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Population Review

Nicollet County, Minnesota Population 2026

Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 32nd-largest in Minnesota

The population of Nicollet County, Minnesota is 34,350 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 32nd-largest county in Minnesota. The median household income is $80,362, the median home value is $258,500, and the median age is 37.8.

The population of Nicollet County has grown 5.3% since 2010 (32,758 → 34,493), a +0.37% annualized rate.

Nicollet County within Minnesota · Source: US Census TIGER/Line via us-atlas

34,350

Population

+0.37%

Annual growth

77

People / sq mi

$80,362

Median Income

$258,500

Median Home Value

Nicollet County covers 449 sq mi of land at 76.6 people per square mile.

About Nicollet County, MN

Nicollet County is a county in Minnesota with a population of 34,350. It ranks #32 among counties in Minnesota by population. The median age is 37.8, in line with the national median. The population is 50.4% male and 49.6% female.

The median household income in Nicollet County is $80,362, above the US median of $74,580. 4.7% of residents live below the federal poverty level. Home values sit at a median of $258,500, with monthly rent averaging $931. The homeownership rate of 72.3% is higher than the national rate of 64.8%.

Educational attainment in Nicollet County reflects 35.7% of adults 25 and older holding a bachelor's degree or higher, near the national average of 34.3%. Roughly 14.0% of workers primarily work from home, similar to the national work-from-home rate of 14.2%. The average commute is 16.5 minutes each way.

Nicollet County Population History (2010-2024)

The county of Nicollet County had a population of 32,758 in 2010 and 34,493 in 2024, a 5.3% growth over 14 years. The peak was 34,498 in 2020. Average annual growth rate: 0.37%.

2020 · 34K20102024

34,493

Population (2024)

32,758

Population (2010)

34,498

Peak (2020)

0.37%

Avg Annual Growth

YearPopulation
201032,758
201132,971
201233,030
201332,996
201433,392
201533,545
201633,766
201734,081
201834,234
201934,311
202034,498
202134,361
202234,381
202334,320
202434,493

Race & Ethnicity

White87.5%
Black or African American3.5%
Asian0.0%
Hispanic or Latino (any race)1.1%
Two or More Races0.0%

Age & Sex

37.8

Median Age

49.6%

Female

50.4%

Male

17.3%

Age 65+

Age Distribution

Under 5
5.4%
5–9
5.3%
10–14
7.1%
15–19
9.2%
20–24
7.5%
25–34
11.5%
35–44
13.5%
45–54
11.2%
55–59
5.4%
60–64
6.7%
65–74
9.8%
75–84
5.1%
85+
2.4%

Children (under 15): 17.8% · Seniors (65+): 17.3%

Income & Poverty

Median household income$80,362$-7,194 vs state
Mean household income$109,919
Per-capita income$43,268
Poverty rate4.7%-0.8% vs state
Unemployment rate1.1%
Employment-to-population68.4%

Top Industries by Employment

Professional & business services
32.0%
Manufacturing
15.9%
Construction
5.9%
Finance & real estate
5.7%
Education & health care
5.2%
Retail trade
4.7%
Arts, entertainment & food
4.4%
Information
4.4%

The largest employment sector in Nicollet County is professional & business services, accounting for 32.0% of workers.

How residents commute

0.3%

Drive alone

6.1%

Carpool

69.9%

Public transit

14.0%

Work from home

16.5 min

Avg commute

Housing

$258,500$-47,000 vs state

Median home value

$931

Median rent

72.3%

Homeownership rate

13,530

Total housing units

96.0%

Occupied

4.0%

Vacant

27.7%

Renter-occupied

Social & access

96.3%

With health insurance

92.7%

With broadband internet

19.0%

Foreign-born

5.7%

Veterans (18+)

11.9%

With a disability

93.4%

Speak language other than English at home

Education

95.0%

High School+

35.7%

Bachelor's+

Largest cities in Minnesota

Other counties in Minnesota

Part of Minnesota

Metro areas in Minnesota

County rankings

Frequently Asked Questions

Nicollet County, Minnesota has a population of 34,350 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 32nd-largest county in Minnesota. Population density is 77 people per square mile.

The population of Nicollet County has grown 5.3% since 2010 (32,758 → 34,493), a +0.37% annualized rate.

The median household income in Nicollet County, Minnesota is $80,362, with mean (average) household income of $109,919 and per-capita income of $43,268. 4.7% of residents live below the federal poverty level.

In Nicollet County, the largest racial and ethnic groups are White (87.5%), Black or African American (3.5%), Hispanic or Latino (1.1%). Figures are from the US Census Bureau's 2023 ACS 5-year estimates and reflect self-reported responses.

The median age in Nicollet County, Minnesota is 37.8 years. Residents are 49.6% female and 50.4% male.

The median home value in Nicollet County is $258,500 and median monthly rent is $931. 72.3% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 13,530 total housing units, 4.0% of which are vacant.

The largest employment sector in Nicollet County, Minnesota is professional, scientific, and management services, employing 32.0% of workers. The unemployment rate is 1.1%.

Minneapolis is among the largest cities associated with Nicollet County, Minnesota, with a population of 426,845.

Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.

Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.