Minnesota
Willow River is a small town in Minnesota with a population of 351. Residents earn $52,188 per year, which is 31% below the national average.
Based on current data, Willow River receives an overall livability score of 3.3 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include affordable housing, a low poverty rate. Areas to be aware of include above-average unemployment, below-average incomes, long commute times. Willow River offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
The median household income in Willow River is $52,188, 31% below the national average of $75,149. The unemployment rate of 5.4% is somewhat elevated compared to the national rate of 3.6%. Only 6.5% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 41 minutes, longer than the typical American commute of 28 minutes.
The median home value in Willow River is $197,700, 30% below the national median — offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $758 per month, below the national average — a plus for affordability. A price-to-income ratio of 3.8x indicates a reasonably affordable housing market.
9.2% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 97.2% have completed high school. Local schools score 6.1/10 in standardized testing, reflecting strong academic performance.
Willow River has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 41°F. Winters average 10°F in January while summers reach 69°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 31.5 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 36.
| English Only | 96.9% |
| 23% above US avg | |
| Spanish | 3.1% |
| 77% below US avg |
| Median HH Income | $52,188 |
| 31% below US avg | |
| Per Capita Income | $31,164 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $851 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $61,352 |
| Unemployment | 5.4% |
| 50% above US avg | |
| Poverty Rate | 6.5% |
| 48% below US avg | |
| Establishments (County) | 733 |
| County GDP | $995M |
| Restaurants | 76 |
| Healthcare | 79 |
| Retail | 94 |
| Manufacturing | 28 |
| Property Tax (IRS) | $3,634 |
| 4% above US avg | |
| Effective Tax Rate | 1.84% |
| Commute Time | 40.6 min |
| Drive Alone | 69.6% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 8.9% |
| Census Median | $197,700 |
| 30% below US avg | |
| Zillow ZHVI | $247,236 |
| Census Median Rent | $758 |
| 35% below US avg | |
| Rent Burden | 24.2% |
| Studio | $809 |
| 1 Bedroom | $899 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,125 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,483 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,698 |
| Owner-Occupied | 65.8% |
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $3,634 |
| 4% above US avg | |
| Effective Rate | 1.84% |
| Obesity | 37.9% |
| 18% above US avg | |
| Diabetes | 9.0% |
| Heart Disease | 5.3% |
| High Blood Pressure | 29.8% |
| Asthma | 10.6% |
| COPD | 5.8% |
| Stroke | 2.8% |
| Binge Drinking | 21.0% |
| Physical Inactivity | 24.4% |
| Depression | 28.2% |
| Mental Distress | 18.9% |
| Physical Distress | 12.5% |
| Insurance Rate | 86.4% |
| Checkup Rate | 72.7% |
| Premature Death | 8,534/100K |
| Food Environment | 8.5/10 |
| Exercise Access | 55.4% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 79 |
| Annual Average | 41.4°F |
| 23% below US avg | |
| January Average | 10°F (-12°C) |
| July Average | 69°F (20°C) |
| Annual Rainfall | 31.5 inches |
| 17% below US avg |
| AQI Median | 36.0 |
| Rating | Good |
| Elevation | 1,050 ft (320 m) |
| Area | 1.8 sq mi (4.6 km²) |
| Population Density | 197/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 46.3238°N, 92.8300°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County FIPS | 27115 |
Winner: Republican by 35.2 points
| Bachelor's Degree+ | 9.2% |
| 73% below US avg | |
| High School+ | 97.2% |
| School Test Score | 6.08 |
| RUCC Code 8 | Nonmetro — Rural, adjacent |
| Population Density | 197/sq mi |
| Total Area | 1.8 sq mi |
| Broadband Access | 85.4% |
| Public Libraries | 3 |
| Healthcare Facilities | 79 |
| Restaurants | 76 |
| Retail Stores | 94 |
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 7 |
| Avg Commute | 40.6 min |
| Drive Alone | 69.6% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 8.9% |