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 skews on age — the median resident is 35.0, younger than the national median. With 159,358 residents, Stearns County is a county in Minnesota. It is the #8-largest of all counties in Minnesota nationally.
Median household income is $76,447, near the US median of $78,538. The poverty rate, 7.0%, is on the lower side for US counties and below the national 12.4%. Home values run above average at $256,500, with typical rent around $1,057.
College attainment is above the local norm at 28.6%, below the national 35.0%. Around 9.3% of workers work from home, below the national 14.0%, and the average commute runs about 22 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.
Stearns County, MN Climate
Stearns County, MN has an average annual temperature of 6.2°C (43°F) and receives about 705 mm of precipitation per year. The warmest month is July and the coldest is January. Figures are 1970–2000 climate normals.
6.2°C
Avg Temp
705
Precip (mm/yr)
Jul
Hottest Month
Jan
Coldest Month
| Month | Avg (°C/°F) | Precip |
|---|---|---|
| January | -12° / 10° | 21 mm |
| February | -8° / 17° | 18 mm |
| March | -1° / 29° | 40 mm |
| April | 7° / 45° | 61 mm |
| May | 15° / 58° | 87 mm |
| June | 20° / 67° | 111 mm |
| July | 22° / 72° | 84 mm |
| August | 21° / 69° | 89 mm |
| September | 15° / 59° | 81 mm |
| October | 8° / 47° | 59 mm |
| November | -1° / 30° | 33 mm |
| December | -9° / 15° | 21 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 Stearns County, MN
The most comfortable months to visit Stearns 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 -18°C low). June is usually the wettest month.
Where to stay near Stearns County
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Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.