Waseca County, Minnesota Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 50th-largest in Minnesota
The population of Waseca County, Minnesota is 18,958 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 50th-largest county in Minnesota. The median household income is $75,052, the median home value is $213,200, and the median age is 40.4.
The population of Waseca County has declined 2.4% since 2010 (19,145 → 18,684), a -0.17% annualized rate.
18,958
Population
-0.17%
Annual growth
45
People / sq mi
$75,052
Median Income
$213,200
Median Home Value
Waseca County covers 423 sq mi of land at 44.8 people per square mile.
About Waseca County, MN
Waseca County is a county in Minnesota with a population of 18,958. It ranks #50 among counties in Minnesota by population. The median age is 40.4, older than the national median. The population is 47.9% male and 52.1% female.
The median household income in Waseca County is $75,052, near the US median of $74,580. 5.2% of residents live below the federal poverty level. Home values sit at a median of $213,200, with monthly rent averaging $819. The homeownership rate of 79.3% is higher than the national rate of 64.8%.
Educational attainment in Waseca County reflects 20.9% of adults 25 and older holding a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 34.3%. Roughly 6.5% of workers primarily work from home, below the national work-from-home rate of 14.2%. The average commute is 22.3 minutes each way.
Waseca County Population History (2010-2024)
The county of Waseca County had a population of 19,145 in 2010 and 18,684 in 2024, a -2.4% growth over 14 years. The peak was 19,186 in 2011. Average annual growth rate: -0.17%.
18,684
Population (2024)
19,145
Population (2010)
19,186
Peak (2011)
-0.17%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 19,145 |
| 2011 | 19,186 |
| 2012 | 19,177 |
| 2013 | 19,040 |
| 2014 | 18,935 |
| 2015 | 18,932 |
| 2016 | 18,808 |
| 2017 | 18,722 |
| 2018 | 18,653 |
| 2019 | 18,558 |
| 2020 | 18,955 |
| 2021 | 18,997 |
| 2022 | 18,884 |
| 2023 | 18,905 |
| 2024 | 18,684 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 89.5% |
| Black or African American | 1.1% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 2.5% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Age & Sex
40.4
Median Age
52.1%
Female
47.9%
Male
18.5%
Age 65+
Age Distribution
Children (under 15): 18.4% · Seniors (65+): 18.5%
Income & Poverty
| Median household income | $75,052$-12,504 vs state |
| Mean household income | $93,960 |
| Per-capita income | $37,199 |
| Poverty rate | 5.2%-0.3% vs state |
| Unemployment rate | 2.6% |
| Employment-to-population | 62.0% |
Top Industries by Employment
The largest employment sector in Waseca County is professional & business services, accounting for 22.0% of workers.
How residents commute
0.2%
Drive alone
2.2%
Carpool
80.7%
Public transit
6.5%
Work from home
22.3 min
Avg commute
Housing
$213,200$-92,300 vs state
Median home value
$819
Median rent
79.3%
Homeownership rate
7,910
Total housing units
94.9%
Occupied
5.1%
Vacant
20.7%
Renter-occupied
Social & access
96.2%
With health insurance
92.1%
With broadband internet
18.4%
Foreign-born
7.2%
Veterans (18+)
11.8%
With a disability
93.0%
Speak language other than English at home
Education
92.9%
High School+
20.9%
Bachelor's+
Largest cities in Minnesota
Other counties in Minnesota
Part of Minnesota
Metro areas in Minnesota
County rankings
Frequently Asked Questions
Waseca County, Minnesota has a population of 18,958 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 50th-largest county in Minnesota. Population density is 45 people per square mile.
The population of Waseca County has declined 2.4% since 2010 (19,145 → 18,684), a -0.17% annualized rate.
The median household income in Waseca County, Minnesota is $75,052, with mean (average) household income of $93,960 and per-capita income of $37,199. 5.2% of residents live below the federal poverty level.
In Waseca County, the largest racial and ethnic groups are White (89.5%), Hispanic or Latino (2.5%), Black or African American (1.1%). Figures are from the US Census Bureau's 2023 ACS 5-year estimates and reflect self-reported responses.
The median age in Waseca County, Minnesota is 40.4 years. Residents are 52.1% female and 47.9% male.
The median home value in Waseca County is $213,200 and median monthly rent is $819. 79.3% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 7,910 total housing units, 5.1% of which are vacant.
The largest employment sector in Waseca County, Minnesota is professional, scientific, and management services, employing 22.0% of workers. The unemployment rate is 2.6%.
Minneapolis is among the largest cities associated with Waseca 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.