Carlton County, Minnesota Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 30th-largest in Minnesota
The population of Carlton County, Minnesota is 36,457 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 30th-largest county in Minnesota. The median household income is $80,042, the median home value is $232,000, and the median age is 41.7.
The population of Carlton County has grown 3.8% since 2010 (35,413 → 36,745), a +0.26% annualized rate.
36,457
Population
+0.26%
Annual growth
42
People / sq mi
$80,042
Median Income
$232,000
Median Home Value
Carlton County covers 861 sq mi of land at 42.3 people per square mile.
About Carlton County, MN
What sets Carlton County apart is money: median household income runs $80,042, near the US median of $78,538. With 36,457 residents, Carlton County is a county in Minnesota. It ranks #30 among counties in Minnesota by population.
Median household income is $80,042, near the US median of $78,538. The poverty rate, 6.0%, is on the lower side for US counties and below the national 12.4%. Home values run above average at $232,000, with typical rent around $967.
Degree attainment is mid-range for US counties: 25.5% of adults hold a four-year degree, below the national 35.0%. Around 8.6% of workers work from home, below the national 14.0%, and the average commute runs about 22 minutes each way.
Taken together, the income and housing figures place Carlton County firmly in the higher-cost, higher-earning tier of US counties — a profile that tends to track dense job markets and competitive housing.
Carlton County Population History (2010-2024)
The county of Carlton County had a population of 35,413 in 2010 and 36,745 in 2024, a 3.8% growth over 14 years. The peak was 36,745 in 2024. Average annual growth rate: 0.26%.
36,745
Population (2024)
35,413
Population (2010)
36,745
Peak (2024)
0.26%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 35,413 |
| 2011 | 35,436 |
| 2012 | 35,264 |
| 2013 | 35,265 |
| 2014 | 35,357 |
| 2015 | 35,400 |
| 2016 | 35,550 |
| 2017 | 35,498 |
| 2018 | 35,816 |
| 2019 | 35,913 |
| 2020 | 36,187 |
| 2021 | 36,442 |
| 2022 | 36,501 |
| 2023 | 36,717 |
| 2024 | 36,745 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 88.0% |
| Black or African American | 2.1% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 7.1% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Age & Sex
41.7
Median Age
47.0%
Female
53.0%
Male
18.2%
Age 65+
Age Distribution
Children (under 15): 17.8% · Seniors (65+): 18.2%
Income & Poverty
| Median household income | $80,042$-7,514 vs state |
| Mean household income | $95,960 |
| Per-capita income | $37,608 |
| Poverty rate | 6.0%+0.5% vs state |
| Unemployment rate | 2.4% |
| Employment-to-population | 57.5% |
Top Industries by Employment
The largest employment sector in Carlton County is professional & business services, accounting for 29.6% of workers.
How residents commute
0.3%
Drive alone
1.9%
Carpool
80.0%
Public transit
8.6%
Work from home
21.5 min
Avg commute
Housing
$232,000$-73,500 vs state
Median home value
$967
Median rent
79.4%
Homeownership rate
15,830
Total housing units
88.3%
Occupied
11.7%
Vacant
20.6%
Renter-occupied
Social & access
95.2%
With health insurance
94.1%
With broadband internet
17.4%
Foreign-born
7.9%
Veterans (18+)
15.6%
With a disability
96.7%
Speak language other than English at home
Education
93.5%
High School+
25.5%
Bachelor's+
Largest cities in Minnesota
Other counties in Minnesota
Part of Minnesota
Metro areas in Minnesota
County rankings
Frequently Asked Questions
Carlton County, Minnesota has a population of 36,457 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 30th-largest county in Minnesota. Population density is 42 people per square mile.
The population of Carlton County has grown 3.8% since 2010 (35,413 → 36,745), a +0.26% annualized rate.
The median household income in Carlton County, Minnesota is $80,042, with mean (average) household income of $95,960 and per-capita income of $37,608. 6.0% of residents live below the federal poverty level.
In Carlton County, the largest racial and ethnic groups are White (88.0%), Hispanic or Latino (7.1%), Black or African American (2.1%). Figures are from the US Census Bureau's 2023 ACS 5-year estimates and reflect self-reported responses.
The median age in Carlton County, Minnesota is 41.7 years. Residents are 47.0% female and 53.0% male.
The median home value in Carlton County is $232,000 and median monthly rent is $967. 79.4% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 15,830 total housing units, 11.7% of which are vacant.
The largest employment sector in Carlton County, Minnesota is professional, scientific, and management services, employing 29.6% of workers. The unemployment rate is 2.4%.
Minneapolis is among the largest cities associated with Carlton County, Minnesota, with a population of 426,845.
Carlton County, MN Climate
Carlton County, MN has an average annual temperature of 4.1°C (39°F) and receives about 760 mm of precipitation per year. The warmest month is July and the coldest is January. Figures are 1970–2000 climate normals.
4.1°C
Avg Temp
760
Precip (mm/yr)
Jul
Hottest Month
Jan
Coldest Month
| Month | Avg (°C/°F) | Precip |
|---|---|---|
| January | -14° / 7° | 25 mm |
| February | -10° / 14° | 17 mm |
| March | -4° / 25° | 39 mm |
| April | 4° / 40° | 52 mm |
| May | 11° / 52° | 81 mm |
| June | 16° / 61° | 109 mm |
| July | 19° / 66° | 104 mm |
| August | 18° / 65° | 103 mm |
| September | 13° / 56° | 93 mm |
| October | 7° / 44° | 67 mm |
| November | -2° / 28° | 45 mm |
| December | -10° / 13° | 25 mm |
1970–2000 normals from WorldClim 2.1 (~9 km grid). Precipitation can be less precise near mountains or coastlines, where rainfall varies sharply over short distances.
Best time to visit Carlton County, MN
The most comfortable months to visit Carlton County, MN are typically July, August and June, when temperatures are mildest and rainfall is relatively low. The hottest month is July (around 26°C high). The coldest is January (near -20°C low). June is usually the wettest month.
Where to stay near Carlton County
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Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.