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
Homeownership is the standout figure in Kanabec County: 83.8% of homes are owner-occupied, higher than the national rate. With 16,261 residents, Kanabec County is a county in Minnesota.
The typical household earns $71,915 a year, below the US median of $78,538. The poverty rate, 5.6%, is on the lower side for US counties and below the national 12.4%. Homes carry a median value of $221,100, with typical rent around $1,003.
Fewer adults hold degrees here than in most comparable places — 15.8%, below the national 35.0%. Around 8.4% of workers work from home, below the national 14.0%, and the average commute runs about 33 minutes each way.
The ownership rate anchors the housing story in Kanabec County, and tends to move with the age structure and home-value figures above.
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.
Kanabec County, MN Climate
Kanabec County, MN has an average annual temperature of 5.1°C (41°F) and receives about 732 mm of precipitation per year. The warmest month is July and the coldest is January. Figures are 1970–2000 climate normals.
5.1°C
Avg Temp
732
Precip (mm/yr)
Jul
Hottest Month
Jan
Coldest Month
| Month | Avg (°C/°F) | Precip |
|---|---|---|
| January | -14° / 8° | 21 mm |
| February | -9° / 15° | 17 mm |
| March | -2° / 28° | 41 mm |
| April | 6° / 43° | 56 mm |
| May | 13° / 56° | 82 mm |
| June | 18° / 64° | 104 mm |
| July | 20° / 69° | 103 mm |
| August | 19° / 66° | 98 mm |
| September | 14° / 57° | 78 mm |
| October | 8° / 46° | 64 mm |
| November | -2° / 29° | 45 mm |
| December | -10° / 14° | 23 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 Kanabec County, MN
The most comfortable months to visit Kanabec County, MN are typically July, August and June, when temperatures are mildest and rainfall is relatively low. The hottest month is July (around 27°C high). The coldest is January (near -20°C low). June is usually the wettest month.
Where to stay near Kanabec County
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Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.