Stearns County, Minnesota Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 8th-largest in Minnesota
The population of Stearns County, Minnesota is 159,358 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 8th-largest county in Minnesota. The median household income is $76,447, the median home value is $256,500, and the median age is 35.0.
The population of Stearns County has grown 8.8% since 2010 (150,768 → 163,997), a +0.60% annualized rate.
159,358
Population
+0.60%
Annual growth
119
People / sq mi
$76,447
Median Income
$256,500
Median Home Value
Stearns County covers 1,343 sq mi of land at 118.7 people per square mile.
About Stearns County, MN
Stearns County is a county in Minnesota with a population of 159,358. It ranks #8 among counties in Minnesota by population. The median age is 35.0, younger than the national median. The population is 50.6% male and 49.4% female.
The median household income in Stearns County is $76,447, near the US median of $74,580. 7.0% of residents live below the federal poverty level. Home values sit at a median of $256,500, with monthly rent averaging $1,057. The homeownership rate of 67.8% is higher than the national rate of 64.8%.
Educational attainment in Stearns County reflects 28.6% of adults 25 and older holding a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 34.3%. Roughly 9.3% of workers primarily work from home, below the national work-from-home rate of 14.2%. The average commute is 22.1 minutes each way.
Stearns County Population History (2010-2024)
The county of Stearns County had a population of 150,768 in 2010 and 163,997 in 2024, a 8.8% growth over 14 years. The peak was 163,997 in 2024. Average annual growth rate: 0.60%.
163,997
Population (2024)
150,768
Population (2010)
163,997
Peak (2024)
0.60%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 150,768 |
| 2011 | 151,372 |
| 2012 | 151,919 |
| 2013 | 152,612 |
| 2014 | 154,025 |
| 2015 | 156,068 |
| 2016 | 157,279 |
| 2017 | 158,512 |
| 2018 | 160,034 |
| 2019 | 161,076 |
| 2020 | 158,488 |
| 2021 | 159,222 |
| 2022 | 160,556 |
| 2023 | 162,060 |
| 2024 | 163,997 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 82.9% |
| Black or African American | 8.4% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 0.9% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Age & Sex
35.0
Median Age
49.4%
Female
50.6%
Male
15.8%
Age 65+
Age Distribution
Children (under 15): 19.5% · Seniors (65+): 15.8%
Income & Poverty
| Median household income | $76,447$-11,109 vs state |
| Mean household income | $97,399 |
| Per-capita income | $37,806 |
| Poverty rate | 7.0%+1.5% vs state |
| Unemployment rate | 3.0% |
| Employment-to-population | 66.6% |
Top Industries by Employment
The largest employment sector in Stearns County is professional & business services, accounting for 29.0% of workers.
How residents commute
1.5%
Drive alone
4.5%
Carpool
75.7%
Public transit
9.3%
Work from home
22.1 min
Avg commute
Housing
$256,500$-49,000 vs state
Median home value
$1,057
Median rent
67.8%
Homeownership rate
66,211
Total housing units
92.0%
Occupied
8.0%
Vacant
32.2%
Renter-occupied
Social & access
95.4%
With health insurance
94.6%
With broadband internet
15.4%
Foreign-born
6.6%
Veterans (18+)
11.4%
With a disability
88.8%
Speak language other than English at home
Education
92.8%
High School+
28.6%
Bachelor's+
Largest cities in Minnesota
Other counties in Minnesota
Part of Minnesota
Metro areas in Minnesota
County rankings
Frequently Asked Questions
Stearns County, Minnesota has a population of 159,358 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 8th-largest county in Minnesota. Population density is 119 people per square mile.
The population of Stearns County has grown 8.8% since 2010 (150,768 → 163,997), a +0.60% annualized rate.
The median household income in Stearns County, Minnesota is $76,447, with mean (average) household income of $97,399 and per-capita income of $37,806. 7.0% of residents live below the federal poverty level.
In Stearns County, the largest racial and ethnic groups are White (82.9%), Black or African American (8.4%), Hispanic or Latino (0.9%). Figures are from the US Census Bureau's 2023 ACS 5-year estimates and reflect self-reported responses.
The median age in Stearns County, Minnesota is 35.0 years. Residents are 49.4% female and 50.6% male.
The median home value in Stearns County is $256,500 and median monthly rent is $1,057. 67.8% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 66,211 total housing units, 8.0% of which are vacant.
The largest employment sector in Stearns County, Minnesota is professional, scientific, and management services, employing 29.0% of workers. The unemployment rate is 3.0%.
Minneapolis is among the largest cities associated with Stearns County, Minnesota, with a population of 426,845.
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Statewide data for Minnesota
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.