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
The poverty rate is what most separates Steele County from the typical county: 4.3% of residents live below the federal poverty line, against 12.4% nationally. With 37,413 residents, Steele County is a county in Minnesota. It ranks #28 among counties in Minnesota by population.
Households take in a median $83,448, comfortably above the US median of $78,538. Very few residents live in poverty — 4.3%, below the national 12.4%. Home values run above average at $234,200, with typical rent around $1,006.
College attainment is above the local norm at 29.7%, below the national 35.0%. Remote work is below the national 14.0% at 8.6%, and the average commute runs about 19 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.