Kanabec County, Minnesota Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 52nd-largest in Minnesota
The population of Kanabec County, Minnesota is 16,261 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 52nd-largest county in Minnesota. The median household income is $71,915, the median home value is $221,100, and the median age is 44.5.
The population of Kanabec County has grown 2.4% since 2010 (16,217 → 16,608), a +0.17% annualized rate.
16,261
Population
+0.17%
Annual growth
31
People / sq mi
$71,915
Median Income
$221,100
Median Home Value
Kanabec County covers 522 sq mi of land at 31.2 people per square mile.
About Kanabec County, MN
Kanabec County is a county in Minnesota with a population of 16,261. It ranks #52 among counties in Minnesota by population. The median age is 44.5, older than the national median. The population is 50.2% male and 49.8% female.
The median household income in Kanabec County is $71,915, near the US median of $74,580. 5.6% of residents live below the federal poverty level. Home values sit at a median of $221,100, with monthly rent averaging $1,003. The homeownership rate of 83.8% is higher than the national rate of 64.8%.
Educational attainment in Kanabec County reflects 15.8% of adults 25 and older holding a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 34.3%. Roughly 8.4% of workers primarily work from home, below the national work-from-home rate of 14.2%. The average commute is 32.6 minutes each way.
Kanabec County Population History (2010-2024)
The county of Kanabec County had a population of 16,217 in 2010 and 16,608 in 2024, a 2.4% growth over 14 years. The peak was 16,639 in 2023. Average annual growth rate: 0.18%.
16,608
Population (2024)
16,217
Population (2010)
16,639
Peak (2023)
0.18%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 16,217 |
| 2011 | 16,227 |
| 2012 | 15,977 |
| 2013 | 16,015 |
| 2014 | 15,978 |
| 2015 | 15,895 |
| 2016 | 15,896 |
| 2017 | 16,069 |
| 2018 | 16,288 |
| 2019 | 16,357 |
| 2020 | 16,058 |
| 2021 | 16,179 |
| 2022 | 16,465 |
| 2023 | 16,639 |
| 2024 | 16,608 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 94.5% |
| Black or African American | 0.5% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 1.9% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Age & Sex
44.5
Median Age
49.8%
Female
50.2%
Male
21.5%
Age 65+
Age Distribution
Children (under 15): 17.2% · Seniors (65+): 21.5%
Income & Poverty
| Median household income | $71,915$-15,641 vs state |
| Mean household income | $87,243 |
| Per-capita income | $35,290 |
| Poverty rate | 5.6%+0.1% vs state |
| Unemployment rate | 2.9% |
| Employment-to-population | 57.0% |
Top Industries by Employment
The largest employment sector in Kanabec County is professional & business services, accounting for 23.8% of workers.
How residents commute
0.5%
Drive alone
3.5%
Carpool
77.3%
Public transit
8.4%
Work from home
32.6 min
Avg commute
Housing
$221,100$-84,400 vs state
Median home value
$1,003
Median rent
83.8%
Homeownership rate
7,793
Total housing units
83.1%
Occupied
16.9%
Vacant
16.2%
Renter-occupied
Social & access
95.0%
With health insurance
89.8%
With broadband internet
15.0%
Foreign-born
9.8%
Veterans (18+)
16.0%
With a disability
97.2%
Speak language other than English at home
Education
91.2%
High School+
15.8%
Bachelor's+
Largest cities in Minnesota
Other counties in Minnesota
Part of Minnesota
Metro areas in Minnesota
County rankings
Frequently Asked Questions
Kanabec County, Minnesota has a population of 16,261 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 52nd-largest county in Minnesota. Population density is 31 people per square mile.
The population of Kanabec County has grown 2.4% since 2010 (16,217 → 16,608), a +0.17% annualized rate.
The median household income in Kanabec County, Minnesota is $71,915, with mean (average) household income of $87,243 and per-capita income of $35,290. 5.6% of residents live below the federal poverty level.
In Kanabec County, the largest racial and ethnic groups are White (94.5%), Hispanic or Latino (1.9%), Black or African American (0.5%). Figures are from the US Census Bureau's 2023 ACS 5-year estimates and reflect self-reported responses.
The median age in Kanabec County, Minnesota is 44.5 years. Residents are 49.8% female and 50.2% male.
The median home value in Kanabec County is $221,100 and median monthly rent is $1,003. 83.8% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 7,793 total housing units, 16.9% of which are vacant.
The largest employment sector in Kanabec County, Minnesota is professional, scientific, and management services, employing 23.8% of workers. The unemployment rate is 2.9%.
Minneapolis is among the largest cities associated with Kanabec 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.