Clearwater County, Minnesota Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 74th-largest in Minnesota
The population of Clearwater County, Minnesota is 8,579 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 74th-largest county in Minnesota. The median household income is $64,934, the median home value is $177,100, and the median age is 41.8.
The population of Clearwater County has declined 0.9% since 2010 (8,705 → 8,630), a -0.06% annualized rate.
8,579
Population
-0.06%
Annual growth
9
People / sq mi
$64,934
Median Income
$177,100
Median Home Value
Clearwater County covers 999 sq mi of land at 8.6 people per square mile.
About Clearwater County, MN
Clearwater County is a county in Minnesota with a population of 8,579. It ranks #74 among counties in Minnesota by population. The median age is 41.8, older than the national median. The population is 50.9% male and 49.1% female.
The median household income in Clearwater County is $64,934, below the US median of $74,580. 7.5% of residents live below the federal poverty level. Home values sit at a median of $177,100, with monthly rent averaging $740. The homeownership rate of 81.1% is higher than the national rate of 64.8%.
Educational attainment in Clearwater County reflects 18.3% of adults 25 and older holding a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 34.3%. Roughly 7.8% of workers primarily work from home, below the national work-from-home rate of 14.2%. The average commute is 26.5 minutes each way.
Clearwater County Population History (2010-2024)
The county of Clearwater County had a population of 8,705 in 2010 and 8,630 in 2024, a -0.9% growth over 14 years. The peak was 8,843 in 2019. Average annual growth rate: -0.06%.
8,630
Population (2024)
8,705
Population (2010)
8,843
Peak (2019)
-0.06%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 8,705 |
| 2011 | 8,723 |
| 2012 | 8,679 |
| 2013 | 8,784 |
| 2014 | 8,787 |
| 2015 | 8,794 |
| 2016 | 8,838 |
| 2017 | 8,842 |
| 2018 | 8,815 |
| 2019 | 8,843 |
| 2020 | 8,566 |
| 2021 | 8,568 |
| 2022 | 8,636 |
| 2023 | 8,680 |
| 2024 | 8,630 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 84.5% |
| Black or African American | 0.2% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 12.8% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Age & Sex
41.8
Median Age
49.1%
Female
50.9%
Male
20.9%
Age 65+
Age Distribution
Children (under 15): 20.4% · Seniors (65+): 20.9%
Income & Poverty
| Median household income | $64,934$-22,622 vs state |
| Mean household income | $82,595 |
| Per-capita income | $32,682 |
| Poverty rate | 7.5%+2.0% vs state |
| Unemployment rate | 4.3% |
| Employment-to-population | 54.1% |
Top Industries by Employment
The largest employment sector in Clearwater County is professional & business services, accounting for 27.1% of workers.
How residents commute
0.6%
Drive alone
4.4%
Carpool
77.1%
Public transit
7.8%
Work from home
26.5 min
Avg commute
Housing
$177,100$-128,400 vs state
Median home value
$740
Median rent
81.1%
Homeownership rate
4,449
Total housing units
72.9%
Occupied
27.1%
Vacant
18.9%
Renter-occupied
Social & access
87.6%
With health insurance
89.2%
With broadband internet
18.9%
Foreign-born
9.2%
Veterans (18+)
17.1%
With a disability
93.7%
Speak language other than English at home
Education
88.5%
High School+
18.3%
Bachelor's+
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Part of Minnesota
Metro areas in Minnesota
County rankings
Frequently Asked Questions
Clearwater County, Minnesota has a population of 8,579 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 74th-largest county in Minnesota. Population density is 9 people per square mile.
The population of Clearwater County has declined 0.9% since 2010 (8,705 → 8,630), a -0.06% annualized rate.
The median household income in Clearwater County, Minnesota is $64,934, with mean (average) household income of $82,595 and per-capita income of $32,682. 7.5% of residents live below the federal poverty level.
In Clearwater County, the largest racial and ethnic groups are White (84.5%), Hispanic or Latino (12.8%), 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 Clearwater County, Minnesota is 41.8 years. Residents are 49.1% female and 50.9% male.
The median home value in Clearwater County is $177,100 and median monthly rent is $740. 81.1% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 4,449 total housing units, 27.1% of which are vacant.
The largest employment sector in Clearwater County, Minnesota is professional, scientific, and management services, employing 27.1% of workers. The unemployment rate is 4.3%.
Minneapolis is among the largest cities associated with Clearwater 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.