Olmsted County, Minnesota Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 7th-largest in Minnesota
The population of Olmsted County, Minnesota is 163,425 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 7th-largest county in Minnesota. The median household income is $93,494, the median home value is $304,500, and the median age is 37.8.
The population of Olmsted County has grown 15.1% since 2010 (144,535 → 166,424), a +1.01% annualized rate.
163,425
Population
+1.01%
Annual growth
250
People / sq mi
$93,494
Median Income
$304,500
Median Home Value
Olmsted County covers 654 sq mi of land at 250.1 people per square mile.
About Olmsted County, MN
Olmsted County is defined demographically by education — 48.5% of adults hold a bachelor’s degree, above the national average. Olmsted County is a county in Minnesota with a population of 163,425. It is the #7-largest of all counties in Minnesota nationally.
Households here are among the highest-earning of all US counties: median income is $93,494, above the US median of $78,538. Only 4.9% of residents live in poverty, below the national 12.4%. A typical home is worth $304,500, with typical rent around $1,283.
The population is unusually well-credentialed for US counties — 48.5% of adults have a four-year degree, above the national 35.0%. About 13.6% of workers primarily work from home, close to the national 14.0%, and the average commute runs about 19 minutes each way.
The education numbers are the throughline: a college-heavy population in Olmsted County usually coincides with higher incomes and a workforce concentrated in professional and information industries.
Olmsted County Population History (2010-2024)
The county of Olmsted County had a population of 144,535 in 2010 and 166,424 in 2024, a 15.1% growth over 14 years. The peak was 166,424 in 2024. Average annual growth rate: 1.01%.
166,424
Population (2024)
144,535
Population (2010)
166,424
Peak (2024)
1.01%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 144,535 |
| 2011 | 145,849 |
| 2012 | 146,944 |
| 2013 | 148,911 |
| 2014 | 150,127 |
| 2015 | 151,492 |
| 2016 | 153,446 |
| 2017 | 154,883 |
| 2018 | 156,413 |
| 2019 | 158,188 |
| 2020 | 163,041 |
| 2021 | 163,755 |
| 2022 | 164,151 |
| 2023 | 165,119 |
| 2024 | 166,424 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 78.7% |
| Black or African American | 7.2% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 0.7% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Age & Sex
37.8
Median Age
51.0%
Female
49.0%
Male
16.3%
Age 65+
Age Distribution
Children (under 15): 20.1% · Seniors (65+): 16.3%
Income & Poverty
| Median household income | $93,494+$5,938 vs state |
| Mean household income | $128,162 |
| Per-capita income | $52,059 |
| Poverty rate | 4.9%-0.6% vs state |
| Unemployment rate | 2.5% |
| Employment-to-population | 67.8% |
Top Industries by Employment
The largest employment sector in Olmsted County is professional & business services, accounting for 47.7% of workers.
How residents commute
3.2%
Drive alone
3.6%
Carpool
67.6%
Public transit
13.6%
Work from home
18.8 min
Avg commute
Housing
$304,500$-1,000 vs state
Median home value
$1,283
Median rent
70.7%
Homeownership rate
70,255
Total housing units
94.8%
Occupied
5.2%
Vacant
29.3%
Renter-occupied
Social & access
96.1%
With health insurance
96.0%
With broadband internet
29.7%
Foreign-born
6.0%
Veterans (18+)
9.7%
With a disability
85.2%
Speak language other than English at home
Education
95.0%
High School+
48.5%
Bachelor's+
Largest cities in Minnesota
Other counties in Minnesota
Part of Minnesota
Metro areas in Minnesota
County rankings
Frequently Asked Questions
Olmsted County, Minnesota has a population of 163,425 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 7th-largest county in Minnesota. Population density is 250 people per square mile.
The population of Olmsted County has grown 15.1% since 2010 (144,535 → 166,424), a +1.01% annualized rate.
The median household income in Olmsted County, Minnesota is $93,494, with mean (average) household income of $128,162 and per-capita income of $52,059. 4.9% of residents live below the federal poverty level.
In Olmsted County, the largest racial and ethnic groups are White (78.7%), Black or African American (7.2%), Hispanic or Latino (0.7%). Figures are from the US Census Bureau's 2023 ACS 5-year estimates and reflect self-reported responses.
The median age in Olmsted County, Minnesota is 37.8 years. Residents are 51.0% female and 49.0% male.
The median home value in Olmsted County is $304,500 and median monthly rent is $1,283. 70.7% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 70,255 total housing units, 5.2% of which are vacant.
The largest employment sector in Olmsted County, Minnesota is professional, scientific, and management services, employing 47.7% of workers. The unemployment rate is 2.5%.
Minneapolis is among the largest cities associated with Olmsted County, Minnesota, with a population of 426,845.
Olmsted County, MN Climate
Olmsted County, MN has an average annual temperature of 6.8°C (44°F) and receives about 845 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
845
Precip (mm/yr)
Jul
Hottest Month
Jan
Coldest Month
| Month | Avg (°C/°F) | Precip |
|---|---|---|
| January | -11° / 12° | 25 mm |
| February | -7° / 19° | 20 mm |
| March | 0° / 31° | 50 mm |
| April | 8° / 46° | 78 mm |
| May | 14° / 58° | 97 mm |
| June | 19° / 67° | 106 mm |
| July | 22° / 71° | 117 mm |
| August | 20° / 69° | 110 mm |
| September | 16° / 60° | 97 mm |
| October | 9° / 48° | 66 mm |
| November | 0° / 32° | 49 mm |
| December | -8° / 18° | 30 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 Olmsted County, MN
The most comfortable months to visit Olmsted County, MN are typically August, July and June, when temperatures are mildest and rainfall is relatively low. The hottest month is July (around 28°C high). The coldest is January (near -16°C low). July is usually the wettest month.
Where to stay near Olmsted County
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Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.