Median Income
$52,188
31% lower than US avg
Home Value
$197,700
30% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
608/100K
60% higher than US avg
Bachelor's+
9.2%
73% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$758
35% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
37.9%
18% higher than US avg
Unemployment
5.4%
50% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
6.5%
48% lower than US avg
How Willow River Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population351
Median Age37.3 yrs
Density197/mi²
Male / Female56% / 44%
Largest GroupWhite 98%
Veterans11.4%
Economy
B+
Median Income$52,188
Per Capita$31,164
Unemployment5.4%
Poverty6.5%
County GDP$995M
Commute41 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$197,700
Rent$758
Ownership65.8%
Zillow$247,236
Housing Units186
Rent Burden24.2%
Crime
F
Violent608/100K
Property3,220/100K
Health
Obesity37.9%
Uninsured8.1%
Smoking17.1%
Depression28.2%
Heart Disease5.3%
Climate
Avg Temp41°F (5°C)
AQI36 (Good)
Rain31.5 in/yr
Sunny Days249/yr
Elevation1,050 ft (320 m)
Education
D
Bachelor's+9.2%
High School+97.2%
Graduate+1.5%
School Score5.36
Community
2024 VoteR 67% / D 32%
Commute41 min
Broadband85.4%
EV Stations1
Libraries3
Is Willow River a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Willow River receives an overall livability score of 2.7 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C+. Key strengths include affordable housing, abundant sunshine, a low poverty rate. Areas to be aware of include elevated crime rates, above-average unemployment, below-average incomes. Willow River has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
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.
Cost of Living & Housing
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.
Safety & Crime
With 608 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, public safety is a notable concern / this is significantly above the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 3,220 per 100,000, 64% above the national average.
Education
9.2% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 97.2% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.4/10.
Climate & Weather
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. The area gets 249 sunny days per year. Annual precipitation totals 31.5 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 36.
Willow River has a population of 351 with a density of 197 people per square mile, spread across 1.9 square miles. The median age is 37.3 years, 4% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 43.9% female and 56.1% male. The city is predominantly White (98.3%), with 1.4% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 96.9% of residents. 11.4% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 14.9% of residents have a disability. 86.4% have health insurance coverage.
Population
37.3yrs
Median Age
4% below US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Willow River vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
96.9%
23% above US avg
Spanish
3.1%
77% below US avg
Social Characteristics
Willow River vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Willow River is $52,188, which is 31% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $31,164 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $851, 41% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 5.4% (above the 3.6% US average). 6.5% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 733 business establishments, including 76 restaurants. The cost of living index is 98.6, roughly in line with the national average. Workers commute an average of 41 minutes (longer than the 28-minute US average). 8.9% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income: Willow River vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $52,188 |
| 31% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $31,164 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $851 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $61,352 |
| Gini Index | 0.415 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 5.4% |
| 50% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 6.5% |
| 48% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 733 |
| County GDP | $995M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 76 |
| Healthcare | 79 |
| Retail | 94 |
| Manufacturing | 28 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $3,634 |
| 4% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 98.60 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 1.84% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 40.6 min |
| Drive Alone | 69.6% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 8.9% |
The median home value in Willow River is $197,700, 30% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $247,236, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $758 (35% 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. 65.8% of housing units are owner-occupied. There are 186 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1987. The average annual property tax is $3,634. 24.2% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 3.8x.
Home Values
| Census Median | $197,700 |
| 30% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $247,236 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $758 |
| 35% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 24.2% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $809 |
| 1 Bedroom | $899 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,125 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,483 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,698 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 65.8% |
| Owner-Occupied | 65.8% |
| Renter-Occupied | 34.2% |
| Housing Units | 186 |
| Median Year Built | 1987 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $3,634 |
| 4% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 1.84% |
In Willow River, 37.9% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 9.0% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.3% of residents. 29.8% have high blood pressure. 17.1% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 21.0% report binge drinking. 24.4% are physically inactive. 28.2% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 18.9% experience frequent mental distress. 8.1% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:5,860. The dentist ratio is 1:2,677. 55.4% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.5 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Willow River vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| 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% |
| Cancer | 7.4% |
| Stroke | 2.8% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 17.1% |
| 22% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 21.0% |
| Physical Inactivity | 24.4% |
| Depression | 28.2% |
| Mental Distress | 18.9% |
| Physical Distress | 12.5% |
| Short Sleep | 32.9% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 86.4% |
| Uninsured | 8.1% |
| 6% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:5,860 |
| Dentists | 1:2,677 |
| Mental Health | 1:444 |
| Checkup Rate | 72.7% |
| Dental Visits | 64.3% |
| Premature Death | 8,534/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.5/10 |
| Exercise Access | 55.4% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 79 |
Willow River has a violent crime rate of 608 per 100,000 residents, 60% above the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 3,220 per 100,000, 64% above the U.S. average. The county recorded 7 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Willow River receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Willow River vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 608.2/100K |
| 60% above US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 3,220.0/100K |
| 64% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 7 |
| Traffic Accidents | 187 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.1 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Willow River has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 41°F (5°C). Winters average 10°F in January while summers reach 69°F in July. The area gets 249 sunny days per year, above the national average. Annual precipitation totals 31.5 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 36. The city sits at an elevation of 1,050 feet.
Temperature
10°F Jan (-12°C)
69°F Jul (20°C)
| Annual Average | 41.4°F |
| 23% below US avg |
| January Average | 10°F (-12°C) |
| July Average | 69°F (20°C) |
| Sunny Days | 249 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,050 ft (320 m) |
| Area | 1.9 sq mi (4.8 km²) |
| Population Density | 197/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 46.3238°N, 92.8300°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Pine County County |
| Nearest Airport | Duluth International (DLH)
47 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
31.5"
17% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
4.29"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 36.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 62.2 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 46.2 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 67.0 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Relatively Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Moderate |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Low |
| Lightning |
Relatively Moderate |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
Relatively Low |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Tornado History
146 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 8 fatalities, 62 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| May 21, 1957 |
EF4 |
83 km |
0 |
| Jun 18, 2001 |
EF3 |
62 km |
2 |
| Sep 18, 1997 |
EF3 |
98 km |
1 |
| Jun 25, 1973 |
EF3 |
93 km |
0 |
| Aug 6, 1969 |
EF3 |
80 km |
1 |
| Aug 6, 1969 |
EF3 |
71 km |
0 |
| Aug 6, 1969 |
EF3 |
96 km |
2 |
| Jun 30, 1968 |
EF3 |
23 km |
0 |
| Jun 12, 2024 |
EF2 |
92 km |
0 |
| Jun 19, 2016 |
EF2 |
84 km |
0 |
| Jul 1, 2011 |
EF2 |
73 km |
0 |
| Jun 17, 2010 |
EF2 |
66 km |
0 |
| Sep 18, 1997 |
EF2 |
51 km |
0 |
| Oct 26, 1996 |
EF2 |
85 km |
0 |
| Jul 21, 1995 |
EF2 |
99 km |
0 |
| Jul 3, 1985 |
EF2 |
77 km |
0 |
| Jun 13, 1981 |
EF2 |
96 km |
0 |
| Sep 3, 1980 |
EF2 |
78 km |
0 |
| Sep 8, 1977 |
EF2 |
79 km |
0 |
| Jul 7, 1970 |
EF2 |
9 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950-2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: GERMANN ROAD FIRE (6,751 ac, 2013).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2013 |
GERMANN ROAD FIRE |
6,751 |
94 km |
| 1988 |
UNNAMED |
3,642 |
90 km |
| 2003 |
UNNAMED |
2,998 |
46 km |
| 2015 |
TAMARACK |
2,745 |
48 km |
| 1987 |
UNNAMED |
2,512 |
46 km |
| 1991 |
UNNAMED |
2,486 |
72 km |
| 1988 |
UNNAMED |
2,243 |
91 km |
| 2024 |
RX-86_FY23 |
2,187 |
53 km |
| 1987 |
UNNAMED |
1,963 |
76 km |
| 2000 |
UNNAMED |
1,850 |
62 km |
| 1987 |
UNNAMED |
1,799 |
75 km |
| 1987 |
UNNAMED |
1,760 |
72 km |
| 1988 |
UNNAMED |
1,589 |
84 km |
| 2004 |
SOUTH MAIN ROAD |
1,384 |
46 km |
| 2006 |
WUI RX BURN UNIT 15 |
1,380 |
47 km |
| 1990 |
UNNAMED |
1,371 |
38 km |
| 1987 |
UNNAMED |
1,352 |
44 km |
| 1997 |
UNNAMED |
1,306 |
73 km |
| 2009 |
UNNAMED |
1,249 |
72 km |
| 1988 |
UNNAMED |
1,226 |
70 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
10°F (-12°C) |
0.9 in |
Coldest |
| February |
15°F (-10°C) |
0.7 in |
Driest |
| March |
27°F (-3°C) |
1.7 in |
|
| April |
41°F (5°C) |
2.2 in |
|
| May |
54°F (12°C) |
3.3 in |
|
| June |
63°F (17°C) |
4.3 in |
Wettest |
| July |
69°F (20°C) |
3.9 in |
Warmest |
| August |
66°F (19°C) |
4.1 in |
|
| September |
57°F (14°C) |
3.5 in |
|
| October |
45°F (7°C) |
2.6 in |
|
| November |
29°F (-2°C) |
1.7 in |
|
| December |
14°F (-10°C) |
1.1 in |
|
Willow River has a seasonal temperature swing of 59°F / from 10°F in January to 69°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 30.1 inches, with June being the wettest month (4.3") and February the driest (0.7").
Average costs for common services in Willow River. 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 Willow River
What is the population of Willow River?
Willow River has a population of 351 residents and is located in Minnesota. The population density is 197 people per square mile, spread across 1.9 square miles. The median age of residents is 37.3 years. The population is 43.9% female and 56.1% male.
Is Willow River expensive to live in?
Willow River 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 $52,188, 31% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $197,700 (30% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $758 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 3.8x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Willow River safe?
Public safety is a concern in Willow River, with a violent crime rate of 608 per 100,000 / significantly above the national average of 380. However, crime tends to concentrate in certain areas, and many neighborhoods remain relatively safe. Property crime occurs at a rate of 3,220 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Willow River receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Willow River?
Willow River has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 41°F (5°C). Winter temperatures average 10°F in January, while summers reach an average of 69°F in July. The area receives 249 sunny days per year. Annual rainfall totals 31.5 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 36.
How is the job market in Willow River?
The unemployment rate in Willow River is 5.4%, somewhat above the national average of 3.6%. Job seekers may face moderate competition. The average weekly wage is $851. There are 733 business establishments in the area, including 76 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 41 minutes, and 8.9% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Willow River?
The median home value in Willow River is $197,700. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $247,236. For renters, the median monthly rent is $758. Fair market rent is $899 for a 1-bedroom and $1,125 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 65.8%. The average annual property tax is $3,634.
How are the schools in Willow River?
Schools in Willow River score 5.4 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 9.2% of adults in Willow River hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 97.2% have completed high school. 1.5% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Willow River?
The obesity rate in Willow River is 37.9% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 17.1% of adults are smokers. 24.4% are physically inactive. 28.2% of residents report depression. 8.1% lack health insurance. 55.4% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:5,860.
What is transportation like in Willow River?
The average commute in Willow River is 41 minutes, longer than the national average of 28 minutes. 69.6% of workers drive alone to work, and 8.9% work from home.
What are the demographics of Willow River?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Willow River is 98.3% White, 1.4% Hispanic or Latino. 96.9% of residents speak only English at home, while 3.1% speak Spanish. 11.4% of the population are military veterans. 14.9% of residents have a disability. 86.4% have health insurance coverage.
All Countries
