Median Income
$151,563
102% higher than US avg
Home Value
$869,900
209% higher than US avg
Bachelor's+
64.8%
92% higher than US avg
Median Rent
$2,299
98% higher than US avg
Obesity Rate
25.7%
20% lower than US avg
Unemployment
9.1%
153% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
1.1%
91% lower than US avg
How Tonka Bay Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population1,361
Median Age57.7 yrs
Density1,448/mi²
Male / Female51% / 49%
Largest GroupWhite 92%
Veterans7.4%
Economy
B+
Median Income$151,563
Per Capita$133,352
Unemployment9.1%
Poverty1.1%
County GDP$7,614M
Commute26 min
Housing
B
Home Value$869,900
Rent$2,299
Ownership86.8%
Zillow$1,129,962
Housing Units655
Rent Burden19.6%
Health
Obesity25.7%
Uninsured0.7%
Smoking10.1%
Depression27.4%
Heart Disease4.3%
Climate
Avg Temp47°F (8°C)
Rain30.6 in/yr
Elevation932 ft (284 m)
Education
A+
Bachelor's+64.8%
High School+99.4%
Graduate+20.7%
School Score7.18
Community
2024 VoteR 52% / D 46%
Commute26 min
Broadband94.7%
EV Stations1
Libraries7
Is Tonka Bay a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Tonka Bay receives an overall livability score of 4.1 out of 5.0, earning a grade of A. Key strengths include above-average household incomes, a highly educated population, a low poverty rate, high health insurance coverage. Areas to be aware of include high housing costs, above-average unemployment. Tonka Bay stands out as an excellent place to live, with strong marks across most quality-of-life indicators.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Tonka Bay is $151,563, which is significantly higher than the national average / 102% above $75,149. This places Tonka Bay among higher-income communities. At 9.1%, unemployment is notably high. Only 1.1% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 26 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Tonka Bay is $869,900, making it a premium housing market at 209% above the U.S. median of $281,900. Renters pay a median of $2,299 per month, significantly above the national average of $1,163. The price-to-income ratio of 5.7x means housing costs are stretched relative to local earnings.
Education
Tonka Bay is a highly educated community / 64.8% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher, well above the national average of 33.7%. 99.4% have completed high school. Local schools score 7.2/10 in standardized testing, reflecting strong academic performance.
Climate & Weather
Tonka Bay experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 47°F. Winters average 16°F in January while summers reach 74°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 30.6 inches, including 54.7 inches of snow.
Tonka Bay has a population of 1,361 with a density of 1,448 people per square mile, spread across 1.0 square miles. The median age is 57.7 years, 48% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 49.1% female and 50.9% male. The city is predominantly White (92.4%), with 4.6% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 94.4% of residents. 7.4% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 8.4% of residents have a disability (below the 13.0% national average). 99.3% have health insurance coverage.
Population
1,361
Total Population
2023 Census
57.7yrs
Median Age
48% above US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Tonka Bay vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
94.4%
20% above US avg
Spanish
3.3%
75% below US avg
Social Characteristics
Tonka Bay vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Tonka Bay is $151,563, which is 102% above the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $133,352 (above the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,297. The unemployment rate is 9.1% (above the 3.6% US average). 1.1% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 2,874 business establishments, including 188 restaurants. The cost of living index is 98.6, roughly in line with the national average. Workers commute an average of 26 minutes. 34.4% of workers work from home (above the 15.2% national rate).
Income: Tonka Bay vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $151,563 |
| 102% above US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $133,352 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,297 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $131,468 |
| Gini Index | 0.415 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 9.1% |
| 153% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 1.1% |
| 91% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 2,874 |
| County GDP | $7,614M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 188 |
| Healthcare | 268 |
| Retail | 232 |
| Manufacturing | 153 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $6,648 |
| 90% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 98.60 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 0.76% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 26.1 min |
| Drive Alone | 58.7% |
| Public Transit | 2.4% |
| Work from Home | 34.4% |
The median home value in Tonka Bay is $869,900, 209% above the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $1,129,962, higher than the Census estimate. According to Redfin, the median sale price is $562,500 with homes selling in an average of 26 days. Homes sell for 101.4% of their list price, indicating a competitive market where bidding wars are common. Monthly rent averages $2,299 (98% above the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $899 for a one-bedroom to $1,125 for a two-bedroom apartment. 86.8% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 655 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1976. The average annual property tax is $6,648 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 19.6% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 5.7x, above the traditionally affordable threshold of 3-4x.
Home Values
| Census Median | $869,900 |
| 209% above US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $1,129,962 |
| Redfin Median Sale | $562,500 |
| Median List Price | $1,599,000 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
| Median Sale Price | $562,500 |
| Median List Price | $1,599,000 |
| $/Sq Ft | $222 |
| Homes Sold | 2 |
| Days on Market | 26 days |
| Sale-to-List Ratio | 101.4% |
| Price Drops | 11.1% |
| Inventory | 9 |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $2,299 |
| 98% above US avg |
| Rent Burden | 19.6% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $809 |
| 1 Bedroom | $899 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,125 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,483 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,698 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 86.8% |
| Owner-Occupied | 86.8% |
| Renter-Occupied | 13.2% |
| Housing Units | 655 |
| Median Year Built | 1976 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $6,648 |
| 90% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 0.76% |
In Tonka Bay, 25.7% of adults are obese, below the national rate of 32.1%. 6.3% have diabetes (below the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 4.3% of residents, below the national average. 25.0% have high blood pressure. 10.1% are current smokers (below the 14.0% national rate). 21.3% report binge drinking. 15.6% are physically inactive, below the national average. 27.4% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 14.6% experience frequent mental distress. 0.7% of residents lack health insurance (below the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,181. The dentist ratio is 1:1,930. 96.8% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 9.8 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Tonka Bay vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 25.7% |
| 20% below US avg |
| Diabetes | 6.3% |
| Heart Disease | 4.3% |
| High Blood Pressure | 25.0% |
| Asthma | 9.5% |
| COPD | 3.6% |
| Cancer | 7.5% |
| Stroke | 2.3% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 10.1% |
| 28% below US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 21.3% |
| Physical Inactivity | 15.6% |
| Depression | 27.4% |
| Mental Distress | 14.6% |
| Physical Distress | 8.7% |
| Short Sleep | 27.6% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 99.3% |
| Uninsured | 0.7% |
| 92% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,181 |
| Dentists | 1:1,930 |
| Mental Health | 1:434 |
| Checkup Rate | 72.9% |
| Dental Visits | 67.8% |
| Premature Death | 3,990/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 9.8/10 |
| Exercise Access | 96.8% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 268 |
Tonka Bay experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 47°F (8°C). Winters average 16°F in January while summers reach 74°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 30.6 inches. The area receives 54.7 inches of snow annually, making winter weather a significant factor for residents. The city sits at an elevation of 932 feet.
Temperature
16°F Jan (-9°C)
74°F Jul (23°C)
| Annual Average | 46.7°F |
| 14% below US avg |
| January Average | 16°F (-9°C) |
| July Average | 74°F (23°C) |
Geography
| Elevation | 932 ft (284 m) |
| Area | 1.0 sq mi (2.5 km²) |
| Population Density | 1,448/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 44.9144°N, 93.5855°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Carver County County |
| Nearest Airport | Minneapolis-St Paul International/Wold-Chamberlain (MSP)
18 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
30.6"
19% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
4.67"
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 59.7 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 10.6 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 99.6 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Moderate |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Moderate |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively High |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Low |
| Lightning |
Relatively Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Moderate |
| Drought |
Relatively Low |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Landslide |
Relatively Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
2 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.1. Most recent: M2.8 on Apr 25, 2017.
| Feb 9, 1994 |
6 km NNE of Blomkest, Minnesota |
M3.1 |
112 km |
| Apr 25, 2017 |
Near Mankato, Minnesota |
M2.8 |
87 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990-2025)
Tornado History
538 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF5. Total: 59 fatalities, 1,237 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jun 4, 1958 |
EF5 |
99 km |
21 |
| Jul 3, 1983 |
EF4 |
40 km |
0 |
| May 6, 1965 |
EF4 |
18 km |
6 |
| May 6, 1965 |
EF4 |
20 km |
3 |
| May 6, 1965 |
EF4 |
8 km |
0 |
| May 6, 1965 |
EF4 |
27 km |
3 |
| May 21, 1957 |
EF4 |
93 km |
0 |
| Jun 19, 1951 |
EF4 |
62 km |
1 |
| May 25, 2008 |
EF3 |
51 km |
1 |
| Aug 24, 2006 |
EF3 |
90 km |
1 |
| Mar 29, 1998 |
EF3 |
84 km |
1 |
| Mar 29, 1998 |
EF3 |
71 km |
0 |
| Jul 1, 1997 |
EF3 |
41 km |
0 |
| Jun 16, 1992 |
EF3 |
52 km |
0 |
| Jul 27, 1987 |
EF3 |
78 km |
0 |
| Jul 23, 1987 |
EF3 |
28 km |
0 |
| Apr 26, 1984 |
EF3 |
30 km |
1 |
| Jun 14, 1981 |
EF3 |
27 km |
1 |
| Sep 3, 1980 |
EF3 |
85 km |
1 |
| May 6, 1965 |
EF3 |
53 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950-2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: UNIT 4 (5,887 ac, 2002).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2002 |
UNIT 4 |
5,887 |
67 km |
| 2003 |
UNITS 37 38 39 A |
4,879 |
63 km |
| 1998 |
UNITS 1617 |
4,649 |
68 km |
| 2005 |
RX HFR 05 |
4,253 |
67 km |
| 2009 |
BU9 |
4,112 |
68 km |
| 2007 |
WUI 07 - UNIT 36 |
4,025 |
61 km |
| 2000 |
UNIT 25 |
3,412 |
62 km |
| 2009 |
BU11 |
3,242 |
65 km |
| 1997 |
BIG |
2,987 |
64 km |
| 2009 |
UNNAMED |
2,904 |
54 km |
| 2003 |
UNITS 34 33 W |
2,637 |
62 km |
| 2024 |
UNIT 8E RX |
2,551 |
66 km |
| 1992 |
SHARPTAIL |
2,288 |
61 km |
| 2010 |
WUI 10 UNIT D |
2,042 |
61 km |
| 1996 |
UNNAMED |
1,906 |
62 km |
| 2006 |
UNIT 4 |
1,732 |
69 km |
| 2009 |
UNIT 23 24 26 |
1,644 |
64 km |
| 1995 |
ANTLER |
1,603 |
61 km |
| 2004 |
WUI UNIT 16 |
1,592 |
68 km |
| 1995 |
UNIT 16 |
1,570 |
68 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
16°F (-9°C) |
0.7 in |
Coldest |
| February |
20°F (-7°C) |
0.6 in |
Driest |
| March |
33°F (1°C) |
1.5 in |
|
| April |
47°F (8°C) |
2.7 in |
|
| May |
60°F (15°C) |
3.9 in |
|
| June |
69°F (21°C) |
4.7 in |
Wettest |
| July |
74°F (23°C) |
4.3 in |
Warmest |
| August |
71°F (22°C) |
4.7 in |
|
| September |
64°F (18°C) |
3.1 in |
|
| October |
50°F (10°C) |
2.3 in |
|
| November |
35°F (2°C) |
1.4 in |
|
| December |
22°F (-6°C) |
0.9 in |
|
Tonka Bay has a seasonal temperature swing of 58°F / from 16°F in January to 74°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 30.6 inches, with June being the wettest month (4.7") and February the driest (0.6").
Average costs for common services in Tonka Bay. 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 | $1,689 |
| Toddler | $1,505 |
| Preschool | $1,338 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $888 |
| Toddler | $787 |
| Preschool | $801 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Tonka Bay
What is the population of Tonka Bay?
Tonka Bay has a population of 1,361 residents and is located in Minnesota. The population density is 1,448 people per square mile, spread across 1.0 square miles. The median age of residents is 57.7 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 49.1% female and 50.9% male.
Is Tonka Bay expensive to live in?
Tonka Bay 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 $151,563, 102% above the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $869,900 (209% above the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $2,299 per month, above the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 5.7x, which means housing is a stretch relative to local earnings.
What is the weather like in Tonka Bay?
Tonka Bay has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 47°F (8°C). Winter temperatures average 16°F in January, while summers reach an average of 74°F in July. Annual rainfall totals 30.6 inches, with 54.7 inches of snow.
How is the job market in Tonka Bay?
The job market in Tonka Bay faces challenges, with unemployment at 9.1% / significantly above the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,297. There are 2,874 business establishments in the area, including 188 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 26 minutes, and 34.4% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Tonka Bay?
The median home value in Tonka Bay is $869,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $1,129,962. According to Redfin, the median sale price is $562,500, with homes typically selling within 26 days. For renters, the median monthly rent is $2,299. Fair market rent is $899 for a 1-bedroom and $1,125 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 86.8%. The average annual property tax is $6,648.
How are the schools in Tonka Bay?
Schools in Tonka Bay perform well, with an average test score of 7.2 out of 10 / above the national benchmark. 64.8% of adults in Tonka Bay hold a bachelor's degree or higher, above the national average of 33.7%. 99.4% have completed high school. 20.7% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Tonka Bay?
The obesity rate in Tonka Bay is 25.7% (below the national rate of 32.1%). 10.1% of adults are smokers. 15.6% are physically inactive. 27.4% of residents report depression. 0.7% lack health insurance (below the national rate). 96.8% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,181.
What is transportation like in Tonka Bay?
The average commute in Tonka Bay is 26 minutes. 58.7% of workers drive alone to work, 2.4% use public transit, and 34.4% work from home.
What are the demographics of Tonka Bay?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Tonka Bay is 92.4% White, 4.6% Hispanic or Latino. 94.4% of residents speak only English at home, while 3.3% speak Spanish. 7.4% of the population are military veterans. 8.4% of residents have a disability. 99.3% have health insurance coverage.