Median Income
$63,368
16% lower than US avg
Home Value
$186,000
34% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
427/100K
12% higher than US avg
Bachelor's+
24.5%
27% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$830
29% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
43.9%
37% higher than US avg
Unemployment
3.2%
11% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
10.9%
12% lower than US avg
How Willmar Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population21,136
Median Age35.6 yrs
Density1,485/mi²
Male / Female48% / 52%
Largest GroupWhite 68%
Veterans5.3%
Economy
B+
Median Income$63,368
Per Capita$31,501
Unemployment3.2%
Poverty10.9%
County GDP$3,138M
Commute13 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$186,000
Rent$830
Ownership57.5%
Zillow$236,788
Housing Units8,668
Rent Burden25.6%
Crime
F
Violent427/100K
Property2,129/100K
Murder0.0/100K
Assault249/100K
Burglary269/100K
Health
Obesity43.9%
Uninsured14.1%
Smoking17.0%
Depression24.2%
Heart Disease5.9%
Climate
Avg Temp44°F (7°C)
AQI36 (Good)
Rain28.7 in/yr
Sunny Days276/yr
Elevation1,129 ft (344 m)
Education
C+
Bachelor's+24.5%
High School+85.7%
Graduate+6.4%
School Score5.68
Community
2024 VoteR 65% / D 34%
Commute13 min
Broadband88.3%
EV Stations1
Libraries6
Is Willmar a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Willmar receives an overall livability score of 3.2 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include low unemployment, affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include a high uninsured rate, high obesity rates. Willmar offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Willmar is $63,368, 16% below the national average of $75,149. Unemployment stands at 3.2%, indicating a healthy job market. 10.9% of residents live in poverty, near the national average of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 13 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Willmar is $186,000, 34% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $830 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 2.9x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
The violent crime rate of 427 per 100,000 is above the national average of 380 / something for prospective residents to consider. Property crime occurs at a rate of 2,129 per 100,000, near the national average.
Education
24.5% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 85.7% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.7/10.
Climate & Weather
Willmar has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 44°F. Winters average 12°F in January while summers reach 72°F in July. With 276 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 28.7 inches, including 46.1 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 36.
Willmar has a population of 21,136 with a density of 1,485 people per square mile, spread across 15.8 square miles. The median age is 35.6 years, 8% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 52% female and 48% male. The city is predominantly White (68.4%), with 1.5% Hispanic, 10.5% Black. English is the primary language spoken at home by 74.6% of residents, while 25.4% speak Spanish. 5.3% of the population are veterans. 15.5% of residents have a disability. 92.1% have health insurance coverage.
Population
35.6yrs
Median Age
8% below US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
74.6%
5% below US avg
Spanish
25.4%
90% above US avg
The median household income in Willmar is $63,368, which is 16% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $31,501 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,000, 30% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 3.2% (below the 3.6% US average). 10.9% of residents live below the poverty line. The area has 1,484 business establishments, including 94 restaurants. The cost of living index is 98.6, roughly in line with the national average. Workers commute an average of 13 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 7.2% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $63,368 |
| 16% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $31,501 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,000 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $75,149 |
| Gini Index | 0.418 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 3.2% |
| 11% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 10.9% |
| 12% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 1,484 |
| County GDP | $3,138M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 94 |
| Healthcare | 223 |
| Retail | 168 |
| Manufacturing | 65 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $4,927 |
| 41% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 98.60 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 2.65% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 12.9 min |
| Drive Alone | 75.3% |
| Public Transit | 1.9% |
| Work from Home | 7.2% |
The median home value in Willmar is $186,000, 34% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $236,788, higher than the Census estimate. Homes sell for 94.5% of their list price, suggesting buyers have room to negotiate. Monthly rent averages $830 (29% 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. 57.5% of housing units are owner-occupied (below the 65.4% national rate). There are 8,668 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1973. The average annual property tax is $4,927 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 25.6% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.9x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $186,000 |
| 34% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $236,788 |
| Median List Price | $259,500 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
| Median List Price | $259,500 |
| $/Sq Ft | $117 |
| Homes Sold | 6 |
| Sale-to-List Ratio | 94.5% |
| Price Drops | 16.7% |
| Inventory | 36 |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $830 |
| 29% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 25.6% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $809 |
| 1 Bedroom | $899 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,125 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,483 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,698 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 57.5% |
| Owner-Occupied | 57.5% |
| Renter-Occupied | 42.5% |
| Housing Units | 8,668 |
| Median Year Built | 1973 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $4,927 |
| 41% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 2.65% |
In Willmar, 43.9% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 11.8% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.9% of residents. 30.4% have high blood pressure. 17.0% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 17.9% report binge drinking. 28.7% are physically inactive. 24.2% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 17.0% experience frequent mental distress. 14.1% of residents lack health insurance (above the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,183. The dentist ratio is 1:1,253. 59.5% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 7.9 out of 10.
Air Quality (Open-Meteo CAMS - 2026-05-22)
PM2.5
1.6
μg/m³
Fine particulate
PM10
1.7
μg/m³
Coarse particulate
NO₂
1.0
μg/m³
Nitrogen dioxide
SO₂
0.2
μg/m³
Sulphur dioxide
CO
128.0
μg/m³
Carbon monoxide
Health Metrics: Willmar vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 43.9% |
| 37% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 11.8% |
| Heart Disease | 5.9% |
| High Blood Pressure | 30.4% |
| Asthma | 10.6% |
| COPD | 6.3% |
| Cancer | 6.8% |
| Stroke | 3.3% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 17.0% |
| 21% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 17.9% |
| Physical Inactivity | 28.7% |
| Depression | 24.2% |
| Mental Distress | 17.0% |
| Physical Distress | 13.3% |
| Short Sleep | 35.3% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 92.1% |
| Uninsured | 14.1% |
| 64% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,183 |
| Dentists | 1:1,253 |
| Mental Health | 1:183 |
| Checkup Rate | 73.0% |
| Dental Visits | 58.2% |
| Premature Death | 6,132/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.9/10 |
| Exercise Access | 59.5% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 223 |
Willmar has a violent crime rate of 427 per 100,000 residents, 12% above the national average of 380. This breaks down to aggravated assault at 248.9 per 100,000, robbery at 30.5, rape at 147.3. The murder rate is 0.0 per 100,000 (below the national rate of 6.3). Property crime stands at 2,129 per 100,000, 9% above the U.S. average. This includes larceny/theft at 1,702, burglary at 269, vehicle theft at 157 per 100,000 residents. The county recorded 7 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Willmar receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Willmar vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 426.7/100K |
| 12% above US avg |
| Murder | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg |
| Rape | 147.3/100K |
| Robbery | 30.5/100K |
| Assault | 248.9/100K |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 2,128.6/100K |
| 9% above US avg |
| Burglary | 269.3/100K |
| Theft | 1,701.9/100K |
| Vehicle Theft | 157.5/100K |
| Arson | 10.2/100K |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 7 |
| Traffic Accidents | 365 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Willmar has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 44°F (7°C). Winters average 12°F in January while summers reach 72°F in July. The area gets 276 sunny days per year, well above the U.S. average of 205 / making it one of the sunnier locations in the country. Annual precipitation totals 28.7 inches (drier than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 46.1 inches of snow annually, making winter weather a significant factor for residents. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 36. The city sits at an elevation of 1,129 feet.
Temperature
12°F Jan (-11°C)
72°F Jul (22°C)
| Annual Average | 43.7°F |
| 19% below US avg |
| January Average | 12°F (-11°C) |
| July Average | 72°F (22°C) |
| Sunny Days | 276 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,129 ft (344 m) |
| Area | 15.8 sq mi (40.8 km²) |
| Population Density | 1,485/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 45.1210°N, 95.0587°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Kandiyohi County County |
| Nearest Airport | St Cloud Regional (STC)
57 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
28.7"
25% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
4.41"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 36.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 51.4 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 34.0 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 93.4 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Moderate |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively High |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Moderate |
| Lightning |
Relatively Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Moderate |
| Drought |
Relatively Low |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
4 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M4.1. Most recent: M2.8 on Apr 25, 2017.
| Jun 5, 1993 |
11 km N of Johnson, Minnesota |
M4.1 |
114 km |
| Feb 9, 1994 |
6 km NNE of Blomkest, Minnesota |
M3.1 |
14 km |
| Apr 25, 2017 |
Near Mankato, Minnesota |
M2.8 |
133 km |
| Apr 29, 2011 |
Minnesota |
M2.5 |
103 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990-2025)
Tornado History
454 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 8 fatalities, 345 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jul 25, 2000 |
EF4 |
54 km |
1 |
| Jun 19, 1951 |
EF4 |
60 km |
1 |
| Jul 11, 2008 |
EF3 |
9 km |
0 |
| Jul 1, 1997 |
EF3 |
82 km |
0 |
| Jun 16, 1992 |
EF3 |
73 km |
0 |
| Jun 16, 1992 |
EF3 |
66 km |
0 |
| Jun 16, 1992 |
EF3 |
70 km |
0 |
| Jun 16, 1992 |
EF3 |
89 km |
0 |
| Sep 3, 1980 |
EF3 |
80 km |
1 |
| May 6, 1965 |
EF3 |
86 km |
0 |
| Jun 18, 1964 |
EF3 |
65 km |
0 |
| May 5, 1964 |
EF3 |
56 km |
0 |
| May 30, 2022 |
EF2 |
72 km |
0 |
| Jul 11, 2016 |
EF2 |
54 km |
0 |
| Jul 11, 2016 |
EF2 |
40 km |
0 |
| Jun 25, 2010 |
EF2 |
92 km |
0 |
| Jul 14, 2009 |
EF2 |
42 km |
0 |
| Jun 24, 2003 |
EF2 |
62 km |
0 |
| Jun 11, 2001 |
EF2 |
49 km |
0 |
| Jul 1, 1997 |
EF2 |
91 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950-2024)
Wildfire History
13 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: LOUISBURGRADE (6,487 ac, 2004).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2004 |
LOUISBURGRADE |
6,487 |
93 km |
| 2003 |
CHIPPEWA PRAIRIE |
2,067 |
75 km |
| 2004 |
FISH FIRE |
1,799 |
99 km |
| 2003 |
ANDERSON |
1,082 |
99 km |
| 1998 |
ANDREASEN |
1,001 |
99 km |
| 2007 |
ANDERSON |
797 |
99 km |
| 1986 |
ANDERSON |
746 |
99 km |
| 2010 |
WALDEN |
717 |
69 km |
| 2000 |
SVOR |
661 |
43 km |
| 2000 |
ASHLEY N |
588 |
64 km |
| 1994 |
ARTICHOKE |
556 |
86 km |
| 2002 |
ARTICHOKE |
548 |
86 km |
| 1995 |
ANDREASON |
507 |
99 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
12°F (-11°C) |
0.8 in |
Coldest |
| February |
18°F (-8°C) |
0.7 in |
Driest |
| March |
30°F (-1°C) |
1.5 in |
|
| April |
45°F (7°C) |
2.3 in |
|
| May |
59°F (15°C) |
3.1 in |
|
| June |
68°F (20°C) |
4.4 in |
Wettest |
| July |
72°F (22°C) |
3.5 in |
Warmest |
| August |
69°F (21°C) |
3.5 in |
|
| September |
60°F (16°C) |
2.9 in |
|
| October |
48°F (9°C) |
2.2 in |
|
| November |
30°F (-1°C) |
1.3 in |
|
| December |
16°F (-9°C) |
0.8 in |
|
Willmar has a seasonal temperature swing of 60°F / from 12°F in January to 72°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 27.0 inches, with June being the wettest month (4.4") and February the driest (0.7").
Average costs for common services in Willmar. 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 | $914 |
| Toddler | $853 |
| Preschool | $787 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $621 |
| Toddler | $570 |
| Preschool | $570 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Willmar
What is the population of Willmar?
Willmar has a population of 21,136 residents and is located in Minnesota. The population density is 1,485 people per square mile, spread across 15.8 square miles. The median age of residents is 35.6 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 52% female and 48% male.
Is Willmar expensive to live in?
Willmar 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 $63,368, 16% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $186,000 (34% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $830 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.9x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Willmar safe?
The violent crime rate in Willmar is 427 per 100,000 residents, above the national average of 380. Prospective residents should research specific neighborhoods, as crime rates can vary significantly within the city. Property crime occurs at a rate of 2,129 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Willmar receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Willmar?
Willmar has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 44°F (7°C). Winter temperatures average 12°F in January, while summers reach an average of 72°F in July. The area receives 276 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 28.7 inches, with 46.1 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 36.
How is the job market in Willmar?
Willmar has a healthy job market with an unemployment rate of 3.2%, near the national average of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,000. There are 1,484 business establishments in the area, including 94 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 13 minutes, and 7.2% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Willmar?
The median home value in Willmar is $186,000. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $236,788. For renters, the median monthly rent is $830. Fair market rent is $899 for a 1-bedroom and $1,125 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 57.5%. The average annual property tax is $4,927.
How are the schools in Willmar?
Schools in Willmar score 5.7 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 24.5% of adults in Willmar hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 85.7% have completed high school. 6.4% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Willmar?
The obesity rate in Willmar is 43.9% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 17.0% of adults are smokers. 28.7% are physically inactive. 24.2% of residents report depression. 14.1% lack health insurance (above the national rate). 59.5% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,183.
What is transportation like in Willmar?
The average commute in Willmar is 13 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 75.3% of workers drive alone to work, 1.9% use public transit, and 7.2% work from home.
What are the demographics of Willmar?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Willmar is 68.4% White, 10.5% Black or African American, 1.5% Hispanic or Latino. 74.6% of residents speak only English at home, while 25.4% speak Spanish. 5.3% of the population are military veterans. 15.5% of residents have a disability. 92.1% have health insurance coverage.
All Countries
