Lake of the Woods County, Minnesota Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 86th-largest in Minnesota
The population of Lake of the Woods County, Minnesota is 3,800 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 86th-largest county in Minnesota. The median household income is $70,091, the median home value is $215,000, and the median age is 50.8.
The population of Lake of the Woods County has declined 5.9% since 2010 (4,035 → 3,797), a -0.43% annualized rate.
3,800
Population
-0.43%
Annual growth
3
People / sq mi
$70,091
Median Income
$215,000
Median Home Value
Lake of the Woods County covers 1,298 sq mi of land at 2.9 people per square mile.
About Lake of the Woods County, MN
Homeownership is the standout figure in Lake of the Woods County: 84.3% of homes are owner-occupied, higher than the national rate. With 3,800 residents, Lake of the Woods County is a county in Minnesota.
The typical household here earns about $70,091, below the US median of $78,538. Hardship is rare relative to US counties: a poverty rate of just 4.2%, below the national 12.4%. The typical home is valued at $215,000, with typical rent around $867.
Degree attainment is mid-range for US counties: 21.4% of adults hold a four-year degree, below the national 35.0%. Most workers commute: only 4.9% work from home, below the national 14.0%, and the average commute runs about 18 minutes each way.
The ownership rate anchors the housing story in Lake of the Woods County, and tends to move with the age structure and home-value figures above.
Lake of the Woods County Population History (2010-2024)
The county of Lake of the Woods County had a population of 4,035 in 2010 and 3,797 in 2024, a -5.9% growth over 14 years. The peak was 4,035 in 2010. Average annual growth rate: -0.43%.
3,797
Population (2024)
4,035
Population (2010)
4,035
Peak (2010)
-0.43%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 4,035 |
| 2011 | 4,011 |
| 2012 | 3,947 |
| 2013 | 3,911 |
| 2014 | 3,891 |
| 2015 | 3,870 |
| 2016 | 3,791 |
| 2017 | 3,730 |
| 2018 | 3,722 |
| 2019 | 3,736 |
| 2020 | 3,770 |
| 2021 | 3,831 |
| 2022 | 3,902 |
| 2023 | 3,804 |
| 2024 | 3,797 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 90.7% |
| Black or African American | 0.3% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 5.2% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Age & Sex
50.8
Median Age
45.8%
Female
54.2%
Male
25.5%
Age 65+
Age Distribution
Children (under 15): 15.4% · Seniors (65+): 25.5%
Income & Poverty
| Median household income | $70,091$-17,465 vs state |
| Mean household income | $85,860 |
| Per-capita income | $39,814 |
| Poverty rate | 4.2%-1.3% vs state |
| Unemployment rate | 1.2% |
| Employment-to-population | 64.6% |
Top Industries by Employment
The largest employment sector in Lake of the Woods County is manufacturing, accounting for 30.9% of workers.
How residents commute
0.0%
Drive alone
6.9%
Carpool
76.5%
Public transit
4.9%
Work from home
18.4 min
Avg commute
Housing
$215,000$-90,500 vs state
Median home value
$867
Median rent
84.3%
Homeownership rate
3,457
Total housing units
48.2%
Occupied
51.8%
Vacant
15.7%
Renter-occupied
Social & access
95.6%
With health insurance
90.6%
With broadband internet
24.4%
Foreign-born
9.6%
Veterans (18+)
13.1%
With a disability
98.1%
Speak language other than English at home
Education
96.1%
High School+
21.4%
Bachelor's+
Largest cities in Minnesota
Other counties in Minnesota
Part of Minnesota
Metro areas in Minnesota
County rankings
Frequently Asked Questions
Lake of the Woods County, Minnesota has a population of 3,800 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 86th-largest county in Minnesota. Population density is 3 people per square mile.
The population of Lake of the Woods County has declined 5.9% since 2010 (4,035 → 3,797), a -0.43% annualized rate.
The median household income in Lake of the Woods County, Minnesota is $70,091, with mean (average) household income of $85,860 and per-capita income of $39,814. 4.2% of residents live below the federal poverty level.
In Lake of the Woods County, the largest racial and ethnic groups are White (90.7%), Hispanic or Latino (5.2%), Black or African American (0.3%). Figures are from the US Census Bureau's 2023 ACS 5-year estimates and reflect self-reported responses.
The median age in Lake of the Woods County, Minnesota is 50.8 years. Residents are 45.8% female and 54.2% male.
The median home value in Lake of the Woods County is $215,000 and median monthly rent is $867. 84.3% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 3,457 total housing units, 51.8% of which are vacant.
The largest employment sector in Lake of the Woods County, Minnesota is manufacturing, employing 30.9% of workers. The unemployment rate is 1.2%.
Minneapolis is among the largest cities associated with Lake of the Woods County, Minnesota, with a population of 426,845.
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Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.