Mille Lacs County, Minnesota Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 39th-largest in Minnesota
The population of Mille Lacs County, Minnesota is 26,912 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 39th-largest county in Minnesota. The median household income is $71,455, the median home value is $237,500, and the median age is 41.2.
The population of Mille Lacs County has grown 5.8% since 2010 (26,073 → 27,577), a +0.40% annualized rate.
26,912
Population
+0.40%
Annual growth
47
People / sq mi
$71,455
Median Income
$237,500
Median Home Value
Mille Lacs County covers 572 sq mi of land at 47.0 people per square mile.
About Mille Lacs County, MN
Mille Lacs County is a county in Minnesota with a population of 26,912. It ranks #39 among counties in Minnesota by population. The median age is 41.2, older than the national median. The population is 50.9% male and 49.1% female.
The median household income in Mille Lacs County is $71,455, near the US median of $74,580. 6.9% of residents live below the federal poverty level. Home values sit at a median of $237,500, with monthly rent averaging $909. The homeownership rate of 77.7% is higher than the national rate of 64.8%.
Educational attainment in Mille Lacs County reflects 17.6% of adults 25 and older holding a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 34.3%. Roughly 8.9% of workers primarily work from home, below the national work-from-home rate of 14.2%. The average commute is 30.8 minutes each way.
Mille Lacs County Population History (2010-2024)
The county of Mille Lacs County had a population of 26,073 in 2010 and 27,577 in 2024, a 5.8% growth over 14 years. The peak was 27,577 in 2024. Average annual growth rate: 0.40%.
27,577
Population (2024)
26,073
Population (2010)
27,577
Peak (2024)
0.40%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 26,073 |
| 2011 | 25,842 |
| 2012 | 25,629 |
| 2013 | 25,651 |
| 2014 | 25,553 |
| 2015 | 25,482 |
| 2016 | 25,595 |
| 2017 | 25,845 |
| 2018 | 26,062 |
| 2019 | 26,166 |
| 2020 | 26,456 |
| 2021 | 26,903 |
| 2022 | 27,270 |
| 2023 | 27,418 |
| 2024 | 27,577 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 89.3% |
| Black or African American | 0.3% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 6.3% |
| Two or More Races | 0.1% |
Age & Sex
41.2
Median Age
49.1%
Female
50.9%
Male
18.4%
Age 65+
Age Distribution
Children (under 15): 19.0% · Seniors (65+): 18.4%
Income & Poverty
| Median household income | $71,455$-16,101 vs state |
| Mean household income | $87,091 |
| Per-capita income | $35,500 |
| Poverty rate | 6.9%+1.4% vs state |
| Unemployment rate | 2.8% |
| Employment-to-population | 62.2% |
Top Industries by Employment
The largest employment sector in Mille Lacs County is professional & business services, accounting for 22.9% of workers.
How residents commute
1.5%
Drive alone
2.2%
Carpool
76.4%
Public transit
8.9%
Work from home
30.8 min
Avg commute
Housing
$237,500$-68,000 vs state
Median home value
$909
Median rent
77.7%
Homeownership rate
12,958
Total housing units
82.9%
Occupied
17.1%
Vacant
22.3%
Renter-occupied
Social & access
94.9%
With health insurance
93.1%
With broadband internet
14.9%
Foreign-born
8.3%
Veterans (18+)
15.8%
With a disability
96.4%
Speak language other than English at home
Education
91.3%
High School+
17.6%
Bachelor's+
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Part of Minnesota
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County rankings
Frequently Asked Questions
Mille Lacs County, Minnesota has a population of 26,912 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 39th-largest county in Minnesota. Population density is 47 people per square mile.
The population of Mille Lacs County has grown 5.8% since 2010 (26,073 → 27,577), a +0.40% annualized rate.
The median household income in Mille Lacs County, Minnesota is $71,455, with mean (average) household income of $87,091 and per-capita income of $35,500. 6.9% of residents live below the federal poverty level.
In Mille Lacs County, the largest racial and ethnic groups are White (89.3%), Hispanic or Latino (6.3%), 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 Mille Lacs County, Minnesota is 41.2 years. Residents are 49.1% female and 50.9% male.
The median home value in Mille Lacs County is $237,500 and median monthly rent is $909. 77.7% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 12,958 total housing units, 17.1% of which are vacant.
The largest employment sector in Mille Lacs County, Minnesota is professional, scientific, and management services, employing 22.9% of workers. The unemployment rate is 2.8%.
Minneapolis is among the largest cities associated with Mille Lacs County, Minnesota, with a population of 426,845.
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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.