:2,473 |
| Mental Health | 1:1,240 |
| Checkup Rate | 72.1% |
| Dental Visits | 66.8% |
| Premature Death | 7,473/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.9/10 |
| Exercise Access | 61.7% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 27 |
Heron Lake has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 44°F (7°C). Winters average 13°F in January while summers reach 71°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 30.5 inches. The area receives 48.5 inches of snow annually, making winter weather a significant factor for residents. The city sits at an elevation of 1,420 feet.
Temperature
13°F Jan (-10°C)
71°F Jul (22°C)
| Annual Average | 44.0°F |
| 19% below US avg |
| January Average | 13°F (-10°C) |
| July Average | 71°F (22°C) |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,420 ft (433 m) |
| Area | 1.3 sq mi (3.3 km²) |
| Population Density | 477/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 43.7981°N, 95.3198°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Jackson County County |
| Nearest Airport | Southwest Minnesota Regional Marshall/Ryan Field (MML)
52 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
30.5"
20% below US avg
Wettest Month (May)
4.48"
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 22.4 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 15.1 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 75.0 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Very Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Moderate |
| Lightning |
Very Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Moderate |
| Drought |
Relatively Low |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
3 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.1. Most recent: M2.7 on Jun 30, 2021.
| Feb 9, 1994 |
6 km NNE of Blomkest, Minnesota |
M3.1 |
136 km |
| Apr 25, 2017 |
Near Mankato, Minnesota |
M2.8 |
114 km |
| Jun 30, 2021 |
4 km E of Rembrandt, Iowa |
M2.7 |
110 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990-2025)
Tornado History
502 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF5. Total: 14 fatalities, 333 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jun 16, 1992 |
EF5 |
56 km |
1 |
| Jun 13, 1968 |
EF5 |
54 km |
9 |
| Jun 25, 2010 |
EF4 |
65 km |
0 |
| Mar 29, 1998 |
EF4 |
24 km |
1 |
| Jun 16, 1992 |
EF4 |
50 km |
0 |
| Aug 24, 2006 |
EF3 |
99 km |
1 |
| Aug 1, 2006 |
EF3 |
49 km |
0 |
| Aug 7, 1994 |
EF3 |
56 km |
0 |
| Jun 16, 1992 |
EF3 |
52 km |
0 |
| Jun 16, 1992 |
EF3 |
52 km |
0 |
| Jun 16, 1992 |
EF3 |
62 km |
0 |
| Apr 20, 1985 |
EF3 |
64 km |
0 |
| Sep 20, 1980 |
EF3 |
73 km |
0 |
| Jun 10, 1977 |
EF3 |
77 km |
0 |
| Oct 1, 1971 |
EF3 |
86 km |
0 |
| May 31, 1971 |
EF3 |
55 km |
0 |
| May 31, 1971 |
EF3 |
48 km |
0 |
| May 31, 1971 |
EF3 |
82 km |
0 |
| Mar 21, 1953 |
EF3 |
81 km |
0 |
| Aug 18, 2017 |
EF2 |
59 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950-2024)
Wildfire History
2 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: DEWEYS PASTURE (641 ac, 2008).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2008 |
DEWEYS PASTURE |
641 |
75 km |
| 2024 |
LINCOLN WPA RX |
575 |
88 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
13°F (-10°C) |
0.6 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
18°F (-8°C) |
0.7 in |
|
| March |
30°F (-1°C) |
1.5 in |
|
| April |
44°F (7°C) |
3.0 in |
|
| May |
57°F (14°C) |
4.5 in |
Wettest |
| June |
68°F (20°C) |
4.5 in |
|
| July |
71°F (22°C) |
4.2 in |
Warmest |
| August |
68°F (20°C) |
4.1 in |
|
| September |
61°F (16°C) |
3.1 in |
|
| October |
47°F (9°C) |
2.3 in |
|
| November |
32°F (0°C) |
1.2 in |
|
| December |
19°F (-7°C) |
0.8 in |
|
Heron Lake has a seasonal temperature swing of 58°F / from 13°F in January to 71°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 30.5 inches, with May being the wettest month (4.5") and January the driest (0.6").
Average costs for common services in Heron Lake. Prices are estimated based on regional cost of living data and may vary by provider.
Healthcare
| Doctor Visit (Primary Care) |
$247 ($148-$394) |
| Specialist Visit |
$345 ($197-$542) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$197 ($99-$345) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$2,169 ($789-$4,930) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$128 ($74-$197) |
| Dental Filling |
$247 ($148-$394) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$44 ($25-$74) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$74 ($49-$118) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$296 ($148-$493) |
| Tire Rotation |
$39 ($20-$74) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$592 ($394-$986) |
| Battery Replacement |
$197 ($99-$345) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$99 ($59-$148) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$89 ($49-$138) |
| HVAC Repair |
$394 ($148-$789) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,902 ($3,944-$11,832) |
| Roof Repair |
$986 ($394-$1,972) |
| Roof Replacement |
$8,874 ($5,423-$14,790) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,479 ($493-$3,451) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$14,790 ($4,930-$29,580) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,930 ($1,972-$9,860) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,479 ($789-$2,958) |
| Will Preparation |
$493 ($197-$986) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,465 ($986-$4,930) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$25 ($15-$44) |
| Women's Haircut |
$54 ($30-$99) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$148 ($74-$247) |
| Manicure |
$25 ($15-$44) |
| Pedicure |
$39 ($25-$64) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$79 ($49-$128) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$4.04 ($2.96-$5.42) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.45 ($2.47-$4.93) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.75 ($2.47-$5.42) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.44 ($2.96-$6.41) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$5.42 ($3.94-$7.40) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.99 ($0.59-$1.77) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$138 ($79-$247) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$69 ($30-$148) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$69 ($39-$118) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$69 ($39-$99) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$64 ($30-$99) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$84 ($49-$148) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$197 ($74-$493) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,972 ($1,183-$3,451) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$69 ($30-$128) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$15 ($7.89-$25) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$99 ($30-$247) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$30 ($15-$74) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,183 ($592-$2,465) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$986 ($493-$1,972) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$394 ($197-$690) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$49 ($25-$99) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$986 ($394-$2,465) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$12,325 ($4,930-$29,580) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$59 ($30-$99) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$99 ($49-$197) |
| Dog Grooming |
$59 ($30-$99) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$39 ($20-$74) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$296 ($148-$493) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$197 ($99-$394) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $758 |
| Toddler | $697 |
| Preschool | $637 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $556 |
| Toddler | $563 |
| Preschool | $563 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Heron Lake
What is the population of Heron Lake?
Heron Lake has a population of 591 residents and is located in Minnesota. The population density is 477 people per square mile, spread across 1.3 square miles. The median age of residents is 40.4 years. The population is 48.2% female and 51.8% male.
Is Heron Lake expensive to live in?
Heron Lake has a cost of living roughly in line with the national average, with an index of 98.6 (baseline: 100). The median household income is $66,607, 11% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $86,200 (69% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $681 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.3x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
What is the weather like in Heron Lake?
Heron Lake has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 44°F (7°C). Winter temperatures average 13°F in January, while summers reach an average of 71°F in July. Annual rainfall totals 30.5 inches, with 48.5 inches of snow.
How is the job market in Heron Lake?
The job market in Heron Lake is very strong, with unemployment at just 0.0% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $998. There are 366 business establishments in the area, including 22 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 19 minutes, and 3.1% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Heron Lake?
The median home value in Heron Lake is $86,200. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $114,537. For renters, the median monthly rent is $681. Fair market rent is $899 for a 1-bedroom and $1,125 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 85.3%. The average annual property tax is $2,615.
How are the schools in Heron Lake?
Schools in Heron Lake score 6 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 19.9% of adults in Heron Lake hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 93.3% have completed high school. 3.8% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Heron Lake?
The obesity rate in Heron Lake is 36.3% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 13.9% of adults are smokers. 23.1% are physically inactive. 24.2% of residents report depression. 0.3% lack health insurance (below the national rate). 61.7% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:9,990.
What is transportation like in Heron Lake?
The average commute in Heron Lake is 19 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 72.2% of workers drive alone to work, and 3.1% work from home.
What are the demographics of Heron Lake?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Heron Lake is 76.8% White, 17.6% Hispanic or Latino. 89.8% of residents speak only English at home. 13.1% of the population are military veterans. 18.2% of residents have a disability. 99.7% have health insurance coverage.