Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Willow River, MN
Considering a move to Willow River, MN? This friendly small town of 415 residents offers affordable living, with median home prices around $185,000 and average rents at $850. Enjoy a low violent crime rate of 128 per 100k, easy commutes averaging 26 minutes, and tight-knit schools with favorable student-teacher ratios. Winters are cold, but the community boasts a relaxed rural lifestyle and essential amenities nearby—ideal for those seeking quiet, affordability, and Minnesota charm.
Demographics - Willow River, MN
Demographics - Willow River, MN
Willow River is a small community of 415 residents with a median age of 38.2, reflecting a balanced mix of working adults and families. The town is predominantly White, with a low proportion of non-English speakers, contributing to a close-knit and accessible atmosphere. Population density is moderate, supporting a rural yet connected lifestyle.
Population:
415
Density:
260 per sq mi
Median Age:
38.2
Gender Ratio:
102 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
3.8%
Ethnic Composition
White:
94.0%
Black:
0.5%
Asian:
0.2%
Others:
5.3%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Willow River, MN?
Willow River offers an affordable cost of living, with a median home value of $185,000 and average rents at $850, making it attractive for both homeowners and renters. Essential expenses like utilities and transportation are below the national average, with a cost of living index of 88.5. State tax rates range from 5.35% to 9.85%, but overall affordability is a key benefit for residents.
Median House Value:
$185,000
Gross Rent:
$850
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$110
Auto Insurance:
$1,150
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,010
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$410
State Taxes:
Low:
5.35%
|
High:
9.85%
Cost Of Living Index:
88.5
Grocery:
96.2
Housing:
70.8
Utilities:
97.5
Transportation:
90.0
Health Care:
105.1
Miscellaneous:
96.0
Crime
Is Willow River, MN a safe place to live?
Residents of Willow River enjoy a low violent crime rate of 128 per 100,000, meaning a relatively safe environment for families and individuals. The property crime rate is higher but still manageable, with a 1 in 71 chance annually. Overall, the city maintains a sense of security characteristic of small-town Minnesota.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
128
Property Crimes Per 100k:
1,410
Crime Index:
1,538
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 781
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 71
Weather
What is the weather like in Willow River, MN year-round?
Willow River experiences all four seasons, with cold winters dropping to 0°F and warm summers reaching up to 80°F. The area receives about 30 inches of rainfall annually and enjoys sunshine nearly half the year, making it suitable for those who appreciate seasonal variety. Residents should be prepared for snowy winters but also benefit from pleasant summer and fall weather.
Winter
Min:
0°F
Max:
25°F
Spring
Min:
30°F
Max:
60°F
Summer
Min:
55°F
Max:
80°F
Fall
Min:
32°F
Max:
60°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
30.2 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
49%
Neighbors
The median household income in Willow River is $56,800, with a poverty rate of 12.8% and an unemployment rate of 4.2%. Most neighbors have at least a high school education, and the average commute time is about 26 minutes. The community is largely owner-occupied, reflecting stability and a strong sense of local connection.
Median Income:
$34,000
Household Income:
$56,800
Family Income:
$67,000
Per Capita Income:
$22,900
Income Male:
$38,000
Income Female:
$31,000
Poverty Rate:
12.8%
Non English Speakers:
3.8%
Rent:
$850
Unemployment Rate:
4.2%
Public Transport Usage:
0.3%
Commute Time:
25.7 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
89.2%
Bachelors or More:
13.5%
Education
How are the schools in Willow River, MN?
Families in Willow River benefit from local public schools with favorable student-teacher ratios, such as Willow River Secondary and Elementary. No private schools are present, but post-secondary options like Pine Technical & Community College are within a short drive. The town’s educational environment is supportive and community-oriented, ideal for growing families.
Public Schools
Name:
Willow River Secondary
Street:
8142 Pine St
Phone:
218-372-3131
Students:
220
Student Teacher Ratio:
13.5
Name:
Willow River Elementary
Street:
8142 Pine St
Phone:
218-372-3131
Students:
170
Student Teacher Ratio:
14.2
Colleges
Name:
Pine Technical & Community College
City:
Pine City
State:
MN
Distance:
17 miles
Students:
1,400
Healthcare
Willow River residents have access to nearby healthcare facilities, including Essentia Health in Sandstone and clinics in Pine City. Health insurance coverage is high at 91.6%, and the area offers a moderate number of physicians relative to its small population. Healthcare services are accessible, ensuring essential needs are met within a short drive.
Major Hospitals
Name:
Essentia Health - Sandstone
Address:
710 Main St, Sandstone, MN 55072
Phone:
(320) 245-5600
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Name:
Fairview Clinics - Pine City
Address:
510 2nd St SE, Pine City, MN 55063
Phone:
(320) 629-6721
Type:
Clinic
Emergency Services:
No
Physicians Per 1000:
1.3
Health Insurance Coverage:
91.6%
Health Care Index:
69.4
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Willow River, MN?
The housing market in Willow River is affordable, with a median home price of $185,000 and a high owner-occupation rate of 72%. Average rent for a two-bedroom home is $850, and the area sees steady home appreciation and low foreclosure rates. Rental vacancies are moderate, offering options for both buyers and renters.
Median Home Price:
$185,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$850
Owner Occupied Rate:
72.0%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
8.2%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
4.2%
New Construction Rate:
1.1%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.7%
DMV Information
Willow River residents are served by the Minnesota Department of Public Safety for driver and vehicle services, located in St. Paul. The department offers comprehensive online resources and support for licensing, registration, and other motor vehicle needs. Statewide access ensures all DMV requirements can be handled efficiently.
State:
Minnesota
Department:
Minnesota Department of Public Safety - Driver and Vehicle Services
Address:
445 Minnesota St, Suite 190, St Paul, MN 55101
Phone:
651-297-3298
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.