Big Stone County, Minnesota Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 83rd-largest in Minnesota
The population of Big Stone County, Minnesota is 5,152 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 83rd-largest county in Minnesota. The median household income is $65,475, the median home value is $135,700, and the median age is 47.4.
The population of Big Stone County has declined 3.9% since 2010 (5,273 → 5,067), a -0.28% annualized rate.
5,152
Population
-0.28%
Annual growth
10
People / sq mi
$65,475
Median Income
$135,700
Median Home Value
Big Stone County covers 499 sq mi of land at 10.3 people per square mile.
About Big Stone County, MN
Age is the most distinctive thing about Big Stone County: a median age of 47.4, older than the national median. Big Stone County is a county in Minnesota with a population of 5,152.
Median household income is $65,475, below the US median of $78,538. About 8.0% of residents live below the federal poverty level, below the national 12.4%. Homes are comparatively cheap — a median value of $135,700, with typical rent around $718.
Degree attainment is mid-range for US counties: 21.3% of adults hold a four-year degree, below the national 35.0%. Remote work is below the national 14.0% at 8.1%, and the average commute runs about 19 minutes each way.
The age structure shapes everything downstream in Big Stone County — from housing demand to the mix of working-age earners reflected in the income figures above.
Big Stone County Population History (2010-2024)
The county of Big Stone County had a population of 5,273 in 2010 and 5,067 in 2024, a -3.9% growth over 14 years. The peak was 5,273 in 2010. Average annual growth rate: -0.28%.
5,067
Population (2024)
5,273
Population (2010)
5,273
Peak (2010)
-0.28%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 5,273 |
| 2011 | 5,206 |
| 2012 | 5,134 |
| 2013 | 5,069 |
| 2014 | 5,086 |
| 2015 | 4,993 |
| 2016 | 5,003 |
| 2017 | 5,003 |
| 2018 | 4,973 |
| 2019 | 4,967 |
| 2020 | 5,160 |
| 2021 | 5,169 |
| 2022 | 5,145 |
| 2023 | 5,095 |
| 2024 | 5,067 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 94.9% |
| Black or African American | 0.2% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 1.0% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Age & Sex
47.4
Median Age
49.3%
Female
50.7%
Male
26.5%
Age 65+
Age Distribution
Children (under 15): 18.5% · Seniors (65+): 26.5%
Income & Poverty
| Median household income | $65,475$-22,081 vs state |
| Mean household income | $84,183 |
| Per-capita income | $36,923 |
| Poverty rate | 8.0%+2.5% vs state |
| Unemployment rate | 1.7% |
| Employment-to-population | 55.3% |
Top Industries by Employment
The largest employment sector in Big Stone County is professional & business services, accounting for 36.5% of workers.
How residents commute
1.3%
Drive alone
5.4%
Carpool
74.3%
Public transit
8.1%
Work from home
19.4 min
Avg commute
Housing
$135,700$-169,800 vs state
Median home value
$718
Median rent
79.4%
Homeownership rate
2,984
Total housing units
73.0%
Occupied
27.0%
Vacant
20.6%
Renter-occupied
Social & access
96.6%
With health insurance
93.5%
With broadband internet
21.8%
Foreign-born
7.4%
Veterans (18+)
13.8%
With a disability
96.4%
Speak language other than English at home
Education
93.3%
High School+
21.3%
Bachelor's+
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County rankings
Frequently Asked Questions
Big Stone County, Minnesota has a population of 5,152 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 83rd-largest county in Minnesota. Population density is 10 people per square mile.
The population of Big Stone County has declined 3.9% since 2010 (5,273 → 5,067), a -0.28% annualized rate.
The median household income in Big Stone County, Minnesota is $65,475, with mean (average) household income of $84,183 and per-capita income of $36,923. 8.0% of residents live below the federal poverty level.
In Big Stone County, the largest racial and ethnic groups are White (94.9%), Hispanic or Latino (1.0%), Black or African American (0.2%). Figures are from the US Census Bureau's 2023 ACS 5-year estimates and reflect self-reported responses.
The median age in Big Stone County, Minnesota is 47.4 years. Residents are 49.3% female and 50.7% male.
The median home value in Big Stone County is $135,700 and median monthly rent is $718. 79.4% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 2,984 total housing units, 27.0% of which are vacant.
The largest employment sector in Big Stone County, Minnesota is professional, scientific, and management services, employing 36.5% of workers. The unemployment rate is 1.7%.
Minneapolis is among the largest cities associated with Big Stone County, Minnesota, with a population of 426,845.
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Statewide data for Minnesota
Population, race, income, age, and trends across Minnesota
Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.