1st Advantage MortgageMille Lacs County (27,125 residents) has a $72,729 median household income and $903 median rent, by the latest Census five-year survey. For a Mille Lacs County borrower, the useful steps are the same anywhere: price the need, gather three written offers, and check the Minnesota license.
On this page
- Who lives in Mille Lacs County
- The Mille Lacs County job picture
- The $72,729 median and what sits around it
- Housing costs in Mille Lacs County
- Mille Lacs County against other Minnesota counties
- The counties around Mille Lacs County
- Places inside Mille Lacs County
- Local borrowing considerations for Mille Lacs County
- Mille Lacs County households compared
- Budget math at the Mille Lacs County median
- Minnesota rules that apply in Mille Lacs County
- Steps before you apply in Mille Lacs County
- Nearby and statewide guides
- Frequently asked questions
Who lives in Mille Lacs County
Mille Lacs County is home to about 27,125 people, according to the Census Bureau's 2020 to 2024 American Community Survey, which makes it the 39th most populous of 87 county-level areas in Minnesota. Mille Lacs County spans 572 square miles; with 27,125 people, that is 47.4 per square mile. It is one of the counties that make up the Minneapolis-St. Paul-Bloomington, MN-WI metropolitan statistical area (OMB, 2023). Milaca is the biggest of its 8 Census places, at roughly 3,044 people (11% of the county total).
The Mille Lacs County job picture
By the Census industry count, 24% of employed Mille Lacs County residents work in education and health care and 16% in manufacturing. The sharpest difference from the state is in construction, at 12% locally and 6% for Minnesota. The survey's unemployment rate for Mille Lacs County averages 4.0% over 2020 to 2024 (state: 4.1%). About 76% drive to work alone and 29% have trips of 45 minutes or more.
| Top industries | Mille Lacs County share | +/- vs Minnesota |
|---|---|---|
| Education and health care | 23.9% | -1.9 pts |
| Manufacturing | 15.7% | +2.4 pts |
| Construction | 12.5% | +6.1 pts |
| Retail trade | 10.8% | +0.1 pts |
| Professional and administrative services | 7.4% | -3.2 pts |
| Arts, lodging and food service | 7.0% | -0.2 pts |
Where long drives are the norm, a car repair is one of the most common surprise bills. A small repair fund can keep a breakdown from turning into a loan.
The $72,729 median and what sits around it
Median household income in Mille Lacs County: $72,729 (18% below Minnesota, $89,062).
| Income band | Share in Mille Lacs County | Difference from Minnesota |
|---|---|---|
| Under $35,000 | 22.0% | +4.7 pts |
| $35,000 to $99,999 | 42.8% | +4.8 pts |
| $100,000 to $199,999 | 29.7% | -1.0 pts |
| $200,000 or more | 5.4% | -8.4 pts |
22% under $35,000 and 35% at $100,000 or more: that is the Mille Lacs County income split. The poverty rate is 10.4%, 1 point higher than the state's 9.3%. The Gini index of income inequality is 0.416 (0 is perfect equality). A household earning below the $72,729 median should test any payment carefully; one earning above it should still pick the shortest term it can manage.
Housing costs in Mille Lacs County
Renters in Mille Lacs County pay a median of $903 a month, 29% below the Minnesota figure of $1,280. 42% of renting households spend 30% or more of income on rent, and 22% spend half or more. The median owner-occupied home is valued at $258,300, about 3.6 times the median household income. Homeowners 78%, renters 22%. The median year built is 1982. Against the median U.S. county, Mille Lacs County rent is 3% above.
| Cost | Mille Lacs County | Minnesota figure | Higher or lower |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median gross rent | $903/mo | $1,280/mo | 29% lower |
| Median home value | $258,300 | $329,300 | 22% lower |
| Owners | 78% | 72% | +5.6 pts |
| Rent-burdened renters | 42% | 48% | -6.1 pts |
| Burdened owners | 28% | 23% | +4.7 pts |
At a $258,300 median value, many Mille Lacs County owners hold equity. Using it lowers cost only if you can carry the risk (equity vs. unsecured).
Mille Lacs County against other Minnesota counties
Out of every Minnesota county, Mille Lacs County is most unusual on these measures.
- On the share of commutes over 45 minutes, Mille Lacs County sits near the top of Minnesota at 29%, 3rd highest of 87. With long commutes, a reliable car is part of keeping the job.
- The share of mobile homes: 9.9% in Mille Lacs County. Only 7 of 87 Minnesota counties are higher. Manufactured homes often do not qualify for home equity loans, so unsecured loans fill the gap.
- Few Minnesota counties match Mille Lacs County on the share of adults with a bachelor's degree: 18% here, 39% for the state, ranking 9th lowest of 87. No degree is required for a personal loan; documented income is.
The counties around Mille Lacs County
The six counties whose centers lie closest to Mille Lacs County's, from 16 to 43 miles away. Richest neighbor: Sherburne County, $105,466. Poorest: Morrison County, $69,446. Mille Lacs County: $72,729.
| Neighbor | Distance | Income | Rent | Own |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mille Lacs County | - | $72,729 | $903/mo | 78% |
| Kanabec County, MN | 16 mi | $71,460 | $962/mo | 85% |
| Benton County, MN | 24 mi | $74,410 | $982/mo | 67% |
| Isanti County, MN | 30 mi | $87,440 | $1,273/mo | 84% |
| Morrison County, MN | 31 mi | $69,446 | $788/mo | 81% |
| Sherburne County, MN | 34 mi | $105,466 | $1,127/mo | 83% |
| Pine County, MN | 43 mi | $71,146 | $877/mo | 82% |
Places inside Mille Lacs County
Here are the 8 most populous of the county's 8 Census places, with income and rent from the same 2020 to 2024 survey. About 24% of Mille Lacs County residents live in one of the 8. Incomes vary by place: $92,000 at the median in Foreston, $32,750 in Onamia. Median rent ranges from $656 in Onamia to $1,278 in Foreston. None of the 8 has its own city guide, so this page covers all of them.
| Town or CDP | Type | People | Median household income | Median gross rent | Miles from center |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Milaca | city | 3,044 | $49,588 | $835 | 12 mi |
| Foreston | city | 757 | $92,000 | $1,278 | 14 mi |
| Onamia | city | 719 | $32,750 | $656 | 10 mi |
| Isle | city | 695 | $54,773 | $791 | 17 mi |
| Vineland | CDP | 674 | $53,375 | $921 | 19 mi |
| Wahkon | city | 258 | $51,750 | $856 | 14 mi |
| Pease | city | 217 | $66,667 | $1,116 | 16 mi |
| Bock | city | 49 | $48,333 | n/a | 11 mi |
CDPs are unincorporated communities the Census Bureau defines for counting.
Local borrowing considerations for Mille Lacs County
Mille Lacs County-specific points to check:
- Commuter costs. 29% drive 45 minutes or more. Compare shop financing with a loan, and keep a small repair fund.
- Credit reports. Pull free reports at AnnualCreditReport.com and dispute errors before applying.
- Fraud. Gift cards, wire transfers or fees to unlock a loan mean walk away (report it).
Mille Lacs County households compared
In Mille Lacs County, 18% of adults have at least a four-year degree (39% in Minnesota). Health coverage gaps: 4.9% of Mille Lacs County residents are uninsured.
| Residents | Mille Lacs County | Difference from Minnesota | Difference from middle U.S. county |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bachelor's or higher | 18.2% | -21.2 pts | -4.0 pts |
| Work from home | 10.2% | -7.4 pts | +1.5 pts |
| Median age | 41.2 | +2.4 yrs | -0.3 yrs |
| No high school diploma | 8.4% | +2.3 pts | n/a |
| No vehicle | 5.5% | -1.2 pts | 0.0 pts |
| Poverty rate | 10.4% | +1.1 pts | -2.8 pts |
| No health insurance | 4.9% | +0.2 pts | -2.9 pts |
| Unemployment (ACS) | 4.0% | -0.1 pts | -0.4 pts |
| Minutes to work | Mille Lacs County workers |
|---|---|
| Under 15 min | 31.9% |
| 15 to 29 min | 24.0% |
| 30 to 44 min | 15.0% |
| 45 to 59 min | 10.5% |
| 60+ min | 18.6% |
Budget math at the Mille Lacs County median
How much room does a median Mille Lacs County budget have? Take median income, subtract median rent, and check what is left under a few common debt-to-income limits.
- Median income divided by twelve: $6,061 before taxes
- Less median rent of $903, which is 15% of it
- With a 36% ceiling, about $1,279 remains for car, card, student and any new loan payments
- $1,703: what a 43% ratio leaves once rent is paid
Homeowners in Mille Lacs County should swap in their mortgage, taxes and insurance for rent.
Minnesota rules that apply in Mille Lacs County
Before sharing details with a lender, a Mille Lacs County resident can confirm its license with the Minnesota Department of Commerce. Federal complaints: consumerfinance.gov. More on Minnesota: Minnesota personal loans.
Steps before you apply in Mille Lacs County
Steps that save money for Mille Lacs County residents:
- Size the loan to the bill, not to the most a lender offers.
- Prequalify with soft pulls where offered, then compare in writing.
- Only work with lenders licensed for Minnesota borrowers.
- Read the final agreement; it must match the offer.
Nearby and statewide guides
For statewide rules and data, see the Minnesota guide.
Frequently asked questions
What does a typical Mille Lacs County household make?
About $72,729 a year at the median (ACS 2020-24), 18% below the Minnesota median.
How much is rent in Mille Lacs County?
Median gross rent, utilities included, is $903 a month; 42% of renters spend 30% or more of income on it.
I own my home in Mille Lacs County. Personal loan or HELOC?
A HELOC uses the house as collateral; a personal loan usually does not. With 78% of homes owner-occupied here, many readers can compare both in writing.
Does this page cover Milaca?
Yes, along with the other 7 Census places in Mille Lacs County, such as Foreston, Onamia, Isle.
Will a Mille Lacs County address affect my match?
Beyond confirming Minnesota as your state, no. Your answers about amount, credit, income and payments are all that count.