Steele County, Minnesota Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 28th-largest in Minnesota
The population of Steele County, Minnesota is 37,413 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 28th-largest county in Minnesota. The median household income is $83,448, the median home value is $234,200, and the median age is 40.2.
The population of Steele County has grown 2.6% since 2010 (36,497 → 37,434), a +0.18% annualized rate.
37,413
Population
+0.18%
Annual growth
87
People / sq mi
$83,448
Median Income
$234,200
Median Home Value
Steele County covers 430 sq mi of land at 87.1 people per square mile.
About Steele County, MN
Steele County is a county in Minnesota with a population of 37,413. It ranks #28 among counties in Minnesota by population. The median age is 40.2, older than the national median. The population is 50.4% male and 49.6% female.
The median household income in Steele County is $83,448, above the US median of $74,580. 4.3% of residents live below the federal poverty level. Home values sit at a median of $234,200, with monthly rent averaging $1,006. The homeownership rate of 79.9% is higher than the national rate of 64.8%.
Educational attainment in Steele County reflects 29.7% of adults 25 and older holding a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 34.3%. Roughly 8.6% of workers primarily work from home, below the national work-from-home rate of 14.2%. The average commute is 19.0 minutes each way.
Steele County Population History (2010-2024)
The county of Steele County had a population of 36,497 in 2010 and 37,434 in 2024, a 2.6% growth over 14 years. The peak was 37,476 in 2023. Average annual growth rate: 0.18%.
37,434
Population (2024)
36,497
Population (2010)
37,476
Peak (2023)
0.18%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 36,497 |
| 2011 | 36,576 |
| 2012 | 36,324 |
| 2013 | 36,379 |
| 2014 | 36,505 |
| 2015 | 36,628 |
| 2016 | 36,671 |
| 2017 | 36,814 |
| 2018 | 36,783 |
| 2019 | 36,687 |
| 2020 | 37,381 |
| 2021 | 37,432 |
| 2022 | 37,470 |
| 2023 | 37,476 |
| 2024 | 37,434 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 86.9% |
| Black or African American | 3.5% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 1.1% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Age & Sex
40.2
Median Age
49.6%
Female
50.4%
Male
18.7%
Age 65+
Age Distribution
Children (under 15): 19.7% · Seniors (65+): 18.7%
Income & Poverty
| Median household income | $83,448$-4,108 vs state |
| Mean household income | $101,912 |
| Per-capita income | $41,392 |
| Poverty rate | 4.3%-1.2% vs state |
| Unemployment rate | 2.0% |
| Employment-to-population | 64.5% |
Top Industries by Employment
The largest employment sector in Steele County is manufacturing, accounting for 21.2% of workers.
How residents commute
1.1%
Drive alone
2.9%
Carpool
79.6%
Public transit
8.6%
Work from home
19.0 min
Avg commute
Housing
$234,200$-71,300 vs state
Median home value
$1,006
Median rent
79.9%
Homeownership rate
15,878
Total housing units
94.5%
Occupied
5.5%
Vacant
20.1%
Renter-occupied
Social & access
96.4%
With health insurance
92.6%
With broadband internet
18.9%
Foreign-born
7.2%
Veterans (18+)
11.1%
With a disability
93.0%
Speak language other than English at home
Education
93.7%
High School+
29.7%
Bachelor's+
Largest cities in Minnesota
Other counties in Minnesota
Part of Minnesota
Metro areas in Minnesota
County rankings
Frequently Asked Questions
Steele County, Minnesota has a population of 37,413 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 28th-largest county in Minnesota. Population density is 87 people per square mile.
The population of Steele County has grown 2.6% since 2010 (36,497 → 37,434), a +0.18% annualized rate.
The median household income in Steele County, Minnesota is $83,448, with mean (average) household income of $101,912 and per-capita income of $41,392. 4.3% of residents live below the federal poverty level.
In Steele County, the largest racial and ethnic groups are White (86.9%), Black or African American (3.5%), Hispanic or Latino (1.1%). Figures are from the US Census Bureau's 2023 ACS 5-year estimates and reflect self-reported responses.
The median age in Steele County, Minnesota is 40.2 years. Residents are 49.6% female and 50.4% male.
The median home value in Steele County is $234,200 and median monthly rent is $1,006. 79.9% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 15,878 total housing units, 5.5% of which are vacant.
The largest employment sector in Steele County, Minnesota is manufacturing, employing 21.2% of workers. The unemployment rate is 2.0%.
Minneapolis is among the largest cities associated with Steele 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.