Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Howard Lake, MN
Considering a move to Howard Lake, MN? With a close-knit population of just over 2,000, Howard Lake provides a welcoming small-town feel and affordable living, with median home prices around $247,000 and average rents at $940. The area boasts a low violent crime rate, quick commute times, and a strong owner-occupied housing rate. Families will find reputable local schools, and residents enjoy four distinct seasons with plenty of sunny days. Howard Lake is ideal for those seeking a peaceful community with convenient access to healthcare and outdoor Minnesota living.
Demographics - Howard Lake, MN
Demographics - Howard Lake, MN
Howard Lake is home to just over 2,000 residents, offering a small-town atmosphere with a median age of 34.9 years and a balanced gender ratio. The community is predominantly White, and about 5.6% of residents speak a language other than English at home, reflecting modest diversity.
Population:
2,054
Density:
1,400 per sq mi
Median Age:
34.9
Gender Ratio:
101 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
5.6%
Ethnic Composition
White:
93.2%
Black:
1.2%
Asian:
0.7%
Others:
4.9%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Howard Lake, MN?
Howard Lake features an affordable cost of living, with a median home value of $247,000 and average rent around $940. The overall cost index is slightly below the national average, making it a budget-friendly choice for both homeowners and renters.
Median House Value:
$247,000
Gross Rent:
$940
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$110
Auto Insurance:
$1,180
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,360
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$460
State Taxes:
Low:
5.35%
|
High:
9.85%
Cost Of Living Index:
97.1
Grocery:
98.4
Housing:
86.7
Utilities:
96.2
Transportation:
92.0
Health Care:
98.5
Miscellaneous:
99.8
Crime
Is Howard Lake, MN a safe place to live?
The city enjoys a low violent crime rate, with residents facing about a 1 in 540 chance of becoming a victim. Property crime is the more common concern, but overall, Howard Lake is considered a safe place to live.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
185
Property Crimes Per 100k:
1,050
Crime Index:
1,235
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 540
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 95
Weather
What is the weather like in Howard Lake, MN year-round?
Howard Lake experiences all four seasons, with warm summers peaking at 82°F and cold winters dropping as low as 6°F. The area receives nearly 30 inches of rainfall annually and enjoys sunshine about 59% of the year, making for a climate with variety.
Winter
Min:
6°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:
29.5 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
59%
Neighbors
Residents of Howard Lake benefit from a median household income of $61,500 and a low unemployment rate of 3.4%. Most neighbors are well-educated, with over 91% having at least a high school diploma, and the average commute to work is about 33 minutes.
Median Income:
$34,700
Household Income:
$61,500
Family Income:
$73,200
Per Capita Income:
$29,800
Income Male:
$43,100
Income Female:
$36,600
Poverty Rate:
9.2%
Non English Speakers:
5.6%
Rent:
$940
Unemployment Rate:
3.4%
Public Transport Usage:
0.2%
Commute Time:
33.1 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
91.6%
Bachelors or More:
18.2%
Education
How are the schools in Howard Lake, MN?
Families in Howard Lake have access to reputable public schools with manageable student-teacher ratios, and a local private school option is also available. For higher education, nearby colleges and universities are within a short drive, making educational opportunities accessible for all ages.
Public Schools
Name:
Howard Lake-Waverly-Winsted High School
Street:
8700 County Road 6 SW
Phone:
320-543-4600
Students:
400
Student Teacher Ratio:
15.1
Name:
Humphrey Elementary School
Street:
803 Elm Ave, Waverly, MN
Phone:
320-543-4680
Students:
320
Student Teacher Ratio:
14.7
Private Schools
Name:
St. James Lutheran School
Street:
1000 7th Ave, Howard Lake, MN
Phone:
320-543-2630
Students:
80
Colleges
Name:
Ridgewater College
City:
Hutchinson
State:
MN
Distance:
26 miles
Students:
3,900
Name:
St. Cloud State University
City:
St. Cloud
State:
MN
Distance:
48 miles
Students:
10,400
Healthcare
Local healthcare is anchored by Buffalo Hospital, a nearby facility offering emergency services. With 1.2 physicians per 1,000 residents and over 93% health insurance coverage, essential medical needs are well supported in the area.
Major Hospitals
Name:
Buffalo Hospital
Address:
303 Catlin St, Buffalo, MN 55313
Phone:
(763) 682-1212
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
1.2
Health Insurance Coverage:
93.6%
Health Care Index:
76.4
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Howard Lake, MN?
Howard Lake’s housing market is attractive to buyers, with a median home price of $247,000 and a strong owner-occupied rate of 71.5%. The market is stable, featuring a low foreclosure rate and modest annual home appreciation.
Median Home Price:
$247,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$940
Owner Occupied Rate:
71.5%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
6.1%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
3.2%
New Construction Rate:
0.9%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.6%
DMV Information
Residents can access driver and vehicle services through the Minnesota Driver and Vehicle Services office in St. Paul, with resources available both in person and online. The DMV provides all standard licensing and registration services for Howard Lake citizens.
State:
Minnesota
Department:
Minnesota 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.