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 a county in Minnesota with a population of 30,905. It ranks #34 among counties in Minnesota by population. The median age is 39.5, in line with the national median. The population is 51.0% male and 49.0% female.
The median household income in Polk County is $69,136, below the US median of $74,580. 7.1% of residents live below the federal poverty level. Home values sit at a median of $211,100, with monthly rent averaging $843. The homeownership rate of 72.1% is higher than the national rate of 64.8%.
Educational attainment in Polk County reflects 28.1% of adults 25 and older holding a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 34.3%. Roughly 6.0% of workers primarily work from home, below the national work-from-home rate of 14.2%. The average commute is 18.7 minutes each way.
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.