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.
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
What sets Traverse County apart is where people work — remote work is unusually prominent here, at 16.2% versus 14.0% nationally. Traverse County is a county in Minnesota with a population of 3,279.
Median household income is $65,931, below the US median of $78,538. Poverty is relatively low for US counties at 6.7%, below the national 12.4%. Homes are comparatively cheap — a median value of $110,100, with typical rent around $617.
Fewer adults hold degrees here than in most comparable places — 17.5%, below the national 35.0%. Remote work is widespread — 16.2% of workers stay home, above the national 14.0%, and the average commute runs about 17 minutes each way.
The remote-work concentration is telling in Traverse County — it skews toward higher-income, college-educated workers and reshapes both commute patterns and housing demand.
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%.
3,134
Population (2024)
3,535
Population (2010)
3,535
Peak (2010)
-0.85%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 3,535 |
| 2011 | 3,490 |
| 2012 | 3,405 |
| 2013 | 3,403 |
| 2014 | 3,382 |
| 2015 | 3,376 |
| 2016 | 3,330 |
| 2017 | 3,308 |
| 2018 | 3,289 |
| 2019 | 3,260 |
| 2020 | 3,360 |
| 2021 | 3,280 |
| 2022 | 3,261 |
| 2023 | 3,175 |
| 2024 | 3,134 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 87.0% |
| Black or African American | 0.5% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 9.0% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Age & Sex
45.5
Median Age
50.4%
Female
49.6%
Male
25.3%
Age 65+
Age Distribution
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 rate | 6.7%+1.2% vs state |
| Unemployment rate | 3.0% |
| Employment-to-population | 58.8% |
Top Industries by Employment
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.
Traverse County, MN Climate
Traverse County, MN has an average annual temperature of 6.3°C (43°F) and receives about 555 mm of precipitation per year. The warmest month is July and the coldest is January. Figures are 1970–2000 climate normals.
6.3°C
Avg Temp
555
Precip (mm/yr)
Jul
Hottest Month
Jan
Coldest Month
| Month | Avg (°C/°F) | Precip |
|---|---|---|
| January | -12° / 10° | 17 mm |
| February | -8° / 17° | 14 mm |
| March | -1° / 29° | 33 mm |
| April | 7° / 45° | 54 mm |
| May | 15° / 58° | 67 mm |
| June | 20° / 67° | 93 mm |
| July | 22° / 72° | 77 mm |
| August | 21° / 69° | 66 mm |
| September | 15° / 60° | 54 mm |
| October | 9° / 47° | 43 mm |
| November | -1° / 29° | 23 mm |
| December | -9° / 16° | 14 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 Traverse County, MN
The most comfortable months to visit Traverse County, MN are typically August, July and June, when temperatures are mildest and rainfall is relatively low. The hottest month is July (around 29°C high). The coldest is January (near -18°C low). June is usually the wettest month.
Where to stay near Traverse County
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Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.