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 distinguished by its share of foreign-born residents, 14.9% of the population. With 26,912 residents, Mille Lacs County is a county in Minnesota. It ranks #39 among counties in Minnesota by population.
Households take in a median $71,455, comfortably below the US median of $78,538. Poverty is relatively low for US counties at 6.9%, below the national 12.4%. The median home value is $237,500, with typical rent around $909.
Fewer adults hold degrees here than in most comparable places — 17.6%, below the national 35.0%. About 8.9% of the workforce is home-based, below the national 14.0%, and the average commute runs about 31 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+
Largest cities in Minnesota
Other counties in Minnesota
Part of Minnesota
Metro areas in Minnesota
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.
Mille Lacs County, MN Climate
Mille Lacs County, MN has an average annual temperature of 5°C (41°F) and receives about 736 mm of precipitation per year. The warmest month is July and the coldest is January. Figures are 1970–2000 climate normals.
5°C
Avg Temp
736
Precip (mm/yr)
Jul
Hottest Month
Jan
Coldest Month
| Month | Avg (°C/°F) | Precip |
|---|---|---|
| January | -13° / 8° | 20 mm |
| February | -9° / 16° | 17 mm |
| March | -2° / 28° | 39 mm |
| April | 6° / 43° | 56 mm |
| May | 13° / 56° | 84 mm |
| June | 18° / 64° | 113 mm |
| July | 20° / 69° | 102 mm |
| August | 19° / 66° | 97 mm |
| September | 14° / 57° | 84 mm |
| October | 7° / 45° | 61 mm |
| November | -2° / 29° | 38 mm |
| December | -10° / 14° | 25 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 Mille Lacs County, MN
The most comfortable months to visit Mille Lacs 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 -19°C low). June is usually the wettest month.
Where to stay near Mille Lacs County
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Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.