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
The poverty rate is what most separates Waseca County from the typical county: 5.2% of residents live below the federal poverty line, against 12.4% nationally. Waseca County is a county in Minnesota with a population of 18,958. It ranks #50 among counties in Minnesota by population.
The typical household earns $75,052 a year, near the US median of $78,538. Poverty is relatively low for US counties at 5.2%, below the national 12.4%. Homes carry a median value of $213,200, with typical rent around $819.
Degree attainment is mid-range for US counties: 20.9% of adults hold a four-year degree, below the national 35.0%. About 6.5% of the workforce is home-based, below the national 14.0%, and the average commute runs about 22 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.