Dakota County, Minnesota Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 3rd-largest in Minnesota
The population of Dakota County, Minnesota is 442,204 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 3rd-largest county in Minnesota. The median household income is $105,212, the median home value is $362,100, and the median age is 38.4.
The population of Dakota County has grown 13.5% since 2010 (399,214 → 453,156), a +0.91% annualized rate.
442,204
Population
+0.91%
Annual growth
786
People / sq mi
$105,212
Median Income
$362,100
Median Home Value
Dakota County covers 563 sq mi of land at 786.1 people per square mile.
About Dakota County, MN
The poverty rate is what most separates Dakota County from the typical county: 3.3% of residents live below the federal poverty line, against 12.4% nationally. Dakota County is a county in Minnesota with a population of 442,204. It is the #3-largest of all counties in Minnesota nationally.
Households here are among the highest-earning of all US counties: median income is $105,212, above the US median of $78,538. Hardship is rare relative to US counties: a poverty rate of just 3.3%, below the national 12.4%. Real estate commands a premium here — a median home value of $362,100, with typical rent around $1,497.
Dakota County is among the best-educated US counties: 44.6% of adults 25 and older hold a bachelor’s degree, above the national 35.0%. Working from home is common here: 18.9% of workers do so, above the national 14.0%, and the average commute runs about 24 minutes each way.
Dakota County Population History (2010-2024)
The county of Dakota County had a population of 399,214 in 2010 and 453,156 in 2024, a 13.5% growth over 14 years. The peak was 453,156 in 2024. Average annual growth rate: 0.91%.
453,156
Population (2024)
399,214
Population (2010)
453,156
Peak (2024)
0.91%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 399,214 |
| 2011 | 401,804 |
| 2012 | 404,669 |
| 2013 | 407,974 |
| 2014 | 411,821 |
| 2015 | 414,245 |
| 2016 | 417,783 |
| 2017 | 421,840 |
| 2018 | 425,472 |
| 2019 | 429,453 |
| 2020 | 440,436 |
| 2021 | 442,784 |
| 2022 | 443,982 |
| 2023 | 448,495 |
| 2024 | 453,156 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 76.0% |
| Black or African American | 7.3% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 1.4% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Age & Sex
38.4
Median Age
50.4%
Female
49.6%
Male
15.4%
Age 65+
Age Distribution
Children (under 15): 19.9% · Seniors (65+): 15.4%
Income & Poverty
| Median household income | $105,212+$17,656 vs state |
| Mean household income | $129,420 |
| Per-capita income | $50,901 |
| Poverty rate | 3.3%-2.2% vs state |
| Unemployment rate | 2.6% |
| Employment-to-population | 68.9% |
Top Industries by Employment
The largest employment sector in Dakota County is professional & business services, accounting for 22.5% of workers.
How residents commute
1.7%
Drive alone
1.3%
Carpool
69.7%
Public transit
18.9%
Work from home
24.1 min
Avg commute
Housing
$362,100+$56,600 vs state
Median home value
$1,497
Median rent
75.4%
Homeownership rate
176,447
Total housing units
97.3%
Occupied
2.7%
Vacant
24.6%
Renter-occupied
Social & access
96.2%
With health insurance
97.0%
With broadband internet
25.1%
Foreign-born
6.2%
Veterans (18+)
10.3%
With a disability
86.8%
Speak language other than English at home
Education
95.5%
High School+
44.6%
Bachelor's+
Largest cities in Minnesota
Other counties in Minnesota
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County rankings
Common questions about Dakota County, MN
Frequently Asked Questions
Dakota County, Minnesota has a population of 442,204 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 3rd-largest county in Minnesota. Population density is 786 people per square mile.
The population of Dakota County has grown 13.5% since 2010 (399,214 → 453,156), a +0.91% annualized rate.
The median household income in Dakota County, Minnesota is $105,212, with mean (average) household income of $129,420 and per-capita income of $50,901. 3.3% of residents live below the federal poverty level.
In Dakota County, the largest racial and ethnic groups are White (76.0%), Black or African American (7.3%), Hispanic or Latino (1.4%). Figures are from the US Census Bureau's 2023 ACS 5-year estimates and reflect self-reported responses.
The median age in Dakota County, Minnesota is 38.4 years. Residents are 50.4% female and 49.6% male.
The median home value in Dakota County is $362,100 and median monthly rent is $1,497. 75.4% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 176,447 total housing units, 2.7% of which are vacant.
The largest employment sector in Dakota County, Minnesota is professional, scientific, and management services, employing 22.5% of workers. The unemployment rate is 2.6%.
Minneapolis is among the largest cities associated with Dakota County, Minnesota, with a population of 426,845.
Dakota County, MN Climate
Dakota County, MN has an average annual temperature of 7°C (45°F) and receives about 764 mm of precipitation per year. The warmest month is July and the coldest is January. Figures are 1970–2000 climate normals.
7°C
Avg Temp
764
Precip (mm/yr)
Jul
Hottest Month
Jan
Coldest Month
| Month | Avg (°C/°F) | Precip |
|---|---|---|
| January | -11° / 12° | 22 mm |
| February | -7° / 19° | 18 mm |
| March | -1° / 31° | 45 mm |
| April | 8° / 46° | 67 mm |
| May | 15° / 59° | 90 mm |
| June | 20° / 68° | 105 mm |
| July | 22° / 72° | 102 mm |
| August | 21° / 69° | 101 mm |
| September | 16° / 60° | 82 mm |
| October | 9° / 48° | 59 mm |
| November | 0° / 32° | 48 mm |
| December | -8° / 18° | 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 Dakota County, MN
The most comfortable months to visit Dakota County, MN are typically August, July and June, when temperatures are mildest and rainfall is relatively low. The hottest month is July (around 28°C high). The coldest is January (near -16°C low). June is usually the wettest month.
Where to stay near Dakota County
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Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.