Lake County, Minnesota Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 66th-largest in Minnesota
The population of Lake County, Minnesota is 10,911 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 66th-largest county in Minnesota. The median household income is $75,621, the median home value is $222,900, and the median age is 49.6.
The population of Lake County has declined 1.4% since 2010 (10,854 → 10,698), a -0.10% annualized rate.
10,911
Population
-0.10%
Annual growth
5
People / sq mi
$75,621
Median Income
$222,900
Median Home Value
Lake County covers 2,109 sq mi of land at 5.2 people per square mile.
About Lake County, MN
Homeownership is the standout figure in Lake County: 84.0% of homes are owner-occupied, higher than the national rate. With 10,911 residents, Lake County is a county in Minnesota.
Households take in a median $75,621, comfortably near the US median of $78,538. Poverty is relatively low for US counties at 4.7%, below the national 12.4%. Homes carry a median value of $222,900, with typical rent around $1,026.
Degree attainment is mid-range for US counties: 25.8% of adults hold a four-year degree, below the national 35.0%. A solid 10.9% of workers are based at home, below the national 14.0%, and the average commute runs about 24 minutes each way.
The ownership rate anchors the housing story in Lake County, and tends to move with the age structure and home-value figures above.
Lake County Population History (2010-2024)
The county of Lake County had a population of 10,854 in 2010 and 10,698 in 2024, a -1.4% growth over 14 years. The peak was 11,006 in 2021. Average annual growth rate: -0.10%.
10,698
Population (2024)
10,854
Population (2010)
11,006
Peak (2021)
-0.10%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 10,854 |
| 2011 | 10,779 |
| 2012 | 10,792 |
| 2013 | 10,706 |
| 2014 | 10,602 |
| 2015 | 10,540 |
| 2016 | 10,501 |
| 2017 | 10,481 |
| 2018 | 10,609 |
| 2019 | 10,625 |
| 2020 | 10,911 |
| 2021 | 11,006 |
| 2022 | 10,919 |
| 2023 | 10,861 |
| 2024 | 10,698 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 95.5% |
| Black or African American | 0.4% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 2.1% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Age & Sex
49.6
Median Age
48.0%
Female
52.0%
Male
27.3%
Age 65+
Age Distribution
Children (under 15): 15.6% · Seniors (65+): 27.3%
Income & Poverty
| Median household income | $75,621$-11,935 vs state |
| Mean household income | $87,480 |
| Per-capita income | $40,666 |
| Poverty rate | 4.7%-0.8% vs state |
| Unemployment rate | 1.3% |
| Employment-to-population | 54.4% |
Top Industries by Employment
The largest employment sector in Lake County is professional & business services, accounting for 20.4% of workers.
How residents commute
0.4%
Drive alone
4.2%
Carpool
77.5%
Public transit
10.9%
Work from home
24.0 min
Avg commute
Housing
$222,900$-82,600 vs state
Median home value
$1,026
Median rent
84.0%
Homeownership rate
7,405
Total housing units
67.9%
Occupied
32.1%
Vacant
16.0%
Renter-occupied
Social & access
95.1%
With health insurance
91.6%
With broadband internet
22.9%
Foreign-born
7.9%
Veterans (18+)
15.9%
With a disability
98.6%
Speak language other than English at home
Education
93.2%
High School+
25.8%
Bachelor's+
Largest cities in Minnesota
Other counties in Minnesota
Part of Minnesota
Metro areas in Minnesota
County rankings
Frequently Asked Questions
Lake County, Minnesota has a population of 10,911 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 66th-largest county in Minnesota. Population density is 5 people per square mile.
The population of Lake County has declined 1.4% since 2010 (10,854 → 10,698), a -0.10% annualized rate.
The median household income in Lake County, Minnesota is $75,621, with mean (average) household income of $87,480 and per-capita income of $40,666. 4.7% of residents live below the federal poverty level.
In Lake County, the largest racial and ethnic groups are White (95.5%), Hispanic or Latino (2.1%), 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 Lake County, Minnesota is 49.6 years. Residents are 48.0% female and 52.0% male.
The median home value in Lake County is $222,900 and median monthly rent is $1,026. 84.0% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 7,405 total housing units, 32.1% of which are vacant.
The largest employment sector in Lake County, Minnesota is professional, scientific, and management services, employing 20.4% of workers. The unemployment rate is 1.3%.
Minneapolis is among the largest cities associated with Lake County, Minnesota, with a population of 426,845.
Lake County, MN Climate
Lake County, MN has an average annual temperature of 2.2°C (36°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.
2.2°C
Avg Temp
764
Precip (mm/yr)
Jul
Hottest Month
Jan
Coldest Month
| Month | Avg (°C/°F) | Precip |
|---|---|---|
| January | -15° / 4° | 31 mm |
| February | -13° / 9° | 19 mm |
| March | -6° / 21° | 42 mm |
| April | 1° / 35° | 57 mm |
| May | 9° / 48° | 79 mm |
| June | 14° / 58° | 105 mm |
| July | 17° / 63° | 92 mm |
| August | 16° / 61° | 100 mm |
| September | 11° / 53° | 93 mm |
| October | 5° / 41° | 72 mm |
| November | -3° / 27° | 43 mm |
| December | -11° / 12° | 31 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 Lake County, MN
The most comfortable months to visit Lake County, MN are typically July, August and June, when temperatures are mildest and rainfall is relatively low. The hottest month is July (around 24°C high). The coldest is January (near -22°C low). June is usually the wettest month.
Where to stay near Lake County
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Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.