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+
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Other counties in Minnesota
Part of Minnesota
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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.
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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.