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Population Review

Aitkin County, Minnesota Population 2026

Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 53rd-largest in Minnesota

The population of Aitkin County, Minnesota is 15,930 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 53rd-largest county in Minnesota. The median household income is $59,498, the median home value is $235,100, and the median age is 56.5.

The population of Aitkin County has grown 0.8% since 2010 (16,212 → 16,335), a +0.05% annualized rate.

Aitkin County within Minnesota · Source: US Census TIGER/Line via us-atlas

15,930

Population

+0.05%

Annual growth

9

People / sq mi

$59,498

Median Income

$235,100

Median Home Value

Aitkin County covers 1,821 sq mi of land at 8.7 people per square mile.

About Aitkin County, MN

Aitkin County is a county in Minnesota with a population of 15,930. It ranks #53 among counties in Minnesota by population. The median age is 56.5, older than the national median. The population is 50.4% male and 49.6% female.

The median household income in Aitkin County is $59,498, below the US median of $74,580. 7.6% of residents live below the federal poverty level. Home values sit at a median of $235,100, with monthly rent averaging $912. The homeownership rate of 85.3% is higher than the national rate of 64.8%.

Educational attainment in Aitkin County reflects 19.0% of adults 25 and older holding a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 34.3%. Roughly 12.0% of workers primarily work from home, similar to the national work-from-home rate of 14.2%. The average commute is 28.9 minutes each way.

Aitkin County Population History (2010-2024)

The county of Aitkin County had a population of 16,212 in 2010 and 16,335 in 2024, a 0.8% growth over 14 years. The peak was 16,335 in 2024. Average annual growth rate: 0.06%.

2024 · 16K20102024

16,335

Population (2024)

16,212

Population (2010)

16,335

Peak (2024)

0.06%

Avg Annual Growth

YearPopulation
201016,212
201116,170
201216,038
201315,874
201415,852
201515,857
201615,755
201715,798
201815,886
201915,841
202015,714
202115,951
202216,142
202316,139
202416,335

Race & Ethnicity

White93.5%
Black or African American0.7%
Asian0.1%
Hispanic or Latino (any race)3.1%
Two or More Races0.0%

Age & Sex

56.5

Median Age

49.6%

Female

50.4%

Male

33.9%

Age 65+

Age Distribution

Under 5
3.7%
5–9
4.0%
10–14
5.0%
15–19
4.9%
20–24
3.9%
25–34
7.3%
35–44
8.8%
45–54
10.0%
55–59
8.9%
60–64
9.7%
65–74
19.4%
75–84
10.5%
85+
4.0%

Children (under 15): 12.7% · Seniors (65+): 33.9%

Income & Poverty

Median household income$59,498$-28,058 vs state
Mean household income$75,979
Per-capita income$35,185
Poverty rate7.6%+2.1% vs state
Unemployment rate2.8%
Employment-to-population45.4%

Top Industries by Employment

Professional & business services
22.8%
Construction
12.2%
Education & health care
10.5%
Manufacturing
9.7%
Finance & real estate
6.7%
Public administration
5.7%
Retail trade
5.0%
Arts, entertainment & food
5.0%

The largest employment sector in Aitkin County is professional & business services, accounting for 22.8% of workers.

How residents commute

0.0%

Drive alone

2.4%

Carpool

75.4%

Public transit

12.0%

Work from home

28.9 min

Avg commute

Housing

$235,100$-70,400 vs state

Median home value

$912

Median rent

85.3%

Homeownership rate

14,203

Total housing units

48.8%

Occupied

51.2%

Vacant

14.7%

Renter-occupied

Social & access

94.5%

With health insurance

90.4%

With broadband internet

18.5%

Foreign-born

10.5%

Veterans (18+)

20.2%

With a disability

98.5%

Speak language other than English at home

Education

93.6%

High School+

19.0%

Bachelor's+

Largest cities in Minnesota

Other counties in Minnesota

Part of Minnesota

Metro areas in Minnesota

County rankings

Frequently Asked Questions

Aitkin County, Minnesota has a population of 15,930 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 53rd-largest county in Minnesota. Population density is 9 people per square mile.

The population of Aitkin County has grown 0.8% since 2010 (16,212 → 16,335), a +0.05% annualized rate.

The median household income in Aitkin County, Minnesota is $59,498, with mean (average) household income of $75,979 and per-capita income of $35,185. 7.6% of residents live below the federal poverty level.

In Aitkin County, the largest racial and ethnic groups are White (93.5%), Hispanic or Latino (3.1%), Black or African American (0.7%). Figures are from the US Census Bureau's 2023 ACS 5-year estimates and reflect self-reported responses.

The median age in Aitkin County, Minnesota is 56.5 years. Residents are 49.6% female and 50.4% male.

The median home value in Aitkin County is $235,100 and median monthly rent is $912. 85.3% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 14,203 total housing units, 51.2% of which are vacant.

The largest employment sector in Aitkin County, Minnesota is professional, scientific, and management services, employing 22.8% of workers. The unemployment rate is 2.8%.

Minneapolis is among the largest cities associated with Aitkin County, Minnesota, with a population of 426,845.

Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.

Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.