Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Heron Lake, MN
Heron Lake, MN is a welcoming small town of 601 residents, ideal for those seeking affordable living and a peaceful lifestyle. With median home prices around $81,000 and average rents at $650, housing is very budget-friendly. Residents enjoy short average commutes of 15.8 minutes, low crime rates, and a strong sense of community. The town offers access to local schools and healthcare, a high ownership rate, and enjoys four distinct seasons with 60% sunny days—a great fit for anyone looking for a close-knit, quiet Midwestern home.
Demographics - Heron Lake, MN
Demographics - Heron Lake, MN
Heron Lake is a close-knit town of 601 people, with a balanced gender ratio and a median age of 43, reflecting a mature, family-friendly community. The majority of residents are White, but the presence of 7.5% non-English speakers adds a touch of diversity. The town’s population density of 850 per square mile supports a neighborly, small-town atmosphere.
Population:
601
Density:
850 per sq mi
Median Age:
43.2
Gender Ratio:
99 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
7.5%
Ethnic Composition
White:
89.0%
Black:
0.5%
Asian:
0.3%
Others:
10.2%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Heron Lake, MN?
Heron Lake offers an affordable cost of living, with a median home value of $81,000 and average rents at $650, making it attractive for both homeowners and renters. The cost of living index is 83, well below the national average, and expenses such as utilities and groceries remain moderate. State income taxes range from 5.35% to 9.85%, ensuring manageable overall living costs.
Median House Value:
$81,000
Gross Rent:
$650
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$120
Auto Insurance:
$980
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$980
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$380
State Taxes:
Low:
5.35%
|
High:
9.85%
Cost Of Living Index:
83
Grocery:
92
Housing:
50
Utilities:
99
Transportation:
85
Health Care:
105
Miscellaneous:
90
Crime
Is Heron Lake, MN a safe place to live?
Heron Lake enjoys low crime rates, with just 120 violent crimes and 950 property crimes per 100,000 people, resulting in a crime index of 1,070. Residents have a 1 in 833 chance of experiencing a violent crime, contributing to the town’s reputation for safety. This peaceful environment is ideal for families and those seeking a secure place to live.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
120
Property Crimes Per 100k:
950
Crime Index:
1,070
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 833
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 105
Weather
What is the weather like in Heron Lake, MN year-round?
Heron Lake experiences all four seasons, with cold winters averaging lows of 5°F and warm summers reaching up to 82°F. The town receives about 30 inches of rainfall annually and enjoys sunshine on 60% of its days. This climate offers residents a classic Midwestern weather pattern, perfect for those who appreciate seasonal variety.
Winter
Min:
5°F
Max:
25°F
Spring
Min:
32°F
Max:
62°F
Summer
Min:
58°F
Max:
82°F
Fall
Min:
36°F
Max:
62°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
30.2 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
60%
Neighbors
Residents of Heron Lake benefit from a median household income of $52,200 and a low unemployment rate of 3.2%. Most neighbors have at least a high school education, and the average commute is just under 16 minutes, making daily life convenient. The poverty rate is moderate at 11.6%, and public transportation use is minimal, reflecting the area’s rural, car-friendly lifestyle.
Median Income:
$31,800
Household Income:
$52,200
Family Income:
$61,000
Per Capita Income:
$24,200
Income Male:
$39,000
Income Female:
$31,000
Poverty Rate:
11.6%
Non English Speakers:
7.5%
Rent:
$650
Unemployment Rate:
3.2%
Public Transport Usage:
0.5%
Commute Time:
15.8 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
87.5%
Bachelors or More:
18.2%
Education
How are the schools in Heron Lake, MN?
Heron Lake is served by Heron Lake-Okabena Secondary School, which offers a favorable student-teacher ratio of 12:1 and supports around 170 students. While there are no local private schools, post-secondary education is accessible at Minnesota West Community & Technical College, just 23 miles away in Worthington. The town’s educational offerings support both young families and those pursuing further learning.
Public Schools
Name:
Heron Lake-Okabena Secondary School
Street:
124 N Minnesota Ave
Phone:
507-793-2307
Students:
170
Student Teacher Ratio:
12:1
Colleges
Name:
Minnesota West Community & Technical College
City:
Worthington
State:
MN
Distance:
23 miles
Students:
3,400
Healthcare
Healthcare in Heron Lake is supported by facilities like Sanford Jackson Medical Center, located nearby and offering full emergency services. With 1.4 physicians per 1,000 residents and over 92% health insurance coverage, residents have reliable access to medical care. The town’s healthcare index of 71 indicates affordable and accessible services for families and seniors alike.
Major Hospitals
Name:
Sanford Jackson Medical Center
Address:
1430 North Highway, Jackson, MN 56143
Phone:
(507) 847-2420
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
1.4
Health Insurance Coverage:
92.1%
Health Care Index:
71
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Heron Lake, MN?
Heron Lake’s housing market is highly affordable, with a median home price of $81,000 and average two-bedroom rent at $650. A strong owner-occupied rate of 77% highlights local investment in homeownership, and the low foreclosure rate of 0.4% reflects market stability. Modest home appreciation and rental vacancy rates suggest steady, reliable options for buyers and renters.
Median Home Price:
$81,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$650
Owner Occupied Rate:
77.0%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
7.3%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
2.2%
New Construction Rate:
0.5%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.4%
DMV Information
Residents of Heron Lake are served by the Minnesota Department of Public Safety’s Driver and Vehicle Services, located in St. Paul. Essential DMV tasks like licensing and registration can be managed online at the state website or by phone at 651-297-2126. Services are streamlined to support the needs of Minnesota drivers.
State:
Minnesota
Department:
Minnesota Department of Public Safety - Driver and Vehicle Services
Address:
445 Minnesota St, St Paul, MN 55101
Phone:
651-297-2126
Website:
Disclaimer: The information provided on this page is based on publicly available sources including AccuWeather, U.S. Census Bureau, local government data, and third-party partners such as Neustar. While we strive to ensure accuracy, all data is provided “as is” and should be independently verified before making any decisions. Movers.com makes no guarantees regarding the completeness or reliability of the information.