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
Big Stone County is a county in Minnesota with a population of 5,152. It ranks #83 among counties in Minnesota by population. The median age is 47.4, older than the national median. The population is 50.7% male and 49.3% female.
The median household income in Big Stone County is $65,475, below the US median of $74,580. 8.0% of residents live below the federal poverty level. Home values sit at a median of $135,700, with monthly rent averaging $718. The homeownership rate of 79.4% is higher than the national rate of 64.8%.
Educational attainment in Big Stone County reflects 21.3% of adults 25 and older holding a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 34.3%. Roughly 8.1% of workers primarily work from home, below the national work-from-home rate of 14.2%. The average commute is 19.4 minutes each way.
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+
Largest cities in Minnesota
Other counties in Minnesota
Part of Minnesota
Metro areas in Minnesota
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.