Willmar
cityWillmar is a city located in Kandiyohi County, in southwest-central Minnesota. It serves as the county seat and a regional hub for business, healthcare, technology, and shopping. The city is situated amidst a landscape of rich farmland, scenic lakes, and rolling hills, approximately 94 miles west of Minneapolis. The population of Willmar was 21,015 at the 2020 census, with a 2026 population of 22,317. Willmar's economy is based in agriculture, with turkey processing as a major industry. The city also serves as a regional center for healthcare, education, government, and trade. Key institutions include Ridgewater College and the MinnWest Technology Campus. The city is dedicated to promoting a robust and thriving local economy. Willmar has a rich history, with the first settlers arriving in the 1850s. The city was officially named in 1871 and became the county seat of Kandiyohi County that same year. Willmar is known for its diverse community, with a welcoming spirit that has attracted people from over 30 different cultures. The city also boasts an impressive park system, with numerous recreational opportunities for residents.
Willmar, Minnesota
- Classification
- City
- FIPS Code
- 27-70420
- Country
- United States
- County
- Kandiyohi County
- Region
- Southwest-central Minnesota
- Elevation
- 1,129 ft
- Total Area
- 15.95 sq mi
- Land Area
- 14.15 sq mi
- Water Area
- 1.8 sq mi
- Latitude
- 45.121281
- Longitude
- -95.053719
- Climate
- Temperature variations in Minnesota occur not only seasonally but also from one part of the state to another. Southern Minnesota is hot in the summer. In the northern regions of the state, frost is possible in any month. Average daily maximum temperatures in July range from the mid-80s F in southern Minnesota to the low 70s F along the shore of Lake Superior. Average daily January highs range from the mid-20s F in the south to about 15 °F in the north; minimums are from about 5 °F to about −5 °F. Average annual precipitation ranges from less than 20 inches in the northwest to more than 30 inches in the southeast.
- Notable Features
- Foot Lake · Willmar Lake · Long Lake · Solomon Lake
- Neighboring Areas
- Spicer · New London · Atwater
- Population (2020)
- 21,015
- Est. Population (2026)
- 22,317
- Median Age
- 35.5
- Median Income
- $62,280
- Poverty Rate
- 13.1%
- Family Households
- 61.3%
- Owner-Occupied
- 59.4%
- Racial & Ethnic Composition
- The racial makeup of Willmar is 63.51% White, 9.89% Black or African American, 2.47% Asian, 0.94% Native American, 13.61% Other race, and 9.59% Two or more races. Approximately 25.63% of the population is Hispanic or Latino.
- Government Type
- Statutory County
- Governing Body
- Board of Commissioners
- Body Size
- 5 members
- School District
- Willmar Public School District
- Municipal Services
- Police · Fire · Public Works · Parks & Recreation · Wastewater Treatment
- Economic Profile
- Regional center · Agriculture · Healthcare · Technology · Shopping
- Employment Sectors
- Turkey Processing · Healthcare · Education · Manufacturing
- Schools
- 7
- Students
- 4,220
- Teachers
- 719
- Student-Teacher Ratio
- 14:1
- School Districts
- Willmar Public School District · New London-Spicer Public Schools
- Colleges & Universities
- Ridgewater College
- Transportation
- U.S. Highways 12 and 71 · Minnesota State Highways 23 and 40 · Willmar Municipal Airport
- Utilities
- Municipal water · Fiber/broadband
- Major Facilities
- Hospital · Airport
- Outdoor Access
- Yes
- Major Recreation Areas
- Robbins Island Regional Park · Dorothy Olson Aquatic Center · Willmar Civic Center
- Parks & Trails
- 37 parks · Extensive trail network · Glacial Lakes State Trail
- Founded
- 1871
- Incorporated
- 1901
- Named After
- Leon (Chadwick) Willmar, an agent for the European bondholder of the Saint Paul and Pacific Railroad
- Historical Significance
- Willmar has grown from an agricultural and railway hub to a diverse regional center, known for its welcoming community and economic development.
- Key Events
- First settlers arrived in the 1850s · Dakota War of 1862 led to temporary abandonment · Great Northern Railway arrived in 1869, bringing new settlers · Established as county seat in 1871 · Willmar 8 strike of female workers in the late 1970s