Polk County, Minnesota Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 34th-largest in Minnesota
The population of Polk County, Minnesota is 30,905 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 34th-largest county in Minnesota. The median household income is $69,136, the median home value is $211,100, and the median age is 39.5.
The population of Polk County has declined 3.9% since 2010 (31,639 → 30,413), a -0.28% annualized rate.
30,905
Population
-0.28%
Annual growth
16
People / sq mi
$69,136
Median Income
$211,100
Median Home Value
Polk County covers 1,971 sq mi of land at 15.7 people per square mile.
About Polk County, MN
Polk County is distinguished by its share of foreign-born residents, 44.3% of the population. Polk County is a county in Minnesota with a population of 30,905. It ranks #34 among counties in Minnesota by population.
The typical household here earns about $69,136, below the US median of $78,538. About 7.1% of residents live below the federal poverty level, below the national 12.4%. Median home value is $211,100, with typical rent around $843.
Educational attainment is on the higher side for US counties — 28.1% of adults hold a four-year degree, below the national 35.0%. Around 6.0% of workers work from home, below the national 14.0%, and the average commute runs about 19 minutes each way.
The large foreign-born share is a defining thread in Polk County, shaping language, household composition, and the labor force behind the economic figures above.
Polk County Population History (2010-2024)
The county of Polk County had a population of 31,639 in 2010 and 30,413 in 2024, a -3.9% growth over 14 years. The peak was 31,692 in 2016. Average annual growth rate: -0.28%.
30,413
Population (2024)
31,639
Population (2010)
31,692
Peak (2016)
-0.28%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 31,639 |
| 2011 | 31,545 |
| 2012 | 31,524 |
| 2013 | 31,652 |
| 2014 | 31,511 |
| 2015 | 31,519 |
| 2016 | 31,692 |
| 2017 | 31,636 |
| 2018 | 31,364 |
| 2019 | 31,330 |
| 2020 | 31,081 |
| 2021 | 30,831 |
| 2022 | 30,760 |
| 2023 | 30,438 |
| 2024 | 30,413 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 87.0% |
| Black or African American | 2.2% |
| Asian | 0.1% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 3.4% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Age & Sex
39.5
Median Age
49.0%
Female
51.0%
Male
18.9%
Age 65+
Age Distribution
Children (under 15): 20.2% · Seniors (65+): 18.9%
Income & Poverty
| Median household income | $69,136$-18,420 vs state |
| Mean household income | $87,199 |
| Per-capita income | $36,332 |
| Poverty rate | 7.1%+1.6% vs state |
| Unemployment rate | 2.4% |
| Employment-to-population | 63.7% |
Top Industries by Employment
The largest employment sector in Polk County is professional & business services, accounting for 28.6% of workers.
How residents commute
0.7%
Drive alone
5.5%
Carpool
78.1%
Public transit
6.0%
Work from home
18.7 min
Avg commute
Housing
$211,100$-94,400 vs state
Median home value
$843
Median rent
72.1%
Homeownership rate
14,670
Total housing units
84.9%
Occupied
15.1%
Vacant
27.9%
Renter-occupied
Social & access
95.1%
With health insurance
93.6%
With broadband internet
44.3%
Foreign-born
6.9%
Veterans (18+)
11.7%
With a disability
93.7%
Speak language other than English at home
Education
93.2%
High School+
28.1%
Bachelor's+
Largest cities in Minnesota
Other counties in Minnesota
Part of Minnesota
Metro areas in Minnesota
County rankings
Frequently Asked Questions
Polk County, Minnesota has a population of 30,905 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 34th-largest county in Minnesota. Population density is 16 people per square mile.
The population of Polk County has declined 3.9% since 2010 (31,639 → 30,413), a -0.28% annualized rate.
The median household income in Polk County, Minnesota is $69,136, with mean (average) household income of $87,199 and per-capita income of $36,332. 7.1% of residents live below the federal poverty level.
In Polk County, the largest racial and ethnic groups are White (87.0%), Hispanic or Latino (3.4%), Black or African American (2.2%). Figures are from the US Census Bureau's 2023 ACS 5-year estimates and reflect self-reported responses.
The median age in Polk County, Minnesota is 39.5 years. Residents are 49.0% female and 51.0% male.
The median home value in Polk County is $211,100 and median monthly rent is $843. 72.1% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 14,670 total housing units, 15.1% of which are vacant.
The largest employment sector in Polk County, Minnesota is professional, scientific, and management services, employing 28.6% of workers. The unemployment rate is 2.4%.
Minneapolis is among the largest cities associated with Polk 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.