Skip to main content
Population Review

Traverse County, Minnesota Population 2026

Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 87th-largest in Minnesota

The population of Traverse County, Minnesota is 3,279 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 87th-largest county in Minnesota. The median household income is $65,931, the median home value is $110,100, and the median age is 45.5.

The population of Traverse County has declined 11.3% since 2010 (3,535 → 3,134), a -0.86% annualized rate.

Traverse County within Minnesota · Source: US Census TIGER/Line via us-atlas

3,279

Population

-0.86%

Annual growth

6

People / sq mi

$65,931

Median Income

$110,100

Median Home Value

Traverse County covers 574 sq mi of land at 5.7 people per square mile.

About Traverse County, MN

Traverse County is a county in Minnesota with a population of 3,279. It ranks #87 among counties in Minnesota by population. The median age is 45.5, older than the national median. The population is 49.6% male and 50.4% female.

The median household income in Traverse County is $65,931, below the US median of $74,580. 6.7% of residents live below the federal poverty level. Home values sit at a median of $110,100, with monthly rent averaging $617. The homeownership rate of 79.8% is higher than the national rate of 64.8%.

Educational attainment in Traverse County reflects 17.5% of adults 25 and older holding a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 34.3%. Roughly 16.2% of workers primarily work from home, similar to the national work-from-home rate of 14.2%. The average commute is 17.1 minutes each way.

Traverse County Population History (2010-2024)

The county of Traverse County had a population of 3,535 in 2010 and 3,134 in 2024, a -11.3% growth over 14 years. The peak was 3,535 in 2010. Average annual growth rate: -0.85%.

2010 · 4K20102024

3,134

Population (2024)

3,535

Population (2010)

3,535

Peak (2010)

-0.85%

Avg Annual Growth

YearPopulation
20103,535
20113,490
20123,405
20133,403
20143,382
20153,376
20163,330
20173,308
20183,289
20193,260
20203,360
20213,280
20223,261
20233,175
20243,134

Race & Ethnicity

White87.0%
Black or African American0.5%
Asian0.0%
Hispanic or Latino (any race)9.0%
Two or More Races0.0%

Age & Sex

45.5

Median Age

50.4%

Female

49.6%

Male

25.3%

Age 65+

Age Distribution

Under 5
6.4%
5–9
5.4%
10–14
6.6%
15–19
5.1%
20–24
6.4%
25–34
9.2%
35–44
10.2%
45–54
10.8%
55–59
6.5%
60–64
8.1%
65–74
12.6%
75–84
6.2%
85+
6.5%

Children (under 15): 18.4% · Seniors (65+): 25.3%

Income & Poverty

Median household income$65,931$-21,625 vs state
Mean household income$85,746
Per-capita income$38,451
Poverty rate6.7%+1.2% vs state
Unemployment rate3.0%
Employment-to-population58.8%

Top Industries by Employment

Professional & business services
24.4%
Agriculture
19.0%
Manufacturing
8.5%
Finance & real estate
6.5%
Information
5.7%
Public administration
4.9%
Construction
4.2%
Arts, entertainment & food
4.1%

The largest employment sector in Traverse County is professional & business services, accounting for 24.4% of workers.

How residents commute

0.0%

Drive alone

4.0%

Carpool

71.2%

Public transit

16.2%

Work from home

17.1 min

Avg commute

Housing

$110,100$-195,400 vs state

Median home value

$617

Median rent

79.8%

Homeownership rate

1,896

Total housing units

74.4%

Occupied

25.6%

Vacant

20.2%

Renter-occupied

Social & access

96.8%

With health insurance

88.9%

With broadband internet

30.1%

Foreign-born

7.4%

Veterans (18+)

15.7%

With a disability

92.9%

Speak language other than English at home

Education

94.7%

High School+

17.5%

Bachelor's+

Largest cities in Minnesota

Other counties in Minnesota

Part of Minnesota

Metro areas in Minnesota

County rankings

Frequently Asked Questions

Traverse County, Minnesota has a population of 3,279 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 87th-largest county in Minnesota. Population density is 6 people per square mile.

The population of Traverse County has declined 11.3% since 2010 (3,535 → 3,134), a -0.86% annualized rate.

The median household income in Traverse County, Minnesota is $65,931, with mean (average) household income of $85,746 and per-capita income of $38,451. 6.7% of residents live below the federal poverty level.

In Traverse County, the largest racial and ethnic groups are White (87.0%), Hispanic or Latino (9.0%), Black or African American (0.5%). Figures are from the US Census Bureau's 2023 ACS 5-year estimates and reflect self-reported responses.

The median age in Traverse County, Minnesota is 45.5 years. Residents are 50.4% female and 49.6% male.

The median home value in Traverse County is $110,100 and median monthly rent is $617. 79.8% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 1,896 total housing units, 25.6% of which are vacant.

The largest employment sector in Traverse County, Minnesota is professional, scientific, and management services, employing 24.4% of workers. The unemployment rate is 3.0%.

Minneapolis is among the largest cities associated with Traverse County, Minnesota, with a population of 426,845.

Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.

Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.