Deer River, Minnesota real estate
What should you know about Deer River? It is an incorporated city in western Itasca County with a July 1, 2024 U.S. Census Bureau population estimate of 930, in a part of the county known for lakes and forested land.
Deer River is one of Itasca County’s 21 cities (Itasca County 2025 CHA/CHIP). The U.S. Census Bureau’s July 1, 2024 estimate is 930 residents. People often look here when they want a smaller city in the western part of the county and access to nearby lakes. This page does not invent distances to specific lakes or claim a property is “on the water” unless that is verified for that address.
| Location | Incorporated city in Itasca County, Minnesota, west of Grand Rapids. |
|---|---|
| July 1, 2024 estimate | 930, from the U.S. Census Bureau Vintage 2024 estimates (April 1, 2020 estimates base: 912). |
| Nearby lakes | Itasca County as a whole includes more than 1,400 lakes. Official DNR figures for Deer Lake (a large Itasca County lake; not the same thing as the city) and others are collected on the Area Lakes page. Closest lakes should be confirmed for a given address. |
| Public schools (confirm boundaries) | Deer River Schools (Independent School District 317). Confirm the district for each address. |
City and lakes are not the same search
A home in the city of Deer River is not automatically a home on Deer Lake. If shoreline is the goal, say so on the form and review the Area Lakes hub and lake-homes page.
Frequently asked questions
How many people live in Deer River?
The U.S. Census Bureau’s July 1, 2024 estimate for Deer River city is 930.
Is Deer River the same as Deer Lake?
No. Deer River is a city. Deer Lake is a large Itasca County lake described with official DNR figures on the Area Lakes page. A specific property’s relationship to either should be verified.
Which school district serves Deer River?
Deer River Schools (ISD 317) is the district based here. Confirm boundaries with the district (https://www.isd317.org/en-US).
Sources
- U.S. Census Bureau, Vintage 2024 subcounty population estimates for Minnesota (sub-est2024_27.csv)
- Minnesota Department of Revenue, 2020 Census city population compilation (PDF)
- Itasca County 2025 Community Health Assessment (CHA/CHIP)
- Itasca County official website
- Deer River Schools (ISD 317)
- Minnesota DNR lake survey JSON, Deer Lake (31-0719-00)
