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 a county in Minnesota with a population of 18,768. It ranks #51 among counties in Minnesota by population. The median age is 45.0, older than the national median. The population is 50.3% male and 49.7% female.
The median household income in Houston County is $77,087, near the US median of $74,580. 3.1% of residents live below the federal poverty level. Home values sit at a median of $226,300, with monthly rent averaging $881. The homeownership rate of 84.1% is higher than the national rate of 64.8%.
Educational attainment in Houston County reflects 28.0% of adults 25 and older holding a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 34.3%. Roughly 11.5% of workers primarily work from home, similar to the national work-from-home rate of 14.2%. The average commute is 24.4 minutes each way.
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.
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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.