McLeod County, Minnesota Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 29th-largest in Minnesota
The population of McLeod County, Minnesota is 36,771 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 29th-largest county in Minnesota. The median household income is $78,468, the median home value is $233,400, and the median age is 41.5.
The population of McLeod County has grown 0.5% since 2010 (36,592 → 36,780), a +0.04% annualized rate.
36,771
Population
+0.04%
Annual growth
75
People / sq mi
$78,468
Median Income
$233,400
Median Home Value
McLeod County covers 492 sq mi of land at 74.8 people per square mile.
About McLeod County, MN
McLeod County is distinguished by its share of foreign-born residents, 14.4% of the population. With 36,771 residents, McLeod County is a county in Minnesota. It ranks #29 among counties in Minnesota by population.
Median household income is $78,468, near the US median of $78,538. Poverty is relatively low for US counties at 5.7%, below the national 12.4%. The median home value is $233,400, with typical rent around $906.
Roughly 19.6% of adults have a bachelor’s, below the national 35.0%. About 7.7% of the workforce is home-based, below the national 14.0%, and the average commute runs about 24 minutes each way.
McLeod County Population History (2010-2024)
The county of McLeod County had a population of 36,592 in 2010 and 36,780 in 2024, a 0.5% growth over 14 years. The peak was 36,850 in 2023. Average annual growth rate: 0.04%.
36,780
Population (2024)
36,592
Population (2010)
36,850
Peak (2023)
0.04%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 36,592 |
| 2011 | 36,345 |
| 2012 | 35,933 |
| 2013 | 35,896 |
| 2014 | 35,772 |
| 2015 | 35,808 |
| 2016 | 35,746 |
| 2017 | 35,860 |
| 2018 | 35,798 |
| 2019 | 35,826 |
| 2020 | 36,751 |
| 2021 | 36,819 |
| 2022 | 36,791 |
| 2023 | 36,850 |
| 2024 | 36,780 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 91.3% |
| Black or African American | 0.5% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 1.0% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Age & Sex
41.5
Median Age
49.7%
Female
50.3%
Male
19.7%
Age 65+
Age Distribution
Children (under 15): 18.1% · Seniors (65+): 19.7%
Income & Poverty
| Median household income | $78,468$-9,088 vs state |
| Mean household income | $98,060 |
| Per-capita income | $41,336 |
| Poverty rate | 5.7%+0.2% vs state |
| Unemployment rate | 2.2% |
| Employment-to-population | 65.3% |
Top Industries by Employment
The largest employment sector in McLeod County is manufacturing, accounting for 24.4% of workers.
How residents commute
0.5%
Drive alone
2.9%
Carpool
79.9%
Public transit
7.7%
Work from home
24.3 min
Avg commute
Housing
$233,400$-72,100 vs state
Median home value
$906
Median rent
77.8%
Homeownership rate
15,936
Total housing units
93.9%
Occupied
6.1%
Vacant
22.2%
Renter-occupied
Social & access
94.8%
With health insurance
93.0%
With broadband internet
14.4%
Foreign-born
6.8%
Veterans (18+)
13.3%
With a disability
94.1%
Speak language other than English at home
Education
93.5%
High School+
19.6%
Bachelor's+
Largest cities in Minnesota
Other counties in Minnesota
Part of Minnesota
Metro areas in Minnesota
County rankings
Frequently Asked Questions
McLeod County, Minnesota has a population of 36,771 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 29th-largest county in Minnesota. Population density is 75 people per square mile.
The population of McLeod County has grown 0.5% since 2010 (36,592 → 36,780), a +0.04% annualized rate.
The median household income in McLeod County, Minnesota is $78,468, with mean (average) household income of $98,060 and per-capita income of $41,336. 5.7% of residents live below the federal poverty level.
In McLeod County, the largest racial and ethnic groups are White (91.3%), Hispanic or Latino (1.0%), 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 McLeod County, Minnesota is 41.5 years. Residents are 49.7% female and 50.3% male.
The median home value in McLeod County is $233,400 and median monthly rent is $906. 77.8% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 15,936 total housing units, 6.1% of which are vacant.
The largest employment sector in McLeod County, Minnesota is manufacturing, employing 24.4% of workers. The unemployment rate is 2.2%.
Minneapolis is among the largest cities associated with McLeod County, Minnesota, with a population of 426,845.
McLeod County, MN Climate
McLeod County, MN has an average annual temperature of 6.8°C (44°F) and receives about 701 mm of precipitation per year. The warmest month is July and the coldest is January. Figures are 1970–2000 climate normals.
6.8°C
Avg Temp
701
Precip (mm/yr)
Jul
Hottest Month
Jan
Coldest Month
| Month | Avg (°C/°F) | Precip |
|---|---|---|
| January | -11° / 11° | 18 mm |
| February | -8° / 18° | 17 mm |
| March | -1° / 31° | 40 mm |
| April | 8° / 46° | 64 mm |
| May | 15° / 59° | 81 mm |
| June | 20° / 68° | 110 mm |
| July | 22° / 72° | 94 mm |
| August | 21° / 69° | 95 mm |
| September | 16° / 60° | 70 mm |
| October | 9° / 48° | 53 mm |
| November | 0° / 31° | 38 mm |
| December | -8° / 17° | 21 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 McLeod County, MN
The most comfortable months to visit McLeod County, MN are typically August, July and June, when temperatures are mildest and rainfall is relatively low. The hottest month is July (around 29°C high). The coldest is January (near -17°C low). June is usually the wettest month.
Where to stay near McLeod County
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Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.