Houston County, Minnesota Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 51st-largest in Minnesota
The population of Houston County, Minnesota is 18,768 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 51st-largest county in Minnesota. The median household income is $77,087, the median home value is $226,300, and the median age is 45.0.
The population of Houston County has declined 3.5% since 2010 (19,027 → 18,352), a -0.26% annualized rate.
18,768
Population
-0.26%
Annual growth
34
People / sq mi
$77,087
Median Income
$226,300
Median Home Value
Houston County covers 552 sq mi of land at 34.0 people per square mile.
About Houston County, MN
Houston County is distinguished by its share of foreign-born residents, 66.8% of the population. With 18,768 residents, Houston County is a county in Minnesota.
The typical household earns $77,087 a year, near the US median of $78,538. Poverty is among the lowest of comparable US counties, at 3.1% — below the national 12.4%. The median home value is $226,300, with typical rent around $881.
About 28.0% of adults 25 and older have a bachelor’s degree, below the 35.0% national figure. About 11.5% of workers primarily work from home, below the national 14.0%, and the average commute runs about 24 minutes each way.
The large foreign-born share is a defining thread in Houston County, shaping language, household composition, and the labor force behind the economic figures above.
Houston County Population History (2010-2024)
The county of Houston County had a population of 19,027 in 2010 and 18,352 in 2024, a -3.5% growth over 14 years. The peak was 19,027 in 2010. Average annual growth rate: -0.26%.
18,352
Population (2024)
19,027
Population (2010)
19,027
Peak (2010)
-0.26%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 19,027 |
| 2011 | 18,877 |
| 2012 | 18,766 |
| 2013 | 18,780 |
| 2014 | 18,707 |
| 2015 | 18,695 |
| 2016 | 18,740 |
| 2017 | 18,705 |
| 2018 | 18,608 |
| 2019 | 18,667 |
| 2020 | 18,823 |
| 2021 | 18,796 |
| 2022 | 18,715 |
| 2023 | 18,577 |
| 2024 | 18,352 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 94.0% |
| Black or African American | 0.4% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 0.9% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Age & Sex
45.0
Median Age
49.7%
Female
50.3%
Male
23.2%
Age 65+
Age Distribution
Children (under 15): 17.6% · Seniors (65+): 23.2%
Income & Poverty
| Median household income | $77,087$-10,469 vs state |
| Mean household income | $95,566 |
| Per-capita income | $41,820 |
| Poverty rate | 3.1%-2.4% vs state |
| Unemployment rate | 1.2% |
| Employment-to-population | 63.9% |
Top Industries by Employment
The largest employment sector in Houston County is professional & business services, accounting for 26.9% of workers.
How residents commute
0.8%
Drive alone
2.0%
Carpool
76.5%
Public transit
11.5%
Work from home
24.4 min
Avg commute
Housing
$226,300$-79,200 vs state
Median home value
$881
Median rent
84.1%
Homeownership rate
8,755
Total housing units
92.2%
Occupied
7.8%
Vacant
15.9%
Renter-occupied
Social & access
96.3%
With health insurance
92.3%
With broadband internet
66.8%
Foreign-born
6.8%
Veterans (18+)
11.0%
With a disability
96.5%
Speak language other than English at home
Education
94.4%
High School+
28.0%
Bachelor's+
Largest cities in Minnesota
Other counties in Minnesota
Part of Minnesota
Metro areas in Minnesota
County rankings
Frequently Asked Questions
Houston County, Minnesota has a population of 18,768 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 51st-largest county in Minnesota. Population density is 34 people per square mile.
The population of Houston County has declined 3.5% since 2010 (19,027 → 18,352), a -0.26% annualized rate.
The median household income in Houston County, Minnesota is $77,087, with mean (average) household income of $95,566 and per-capita income of $41,820. 3.1% of residents live below the federal poverty level.
In Houston County, the largest racial and ethnic groups are White (94.0%), Hispanic or Latino (0.9%), Black or African American (0.4%). Figures are from the US Census Bureau's 2023 ACS 5-year estimates and reflect self-reported responses.
The median age in Houston County, Minnesota is 45.0 years. Residents are 49.7% female and 50.3% male.
The median home value in Houston County is $226,300 and median monthly rent is $881. 84.1% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 8,755 total housing units, 7.8% of which are vacant.
The largest employment sector in Houston County, Minnesota is professional, scientific, and management services, employing 26.9% of workers. The unemployment rate is 1.2%.
Minneapolis is among the largest cities associated with Houston County, Minnesota, with a population of 426,845.
More from Minnesota
Population 1,268,903
Population 544,438
Population 442,204
Population 367,095
Full rankings of Minnesota counties
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.