Pope County, Minnesota Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 64th-largest in Minnesota
The population of Pope County, Minnesota is 11,363 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 64th-largest county in Minnesota. The median household income is $72,205, the median home value is $242,800, and the median age is 45.6.
The population of Pope County has grown 4.8% since 2010 (10,971 → 11,495), a +0.33% annualized rate.
11,363
Population
+0.33%
Annual growth
17
People / sq mi
$72,205
Median Income
$242,800
Median Home Value
Pope County covers 675 sq mi of land at 16.8 people per square mile.
About Pope County, MN
Homeownership is the standout figure in Pope County: 82.7% of homes are owner-occupied, higher than the national rate. With 11,363 residents, Pope County is a county in Minnesota.
Median household income is $72,205, below the US median of $78,538. Only 4.9% of residents live in poverty, below the national 12.4%. A typical home is worth $242,800, with typical rent around $851.
Roughly 23.8% of adults have a bachelor’s, below the national 35.0%. About 10.9% of workers primarily work from home, below the national 14.0%, and the average commute runs about 22 minutes each way.
The ownership rate anchors the housing story in Pope County, and tends to move with the age structure and home-value figures above.
Pope County Population History (2010-2024)
The county of Pope County had a population of 10,971 in 2010 and 11,495 in 2024, a 4.8% growth over 14 years. The peak was 11,495 in 2024. Average annual growth rate: 0.34%.
11,495
Population (2024)
10,971
Population (2010)
11,495
Peak (2024)
0.34%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 10,971 |
| 2011 | 10,906 |
| 2012 | 10,886 |
| 2013 | 10,876 |
| 2014 | 10,922 |
| 2015 | 10,930 |
| 2016 | 10,971 |
| 2017 | 10,985 |
| 2018 | 11,088 |
| 2019 | 11,216 |
| 2020 | 11,330 |
| 2021 | 11,418 |
| 2022 | 11,429 |
| 2023 | 11,419 |
| 2024 | 11,495 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 94.6% |
| Black or African American | 0.6% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 1.3% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Age & Sex
45.6
Median Age
48.6%
Female
51.4%
Male
25.2%
Age 65+
Age Distribution
Children (under 15): 17.4% · Seniors (65+): 25.2%
Income & Poverty
| Median household income | $72,205$-15,351 vs state |
| Mean household income | $90,462 |
| Per-capita income | $40,027 |
| Poverty rate | 4.9%-0.6% vs state |
| Unemployment rate | 0.6% |
| Employment-to-population | 61.7% |
Top Industries by Employment
The largest employment sector in Pope County is professional & business services, accounting for 24.0% of workers.
How residents commute
0.3%
Drive alone
4.7%
Carpool
74.3%
Public transit
10.9%
Work from home
22.2 min
Avg commute
Housing
$242,800$-62,700 vs state
Median home value
$851
Median rent
82.7%
Homeownership rate
6,411
Total housing units
77.8%
Occupied
22.2%
Vacant
17.3%
Renter-occupied
Social & access
96.6%
With health insurance
92.5%
With broadband internet
13.4%
Foreign-born
9.1%
Veterans (18+)
12.9%
With a disability
96.9%
Speak language other than English at home
Education
94.9%
High School+
23.8%
Bachelor's+
Largest cities in Minnesota
Other counties in Minnesota
Part of Minnesota
Metro areas in Minnesota
County rankings
Frequently Asked Questions
Pope County, Minnesota has a population of 11,363 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 64th-largest county in Minnesota. Population density is 17 people per square mile.
The population of Pope County has grown 4.8% since 2010 (10,971 → 11,495), a +0.33% annualized rate.
The median household income in Pope County, Minnesota is $72,205, with mean (average) household income of $90,462 and per-capita income of $40,027. 4.9% of residents live below the federal poverty level.
In Pope County, the largest racial and ethnic groups are White (94.6%), Hispanic or Latino (1.3%), Black or African American (0.6%). Figures are from the US Census Bureau's 2023 ACS 5-year estimates and reflect self-reported responses.
The median age in Pope County, Minnesota is 45.6 years. Residents are 48.6% female and 51.4% male.
The median home value in Pope County is $242,800 and median monthly rent is $851. 82.7% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 6,411 total housing units, 22.2% of which are vacant.
The largest employment sector in Pope County, Minnesota is professional, scientific, and management services, employing 24.0% of workers. The unemployment rate is 0.6%.
Minneapolis is among the largest cities associated with Pope County, Minnesota, with a population of 426,845.
Pope County, MN Climate
Pope County, MN has an average annual temperature of 6.1°C (43°F) and receives about 520 mm of precipitation per year. The warmest month is July and the coldest is January. Figures are 1970–2000 climate normals.
6.1°C
Avg Temp
520
Precip (mm/yr)
Jul
Hottest Month
Jan
Coldest Month
| Month | Avg (°C/°F) | Precip |
|---|---|---|
| January | -12° / 10° | 21 mm |
| February | -8° / 17° | 15 mm |
| March | -2° / 29° | 27 mm |
| April | 7° / 44° | 36 mm |
| May | 14° / 58° | 41 mm |
| June | 19° / 66° | 65 mm |
| July | 22° / 71° | 81 mm |
| August | 21° / 69° | 84 mm |
| September | 15° / 59° | 58 mm |
| October | 8° / 47° | 44 mm |
| November | -1° / 30° | 25 mm |
| December | -9° / 16° | 23 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 Pope County, MN
The most comfortable months to visit Pope 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 -17°C low). August is usually the wettest month.
Where to stay near Pope County
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Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.