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
Homeownership is the standout figure in Clearwater County: 81.1% of homes are owner-occupied, higher than the national rate. Clearwater County is a county in Minnesota with a population of 8,579.
Median household income is $64,934, below the US median of $78,538. The poverty rate is 7.5%, below the national 12.4%. Median home value is $177,100, with typical rent around $740.
18.3% of adults 25 and older hold a bachelor’s degree, below the national average of 35.0%. Remote work is below the national 14.0% at 7.8%, and the average commute runs about 27 minutes each way.
The ownership rate anchors the housing story in Clearwater County, and tends to move with the age structure and home-value figures above.
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+
Largest cities in Minnesota
Other counties in Minnesota
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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.
Clearwater County, MN Climate
Clearwater County, MN has an average annual temperature of 3.4°C (38°F) and receives about 630 mm of precipitation per year. The warmest month is July and the coldest is January. Figures are 1970–2000 climate normals.
3.4°C
Avg Temp
630
Precip (mm/yr)
Jul
Hottest Month
Jan
Coldest Month
| Month | Avg (°C/°F) | Precip |
|---|---|---|
| January | -16° / 3° | 17 mm |
| February | -12° / 10° | 13 mm |
| March | -5° / 24° | 26 mm |
| April | 4° / 40° | 40 mm |
| May | 12° / 54° | 71 mm |
| June | 17° / 62° | 104 mm |
| July | 20° / 67° | 97 mm |
| August | 19° / 65° | 89 mm |
| September | 13° / 55° | 73 mm |
| October | 6° / 43° | 59 mm |
| November | -4° / 25° | 25 mm |
| December | -12° / 10° | 16 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 Clearwater County, MN
The most comfortable months to visit Clearwater 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 -22°C low). June is usually the wettest month.
Where to stay near Clearwater County
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Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.